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Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 gets ported onto Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1
Not even a fortnight after we saw Android 2.0.1 slapped onto Sony Ericsson's all-but-forgotten Xperia X1, along comes a port that makes the other look like child's play. A dedicated coder over at XDA Developers has managed to stuff Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 onto an X1, and while the functionality is limited (as you'd expect), the amount of fun to be had is restrained only by your imagination (and available vacation time). Go on and peek that source link to join the discussion -- but be warned, you'll be sucking down over a gigabyte worth of data before the first installation process. [Thanks, Jules]
Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 gets its Vodafone spotlight at long last
There'd been some drama not long ago on news that Vodafone was scrubbing its exclusive launch of Sony Ericsson's troubled Xperia X2, but it turns out they still wanted a crack at the thing after all -- just not in the UK, apparently, where it had originally been listed as "coming soon." Instead, it's Voda's Spanish outpost that's taking a crack at the phone, which features WinMo 6.5 (you might recall that this thing was announced way back around the time of 6.5's release) alongside a WVGA AMOLED display, 8.1 megapixel camera, and full QWERTY keyboard -- not bad on paper. Of course, at the €700 ($957) they're charging sans contract, you're probably going to want to sign your name on the dotted line if you plan on picking it up.
Xperia X1 and Android 2.0.1 joined in unholy matrimony
Tired of waiting for the Xperia X10 for your first taste of Android and Sony Ericsson? Leave it to the gang at the XDA-developers forum to jump the gun. Last week marked the successful port of Android 2.0.1 (or Android 1.6, if you so choose) to the Xperia X1. No bluetooth, camera, or GPS -- not yet, at any rate -- but WiFI, GSM, resistive touchscreen, and all the other amenities should be functioning. Tweakers at heart can find all the necessary files and instructions via the source link, and as for the rest of us, there's a video to live vicariously through after the break.
Sony Ericsson confirms WinMo 6.5 isn't coming to the X1
We can understand not investing in a deprecated product, we really can -- but when you consider the fact that Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 is still sold around the world, the fact that its hardware is still thoroughly modern, and the fact that Windows Mobile 6.5 is a trivial boost over 6.1, there's really no excuse for this. Sony Ericsson has gone ahead and made it official that it won't be providing an official 6.5 upgrade for its uber-pricey fallen smartphone that never quite achieved its seemingly stratospheric potential -- and its 6.5-based replacement isn't looking much more promising -- so we imagine this is going to spark a voracious run on hackery to get picture-perfect 6.5 builds working on units in the field. Oh, wait, that already happened! No worries, Sony Ericsson -- looks like we've got this one covered then.
Samsung's WiMAX-packin' Mondi sized up against brothers, cousins and enemies
It's one thing to see a Samsung Mondi and just imagine how sweet it'd feel between your palms, surfing on the blazing WiMAX superhighway whilst providing an almost dangerous level of satisfaction. It's another to see just how chunky / slim / ostentatiously lofty it is when sized up against its greatest competition. The good folks over at Pocketables took the time to disconnect for a few brief moments in order to photograph the 4G-capable MID alongside a few other mobile internet devices, smartphones, UMPCs and defunct wannabes. Heck, there's even a side-by-side with a stapler. Yeah, it's a can't miss piece, and it's all there for the taking in the read link.
Sony Ericsson outs CNN, Skype, Mytopia panels for XPERIA X1
Sony Ericsson's Panels interface hasn't taken off the way HTC's TouchFLO 3D has, but it's still a nice way to momentarily forget that you're being forced to use Windows Mobile 6.1. At any rate, those who plunked down some eight bills to procure an XPERIA X1 should probably give this a look, as SE has just unveiled the latest Panels for its first (and likely last) HTC-designed smartphone. Available starting in mid-March, users will be able to suck down CNN, Skype, Mytopia and 'On the Road' Panels. For specific details on what each will provide, you know where to head.
Windows Mobile 6.5 "beta 2" ROM shoveled onto XPERIA X1, up for download
Yeah, you saw the jankitude running on a Touch HD, but while we wait for real, official devices to run this new OS with what we suspect will be quite a bit more "smooth," you can actually grab this so-called beta 2 ROM yourself and finagle it into your own Windows Mobile device... if you've got the chops. This is the same 5.2.21159.5.0.0 build we saw before, ported to the XPERIA X1, and free to download while it lasts -- flash at your own risk![Thanks, Steve]
Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 gets firmware update
XDA-Developers forum member PavelX1 has posted up info on a pile of XPERIA X1 updates he glimpsed on EMMA (Sony Ericsson's official service software). ROM version has migrated from 1.02.936.3 to 1.03.936.6 and is labeled as R2A. Of course, there's no word on what the official changes are but first reports say the X1 now boots quicker and attaches to network faster. Apparently the SEUS (Sony Ericsson Update Service) isn't quite telling the truth when users are attempting to grab at the update, but proceeding through and updating anyway seems to be doing the trick. Usual cautionary advice from us is to read before attacking this as an ounce of precaution is worth a pound of cure.[Thanks, Deniz]
Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1a now available at SonyStyle
It's been tough getting out of the starting gate for Sony Ericsson's X1a (that's the Americanized version of the X1), particularly when you realize that it was supposed to ship en masse way back on Black Friday of last year. Oh sure, a select few have managed to procure one of the QWERTY-packin' WinMo powerhouses, but we've heard far more complaints about "no stock" than tips on excess inventory. Now, however, SonyStyle.com has the handset listed as in stock, with an estimated ship date of tomorrow. Furthermore, UnwiredView is reporteding that many of Sony's retail locations are also well stocked with the unlocked smartphone. Of note, SonyStyle is offering up the X1a in silver, but there's always spray paint if you're lusting after a black model like the one we tried out.[Via UnwiredView]
Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 developing cracks?
Sheesh, what's up with top tier handsets cracking this year? First the iPhone 3G, now SE's XPERIA X1? A curiously high amount of cracking complaints are starting to build around the web, possibly indicating that a quality issue could be somewhat widespread. We're hesitant to believe that this here quirk is even close to happening everywhere, but it is somewhat suspicious that HTC and SE have recently been rumored to be going their separate ways after this phone has faded from the limelight. At any rate, we've no choice but to poll our own audience here, so have you seen unwanted cracks appear in your X1? If so, hit the read link -- you definitely aren't alone in all of this.[Via WMPowerUser]
Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1, how would you change it?
Just like last week's How Would You Change, the latest episode is also dealing with one of the snazziest new smartphones to hit the US market. It's certainly not without its fair share of niggles, though, so why not head on over if you've a brilliant idea of how to make SE's XPERIA X1 better? Sure, it's all fun and games, but what the heck is wrong with fun and games? Nothing, that's what.
How would you change Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1?
Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 hasn't been the easiest handset to procure here on US soil, despite being "available" since Black Friday. Still, we know hardcore HTC / SE fanatics have figured out a way to get their palms in touch with the X1a (or X1i for international users). You already heard our spill on the handset, but now we're interested in finding out how you'd tweak things if given the all-important keys to the design lab. Would you keep everything the same and just add Android? Would you rework the keyboard? Swap out the touchscreen with a capacitive replacement? Make it available only in turquoise and lime? It's a pretty safe bet that this isn't the last Xx smartphone you'll see from SE, so your thoughts on the matter may actually prove beneficial in time. And... go!
Keepin' it real fake, part CLXX: the highly confused (and confusing) iFone x1
How would you improve the XPERIA X1? If you answered, "remove the keyboard and add a mangled iPhone UI," then the iFone x1 will be right up your alley. Of course, this ain't the first phony X1 we've seen, but it might be our fave. What can we say about this one? It appears to be running Windows CE, it quite possibly supports dual SIM cards, and it has an FM receiver (probably). Does that excite you? In the mood for a good laugh? In either case, be sure to check out the hilariously mangled translation below, and don't forget to peep the video after the break.[Via Pocket Now]
Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1a available for pre-order at Best Buy
As one astute tipster's pointed out, the XPERIA X1a is now available for pre-order on the Best Buy site. Now that the phone's really, finally, almost here are you totally psyched? Or have you been too busy playing with your G1 to notice? Like we saw last week, the phone will retail for $799.99 in its unlocked form, and there's no word yet on pricing with a plan. Order now and they claim you'll receive the phone as soon as November 28th. So... what are you waiting for?[Thanks, Ian]
The handsets of GITEX 2008: HTC, SE and TechFaith
Given that Dubai pretty much has it out for every other spectacle in the entire universe, it's no shock to see the mecca pick up a major consumer electronics trade show of its own. This year's GITEX 2008 has come and gone, but there are still images left to remind us of the show that was. PocketPCDubai was fortunate enough to tour the show floor with a camera in hand, and while the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 wasn't a shocker, there were quite a few intriguing WinMo handsets in attendance. For a look at what all TechFaith had to offer (along with a few shots of the luscious Touch HD from HTC), head on down to the read link.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 makes date with US: Black Friday for $799.99
At long last, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 has a firm date for its launch into the topsy-turvy US market. Those who've been holding off time and again in anticipation of this WinMo 6.1 powerhouse can finally pat themselves on the back, as those rumors of the handset slipping into next year were greatly exaggerated. In fact, SE's doing itself a huge favor by getting this gem into the market place prior to the holiday season, and better still, on Black Friday proper. You heard right -- while most folks are frantically scouring B&M floors for door buster deals, those with copious quantities of disposable income can waltz on over to a Sony Electronics outlet or any of its authorized retailers on November 28th and pick one up. Wondering if this marvel is worth $799.99? Check out our review for a little insight, and peek the full release just after the break. Oh, and before you ask, there's no word yet on a subsidized version for any US carrier.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 review
Sony Ericsson has produced some exceptional handsets over the years, with certain gems like the W950, W300i and W580i (just to name a few) catching the eyes and hearts of casual and hardcore mobile fanatics alike. Even so, it's hard to argue that any single phone in the outfit's history has caused more of a stir than the XPERIA X1. Sure, half of that is because we here in America have been waiting on the thing since February, but the other is due to pure, unadulterated sex appeal. 2008 has been a banner year for smart- / touchscreen-based handsets, and even though this one is lagging behind most of the other guys in terms of time to market, the X1 is still a formidable rival. We had a chance to spend a few quality days with the North America-bound X1a ($799.99; ships November 28th) -- which is different than the X1i that has already landed in certain parts of the globe -- and if you've come here looking for opinions, you haven't come in vain. Follow us past the break for a look at the pros, the cons and the middling minutiae of SE's slickest smartphone yet. %Gallery-35886%
Sony Ericsson's X1A surfaces in Best Buy's inventory
It looks like the long, slow road to a domestic street date for the XPERIA X1 could be coming to an end with the phone's recent entry into the inventory system over at Best Buy. Of course, we're taking all of this with the proverbial grain of salt, but looks like the X1A (as it's known in North America) might actually hit the shelves on December 7 of this year, with a retail price of $799.99. There is no word on a possible contract price yet, and with all of the other options out there (Touch Pro and G1 come to mind) SE might have a tough time selling this one to consumers whenever it does see the light of day. We'll have to wait and see.
Video: TouchFLO 3D demoed on Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1
While SE's Panel interface is a nice XPERIA X1 extra on top of the otherwise vanilla Windows Mobile 6.1 load, we know just how fond of TouchFLO 3D some of you characters are. There's really not too much to say beyond that -- we mean, it's TouchFLO 3D on an XPERIA X1 -- but there's plenty more chatter in the vid just past the break.
Manufacturing delays said to be slowing XPERIA X1 sales
As you might have noticed, there's already plenty of Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1s out in the wild by this point, but there's apparently not quite as many as SE would like, and it's laying the blame on some slightly mysterious manufacturing delays. According to IDG News, Sweden, Germany and the U.K. have been hardest hit by the delays, but Sony Ericsson isn't about to get much more specific than that about the matter, saying simply that a lack of "certain materials" is causing the shortages. The company has said, however, that more phones should be shipping into Sweden in the next few days, with the U.K. and Germany set to get additional shipments in the next few weeks. It also says that planned launches in other countries like Switzerland, France, and Singapore, to name a few, won't be affected by the delays, and that the phone is still on track to be released in the US sometime in November.[Via the::unwired]