Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 Coming To AT&T Very Soon

After months of delays, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 will finally be available soon in the USA. Slated for an August 15th release, the X10 will be available for only $149 with a two year contract ($130 through SonyStyle). That’s a pretty incredible price for a phone that runs Android (albeit 1.6, but will have an upgrade to 2.0+ in several months), has a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8250 processor, complete with a 4 inch capacitive touch display, 8.1 megapixel camera with LED flash and 2GB included MicroSD removable storage. However, the thing that truly stands out to me with the phone is display. It’s the type of cell phone experience you just can’t stop looking at because of the huge screen and the lush looking Sony Ericsson theme. The XPERIA X10 will also arrive in the USA with updated firmware which fixes the battery woes that plagued the device when it was first released in Europe – you can enjoy up to 5 hours talk time and up to 11 days of standby time.

Sony Ericsson has promised a firmware update in several months that will enable the XPERIA X10 to record in HD (we presume 720p MPEG-4).

The phone feels very natural in your hand, and even holding it up to my head wasn’t absurd. It’s really not that larger than an iPhone, but somehow has a larger screen and looks just bloody futuristic. I’ve owned an iPhone for quite a long time and I can honestly say this is the first device that makes me want to try something different. Designs like these totally blow away what Apple is doing right now. And Sony Ericsson is not the only person doing that now. I think a lot of the CE manufacturers are going to hurt Apple in 2010 because they are using advanced functionality such we found in the XPERIA X10, as it has Android, such a striking appearance, and embraces open standards (MicroSD, Mini USB, removable battery).

Here are some pictures of the general areas in the phone, including the dialing screen and the contact list (with integrated twitter/facebook updates). I also show off some parts of Mediascape, including album listing, song playback, and songs within album. The last two pictures are the Radiant game loading screen, Google Maps map view, and watching a full screen video (with video control overlay enabled):

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Google Maps on the four inch screen with free turn by turn voice navigation makes this an incredible device for getting around. Games look vibrant and comfortable on the large display.

One of the major software highlights of the XPERIA X10 is Timescape, which can be used to manage your methods of communication and social networking. Using a visual method called reticulating splines, you can dynamically browse through Facebook, Twitter, photos, emails, and texts all in one go. You simply flick up and down with your finger and you can see all of your usual feeds right there in the application. To view an individual update, you just select it and it enlarges with the full text. It is the killer app of this phone and you simply must try it out if possible. It’s the ultimate convergence of information, and saves the user an enormous amount of time by putting all of the information they usually read every day in one beautiful place.

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As I mentioned before, the X10 has a 8 megapixel camera which is another huge selling point of this phone – it also has face and smile detection, face recognition, scene detection, and geotagging. Sony Ericsson has always used some of the best imaging sensors in their phones and they also have excellent software (as you see above) to support the hardware. The X10 also has a super bright LED flash that also allows you to shoot in virtually any environment, but the problem I have found with these newer LED flashes is that they are almost too bright. People will squint and act like they’ve seen judgement day if you take their picture in the dark.

Here are some sample images I took with the XPERIA X10 in various environments:

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We found a slight problem with the XPERIA X10′s microphone placement – I kept accidentally brushing past the microphone either throughout a week of heavy testing. You can see the microphone in the picture above. It just wasn’t the most convenient place for me and my girlfriend kept saying she would hear noise as I used it while I was out and about. Maybe after a while I would learn how to hold it right or use a bluetooth earpiece. I pose the question to XPERIA X10 owners, have you had similar issues?

The XPERIA X10, despite arriving so late to the USA and only having Android 1.6 is still an extremely attractive phone, plus the incoming updates that will raise it to Android 2.0+ will make it even better. This is a great play for Sony Ericsson and yet another stunning Android device to entice consumers away from the iPhone.

Pictured: Sony NEX-VG10 Interchangeable Lens Camcorder

Sony’s NEX-VG10 interchangeable lens camcorder is making the rounds in Japan this week, and one of our favorite tech sites over there, AV Watch, has taken several pictures of the device in action. As some of you may know, the NEX-VG10 is the upcoming camcorder in the NEX series of devices that revolve around using interchangeable lens. The majority of consumer camcorders on the market right now do not have this type of lens system, and the product categories for semi-professional video creation is beginning to blur with the advent of this camcorder and other alternatives such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Sony NEX-5 and the Olympus Pen. Those DSLR’s are pushing companies to innovate camcorders as they are offering the same quality or more that traditional HD camcorders.

This latest Sony camcorder has a Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and records in AVCHD (9/17/24mbps) – the 24mbps gives it an advantage over the interchangeable lens cameras out there, but is still behind in comparison to the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. And from what we’re reading here, the NEX-VG10 has the same sensor as the NEX-5 and the image processing chip (BIONZ) found within NEX-3/NEX-5. Fortunately, the NEX-VG10 does not have the 29 minute video recording limitation as the NEX-5.

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The best part of the interchangeable lens mount is that you are not restricted to Sony’s E-mount lenses, and an E-to-A lens mount converter (LA-EA1) is available so your older lenses are still compatible. This means you can really Frankenstein some interesting combinations here, as evidenced in the photos. AV Watch notes that its the same mount as the NEX-3/5 and has a very quiet built-in autofocus. The autofocus in the NEX-VG10 seems to be identical to the NEX-5, but has a slightly faster speed. There is also word that the sharpness seems to be tuned for video in comparison to the NEX cameras. AV Watch found the NEX-VG10 to offer smoother video than the NEX cameras, and the omnidirectional microphone (with four mic capsules) seemed to have more than double the recording ability/power of the microphone in the HDR-CX550V.

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Lastly, AV Watch also noted that a free coupon to download the full version of Sony Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10 when the product debuts in Japan on September 10th. We also noticed another hands-on with the NEX-VG10 from their sister site, Electric Zooma.

Sony’s Q1 Earnings Announcement

If you invest in Sony or hold any shares of that company, here is an interesting listen you can tune into. To view PowerPoint presentation and enjoy the audio make sure you have a Windows Media Plug-in installed. Q and A section can be more interesting if you do not care about money talk. All in all, Sony has high expectations (i.e. banking on big time) on 3D products, new NEX models introduced earlier and of course its Bravia and PS3 sales. The shortage of panels was mentioned a couple of times affecting most markets. It looks like the availability of certain Bravia models (e.g. HX900) in Europe is being delayed because of tight supply of panels.

Speakers are Executive VP and CFO – Masaru Kato and Senior General Manager , Investor Relations Division – Gen Tsuchikawa.

Watch and Listen here.

Sony Adds Three New A-Mount Lenses

Sony has added three new A-mount lenses to their already robust offering of more than thirty lenses available on the market, perfect for the seasoned or amateur DSLR enthusiast.

The Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM (SAL24F20Z) functions as a wide-angle 24mm lens on full-frame cameras with 35mm sensors, or as a 36mm equivalent lens ideal for general use on cameras with APS-C sensors. Jointly developed with Carl Zeiss, it features the highly-regarded Carl Zeiss Distagon retro-focus lens configuration designed for wide-angle lenses.

This lens is distinguished by its fast response focus and extremely quiet, very smooth operation thanks to its built-in SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor). It offers a wide and therefore highly versatile focal range from 0.19m to infinity, and features a nine-blade circular aperture that along with the large F2 maximum aperture contributes to smooth, natural bokeh effects.

In keeping with traditional Carl Zeiss design, the all-metal lens barrel has been finished to a very high standard resulting in a visibly high-quality appearance.

The DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) is part of the ‘Easy Choice’ series, offering photographers at all levels great value, compact and lightweight lenses, the DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) weighs just 170g. It can be added to a lens kit system and carried without noticeably increasing the weight of the bag.

With an approximately 50mm (35mm equivalent) focal length on an APS-C sensor, this lens is ideal for snapshots and portraits under a wide range of shooting conditions. The high-speed F1.8 maximum aperture is particularly advantageous for hand held shooting in low light.

At just 0.23 metres, the DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) has the shortest minimum focus in its class, making it an excellent choice for dramatic close-ups too. Whatever the shot, the internal Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) drives the focussing group directly and ensures responsive and fluid autofocus operation.

The 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) is the first full-frame lens in the ‘Easy Choice’ range, so its launch represents an important development of the line-up as a whole. The 85mm focal length is a standard for portraiture because of the natural perspective that it provides. On an APS-C sensor camera the 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) functions as a 127.5mm (35mm equivalent) telephoto lens – and features a Sonnar-type optical design that is considered ideal for mid-range telephoto lenses.

The lens is sharp center to corner, and features smooth defocusing thanks to its large F2.8 maximum aperture and circular aperture design. At 0.6 metres, the minimum focusing distance is the shortest in its class, and SAM motor technology ensures smooth autofocus operation.

The quality optical and mechanical features of the lens mean it is suitable for serious photography and should more than satisfy intermediate to advanced users.

From Sony Europe Press Centre.

Hands-on With Sony Limited Edition “Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker” Wearable Walkman

As I venture into the world of exercise, I suddenly realize there is a monopoly afoot: the perception working out with a portable music player has been perceived as using a device (like an iPod) in your pocket or strapped to your arm and a pair of headphones. For those of you who are active, most have no qualms with this method and it generally works quite well (alternatives are quite odd, to say the least). When a product like the Walkman W Series comes along, and you actually use it, it becomes painfully obvious that the existing method, well, sucks. And before you roll your eyes and say this a post full of rabid fanboyism, there is the simple truth that presents a simple question: Why are we using corded devices when we work out?

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As you can see this product is quite different – it a lightweight portable music player with comfortable, quality earphones (13.5mm EX type) built in that ensures a secure fit. The NWZ-W252 also has 2GB of storage capacity which can hold plenty of songs for your short or long exercises. Loading music is as simple as can be through its Mini USB connection that is drag n’ drop and requires no additional software to transfer. You simply drag the mp3′s with your mouse on your computer from your hard drive onto the Walkman, which appears as a removable drive in Windows. The NWZ-W252 also has buttons for every aspect of music playback, including Prev Track (rewind), Play/Pause, Next Track (fast forward), Volume -/+, and a dedicated shuffle button. The design is smart enough to where the player connects with the other side via a magnetic connection when its not in use. Did I mention it only costs $59?

Here is a short video I created of the latest Sony W Series Walkman NWZ-W252 (Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker limited edition).

As you can see the “Metal Gear Solid Walkman Player” is a limited edition Walkman celebrating the release of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. This special NWZ-W252 has an exclusive camoflague design and shiny red Walkman logo. It looks really great in person, as evidenced by the pictures and video in this review. This limited edition model also includes six songs from the videogame soundtrack and a unique code that gives you access to hidden characters with special Walkman apparel in the game. This is a brilliant move by Sony that ties together two aspects of the company and we hope to see more of this in the future.

Let’s talk about the past, though.

Several years ago Sony debuted the NWZ-W202 W Series Walkman, which had a completely new design never used before by the Japanese company. It was smart for Sony to innovate in this product category since Apple has dominated it for several years. The only thing that will defeat the iPod is something truly different for various categories of use, and I believe Sony has the formula to conquer the active lifestyle segment. The original W Series was a moderately successful product that had a major flaw: it would malfunction when sweat or moisture got inside the player during a hard workout. It was an embarrassment for Sony, and it took them a while to admit that there was a problem in the first place. Thankfully, Sony corrected the situation after backlash and endless comments on the Internet from frustrated consumers.

Fortunately, the next Walkman W series generation (NWZ-W252) no longer suffers from the issue that plagued the original version – in fact, its water resistant – and can be “exposed to direct jet streams of water from any direction in the situation where that 12.5L/min of water is supplied for periods for more than 3 minutes from a distance of about 3m by using a nozzle with an inner diameter of 6.3mm.” While that sounds rather scientific, it means that this wearable Walkman can be used while jogging or walking in the rain, used during activities that produce sweat, and can even be washed with normal temperature fresh water or gently running tap water. Just make sure that the USB jack cover is securely closed, and don’t use the Walkman underwater.

Here is what it looks like when you actually wear the Sony NWZ-W252:

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I let my Army Ranger friend (who has served a tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan) borrow the NWZ-W252 Walkman and I told him to “try and break the thing by working out.” He’s a rather large fellow with an appetite to match and works out quite often. I knew he would be far better suited to truly test this player and see if Sony has corrected the problems that plagued the original. It was amusing to reveal the device to him in the first place, as he was quite intrigued by the design; he had never seen the W Series Walkman before and was surprised that there was a cohesive wearable option out there.

He complained to me that during his workouts it was troublesome to wear an iPod on his armband or keep it within his pocket, and that he sometimes had trouble with headphone cords. As I watched him put on the Walkman, I could see the smile which revealed a moment of zen that this product is capable of inspiring. He told me that “this would be so much simpler and better than having to deal with the iPod.”

I called him several days later and he did indeed give the Walkman a true test – 45 minutes of hard exercise targeting abdominal, arms, back and chest regions then several miles of running in the rain. This is enough to generally induce considerable sweat. The NWZ-W252 performed flawlessly, and kept securely fit to his ears the entire time with little need for adjustment. He also commented that the sound quality was quite good, and we agree – it will most certainly sound better out of the box than most portable music players out there.

Battery life is pretty epic for such a small device, and its really hassle free to get a full charge: 1 1/2 hours gets you a full charge that will last for 11 hours, while 3 minutes of charging gets you 90 minutes of playback. So for those of you who absentmindedly forget to charge their devices will find that this is perfect for the on-the-go situations. There is also a LED Battery Life Indicator that flashes Green, Orange, or Red depending on your battery’s status. Unfortunately the battery is not removable.

I don’t blame you if you think that wearable and other small music players all have the same problem: they aren’t easy to use. In the past, people have had to fumble with screenless players to find songs. If you have many tracks, your hand stays glued to the player as you hunt down the one you want. Designers have had a hard time ensuring usability, and many people often have to stare at a small screen to find their song. With Zappin technology, this process is easier by allowing you to easily navigate through your song collection by playing back main melodies. I’m not sure how often people will actually use Zappin, but it is useful for a device that has no screen. The lack of screen wasn’t really an issue with this device, because at 2GB of storage I’m pretty much only loading the essentials. There is also a jog dial to quickly browse through songs if zapping around is not your thing.

This product is heavily recommended for any use, and in active situations such as workouts this is probably the best option out there. We hope Sony will add GPS functionality with an accompanying workout statistic website portal for consumers to use (like Nike+) and larger capacities to future models. It would also be cool to see a one line LCD on one of the sides of the device. What do you think?