Sony Ericsson’s X10 looks almost too good to be true on paper – aside from the version of Android it ships with, 1.6. With a Gig of internal storage, 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, 4″ 480 x 854 screen, and SE’s Nexus UX (I hope they rename this), it is certainly set to hang with the top Androids on the market. However, when I got to play with one in a private meeting at CES, I was disappointed by a non-responsive screen that felt cheap and even plasticy. Then again, those were running 1.5 and the units out on the show floor, which I did not see, were running 1.6 and inspired a positive reaction from everyone I spoke with about them. Time will tell. I hope I’m wrong about the lackluster touch screen. Looks like I may have called one detail pretty early on though. Video after the break…
This may be the craziest thing we’ve heard all day, but maybe you’ve had a busier day than us, so you might not be that shocked. It looks like Sony Ericsson was approached by Google at some point, before they went to HTC, to build what we all know today as the Nexus One. And obviously you know the outcome of those talks. They turned it down. Strange, right? Sure, Sony Ericsson has probably had their Rachael-based X10 in the works for some time, but come on. This would have been a great way for Sony Ericsson to show off to the world that they’re not going anywhere. Considering Google was offering to not only market your phone, but also distribute it through their own store, this seems like a strange deal to make. According to Bert Nordberg, head of SE, Sony Ericsson is committed to manufacturing their own-branded devices, and have no plans to become a subcontractor any time soon. That’s all well and good, but we’re going to go ahead and say that SE probably needed this. After all, the X10 has great hardware, but the dated software is a real let down for most people. But, what do we know, right?
There isn’t much to say on this one. We’re not even sure this should be counted as a rumor or not. After all, when Sony Ericsson announced the X10 Mini (and Mini Pro), there wasn’t any kind of word on what the price may be, let alone where the phone would be headed. And considering “we’re hearing” that the Mini’s big brother could be hitting AT&T store shelves as soon as May, there’s no reason to count out any carrier at this point. However, if prying eyes are to be believed, then it looks like Vodafone may be the (lucky?) ones set to receive this little handset. According to Fonehome, they noticed that the Mini was hanging around at the Vodafone booth at Mobile World Congress. That’s it. As we said, you can’t necessarily count it out. But, is this Vodafone’s sneaky way of showing off a future handset? Well, stranger things have happened, right?
There’s enough information, video, pictures, and rumors swirling around Sony Ericsson’s X10 that it’s hard to keep track. Luckily this little tidbit of information didn’t slip through the cracks. We wouldn’t want you to miss a rumor as good as this. If you’re on AT&T and are craving some Android, you might be getting your wish as soon as April or May, if this rumor is accurate.
The X10, which debuts SE’s Rachael UI, is a powerhouse device: it’s coming with a 4-inch screen, a 1 Ghz Snapdragon processor, 8.1MP camera, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The rumor also says that the X10 will be prepared to fly off shelves for $199, and dive into your pocket. But wait, there’s one little caveat that we feel like we should mention. If the X10 does launch on AT&T, it’s going to be coupled with Android 1.6, and not 2.1 (or even 2.0). Sony Ericsson has said they are going to deliver an update in the future, so if that eases your soul, then stay excited. But then again, there are other options.
Straight from MWC – small enough to put in your pocket…or your mouth. Well, my mouth. Check out more on the X10 Mini and the X10 Mini Pro over at the Sony Ericsson blog. Read my first impressions over at PhoneDog.