Normally when we see celebrity smartphone unboxings we see names like Michaluk, Bohn, Ritchie and Nickinson. In this case, Sony Ericsson went out and got Maria Sharapova, who’s a pretty good tennis player or something, to unbox the Xperia X10 Mini Pro. (See our own hands-on.) What she’s got that the rest of us don’t — besides looks and game, of course — remains to be seen. So what’s up, SE? Lose our numbers? Anyhoo, check out the video after the break. (Oh, by the way, Maria — that finger tapping things looks a little familiar.) [Sony Ericsson Product Blog via Androinica]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

The good news: An update is rolling out the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 as we speak. The bad news: Nope, it’s still stuck on Android 1.6. Here’s what you are getting, though:

This update focuses on improving the general performance, speed and responsiveness of Xperia X10. For example, there are speed improvements in messaging tasks and camera UI. In addition we add a free back up and restore application so you’ll never lose your settings and information. In selected markets, PlayNow™ with premium apps and games will also be added.

Better than nothing, we guess. But as we talk more and more about devices starting to get Froyo, the wait for Eclair becomes that much harder to stomach. [Sony Ericsson Product Blog]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

Interested in seeing the parts of the the new Sony Xperia X10 Mini? Actually, this is actually the E10i model, which is the European version, but it has basically the same guts as its American cousin, the E10a. Clear? We Android lovers are tinkerers at heart, so we never pass up a chance for a good old fashioned tear-down.

According to iFixit, they had no problems taking this little guy apart, and told us that replacing components within the phone should be pretty easy as well. During the operation, a couple of semi-interesting things came to their attention: The 3.7V 950 mAh Li-Polymer battery’s capacity is 22 percent less than the iPhone 3GS’s, but both phones deliver the same 53mAh’s per gram (another point for Android efficiency, we suppose). Also, the digitizer (the touch screen sensor) has the exact same model number as the one in Microsoft’s Kin Two, which could come in handy if you would ever need to replace the screen.  [Source: iFixit] 

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

No carriers’ locked systems are safe when Android hackers set their sights on them.  Some are easy, some are tough, but eventually they all fall.  This time in the spotlight is the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10.  With the unknowns surrounding the fate of Froyo on the X10, and the less than speedy track record of SE, this one is extra special for everyone who loves the feel and looks of the X10’s hardware but isn’t quite satisfied with the software.  The other three people don’t have to root

No method or files yet, just the news that it happened along with the obligatory photo proof.  We’ll keep an eye out, and you guys do the same.  When details surface you’ll be able to read it here.  [xda-developers via Twitter]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

AMOLED screens look amazing, whether the 3.5 inch variety or something a little bigger like the new breed of television sets.  Their big letdown when compared to traditional LCD displays has been the washed out hazy look when viewed in direct sunlight.  Samsung has been touting the virtues of Super AMOLED ever since we first had a chance to see the Galaxy S at MWC, saying that the newer generation will be much more readable in the sun.  No, we still haven’t been able to get our hands on one to test it ourselves, but you lucky folks across the pond have had the Galaxy S for a few days now, and we finally get to see a matchup of what’s currently available in the Android phone screen department.

In the picture above you’re looking at (from left to right) the Galaxy S (Super AMOLED), an HTC Desire (AMOLED), and the SE X10 (LCD) all lined up and under the hot Greek sun. Easy to see that the Super AMOLED screen really outshines its older cousin the AMOLED display, and looks to match up really well against the LCD screen.  To be honest, I still would rather not have to work with any of these in the sun, but it’s nice to know that I could — but only if I had a Super AMOLED or LCD display.  Really shows the Achilles heel of AMOLED screens when you line them up like that.   We also have a video after the break if you need a bit more proof that Super AMOLED delivers on the promises. [TechBlog (in Greek) via Engadget]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

Take a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, shrink it down, and you get the Xperia X8. And there’s the X8 above (on the left). The guys at SE-First got a hands-on with a prototype, and there’s pretty much nothing there you wouldn’t expect. It’s a smaller X10. Or a larger X10 Mini. Your call. Turn your speakers off (don’t say we didn’t warn you) and check out video after the break. [SE-First via MobileCrunch]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

At the same time as it announced the Xperia X8, Sony Ericsson revised its update schedule for the Xperia X10, X10 Mini Pro and X10 Mini (seen here from left). Previously slated to get Android 2.1 in the fourth quarter of this year, updates should now start "from Q3 onwards," according to a press release and the official SE Product Blog. The blog goes a tad further, saying the upgrades will start "from the latter part of Q3." Still long overdue, but some movement is better than none at all. [Press release, SE Product Blog]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 was officially announced today, bringing a mid-size, mid-spec Android phone to the Xperia line. The particulars:

• Android 1.6 (Donut) with Mediascape and Timecape user interfaces.
• 3-inch capacitive touchscreen at 320×480 (HVGA).
• 600MHz processor.
• Quad-band EDGE (850/900/1800/1900), dual (900/2100) or quad-band (800/850/1900/2100) HSPA.
• 3.2MP camera.
• aGPS.
• WiFi.

So, a mid-level phone, it is.  Question remains whether it’ll be the first to break through to the American carriers. Full presser after the break. [Sony Ericsson]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories

What’s bigger than the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 and larger than the X10 Mini? Meet the Xperia X8 — a mid-size model previously known as the Shakira. No other real details just yet, though it appears to be keeping the same three-button styling, along with the Timescape and Mediascape user interface atop Android. No word on if or when it’ll make an appearance, or if it’ll be stuck with the same Donut version of Android as its older siblings. [Unofficial SE Blog]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by www.droidappshowcase.com

O2 Germany says that the  Motorola Milestone and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 will soon be getting updated ROMs.  Sorry, but the Milestone won’t be getting Android 2.2/Froyo this time around, nor will the X10 be getting Android 2.1/Eclair — they both are getting small maintenance releases.  Expect them within the next two weeks according to O2.

We’ve heard nada from Motorola or Sony Ericsson about this, and can only assume that the software will also be headed for other carriers if needed.  And even though it’s not the update you might have been hoping for, it’s nice to know the manufacturers haven’t forgotten you.  [Twitter via TheUnwired.net]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by www.droidappshowcase.com