The Xperia arc will be featured with Sony’s 2.3 Xperia Technology interface skinned atop Android 2.3 Gingerbread when released. It is just 8.7mm at its thinnest point -one of the arc’s more appealing features. It hosts a 4.2in touchscreen and will be powered by a 1Ghz Qualcomm processor.
This phone will debut globally in two select colors, either Midnight Blue or Misty Silver. For its camera, the Xperia arc will have an 8.1MP on the back, featuring Sony’s Exmor R photo-enhancing technology. The device will launch in the first quarter of 2011, but no exact date has been worked out yet. Pricing hasn’t been released yet, either. Check out the full press release below for more information.
Press Release
Sony Ericsson Introduces Xperia arc – the ultimate smartphone with super-slim design and state-of-the-art Sony technology
Xperia™ arc combines stunning design with Sony technology on Android™ platform version 2.3
Newest addition to the Xperia™ range delivers visual brilliance and the ultimate multimedia experience
January 5, 2011, Las Vegas, USA – Sony Ericsson today unveils the new Xperia™ arc smartphone with cutting edge Sony technology and an exceptional multimedia experience on the latest version of the Android™ platform – 2.3. Xperia™ arc is the first of a new generation of Xperia smartphones to be announced in 2011.Bert Nordberg, President, Sony Ericsson said, “We’re starting strong in 2011 by introducing our most exciting Xperia™ product yet. Xperia™ arc combines state-of-the-art Sony technology with breathtaking design to entertain and wow consumers. All on the latest Android™ release.”
Xperia™ arc takes the stunning design language that Sony Ericsson has become known for to a new level. Super slim and light, Xperia™ arc is just 8.7mm at its thinnest part and has a extra wide 4.2” multi-touch screen. Created from premium materials and with a stunning arc body, this smartphone is sleek, strong and designed to fit perfectly in the user’s hand. The best of Sony technology is inside Xperia™ arc. The Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine delivers exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image which enhances the overall entertainment experience. Furthermore, Sony’s award-winning Exmor R™ for mobile sensor with the f/2.4 lens enables the capture of high quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light. All pictures and videos can be shared in HD on your living room TV via the built in HDMI-connector.
Xperia™ arc will launch on the latest version of the Android™ platform providing access to Google Mobile Services and the myriad of applications available on the Android market. Xperia™ smartphones add best in class entertainment on top of smartphone fundamentals such as apps, maps, email and fast Internet to create the most entertaining smartphone experience.
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc – Key features
Slim, lightweight and strong, with perfect ergonomics
Extra wide 4.2” multi-touch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine to ensure ultimate multimedia and viewing experiences
Sony Exmor R™ for mobile: for best-in-class low-light photography and video capture
8.1 megapixel camera and HD video recording capability
Android Market™ – thousands of applications to keep you entertained
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc will be available globally in selected markets, including Japan, from Q1 in the colours Midnight Blue and Misty Silver.Check out the Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc at a glance
Camera
8.1 megapixel camera
Up to 2.46x smart zoom
Aperture f/2.4
Auto focus
Face detection
Flash/LED
Geo tagging
Image stabilizer
Noise suppression
Send to web
Smile detection
Sony Exmor R™ for mobile CMOS sensor
Touch Focus
Touch capture
Video light
Video recording, HD 720p
MusicAlbum art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Media player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™ service*
TrackID™ music recognition application
* This service may not be available in every market
WebBookmarks
Google™ search
NeoReader™ barcode scanner
Pan & zoom
Web browser (WebKit)
CommunicationCall list
Conference calls
Facebook™ application*
Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Speakerphone
Vibrating alert
* This service may not be available in every market
MessagingConversations
Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
Instant messaging
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
DesignAuto rotate
Keyboards (onscreen, QWERTY)
Picture wallpaper
Reality display
Sony Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
Touchscreen
Wallpaper animation
Entertainment
* This service may not be available in every market3D games
Media browser
Motion gaming
Radio (FM)
Video streaming
Video viewing
YouTube™ *
OrganiserAndroid™ OS
Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Document readers
Flight mode
Infinite button
Phone book
Connectivity3.5 mm audio jack
aGPS
Bluetooth™ technology
Google Maps™
HDMI
Modem
DLNA
USB mass storage
USB support
Wi-Fi™
Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation *
* This service may not be available in every market
Google™ services*
* These services may not be available in every marketAndroid Market™ Client
Gmail™
Google Calendar™
Google Gallery 3D™
Google Latitude™
Google Maps™ with Street View
Google Media Uploader
Google Music Player™
Google Phone-top Search
Google Search widget
Google Sync™
Google Talk™
Google Voice Search
Set-up Wizard
YouTube™
ScreenSony Mobile Bravia Engine
16,777,216 colour TFT
Capacitive multi-touch
4.2 inches
854 x 480 pixels (FWVGA)
Shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant mineral glass
AccessoriesIn-Box:
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc
Battery (1500mAh)
Stereo portable handsfree
Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
User documentation
FactsSize: 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm
Weight: 117 grams
Phone memory: Up to 512 MB
Memory card support: up to 32 GB
Memory card included: microSD™ 8 GB
Operating system: Google™ Android 2.3
Processor: 1 GHz Qualcomm
Availability and versionsNetworks
UMTS HSPA 900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
UMTS HSPA 800, 850, 1900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
ColourMidnight Blue
Misty Silver
oh that is just pretty
Sony Ericsson have the worst customer service i ever know.
I just back from Sony Ericsson service center.
I service a W910i phone there last month. After 1 month, it finally operate again. The invoice says that what i submit to them is “Handphone Only” which is in my point of view, it’s true. I don’t give them the charger, headset, manual books, box, etc. But when i receive my phone, there’s no battery, and there’s no battery enclosure case on the back. Whattt?!! I ask them to search for the battery and the enclosure and they said they will not do that since It says “HP Only” means no battery and no back enclosure. What the Hellll?!! Why would i submit a phone without the battery and the enclosure?! It’s really obvious they just don’t want to take any responsibility to lose my battery and enclosure.
Is this my mistake that i don’t notice?! Hey, Let me tell u, There’s NO WAY that I (a customer) would suspicious when sony said “HP Only” MEANS no battery or even more no enclosure. It’s really easy for them to steal from your own customer.
I think i figure out the way Sony Ericsson collect more money. That’s with such a dirty trick. So, i should by a battery enclosure Rp. 30.000,- (Around 3.5 USD) and the battery Rp. 275.000,- (30.5 USD). And Why it’s so expensive. Even, Blackberry has cheaper battery.
I just read in the news that sony target to be number 2 in tablet market after Apple in 2011. All I can said is the way u aim for Apple is very very impressive… Congrats!
I simply never ever use sony ericsson product again in my life.
– From a Long time EX-Sony Ericsson Fan –
Beware!! Customer support of the X10 (the previous SE Android phone) was very short lived 6-8 months! After this no Android updates and most of the time the X10 has been 2 updates behind most of the competition.
Hardware is good but let down by lack of upgrades & any upgrades that are released are usually very late. Honestly, if you are thinking of buying this phone ask yourself do you care if the operating system will not be upgraded after 6 months of ownership? If this is important then do not consider Sony Ericsson.
I own the X10 and still have 18 months of contract to go, however SE are already washing their hands of any responsibility for upgrades. Needless to say I will be looking for an assurance that support will be available for the lifetime of the contract next time I come to replace this phone. I cannot recommend any SE Android phone after my experience with the X10.