We're expecting to get a better look the Sony Ericsson Aspen in just a few short days at Mobile World Congress. But in the meantime, Russian YouTuber Zavackiy managed to get his hands on a couple of them. It's good to see Windows Mobile 6.5.3 in action on a front-facing QWERTY device, but the hexagonal start menu looks like a pretty inefficient use of space at such as small screen size. See for yourself after the break. [via Engadget]
Sony Ericsson this morning announced the Aspen, the front-facing QWERTY keyboard phone we previously saw as the Faith. What's more, this is the first Windows Mobile phone to officially launch with Windows Mobile Professional 6.5.3 (and that solves the mystery of what version number would be next). It's also the first front-facing keyboard phone with a touchscreen that we've seen in a while.
You will be able to pick up the Aspen in either "Iconic Black" or "White Silver," and it will be available in the second quarter in "selected markets." Where those markets are, we don't yet know, nor do we know pricing. Chances are we'll get a better look at this guy soon at Mobile World Congress.
Wait a minute ... What's this? An unannounced Sony Ericsson phone called "Faith?" DailyiPhoneBlog says it's part of SE's "GreenHeart" line (read: environmentally friendly). The specs:
2.4-inch QVGA touchscreen
Windows Mobile 6.5.3
Qualcomm MSM7227 processor
256MB RAM (probably the same for ROM)
aGPS
MicroSD
Quadband GSM (850/900/1800/900) and dual-band UMTS (900/2100)
Oh, look. There's the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2a (the "a" points to the North American version) on the Sony Style Web site. It's still not available for purchase, but we saw it at CES running Windows Mobile 6.5.3, and CNET says its been told to expect launch this spring. We're not holding our breaths, given the lack of expediency given the X1, but we'll definitely be glad to see it when it comes.
Stopped back by the Microsoft booth at CES after our recent encounter with Windows Mobile 6.5.3 on the Toshiba TG01, and, sure enough, there's more lurking around. The Pharos Traveler 137's got it (Build 28005.5.3.0). And right next door was the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, and it had 6.5.3 as well, though it's so heavily skinned with the Panels interface that you can't tell at first glance.
Two more phones with possible upgrades on the way.
Those of you holding out hope that the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 will get an official update to Windows Mobile 6.5 can let that dream die. An SE rep apparently has told Crave Asia that there will be no update, quit asking, now go buy the Xperia X2. (OK, we made up those last two parts.)
The good news: The Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 has passed the FCC. The bad news: This is the European variety, which lacks the U.S. 3G bands. But, it does mean you can import the X2, if you're so inclined. Whether you'll be willing to spend that kind of cash for great hardware and a sometimes-frustrating software experience is a completely different question. (Peep Dieter's hands-on if you need a reminder why.)
Maybe I'm a little jaded after waiting so long for the Xperia X1 only to have it land, look impressive, but fail to make a big impact on the Windows Mobile world. Don't get me wrong - the Xperia X2 is very nice: the build quality is amongst the best of the couple dozen devices I've handled here at CTIA. From the slider to the feel of the keyboard to the subtle curve on the lower-rear of the phone, everything is top-notch.
Not so top-notch, the latest iteration of Sony's Panel's interface. It's awfully pretty and definitely the sort of things you can use to wow your friends and shame your enemies, but only if you're careful to stick with one panel and not switch between your different options, as the lag starting them up is a little disappointing. Perhaps it's time Sony moved beyond the standard 256RAM/512ROM 528MHz Qualcomm processor and into the big time if they're going to try to power interfaces that are this dynamic.
Still, the 480x800 screen and 8mp camera can't help but impress. I can definitely see Sony fans coveting this and I can't blame them for it, the X2 is a very futuristic-looking rig, I just wish the internals we are futuristic as its looks.
But never fear: We've gotten (very blurry) word that the X2 (aka the Vulcan) is due Nov. 6. Price and plans still to be determined (or at least leaked).
Even better, the GM750 should be on hand this Friday, Oct. 2. As you can see, £25 a month gets you 300 minutes and unlimited texts, and the phone itself is free. Unlimited data will cost another £5 a month.
For us, the question remains: Will either of these phones see love on this side of the pond?
Good news for our friends across the pond on Vodafone: The carrier says to expect the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 in November. That's the X2 and it's sweet keyboard, banana slider and 8.1MP camera. No word on price.
And that's also a couple of months sooner than online dealer Expansys says the X2 will be available, so there ya go.
Also coming down the pike is the LG GM750, which is expected in October and brings along its 5MP camera and black-slab good times.
