We saw Sony Ericsson's XPERIA Arc leak a couple of times since CES unofficially kicked off earlier this week, and now the device is finally official. The two big features of the Arc are its thinness--8.7mm--and the fact that it's going to launch with Android 2.3 in tow. Other specs for SE's new baby include a 4.2-inch 854x480 "Reality Display" and an 8.1 megapixel camera with HD video capture. The XPERIA Arc will be launching in "Midnight Blue" and "Misty Silver" in selected markets beginning in Q1. Check out the full press release below.
A couple of other quick Sony Ericsson related notes: at least one XPERIA Arc demo unit was spotted running Android 2.4, which many speculate could be an incremental upgrade to Gingerbread, like how Android 2.0 and 2.1 were both Eclair. Sounds familiar, no? Also, bad news for owners of current XPERIA X10 handsets, as Sony Ericsson has confirmed that the devices won't be upgraded to Froyo or beyond.
The XPERIA Arc is certainly a handsome little phone, especially with its huge touchscreen and svelte design. I just hope that the U.S. is one of the "selected markets" that will see the Arc some time in Q1. Otherwise, I have a feeling that we could be in for a long wait. Would any of you pick up an Arc when it launches stateside?
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
Music
Album 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
Web
Bookmarks
Google™ search
NeoReader™ barcode scanner
Pan & zoom
Web browser (WebKit)
Communication
Call list
Conference calls
Facebook™ application*
Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Speakerphone
Vibrating alert
* This service may not be available in every market
Messaging
Conversations
Email
Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
Instant messaging
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
Design
Auto rotate
Keyboards (onscreen, QWERTY)
Picture wallpaper
Reality display
Sony Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
Touchscreen
Wallpaper animation
Entertainment
* This service may not be available in every market
3D games
Media browser
Motion gaming
Radio (FM)
Video streaming
Video viewing
YouTube™ *
Organiser
Android™ OS
Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Document readers
Flight mode
Infinite button
Phone book
Connectivity
3.5 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 market
Android 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™
Screen
Sony 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
Accessories
In-Box:
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc
Battery (1500mAh)
Stereo portable handsfree
Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
User documentation
Facts
Size: 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 versions
Networks
UMTS HSPA 900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
UMTS HSPA 800, 850, 1900, 2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Colour
Midnight Blue
Misty Silver
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