High-end mobile phones are coming thick and fast, but it's arguably the Open Handset Alliance's Android operating system that's generating the most buzz.
The open source platform is seemingly full of promise, and Sony Ericsson - reportedly the third largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world in Q3 '08 - has today joined the bandwagon with its first Android handset, the XPERIA X10.
Available in "Luster White" or "Sensuous Black", the 119mm x 63mm x 13mm device weighs 135g and features a 4in, 480 x 854 capacitive touchscreen display.
Powering the handset is a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8250 processor, and Sony Ericsson has given the Android 1.6 "Donut" operating system a makeover with its very own UX platform - consisting of a complete interface revamp and a selection of exclusive Sony Ericsson apps.
In addition to the sumptuous UI, the XPERIA X10 boasts an 8.1 megapixel camera with auto focus, geo-tagging and a 16x digital zoom. A-GPS is featured as standard, as is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The folks over at Engadget have managed to score a quick hands on, and though they've been impressed by Sony Ericsson's ambition, the software in its current state is said to be "plagued by lag and unresponsiveness".
Sony Ericsson reckons the XPERIA X10 will be available worldwide in the first half of 2010, so there's still time to iron out any quirks and ensure the software lives up to expectations. Here's a video demonstration of what Sony Ericsson hopes to deliver in the final retail product:
Official press release: Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X10 introduces an open and integrated world of social media, communication and entertainment
