Sony has unveiled the first device to launch as part of its new and rebranded mobile division.
The Sony Xperia S, announced at CES, the Consumer Electronics Show 2012, will launch Sony, formerly Sony Ericsson, as they try to take on the market leaders with their new range of cheap mobile contract deals.
Part of the technology firm’s popular Xperia range the design of the new S has the same square corners but with a strip at the bottom that lights up when the device is not in standby mode. It’s similar to the lights that appear underneath the chrome panel on the Xperia Arc. However on this model the strip goes right around the body of the device and is touch sensitive.
The Xperia S comes with a 4.3 inch Sony Mobile Bravia HD screen. It is bright and with a screen pixel resolution of 720 x 1280 it means pictures and graphics will look crisp and bright. The device runs Android 2.3.7 and has a 1.5 GHz processor so it operates smoothly and that should help videos and pictures play back with virtually no lag. It also has 1GB of Ram and 32GB of internal storage.
The smartphone comes with a 12 megapixel camera, making it one of the most impressive on the market which can record 1020p HD video and uses a Sony Exmor sensor making it easier to take pictures even in low light conditions. There is a single LED flash and the camera can be switched on when the device is in standby mode simply by holding down the camera button on the side of the handset.
Those with existing Xperia handsets will notice some changes on the user interface of the new device. Timescape does not feature. This is an option for users to see all updates across Messages, Twitter, Facebook and Call Log all in one place. However it is featured as an app on some devices, instead of being default on the screen. The new Xperia S does away with it entirely as goes for a minimalist stripped back approach.
The device comes with 3G, Wi-Fi, NFC (Near Field Communications) and Bluetooth along with a 1750 mAh battery meaning users should get a day out of it, even if connected. As with other Sony devices there are pre-installed apps largely including Sony Entertainment products including music and video. Much like Microsoft the device also nods to its gaming arm with a link to PlayStation.
Connectivity to other Sony devices will be available to the UK market for the first time. US users have already been able to connect to their Sony TV, computer or Tablet wirelessly with the Sony Xperia Ion. That power is available on the Xperia S as well.
It is expected the new device will launch in the UK in March. While it launches with Android Gingerbread, along with the rest of the Xperia range it is due an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update in the first half of 2012. Prices have not been announced yet but it looks as though the Xperia S is taking all the best bits from the Xperia range and just making it a little faster, quicker and slicker for the New Year.






