Mobi

By Jennifer LeClaire

Despite Nokia World grabbing the lion's share of the wireless industry news this week, Sony Ericsson stole some of the spotlight with its Xperia X2, a new Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone that focuses on 24/7 multimedia communications. A Windows device marks a shift in strategy for Sony Ericsson.

The X2 lets users synchronize their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft Office Mobile documents. It also offers a SlideView feature that gives users a quick overview of missed calls, e-mails and text messages so they don't miss an important contact. The Xperia X2 has QWERTY messaging.

"In the fast-moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important," said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager at Sony Ericsson. "We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office, and the Xperia X2, debuting with Windows Mobile 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move."

Partnering with Microsoft

The communications-centric Xperia X2 hosts Skype, Mytopia, Google, games, CNN, Windows Live, and lots of other application panels to help users stay up to date on their interests. The phone's touch interface has been improved and a new 3D signature panel makes way for categorization of business, fun and communications functions.

"Windows phones allow people to manage their whole world -- from work to home to play -- on a single handset," said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager of product management for Microsoft. "The Xperia X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are."

Although the X2 focuses on communications, there are plenty of entertainment features, including an 8.1-megapixel camera with instant upload to Facebook. The phone also offers the ability to play music, shoot videos, or play games.

Sony Ericsson's Major Shift

This Sony Ericsson-identified need to stay connected 24/7 drove the launch of Xperia Services, a package designed to help Xperia X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. Sony Ericsson has a specialized technical team standing by to support users and talk them through the phone's features, from troubleshooting to accessing Web sites.

With always-connected communications in mind, the Xperia Services team will help users if the device stops working while traveling internationally. Xperia Services can replace the phone immediately.

The X2 will be available in selected markets early in the fourth quarter. When it debuts, it will mark a definite shift in Sony Ericsson's mobile-phone strategy, according to Mike Disabato, a senior analyst at the Burton Group.

"Sony Ericsson used to run on Symbian. Sony Ericsson used to be one of the biggest manufacturers in the industry and they made some outstanding phones on that operating system," Disabato said. "If they are going to Windows Mobile, that's a big shift."