Interested in spending time on creating apps or extensions for the Sony Ericsson Smart Accessories?
The Smart Extension SDK (v1.01) is available for download.
Note: The new version of LiveWare manager version is now available on Android Market. Please install this before installing the emulator in the SDK. If you have already installed the emulator, you will need to re-install it when you have installed the new version of LiveWare manager. The emulator will only work with LiveWare manager version 3.1.13 and onwards.
My Xperia Arc just got the update to the latest Android Market. The Market did update automatically, it just needed longer to start, because of that I opened the new text message that I had and afterwards the new market was there.
It works quite fast and fluent on the Arc. But the old market was faster and I have to say that I liked the old market more. But maybe that will change after I used the new marekt for some time.
I don’t know if the other Xperias got the update, too, but if not they should receive the update soon, too.
With most manufacturers now rolling out the Android 2.3.4 update, those on the latest Xperia devices were left in dark, wondering if their device would ever get the Android 2.3.4 update, which was said to be released around October. You can also see this pretty much echoed here.
Maybe then, it is about time someone at Sony Ericsson woke up, and realised that an official announcement hadnt been made about it. Thankfully then, they have done exactly that, and released some new features of the newer 2.3.4. The main features:
This brings video chat via Google Talk. Not a major feature if you already have Skype or some other video calling service in use already, except it will allow you to have video conversations though your google contacts (who probably use Skype already). Still, choice is not exactly a bad thing though.
Another advantage is Swipe input. Now we assume that is Sony Ericsson’s own version of Swype. How good it is remains to be seen. However, I fear Swype enthusiasts will of already dumped the original Sony Ericsson keyboard for another keyboard that has Swype as part of the app.
The update also has the ability to take a sceen capture (or a screenshot) of your phone without root or a dedicated app, which seems to be more handy for developers rather than your everyday user.
Facebook for Xperia moved to version 2.0. New features include the ability to share apps that are already installed on your phone.
A 3D sweep panorama app, that takes 3D panorama photos, and then you can project them onto your 3D HDMI TV from your phone (suitable phone required)
Also, not forgetting the ability to control the phone with the recently released Live Dock.
Sony Ericsson have also uploaded this short video of the said updates:
So far we have no date set in stone from Sony Ericsson regarding when the update is due to be released, but we do have a month: October. Cunningly though, they havent said which phones will get the update either. The update will be over 3G/WIFI, and of course via PC Companion and the SEUS application.
So, what do I make of the updates? Well, there is already apps out on the Android Market that do some of the jobs that the new updates do already (including for my X10 Mini Pro), so I’m not really all that excited, so its hard for me to see why anyone with a new Xperia device will be more excited. However, saying that, most updates are good, so if this also adds features as standard (and work rather well), then there is no real reason why I wouldnt want the new update if (and when) the Xperia Pro is released. Speaking of which: October; does this ring any bells for anyone, or do I forecast another November release like they did for the Eclair update for the Xperia X10? As ever though, I would absolutely love to be incorrect, and Sony Ericsson decide to release it at the end of this month.
Do you remember that dancing Android from Sony Ericsson? Sony Ericsson’s Android Dancing Robot showed it’s performance previously on a few events in Taiwan, Malaysia and last time it was at the Google I/O 2011 in San Francisco. Two days ago the dancing Android got competitor – the Zombie from Plants vs Zombies. They have celebrated the launch of Plants vs. Zombies on the Xperia PLAY. Sony Ericsson organised a little Zombie dance off for the launch! That was a party at the Sony Ericsson stand at Gamescom!
If you want to see the competition watch the video below:
Sony Ericsson has rolled out yet another update for Arc and PLAY.New firmware version number is 4.0.A.2.368Updated phones will now have the following features:-Landscape home screens (It has been available with some apps, usually paid, but now it will be the default feature)-xLoud which will increase the phone volume-DLNA compatibility with Digital Home-Stereo video recording-New themes (different tones of the default theme, if you ask me, they look amazing)The update is supposed to be available at PC Companion, if it isn’t, global generic file is available at xda-developers.Source: Various, mostly from Xperia Blog
A new app for XPERIA phone’s is going to be released on August 1st: Qriocity’s video service. It allows you to rent and buy movies or TV-shows from NBC, Universal International Television Distribution, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. You will be able to watch all new released movies including an extensive back catalogue.
It’s a supplement of Sony Ericsson’s announced music service Music Unlimited. At first It will be only available on Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro. The service offers you movies and other content specific to your country: UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, Japan, Canada and the United States. Later it will be available exclusively for the 2011 released XPERIA’s.
You will get the service through a software-update or through the Android market. Do you think it is a competitor to Google Video service?
Another game is available for the Xperia Play. This time it’s Battlefield: Bad Company 2. It’s one of the most acclaimed action series of all time. It features five intensely detailed battle zones and 14 single player missions. The game allows players to move through a rich and intense single-player story, using strategy and cooperation to bring down buildings, cause realistic destruction and battle enemies. So the players will have much fun and the game shouldn’t be too short.
Gameplay:
You can download the game via the ‘Get Games’ app for £5 via EA Mobile.
Two days ago, Facebook released Java app called “Facebook for every phone”. As it’s name says, it’s compatible with most Java-enabled phones.The software is bought from Snaptu Ltd. for $60-70 million in March. The software is also presented in free Java app “Snaptu”.
Facebook is now much more functional for much non-smartphone phones, which had access to Facebook only trough their Web browsers. Application provides access to News Feed, Photos, Requests and much more, making it look much more smartphone alike. Two features that are present only in “Facebook for every phone” (and not in “Snaptu” ) are adding friends from contacts in phone and a link to Snaptu’s mini app store.
Facebook has made agreement with 20 mobile operators across 13 countries: Facebook will subsidize payments from using their app for three months, in order to encourage users to use their Internet access plans.
It is also possible that release is an “counterattack” to Google’s new social network, Google+ (since the actual software is bought in March, and released in July)
You can download the app by visiting link below on mobile device: here
Skype today have updated their Android app to make and receive video calls. The new app is to be used on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) phones, which includes the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo and soon-to-be-released Xperia Pro. On the Sony Ericsson Product Blog, via the comments section, I have read though that whilst Xperia Arc can use the main camera, there isnt an option to video call. No word has been given yet if the Xperia Play can make video calls or not, but without a front facing camera, I would suggest it is unlikely. Skype themselves have released a demonstration of some of the new features in this video:
Sony Ericsson released a new app called “Panorama beta” that is available for free in the Market. The app is very easy to use. You have 4 arrows, on for each direction. To make a panorama you just have to click on an arrow and move the X10 in that direction and it will make a nice panorama. I already tested the app myself and I have to say it works fine. Even if you shake the X10 a bit while making the panorame the pic will be fine.
For now the app is only available for the X10 with Android 2.1.
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