A while ago we reported that the bootloader of the Xperia X10 got unlocked because of a security hole in the Qualcomm security encryption. Since then it was quite quiet about it and the users were happy to have the bootloader bypassed since April thanks to the dev zdzihu.
But now the real bootloader unlock came true for everyone and you can go ahead and unlock your Xperia X10! It’ll permanently unlock the bootloader, but to do that you need to be running on Android 2.1.
If you want to do it, here is everything you need for it and a tutorial. Thanks to the_laser for his hard work.
Source: xda-developers.com and unofficial Xperia X10 Blog
Earlier on we brought the rather exciting news that Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) was on its way to the 2011 Xperia range of phones next year. Rather disappointingly, Sony Ericsson have now issued a new statement saying:
“When it comes to future platforms of the Android OS, we will make them available to consumers in a timely manner, as long as they improve the user experience and are viable from a hardware point of view” Which basically means that Sony Ericsson havent (officailly anyway) made up their minds, much like the Froyo debate that happened with the X10 line up, and we all know what the end result of that one was like. Somobile, however, are still hoping that Ice Cream Sandwich will find its way onto the 2011 Xperia line up.
My personal opinion? I think SE UK let it slip (much like SE Brazil regarding the Gingerbread update), but SE (International) are trying not to raise hopes.
First Sony Ericsson announced that they will update the 2011 Xperias to Android 2.3.4 later this year. And today they confirmed that all 2011 Xperia phones will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, when it gets released by Google.
The Android best-of-both-worlds edition should come out in October or November this year, so we can expect the update early next year. But there is no exact release date from Sony Ericsson yet.
There is not much to say about the changes Android 4.0 will bring to the phones as Google didn’t say that much about the changes yet.
This are great news and I can’t wait to have it on my Xperia Arc.
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.
Arc S, sharing the almost same design as it’s predecessor may fool you into thinking it’s ordinary Arc, but when you go little deeper, you will certainly see the the difference. That is 1.4 GHz single chip processor, ”delivering up to 25% faster entertainment”, also “Music Unlimited” and “Video Unlimited” will be available, similar to what we saw in SE Live, sources to latest songs and movies, exclusive to Xperia phones.And one thing: every time I saw Arc S in news and such, it was white. Could this be the obvious difference to help us determine Arc S from Arc?
On the other hand, there’s Neo V.
Basically, it is the budget version of Neo, with not much differences. In fact the only difference is the camera, it’s not 8MP Exmor R, but 5MP. “Wow, what a reason to create a new model!” you may think, but this will cut the cost of the device by €50-€100! It will bring more audience to this neat device. Also, some of the Neo V’s seem to have this “nature” graphics on the back cover (like the one above), which could, like in Arc S, help us in differentiation of the old boring Neo ( ) and Neo V.
It’s pretty amazing what this LiveDock thing can do. Besides charging and doing various things with LiveWare Manager, you can connect wireless keyboard and mouse and use it like you would do on a PC! This brings whole new range of use to your Sony Ericsson smartphone.Let me not bother you more, just watch the video:
Currently Minecraft developers Mojang are auctioning off a limited edition of the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY on eBay. The Xperia PLAY has customary Minecraft blocky graphics with a Minecraft logo on the back on it’s housing. Maybe only hardcore fans will buy this, but all proceeds will be going to charity. The limited edition Plays are international versions of the handset so they will work anywhere.
The devs were annoyed that previous Minecraft gifts appeared on eBay straight after. Here’s what they had to say: “We’ve given away some fantastic Minecraft goodies in the past, only to see it cheekily pop up on eBay auctions. This time, we thought we’d beat you guys to it, and put our listing up before the Minecraft Xperia PLAY becomes available to win at Gamescom!”
The bidding currently stands at $1,075.00, but you’ve got plenty of time left to put your offer in as the auction ends on 21th August.
Today, EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) gave awards for “European Mobile Phone 2011-2012″ to both Xperia Arc and Xperia Mini.
Arc is selected as “European Camera Phone of the Year 2011-2012″, while Mini got “European Green Smartphone 2011-2012.
Mini is actually part of Sony Ericsson’s GreenHeart portfolio, as it’s made out of recycled plastic, non-toxic paint, it comes with reduced packaging and green charger.
As for the Arc, it has Exmor-R technology (for great sensitivity even in low light conditions) with 8.1 megapixels. And the great design also took part in choosing the award, as the phone is just 8.7mm thick at the thinnest part, with gorgeous 4.2 inches Mobile BRAVIA screen.
Mini just countinued the tradition of obtaining awards, since its predecessor, Xperia X10 Mini also has an “prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award 2010.”
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