The website of Alex Kinch, live from London
Posts tagged android
Sony Ericsson: Xperia X10 versus Satio
Nov 3rd
Sony Ericsson unveiled its first Android-based handset today – the Xperia X10. Due out in the first quarter of 2010, analysts will be closely watching the sales performance and market response. But with Sony Ericsson’s other brand new handset – the Satio – in stores before Christmas, is it worth the wait til after the festive period for the Xperia?
Let’s compare the two side by side. Operating system aside, here’s a quick run-down of the key features.
Physical:
Satio: dimensions 112 x 55 x 13mm, 126g weight
Xperia: dimensions 110.5 x 52.6 x 17mm, 145g weight
Winner: The Satio – whilst it’s slightly bigger than the Xperia it weighs less and is nearly half a centimetre slimmer.
Battery life:
Satio: Standard battery (Li-Po 1000 mAh) gives up to 360 hours (2G) up to 340 hours (3G) standby, and up to 11 hours (2G) and up to 4 hours 50 minutes (3G) talktime.
Xperia: Standard battery (Li-Po 1500 mAh) gives up to 833 hours (2G) up to 640 hours (3G) standby, and up to 10 hours (2G) and up to 6 hours (3G) talktime.
Winner: The Xperia – although it has a battery 1.5x the capacity of the Satio, it gives considerably longer standby time and 3G talktime – although 2G talktime is less.
Camera:
Satio: 12 megapixels, 4000×3000 pixel resolution. Autofocus, xenon flash, LED lighting for video
Xperia:3.15 megapixels, 2048×1536 pixel resolution. Autofocus, LED flash.
Winner: The Satio – not just based on the resolution, but a xenon flash is a lot better for taking pictures in low-light situations than a LED flash.
Data:
Both handsets have GPRS, EDGE, 7.2Mbit/s HSDPA and 3.6Mbit/s HSUPA for 2G/3G data, plus 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. However the Satio can also do HSCSD for slightly faster data on traditional 2G non-EDGE networks and is DLNA certified allowing easier sharing of media with other home entertainment devices on your local network.
Winner: Not much in it, but if you want to share media easily on the phone’s Wi-Fi connection and might occasionally be in an area with only a 2G non-EDGE network available, the Satio edges (no pun intended!) ahead.
Display:
Satio: TFT touchscreen, 16M colours, 3.5 inch size, 360×640 pixel resolution.
Xperia: TFT resistive touchscreen, 65K colours, 3.0 inch size, 800×480 pixel resolution.
Winner: Whilst the Xperia has a higher resolution screen, the Satio wins with a larger screen and higher colour depth.
Available apps:
Satio: Running the Symbian Series 60, 5th edition operating system the Satio also gives you access to the Sony Ericsson PlayNow Arena app store.
Xperia: As with all Android phones, the Android Marketplace is the first stop for applications for your Xperia.
Winner: It’s close, although initial thoughts are the Xperia has the lead with access to Android applications.
The overall result:
If you’re a non-tech user, and want a phone that’s not only reliable for everyday phone calls, texts and the like, but also comes with a great camera and half-decent features like GPS, go for the Satio. However if you’re seriously into smartphones, want to be with the ‘cool crowd’ by carrying an Android handset, but don’t mind having a frankly terrible camera, the Xperia is probably right at the top of your shopping list. You’ll just need to be patient, as it’s not due out until Q1 2010, whilst the Satio is in stores now.
iPhone or Android developer? Two Universities want your help
May 27th
Are you an iPhone developer based in the UK? Are you considering developing for Android? The The Luleå University of Technology in Sweden and the University of Manchester want your feedback.
The universities are about to start a study on iPhone developers’ experience and are looking for those who are either considering developing an Android app, are already doing so or wouldn’t touch Android with a barge pole for whichever reason.
They’re also interested in talking to anyone involved with Android development – even if you’re just starting out with your first ‘hello world’ application.
The research process consists face-to-face and online sessions in early June, and you’ll be given vouchers by way of a thank you for your participation.
Interested? Get in touch with Carin Lundin via carin (at) prontocommunication.se – if you mention you read the story here maybe I’ll get some vouchers too 
)
Vopium brings mobile VoIP to Android handsets
May 18th
After the recent launch of their application on the iPhone and BlackBerry application stores, Vopium are bringing VoIP to Android users – including the new HTC Magic handset – with the launch of Vopium on the Android Market.
Once downloaded and installed, the Vopium app integrates with the handsets address book and seamlessly re-routes international calls via the best available method (including Wi-Fi, 3G, and GPRS) to the Vopium gateway – giving savings claimed by the company of up to 90%. New users also get 30 minutes of talk time and 30 international text messages free.
Vopium CEO, Tanveer Sharif said “Vopium on Android adds another string to our bow and means that even more people across the world can now easily make cheaper international calls whilst also enjoying the same high call quality they are used to experiencing through their operators.”
Win a HTC Magic with Phones 4u
May 1st
Phones 4u is celebrating the launch of the new Google-powered HTC Magic by putting one of the latest must-have handsets up for grabs in a free prize draw.
As an official retailer of the HTC Magic, Phones 4u is giving away this year’s hottest phone, powered by Google’s Android software, to one lucky winner. To be in with a chance of winning, simply visit http://www.phones4u.co.uk/HTC_Magic_Competition/
Building on the success of the G1, the sleeker, slimmer and feature-packed HTC Magic offers a faster, more refined user experience than its predecessor, following the introduction of the new Cupcake operating system. The latest update takes into account users’ feedback of the original Android phone to greatly improve usability and access to features, such as high-speed internet access, push email and Sat Nav.
Customers can take advantage of an exclusive online offer of a free handset, 600 minutes and 3000 texts for just £30 a month on an 18 month contract on Vodafone – cheaper than any other 18 month contract deal on the HTC Magic currently available in the UK!
Customers can pre-order the new HTC Magic online now at http://www.phones4u.co.uk/
Android heading for a home near you
Apr 6th
The New York Times reports that T-Mobile have plans to bring Google’s phone operating system to the home early in 2010.
According to confidential documents obtained from a T-Mobile partner, plans are afoot to bring an Android-based home phone to the market next year, followed shortly after by a tablet computer.
T-Mobile spokesman Peter Dobrow refused to elaborate, but did confirm that the company have plans for several Android-powered devices.
via T-Mobile to Use Google Software in Devices for Home – NYTimes.com.
The best way to Twitter on the move
Apr 5th
Irish Telecoms and mobile entrepreneur Pat Phelan has posted a useful round-up of his favourite Twitter clients for the BlackBerry, Android, Symbian and iPhone smart phones.
What’s Pat’s picks? I won’t spoil the fun – head over to Pat’s blog to find out.
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