The Sony Ericsson Vivaz is already on the shelves. It is a Symbian based phone with recording capability in HD 720p format. It is also tightly integrated to social media tools allowing you to upload after shooting a picture or video.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ basic specs :
8.1 megapixel camera
4x digital zoom
Auto focus (photos)
Continuous auto focus (video)
Face detection (photos)
Geo tagging
Image stabiliser
Photo light
Send to web
Smile detection
Touch capture
Video light
Video recording (720p HD recording)

Sony Ericsson’s first Android phone was announced last year. Last week, we had the opportunity to hands on the real product to see if it lives up to its promises with Mediascape and Timescape as their signature applications.

XPERIA™ X10 introduces a new UX platform that will evolve across the product portfolio and expand over time continuously introducing new features and capabilities. The UX platform builds on top of the Open OS and creates a unique Sony Ericsson user experience by combining best-in-class entertainment features with signature applications, unrivalled integration of social media services and a rich graphical user interface. The XPERIA™ X10 is the first mobile phone to truly humanise the way people interact with their phones.

Introducing signature applications like Mediascape and Timescape™, the XPERIA™ X10 lets consumers organise everything in their phone in an intuitive way:

Sony Ericsson Timescape™ manages all your communication with one person in one place. Browse through your conversations the bright way to check out your Facebook™, Twitter™, photos, emails, and texts all in one go

Sony Ericsson Mediascape is the smart way to get all the music, photos and videos you want from your favourite friends and artists. It accesses content from everywhere – your phone, YouTube™, PlayNow™ – and presents everything for you.

Intelligence capabilities, integrated into Mediascape and Timescape™, can automatically recognise connections between contacts, content and media. By recommending alternative ways to communicate or guiding to new media experiences, consumers can discover more in a truly open way. For example:

Pressing the new “infinite button” guides you through the connected world, aggregating all your interactions with one person into one view
Intelligent face recognition features recognise up to five faces in any picture, automatically connecting them with your social phonebook and all other related communications with that person.

See video

If you own the Satio or the Vivaz, you can now download and install a new application, the free Sound Equaliser.

For most markets there is now an free application called “Equalizer” available on PlayNow in the music category under applications. This equalizer will give you the following different options: Off, Classical, Jazz, Dance, Party, Pop, Rock, Spoken Word, Loudness, Mega Bass and Treble Boost. As I understood it it will equalize all music played in the phone, also the setting it makes is global and stay there if the Equalizer application is closed and also even stays after rebooting the phone. There are two important notes though: First of all this application needs the latest update to work on Satio (on Vivaz it works on the launch SW of course) and also since it’s a separate application it needs to be started separately when you want to start using it i.e. it’s not included under options in e.g. the music player. When an equalizer setting has been chosen it should stay even if the application is closed or the phone rebooted.

Telstra to begin LTE trials in May

Telstra has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks to conduct trials of Long Term Evolution (LTE) in May to assess the technology’s capability and performance as the next-generation evolution for the Next G™ network.
 
Michael Rocca, Telstra’s acting chief operations officer, said the trials will help Telstra understand how the new technology will work with the operator’s Next G™ network.
 
“LTE is globally acknowledged as the dominant next-generation technology for mobile technology”, said Rocca.  “It will be an important evolution for the Next G™ network in due course because it will give consumers access to higher speeds while giving Telstra the capacity to serve an increasing number of customers and applications.”
 
“Wireless technology has been advancing in great strides in recent years and LTE is the next big step beyond 3G,“ said Kalevi Kostiainen, head of the Australia and New Zealand region at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Through the advancement in technology that LTE brings, this will in turn enhance the user experience for many Australians as the number of wireless broadband users continues to grow. Nokia Siemens Networks are delighted to be working with Telstra in trialling LTE.”
 
Telstra will spend the next three to six months testing the feasibility and technical capability of LTE for future commercialization. Nokia Siemens Networks is the leader in LTE technology, being the first to enable commercial LTE calls and handovers, fully in line with the 3GPP Release 8 March 2009 baseline standard.* In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks is trialling with a large number of customers globally and has already secured nine commercial LTE contracts.

The long awaited Xperia X10 can now be pre-ordered before it goes on the shelves. The pre-order price is NT 22,900. It comes with a free MW600 Bluetooth ear piece.  It also comes with 2mths free access to ChungHwa telecoms portal.

X10 Pre order period begins today till 22nd March 12pm.

Order here if you are in Taiwan http://sonyericsson-x10.com.tw/preorder/form.php

StarHub commences HSPA+ network upgrade using Dual Carrier technology, first in Southeast Asia to reach peak mobile broadband downlink speed of up to 42.2Mbps

StarHub also commences technical trials for next-generation LTE technology

Singapore, 16 March 2010 – StarHub, together with its technology partner Huawei, has successfully concluded tests of its HSPA+ network using Dual Carrier frequency technology to achieve a peak data downlink speed of up to 42.2Mbps. An upgrade of the HSPA+ network is now being implemented progressively to further enhance the overall efficiency of the network.

This announcement has made StarHub the first mobile operator in Southeast Asia to have successfully deployed the Dual Carrier technology on its HSPA+ network to achieve up to 42.2Mbps in peak download speeds. Dual Carrier technology is based on the principle of bonding two carrier channels, which allows the increase of the transmission to double the current maximum value of 21Mbps.

Commenting on this exciting development, Mr Peter Cook, Vice President, Integrated Network Engineering at StarHub, said: “The deployment of 42.2Mbps HSPA+ Dual Carrier technology is a straightforward upgrade of our current HSPA+ network that will double our current downlink peak rate of 21Mbps. We are basically installing new software into current network equipment, with minimal hardware upgrade required. StarHub is excited that it will soon be able to manage even larger volumes of data traffic and continue to support the highest HSPA speeds available in Singapore, to meet the growing demand for broadband access on the move.”

Huawei Singapore Managing Director Mr He Rong said Huawei’s HSPA+ solution with dual-carrier technology makes the best of an operator’s spectrum resources, enhances spectral efficiency and results in capacity gains of up to 20%. “We would like to congratulate StarHub for achieving this important milestone. The enhanced HSPA+ network is set to give mobile broadband customers a higher level of user experience, thus truly enriching lives through communication,” commented Mr He.

StarHub has also commenced technical trials of LTE technology. The company believes that LTE will provide further enhancement of its mobile broadband data services in future.

“LTE deployment is in our roadmap for mobile broadband, and we are now diligently testing the new technology with plans for a rollout in future,” Mr Cook added.

Today, StarHub boasts the highest mobile broadband network experience in Singapore at a nationwide deployment, of up to 21Mbps (downlink). It also offers the market’s fastest mobile broadband service – MaxMobile Elite – that gives individual and business users up to 21Mbps for downloading. In addition, StarHub offers the most comprehensive range of mobile broadband products for both its post-paid and pre-paid customer groups.

For more information on StarHub’s mobile broadband services, please visit www.starhub.com/mobile.

It is common to see readers surging in numbers using Fix line broadband. The trend now seems to be in mobile surfing. A check on our latest statistics show that there is a surge of users surfing OCWorkbench using their mobile phones.

The users are recognised coming from mobile broadband ISPs Starhub, Singtel, MobileOne, Japan Softbank, Verizon Wireless and Comcast.

The top preferred mobile device these users used are in ranking, iPhone, Android, iPod, SymbianOS, BlackBerry, Windows, Sony, Danger Hitop, PalmOS. The iphone users is leading by almost 5 times the amount of users running Android or iPod.

Looks like this trend will continue and we definitely hope to see more readers visiting us via Desktop, notebooks and mobile phones.

At the mean time, help us achieve a user base of 1000 each for our Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ocworkbench and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/OCWorkbench/172425480487.

We will do a giveaway once it reaches 1000.

IT SHOW 2010 usually has some surprises on Level 6, the floor where most of the retail shops reside. While roaming around the exhibition, we come across a iPhone clone which retails at S$188.

The specs of the phone includes
3.8 inch screen
Quad Band GSM
WIFI
TV (PAL/SECAM/NTSC)
DUal SIM card slot
Changing songs by motion sensor
5mpixel Camera

The package comes with a 2GB memory card, handphone pouch, free screen protector and car charger.

Sony Ericsson held an Asia Pacific Region Press Event “EVOLVE, ENGAGE, EXCITE” at the new Resort World Singapore, Sentosa. At the event, Sony Ericsson new tie ups with MTV and also the Digital Ambassador “The Wonder Girls”. Sony Ericsson also presented for the first time the 5 phones that were previously announced – the Xperia X10, X10 mini, X10 mini pro, Vivaz and Vivaz Pro to the regional media.

Check out the videos and pictures at the link below

It was mentioned that there will be a surprise for the press at the event. It turned out to be the Wonder Girls. Here is a video of them sharing their social media and video experiences using the Xperia X10 and VIVAZ phones.

We attended the press launch of the Xperia and ViVAZ series at Resort World Singapore. We were delighted to know that Sony Ericsson is preparing an update of the Android phones to Android 2.x in Q3 2010. Although it is not official as it could be brought forward, it is an assurance from Sony Ericsson that the Xperia X10 will surely get an update most probably over the air in the 2nd hald of this year.

For those who have been waiting for the Sony Ericsson VIVAZ, we have a piece of good news for you. This 8 megapixel HD 720p camera phone will go on sale this Thursday.

Recommended retail price: S$798 without contract

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ will be available from 11 March at the IT Show2010 and at all Sony Ericsson authorized retailers.

Sony Ericsson mobile roadmap for 2010

Mr Vautier of Sony Ericsson revealed more about Sony Ericsson’s mobile plans for year 2010 after the hiccups of Aino and Satio in 2009 in an interview with mobiletoday uk.

In the interview, Mr Vautier will focus on a very narrow, focused portfolio for the higher value segment.

Two of such products are the Xperia X10 and Vivaz. It fuses communication and entertainment with Timescape and Mediascape. It differentiates and help Sony Ericsson provide a better user experience for their products.

There are 5 key products to be launched by Q2. There will be a number of Walkman phones. There will be a total of 14 to 16 key devices in 2010.

On what platform will Sony Ericsson focus on, Mr Vautier said that they will Android, Symbian and Microsoft, underneath they will have their own OSE platform.

It remains to be seen how Sony Ericsson will use Mediasape and Timescape on Windows Mobile 7 as Microsoft wanted a unified interface across all brands running its OS.

For readers who wants to share out their mobile broadband using the SIM card from the telco, Zyxel will be offering a series of 3G wireless routers at IT SHOW 2010. You can read about the offers at this forum link (for discussions as well).

On the other hand, Sony will be showcasing its 3D TV on a 200 inch screen. Don’t miss the opportunity to view it from Thursday onwards at IT SHOW 2010 at SUNTEC.

What to look for at IT SHOW 2010 (11-14 Mar 2010)

We have a IT show every quarter in Singapore. In a few days time, we will have the IT SHow 2010. To be held at Suntec, this event will span 5 floors where most of the telcos, IT vendors will showcase and clear their stocks at rock bottom prices.

In fact, IT show 2010 is also a good time for manufacturers to showcase some new products. Sony for example, will be showcasing its 3D TV that is scheduled to launch in the 3rd quarter of this year. (You can read about our coverage of the SONY 3D BRAVIA LCD TV here). iCell, the local wireless@SG operator would also be selling its own brand e-reader at the show. Do watch out for it.

For students, it is also a good time to bring back a cheap netbook or notebook as most vendors will be selling their latest Atom and Core i3/Core i5 Intel notebooks at the show. The best steal would still be the AMD based notebooks which are generally way cheaper than the INtel counterparts.

On the mobile front, the 3 telcos will be fighting one another for customers to expand their user base. We wouldn’t be surprise if they bundle more goodies for mobile broadband, fixed line broadband, IPTV/Cable TV and voice lines for better deals.

So watch out for more news and price list information in our forum at this link http://forums.ocworkbench.com/forumdisplay.php?f=77

Reuters news quote that Apple Inc said the first iPads will be in US stores on April 3rd. Apple announced on last Friday that the tablet will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.

Apple said that an iBooks application for the iPad which will compete with the Kindle would be available as a free download on April 3.

The U.S. launch date for the iPad model with short-range Wi-Fi wireless links, starting at a price tag of $499, is slightly later than the previously expected late March launch.

Beginning March 12, U.S. consumers will be able to go to Apple’s website to preorder both the Wi-Fi-only model and the version with 3G and Wi-Fi, or reserve a device to pick up at a store on April 3.

It resembles the Amazon Kindle. 

The EB10 is based on Samsung 6410 667 MHz processor. It has 128MB NAND Flash+ 128MB SDRAM.

It has a 800×600 screen with 16 levels of grayscale powered by Epson S1D13521 display controller and Wolfson WM8753 audio controller

The current model run on Windows CE 6.0 RC2 / Linux kernel 2.6.1 and it is Android OS ready.
Battery power at 1000mAh.

3G, 3.5G and now 3.95G or LTE we call it. In a technical preview of LTE by MobileOne (M1) Singapore, we were able to witness the strength of this new mobile technology which will be “long term” for operator M1.

We also witness how it streams 1080P HD video without delays, file transfers and speedtests run on it. So, how does it perform, is it capable of reaching 100Mbps (CAT 3) ? Check out the article for more

Read about M1’s LTE performance and plans

2 March 2010 – Nokia today unveiled the Nokia C5, a smartphone optimized for social networking and sharing. The compact device includes access to Nokia’s range of mobile services, such as free navigation, in one affordable package.

With direct access to favorite contacts on the device homescreen and Facebook status updates visible from the phonebook, the Nokia C5 keeps people connected with the ones who matter the most. Accessing social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, is fast and easy, while instant messaging and email accounts from Ovi Mail and other email providers are available through Nokia Messaging. Loaded with a 3.2 megapixel camera, a 2GB memory card that comes in-box and high speed data connection for effortless uploading of photos and videos to various online communities, the Nokia C5 delivers an outstanding sharing experience.

The Nokia C5 offers the latest version of Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation, including location sharing with Facebook friends. The Nokia C5 also provides fast web browsing, allowing easy access to favorite Internet sites, Ovi Music*) and a range of applications through the Ovi Store.

The Nokia C5 is expected to begin shipping in select markets during the second quarter of 2010.

The new Cseries represents the heart of Nokia portfolio, focusing on social interaction between friends and family.

Data speed barrier for mobile users broken at CeBIT
Deutsche Telekom and Nokia Siemens Networks demo 42Mbps downlink speeds on standards based 2010 software for 3G mobile broadband, using HSPA+

Deutsche Telekom and Nokia Siemens Networks have conducted an HSPA+ data call with peak throughput of 42 Mbps over a standards based 3G network at the CeBIT 2010 fair held in Hannover, Germany. The demonstration highlights the availability of faster mobile broadband services and more efficient use of spectrum to support the growing numbers of mobile laptop and smart device users.

Increasing smart device usage, coupled with people’s preference for mobile internet access, is driving a tremendous increase in mobile data traffic. In order to address this growth, operators need to optimize their existing network infrastructure.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ demonstration highlights how it can increase existing base station capacity with a simple software upgrade, enabling mobile operators to offer an improved user experience through doubling the average user’s connection speed.

The 42Mbps data call was made using a Dual Cell HSPA+ platform based on Nokia Siemens Networks’ commercial Flexi Multiradio Base Station and USB modems using Qualcomm’s MDM8220™ chipset.

“Our HSPA+ innovation can bring higher speeds and improved network efficiency,” said Thomas Jul, head of the Customer Business Team Deutsche Telekom at Nokia Siemens Networks. “This will greatly improve the experience for consumers using smart devices and data cards as they will be able to enjoy advanced broadband services.”