Microsoft Expands Consumer Reach of Windows Mobile Phones With Sony Ericsson
10/02/2008 22:41
PR Newswire
BARCELONA, Spain, February 10 /PRNewswire/ --
- First Windows Mobile phone from Sony Ericsson offers a premium consumer
and business experience.
Today at Mobile World Congress 2008, Microsoft Corp announced that Sony
Ericsson will deliver a new Windows Mobile phone XPERIA(TM) X1, which blends
mobile web communication and multimedia entertainment, to meet consumer
demand for a premium mobile experience for work and play.
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"People should be able to have phones that deliver what they need
throughout the day and stay connected with today's broad array of on-demand
information and entertainment no matter where they are," said Pieter Knook,
senior vice president, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. "Our shared
vision with Sony Ericsson is to make the concept of 'One Phone for Your Life'
a reality and finally give consumers the freedom of true mobility."
The XPERIA X1 from Sony Ericsson lets users choose from a dynamic range
of activities for work and play backed by the familiarity of Microsoft
Windows and extensive availability of Windows Mobile applications and
services. To be introduced in the second half of 2008, XPERIA X1 is the first
phone to realise the vision of XPERIA, a new Sony Ericsson sub-brand that
reflects a premium experience of energised communication.
XPERIA is our promise to think foremost about user experience and to
deliver on our goal of providing a true premium experience - anytime,
anywhere, anything, with anyone," said Rikko Sakaguchi, head of Portfolio and
Proposition at Sony Ericsson. "By working with Microsoft the XPERIA X1, we
have been able to couple our excellence in creating compelling consumer
propositions with the productivity capabilities of Windows Mobile to deliver
a seamless blend of mobile web communication and multimedia entertainment
within a distinctive design."
Sony Ericsson is the latest leading device manufacturer to design and
market mobile phones based on the Windows Mobile platform. The company sold
more than 100 million handsets in 2007 and excelled in sales of imaging and
music-enabled devices, such as Cyber-shot and Walkman phones. In fiscal year
2007, Microsoft sold 11 million Windows Mobile licences and expects to sell
more than 20 million licences in fiscal year 2008, making Windows Mobile a
leading smartphone platform globally. With the addition of the XPERIA X1 from
Sony Ericsson, four of the world's top five makers of mobile phones will ship
Windows Mobile devices in 2008.
"The agreement between Microsoft and Sony Ericsson is undoubtedly a
win-win for both companies," said Lars Vestergaard, research director,
European Wireless and Mobile Communications at IDC. "Marrying the power and
ease of use of the Windows Mobile platform with the advanced consumer
features Sony Ericsson is known for has the potential to reach the 'sweet
spot' for mobile phones."
The XPERIA X1 features include the following:
-- Unique arc slider with wide-pitch, easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard, 3-inch
clear wide VGA display and high-quality high-finish metal body
-- Windows Mobile, HSDPA/HSUPA and Wi-Fi(TM) support so customers can
enjoy their favourite entertainment and work efficiently on the move
-- XPERIA(TM) panels to navigate Web, multimedia and other applications
with the tip of a finger
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise
their full potential.
About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)
Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft
employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products
and services in more than 139 countries and territories.
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Web site: http://www.microsoft.com
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