Sony Ericsson's 'N95 killer' - the G705

Hmm, let's see, a slider with a large screen, GPS, Wi-Fi and a decent camera - it's the Nokia N95, right? Wrong, it's Sony Ericsson's new G705, a phone it claims will help you "stay organised the stylish" - much like the N95 did two years ago.

Still, if the G705 can do it without crashing, without draining the battery in half a day and with a GPS that actually works, we're still interested. And Sony Ericsson's added a few tricks to perk said interest - like a tie-in with YouTube to give direct video uploads and a partnership with Google for performing searches directly from the phone's home screen. Nice.

In place of Nokia Maps you get a copy of Wayfinder for all your sat nav needs. On the downside the phone only comes with a 1GB Memory Stick Micro and the camera's a comparatively lowly 3.2mp

Also announced is a slightly tweaked version, the G705u, exclusive to Orange. It adds UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) to the mix of acronyms, allowing the phone to make calls via Wi-Fi networks. The launch ties in nicely with Orange's new Unik service, also announced today. Orange Press Office didn't know much about it when we rang but Cellular News reports it will, "allow customers to use a single handset to make calls by seamlessly switching from fixed Wi-Fi to cellular networks as they leave or enter their home or office," a la BT Fusion.

The G705 will be out in October in Silky Gold or Majestic Black. The G705u will be out around the same time in Luminous Black. No word yet on pricing but we're guessing it'll be around the mid-range area.

Press Release - scroll down for more images:

Live your life to the full with the new Sony Ericsson G705
 
 
Get your own personal assistant with the new Sony Ericsson G705 mobile phone. The 2.4” screen enhances the premium web experience, whether you are searching Google™ direct from your idle screen, checking emails through the phone’s Exchange ActiveSync™ capabilities or using Wi-Fi™ to access the latest news. The G705 lets you juggle your day the easy way.
 
September 9, 2008 – This elegant slider phone, complete with large 2.4” screen, allows users to surf the internet at high speed with turbo 3G and its full HTML browser– just use the shortcut key and you’re straight through to Google™ search from the idle screen. Page a bit too small? Use the illuminated zoom web shortcut key or just tilt the phone and it automatically switches to landscape view.
 
“The G705 is ideal for those who need a bit of help organising their busy life.” said Catherine Cherry, Global product marketing manager at Sony Ericsson. “This life-enhancing phone has everything you need to keep track of your daily activities and is perfect for keeping in touch with friends. It also allows you to stay fully up-to-date thanks to the full HTML browser, email support, and desktop RSS feeds - all delivered at turbo 3G speeds.”
 
The G705 keeps you updated with the information most important to you via RSS feeds that are delivered straight to your phone’s desktop. Whether its sport scores or news from around the world, be the first to break that story to friends or work colleagues. Complete with 3.2 megapixel camera and video capabilities, upload your favourite and funny moments straight to the web for friends all over the world to see. Time to relax? Use the phone’s Wi-Fi™ connection to upload pictures, create a picture blog or download music and videos from your favourite web sites. Entertain your friends and family with all your great images on the 1GB memory card, or relax with the sounds you want through the built-in FM radio.
 
On your way to an important meeting but can’t find your way? The inbuilt aGPS combined with Google Maps™ for Mobile and Wayfinder™ navigation means that you will never have to ask for directions again – and it will even help you find a restaurant or bar to relax with friends and family.
 
Also announced today is the G705u, the first UMA enabled phone from Sony Ericsson. UMA enables users to seamlessly roam between the mobile network and local area networks thanks to GSM/Wi-Fi™ dual capabilities. The G705u is exclusive to the operator Orange in its territories.
 
In addition, Sony Ericsson is pleased to today announce a partnership with Google™ meaning that YouTube™ will be integrated into selected upcoming models from Sony Ericsson. This capability will allow users to instantly download and upload video directly from their phone to YouTube™. The G705 will be YouTube™ compatible and further models will be announced at a later stage.
 
The new G705
Stay one step ahead of the rest
 
· Large 2.4” screen – view websites and emails with high clarity
· HTML browser – surf the net how it was meant to be
· Automatic rotation – switch from portrait to landscape with just a tilt of the phone
· Google™ shortcut key – Go to Google™ from the idle screen with one key press
· Inbuilt aGPS combined with Google Maps™ for Mobile and Wayfinder™ – never get lost again
· Wi-Fi™ and DLNA certified™ – connect the way you want
· 3.2 megapixel camera – snap and share your favourite images via Bluetooth™
· YouTube™ compatible – upload videos or download favourite clips
 
Ditch the filofax and stay organised the stylish way with the G705.
 
The G705 and G705u (exclusive to Orange) support GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSDPA 2100. G705 will be available in selected markets from early Q4 in the colours Silky Gold or Majestic Black. G705u (exclusive to Orange) will be available from early Q4 in the colour Luminous Black.
 
- ENDS –
 
The Sony Ericsson G705 at a glance
 

Camera:

3.2 megapixel camera
Up to 3.2x digital zoom
Photo fix
Photo light
Video light
Video recording
Picture blogging
PictBridge printing
Video blogging
x-Pict Story™

Music/Entertainment:
 
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Media player
Mega Bass™
TrackID™
PlayNow™
Album Art
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
3D games
Java™
FM Radio
Video streaming
Video viewing

Web/Internet:

Full HTML browser with auto rotate
RSS feeds on desktop
Photo feeds
Web shortcut keys

Communication & Messaging:

Speakerphone
Polyphonic ringtones
Vibrating alert
Video calling
Email
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
Instant messaging
Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync™

Design:

Navigation key
Auto rotate
Picture wallpaper
Wallpaper animation

Connectivity:

Bluetooth™ technology
Modem
Synchronisation
USB mass storage
USB support
Wi-Fi™
DLNA Certified™

Organiser:

Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Flight mode
Notes
Phone book
Stopwatch
Tasks
Timer

Location-based service:

aGPS
Geo tagging of photos
Inbuilt aGPS
Google Maps™
Wayfinder™ navigation (three month trial version)

Accessories:

In-Box
· Battery
· Battery Charger
· 1GB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)
· USB cable
· Stereo PHF
· Sony Ericsson PC Suite
· Media manager
· User guide
 
Optional
· Bluetooth™ Headset HBH-PV720
· Stereo Bluetooth Headset™ HBH-DS205
· Desk Stand CDS-75

Facts and Figures:

Size: 95 x 47 x 14.3 mm
Weight: 98 grams
Colours:
· Silky Gold
· Majestic Black
· Luminous Black (G705u only)
Screen: 262,144 colour TFT
Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels
Size: 2.4 inches
Phone memory: Up to 120MB
Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) support
Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 10 hrs
Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 400 hrs
Talk time UMTS: Up to 4 hours
Standby time UMTS: Up to 350 hours
Video talk time: Up to 3 hours

Availability and versions
 
G705 and G705u:
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSDPA 2100
 
Available in selected markets from early Q4 2008.