Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 smartphone coming to Vodafone in October

We weren’t that impressed with the Xperia X1 , but now Sony Ericsson has announced its successor and the Xperia X2 will be on sale in the UK from October.

Judging by the photos that have been released so far, the Sony Ericcsson Xperia X2 looks like an evolution of the previous model rather than a complete redesign, and it has the same sliding keyboard design with curved tracks that tilt the screen up when its opened up.

The Xperia X2 uses the same widget-like X Panel notion as its predecessor, too (though Sony Ericsson seems to have dropped the ‘X’) — more details after the cut.

The Xperia X2 runs Windows Mobile 6.5 and has a 3.2in, 800 x 480 touch-screen — we’re guessing this is the usual resistive type rather than an iPhone-like capacitive screen. It also packs an 8.1 megapixel auto-focus camera — the full specs are below:

Sony Ericsson Xperia X2

• Screen: 3.2in (65,536 colour, 800 x 480)
• Phone memory: Up to110MB
• Memory card support: microSDHC (up to 16GB)
• Talk time GSM: Up to 10 hrs
• Standby time GSM: Up to 500 hrs
• Talk time UMTS: Up to 6hrs
• Standby time UMTS: Up to 640hrs
• Music listening time: Up to 20hrs
• Bands; GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900; UMTS/HSPA 850/1900/2100
• Size: 110 x 54 x 16 mm
• Weight: 115 grams

There’s no word on the price of the Xperia X2 yet, but will be availably exclusively from Vodafone fro October — presumably the 6th, which is when Windows Mobile 6.5/Phone officially launches.

Sony Ericsson has released a couple of videos to show off the Xperia X2 and we present them both here, followed by the Xperia X2 press release.

Live life without boundaries with the Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X2

Live life in the fast lane with the XPERIA™ X2 from Sony Ericsson, available exclusively in the UK on Vodafone. Designed for those who always need to be connected, whether it’s for business or personal life, the XPERIA™ X2 blurs the boundary between work and play.

London, UK – September 2, 2009  – Today Sony Ericsson announces the XPERIA™ X2, a new Windows® phone that offers a best in class email and multimedia experience. In the modern world where 24/7 communication is key, users can instantly synchronise their mail and calendar and open and edit Microsoft® Office Mobile documents quickly and efficiently to stay connected with colleagues wherever they are.

The XPERIA™ X2 also includes the unique SlideView feature, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities. Providing quick interaction with contacts, messages, media and more, SlideView provides an overview of missed incoming activity, notifying the user of any missed calls, e-mails and text messages so users don’t overlook an important contact.

With 14 specially designed preloaded XPERIA™ panels and 16 more to download, users can work with no boundaries with the XPERIA™ X2. From Skype, Mytopia and Google™, to games, CNN and Windows Live™, the panels ensure users are up-to-date with what matters most to them. With an improved touch interface and new 3D signature panel users also benefit from flexible desktop panels designed to categorise business, fun and communication features. Just set favourites to appear during certain times of the day and you can get the latest news in the morning, YouTube™ at lunchtime and games for the journey home.

Powered by QWERTY messaging, Windows Mobile® users can even show their presentations on the big screen with the TV out cable - the XPERIA™ X2 makes a day at the office a walk in the park.

“In the fast-moving world we live in, the need to stay connected has never been so important.” said Sumit Malhotra, marketing business manager, Sony Ericsson. “We constantly rely on our mobile phones as an extension to the office and the XPERIA™ X2 debuting with Windows Mobile® 6.5, allows users to work quickly and efficiently while on the move. The XPERIA™ X2 also features a new range of interactive panels as well as SlideView, which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities – perfect for those who need to see any missed incoming activity at a glance.”

Entertainment is not compromised on XPERIA™ X2. Enjoy amazing multimedia with the 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality and take advantage of the 8.1 megapixel camera to capture and instantly share experiences with friends and family. Personalise the panels and users can access Facebook™ to upload their party or holiday images and they can chat with friends across the world via Skype. Whether it is music, photography, email, video or gaming the XPERIA™ X2 has it all.

“Windows® phones allow people to manage their whole world – from work to home to play – on a single handset,” said Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, product management, Microsoft Corp.  “The XPERIA™ X2 taps the powerful messaging and multimedia capabilities in Windows Mobile® so customers can be in touch, productive and entertained wherever they are.”

With the need to stay connected 24/7 Sony Ericsson has designed XPERIA™ Services, a bespoke and unique after sales package designed to help XPERIA™ X2 users get the most out of their mobile phone. With a specialised technical team standing by to support busy users and talk through the outstanding features the XPERIA™ X2 has to offer, users can get help from troubleshooting to how to access their favourite websites. And if their XPERIA™ X2 stops working while they are abroad, XPERIA™ Services can replace the mobile phone via a simple phone call.

XPERIA™ Services really has been devised with the consumer in mind and to help consumers discover more about their XPERIA™ X2.

XPERIA™ X2

Live life without boundaries

• Windows Mobile® 6.5 – work on the move easier
• Make the most of the day – flexible desktop panels categorised for life: communication and fun, multimedia, business and internet
• Work without boundaries – instant synchronisation of mail, calendar powered by QWERTY keyboard messaging and Windows Mobile®
• SlideView – quick access to frequently used phone activities and overview of missed incoming activity
• Present documents on the big screen – TV out cable
• Never get stranded - XPERIA™ exclusive travel insurance
• Enjoy amazing multimedia – 3.2” high resolution touch screen and DVD quality
• 8.1 megapixel camera with Photo light – easily upload images to web albums
• Real 3D panel – 3D effects and zoom, music playback controls

Big business meeting? Arrive charged with the Car Charger AN300 – ultra fast, ultra-safe and ultra-reliable. A perfect accessory for the XPERIA™ X2, it charges 40 per cent faster than most car chargers – just plug into the cigarette lighter and go.

XPERIA™ X2 supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 850/900/2100.

XPERIA™ X2 will be available exclusively in the UK on Vodafone from early Q4 in the colours Elegant Black and Modern Silver.