Sony Ericsson has announced its first of a "new generation" of Xperia smartphones, christened the Xperia arc. The super-slim device measures 8.7 mm at its thinnest point and weighs just 117 grams. It packs:

  • 1GHz Qualcomm processor
  • 4.2" 854 x 480 display
  • 8.1 MP camera (with HD video recording and LED flash)
  • 8GB microSD (upgradeable to 32GB)
  • FM radio, Bluetooth, and GPS
  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

 Engadget managed to spend some time with the Xperia arc, and they highlighted the fact that it's "really thin."

Sony Ericsson phones generally have better-than-average cameras and the arc appears to be no exception: it ships with the "Exmor R" mobile sensor with a f/2.4 lens, enabling "the capture of high quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light."

Just a short while ago, Sony Ericsson confirmed that they would not be updating their Xperia X10 line of smartphones beyond Android 2.1 Éclair, so it's unclear whether the Xperia arc will be upgraded beyond Gingerbread.

The arc will be available in selected markets around the world, including Japan, from the first quarter of 2011.

Press Release:

06 January 2011

  • Xperia™ arc combines stunning design with Sony technology on Android™ platform version 2.3
  • Newest addition to the Xperia™ range delivers visual brilliance and the ultimate multimedia experience

January 5, 2011, Las Vegas, USA – Sony Ericsson today unveils the new Xperia™ arc smartphone with cutting edge Sony technology and an exceptional multimedia experience on the latest version of the Android™ platform - 2.3. Xperia™ arc is the first of a new generation of Xperia smartphones to be announced in 2011.
Bert Nordberg, President, Sony Ericsson said, “We’re starting strong in 2011 by introducing our most exciting Xperia™ product yet. Xperia™ arc combines state-of-the-art Sony technology with breathtaking design to entertain and wow consumers. All on the latest Android™ release.”

Xperia™ arc takes the stunning design language that Sony Ericsson has become known for to a new level. Super slim and light, Xperia™ arc is just 8.7mm at its thinnest part and has a extra wide 4.2” multi-touch screen. Created from premium materials and with a stunning arc body, this smartphone is sleek, strong and designed to fit perfectly in the user’s hand. The best of Sony technology is inside Xperia™ arc.  The Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine delivers exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image which enhances the overall entertainment experience. Furthermore, Sony’s award-winning Exmor R™ for mobile sensor with the f/2.4 lens enables the capture of high quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light. All pictures and videos can be shared in HD on your living room TV via the built in HDMI-connector.

Xperia™ arc will launch on the latest version of the Android™ platform providing access to Google Mobile Services and the myriad of applications available on the Android market. Xperia™ smartphones add best in class entertainment on top of smartphone fundamentals such as apps, maps, email and fast Internet to create the most entertaining smartphone experience.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc – Key features

  • Slim, lightweight and strong, with perfect ergonomics
  • Extra wide 4.2” multi-touch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine to ensure ultimate multimedia and viewing experiences
  • Sony Exmor R™ for mobile: for best-in-class low-light photography and video capture
  • 8.1 megapixel camera and HD video recording capability
  • Android Market™ – thousands of applications to keep you entertained

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc will be available globally in selected markets, including Japan, from Q1 in the colours Midnight Blue and Misty Silver.

Check out the Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information:http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc at a glance

Camera

  • 8.1 megapixel camera
  • Up to 2.46x smart zoom
  • Aperture f/2.4
  • Auto focus
  • Face detection
  • Flash/LED
  • Geo tagging
  • Image stabilizer
  • Noise suppression
  • Send to web
  • Smile detection
  • Sony Exmor R™ for mobile CMOS sensor
  • Touch Focus
  • Touch capture
  • Video light
  • Video recording, HD 720p

Music

  • Album art
  • Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
  • Media player
  • Music tones (MP3/AAC)
  • PlayNow™ service*
  • TrackID™ music recognition application
  • * This service may not be available in every market

Web

  • Bookmarks
  • Google™ search
  • NeoReader™ barcode scanner
  • Pan & zoom
  • Web browser (WebKit)

Communication

  • Call list
  • Conference calls
  • Facebook™ application*
  • Sony Ericsson Timescape™
  • Speakerphone
  • Vibrating alert
  • * This service may not be available in every market

Messaging

  • Conversations
  • Email
  • Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
  • Instant messaging
  • Picture messaging (MMS)
  • Predictive text input
  • Sound recorder
  • Text messaging (SMS)

Design

  • Auto rotate
  • Keyboards (onscreen, QWERTY)
  • Picture wallpaper
  • Reality display
  • Sony Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
  • Touchscreen
  • Wallpaper animation

Entertainment
* This service may not be available in every market

  • 3D games
  • Media browser
  • Motion gaming
  • Radio (FM)
  • Video streaming
  • Video viewing
  • YouTube™ *

Organiser

  • Android™ OS
  • Alarm clock
  • Calculator
  • Calendar
  • Document readers
  • Flight mode
  • Infinite button
  • Phone book

Connectivity

  • 3.5 mm audio jack
  • aGPS
  • Bluetooth™ technology
  • Google Maps™
  • HDMI
  • Modem
  • DLNA
  • USB mass storage
  • USB support
  • Wi-Fi™
  • Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation *
  • * This service may not be available in every market

Google™ services*
* These services may not be available in every market

  • Android Market™ Client
  • Gmail™
  • Google Calendar™
  • Google Gallery 3D™
  • Google Latitude™
  • Google Maps™ with Street View
  • Google Media Uploader
  • Google Music Player™
  • Google Phone-top Search
  • Google Search widget
  • Google Sync™
  • Google Talk™
  • Google Voice Search
  • Set-up Wizard
  • YouTube™

Screen

  • Sony Mobile Bravia Engine
  • 16,777,216 colour TFT
  • Capacitive multi-touch
  • 4.2 inches
  • 854 x 480 pixels (FWVGA)
  • Shatter proof sheet on scratch-resistant mineral glass

Accessories

  • In-Box:
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc
  • Battery (1500mAh)
  • Stereo portable handsfree
  • Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
  • User documentation

Facts

  • Size: 125 x 63 x 8.7 mm
  • Weight: 117 grams
  • Phone memory: Up to 512 MB
  • Memory card support: up to 32 GB
  • Memory card included: microSD™ 8 GB
  • Operating system: Google™ Android 2.3
  • Processor: 1 GHz Qualcomm

Availability and versions

  • Networks
  • UMTS HSPA 900, 2100
  • GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
  • UMTS HSPA 800, 850, 1900, 2100
  • GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

Colour

  • Midnight Blue
  • Misty Silver

 

Credit: Sony Ericsson Product Blog