We've seen the new Android-based
XPERIA X10 from Sony Ericsson at a
fast pace and a
snail's pace, but have we ever seen it so stunningly middle of the road? We just got a chance to play with the phone in person for the second time, and from our random sampling of three or four different handsets, it seems that performance is very contingent upon how much content is loaded into the device and what particular thing it's trying to perform. Sometimes we'd fly through the stacks of faces, while other times we'd sit there waiting for the simplest thumbnails to load up. The good news is that we have until next year to see this thing really come together, and the word is that the software is improving and a rapid pace. The big change about this phone is the "Nexus" UX platform, which actually all takes place in two "apps" at the moment, Timescape and Mediascape. Timescape is an integrated view for social networking and messaging, with an "infinite view" to see all types of communications for a particular person, while Mediascape is a more tame media app with a modicum of internet and social integration. It all seems very logically placed, and we like the fact that SE hasn't really sacrificed the Android experience -- you can still do Gmail and the Android Market and so forth, with very familiar UIs -- but it's going to have to be a lot more bulletproof before it hits the market if Sony Ericsson really expects us to use this day to day. Oh, also: the soft keyboard is terrible. We hear they're working on it, but boy does it need work.
Update: We've added the video below, go check it out!
posted Nov 18th 2009 3:03PM
I kinda dont like how the font seems to be really thin and almost invisible. glad to see Sony on the Android track though.
This UI is going to evolve and adapt over time, so I would think (or at least hope) that Sony Ericsson will change the kinks and minor technicalities in future releases.
Just like the X1 did..
Sure.
It's funny you should say that, I actually own a X1 (and I love it) sure, it has its faults, but I don't think I can blame Sony Ericsson for those, the faults I notice are poor build quality (blame HTC) and horrendous lag/freezing (blame WinMo) the only thing Sony Ericsson brought to the X1 was the Panels concept which I thought was ok, but a novelty more than a necessity.
If it's a UI problem then it's on Sony Ericsson. I have a whole bunch of choices available at upgrade time but as I'd like to see what Android is all about (having used Symbian and Windows already) my choices are narrowed down to the HTC Hero and the X10, and if this lag is overcome in the final build then my decision is made.
Sorry for my excessive use of brackets. =D
Im a big fan of sony, and would give my iphone up for this phone. But at 3:43...smh this guy pressed a bunch of buttons and it never responded. I hope they fix that in the final version
Please, no more xperia x10 stuff until the final product comes out! Every time I see a video or read someone's impressions of the device, there's usually nothing to praise except for its "brilliant" screen. The phone appears laggy or unresponsive. It's breaking my heart because I really want this device to be a smash hit.
they shouldn't let people who've never used a touchscreen to demo upcoming phones. the guy should learn the basics of swiping a finger across the screen. regardless, i'm excited about the improving software builds on the X10.
Looks nice on the outside.
It doesnt seem laggy to me. The guy doesnt know what he is doing, and wants to blame the phone...lol
Lol, you guys blaming the user of the phone is like the user blaming the phone. Point is, no one should have to "know" what they are doing to use a touch screen device. It's all rather self explanatory. The phone's software just needs some work is all, and it still has months to go. Also, I'm willing to bet the guy knows how to use a phone. That's why he has the job he has.
The Guys hands are shaking, he is so nervous...What's wrong with Engadget- could they not have someone else with less shaky hands do this!
Just watched the video and the guy behind the camerea doesn't know what the hell he is doing!! Plus,when scrolling,MOST PEOPLE USE THEIR FORE FINGER,NOT THEIR THUMB! HELLO!!!?? Plus with all teh background noise I couldn't understand what the hell he was saying. I'm still on the fence about getting these "smartphones". All I know is that some Pakis in the city (New York,of course) were selling the X1 for around $500. I gues I would like one,but I'm still holding off. Of course,I have at&t,so even getting one of these unlocked SE phones might be a good thing.