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Sony-Ericsson publishes XPERIA X1 white paper! Wowz!

I’ve published several articles on Sony Ericsson’s forthcoming Windows Mobile device, the XPERIA X1. Up until now, little had been known of the capabilities of the phone. Now, the S-E folks have just published a white paper, which answers several (but not all!) questions.
It is available HERE for download as a PDF document. (Just enter the anti-denial of service four characters in the input field for access.) The best news is that, according to InfoSyncWorld, it’s coming in August 2008 – that is, earlier than most have thought.
Some of the most interesting stuff the old, MWC / CEBIT leaflets / presentations didn’t provide an answer to and/or could have been improved upon the first prototypes:
- it has a TFT LCD, NOT an OLED screen (some people stated it’d have OLED)
- it seems to have a traditional D-pad in addition to the touchpad if and only if "Four way key - to navigate menus" (see page 7) is what this means. Very good news for most people (see my generic remarks on the issue in my i780 article on touchpads.)
- the camera has both auto-focus and touch focus touch focus. The latter allows for quick focusing on the object you press on the touchscreen - clearly a clever way of focusing to out-of-focus subjects as quickly as possible. However, it seems it won’t have lens protection, unlike the Nokia N95 / N82 (the current top-end Smartphone camera model) and, generally, seems to be weaker.
- as far as the video recording capabilities are concerned, the video size (resolution) and frame rate are VGA and 30 fps, respectively for the non-US model; for the US model, this is QVGA and 24 fps only. Frankly, I just don’t get the point in so severely a dumbed down US model... Did the Sony people go crazy?! Not that I would except Nokia quality shots from the camera (no lens protector and the lens itself seems to be pretty weak), but 30 fps VGA is, today, a MUST in any decent smartphone; therefore, I just don’t understand why they plan to release a device for the US market with such specs. (Nevertheless, I’m absolutely sure some hackers / ROM cookers will be able to enable the American model to operate in VGA mode – if nothing else works, by flashing an European ROM on it.)
- it supports ("Media sharing is compatible with DLNA." on page 6) DLNA (see THIS), which is the first on Windows Mobile (unless you use a DLNA-compatible client). See my UPnP Bible for more info on it.
- it, in addition to the worldwide 3G bands, also supports most (but not all, as it's only tri-band) of the US 3G bands (but, of course, not the forthcoming, absolutely incompatible T-Mobile one); that is, most people in the US will get HSDPA coverage with either bands. This is definitely good news.
- according to page 27, the US version doesn’t support H.264 playback either. (See the H.264 Bible for more info.) Interestingly, the non-US version supports the H.264 Baseline profile.
- according to Page 26, the built-in music player supports eAAC+; that is, HE-AACv2. (I REALLY hope Sony didn’t mess up with the different versions in here.) This means the music player will be something much better than the built-in WMP in Windows Mobile 6 Professional, which doesn’t support this format. (See THIS for more info on this question.) At last some good news for us HE-AACv2 fans using Windows Mobile devices – I may even stop using my N95 as a HE-AACv2 player? ;-)
Note that
- it’s still not known whether it will have 3D hardware acceleration or not. Page 4, which is almost the same as the one in the original MWC leaflet, only lists “HW 3D Graphics” and, unlike most? all? the other list elements, it’s not elaborated on later either. There's a related remark ("3D fish Panel: A cool panel which will showcase the 3D features of the phone (A fish tank with 3D fishes).") on page 6, which MIGHT mean it indeed has hardware acceleration. Again, it is still to be seen whether it's true and whether it has hardware acceleration or not.
- it’s not known whether the built-in MIDlet manager supports Java 3D or not (see “N/A” in the Java 3D row on page 27). Given that the latest, 3.1+ Esmertec Jbed versions all support Java 3D (so far, without hardware acceleration because of the lacking Qualcomm drivers on HTC’s own phones), this MIGHT mean it uses either a non-Esmertec MIDlet manager or a non-3D-capable one. (Not that it’d be hard to install the latest Jbed on it... Still, it might not have support for the 3D hardware acceleration, if any – unlike, say, the Nokia N95 / N82, where hardware accelerated 3D games work just great.) (See the MIDlet Bible for more info.)

Menneisyys said:
- as far as the video recording capabilities are concerned, the video size (resolution) and frame rate are VGA and 30 fps, respectively for the non-US model; for the US model, this is QVGA and 24 fps only. Frankly, I just don’t get the point in so severely a dumbed down US model... Did the Sony people go crazy?!
- according to page 27, the US version doesn’t support H.264 playback either. (See the H.264 Bible for more info.) Interestingly, the non-US version supports the H.264 Baseline profile.
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These are likely patent related issues.
Surur

I cant see whether its windows 6.1 or 6.1+?

As Surur stated, it's very likely that the difference between the US and European version are related to Patent issues.
As for 3D I've seen a few videos where the SE rep talked about 3D, not to mention having a panel to show off it's 3D capabilities, add to that that HTC says they will have 3D acceleration in future models, it all points to the device most likely having 3D accelerated support.
The most upsetting thing is the touch panel, such a beautiful with an amazing 800x400. For me it's both exciting a and frustrating. The resolution makes pretty much any web site viewable without fiddling with magnification or scrolling around the page. Terminal Services will be even more useable than on a 640x480 display. It's all good as long as you can see it. I guess people will have to wait until the sun goes down
I've said this before but the more I play with an IPhone or Ipod Touch, the more I wish that the Xperia or any Windows Mobile device for that matter had a Capacitive Screen. Not only does it make finger touch cababilities much better. I was playing with an Ipod Touch outside yesterday, it was very sunny. I pulled out my HTC P3600 and compared the screen. The P3600 was unviewable, even with my hand providing some shade, I could still barely see the screen. The IPod Touch screen on the other hand, it was perfectly viewable even with the screen facing the sun.
It's frustrating as hell, I am looking forward to the Xperia, finally a device that isn't missing one feature, high resolution display, 128 megs ram, all radios, even a decent form factor. I'm not a fan of Qwerty keyboards and would like a thinner model (maybe X2) without the keyboard but it's still thinner than my P3600. Still, I'm considering switching to an IPhone. Even with all the limitations and things that I would be missing, the screen and touch goes from frustrating to enjoyable compared to my WM devices.
They should have at least had an OLED display.

Dream Phone Literally " Wishlist "

I was wondering what would be a DREAM Phone could be like which can be reality with todays tech or 2 yrs from now.
Keeping HTC HD2 Specs as standard, what the other features you would like to see in future Phone of HTC's.
To keep it easy i have some ideas (may be stolen )
Suggest yours (Be realistic - dont suggest a 10X optical zoom cam or a mini drilling machine.)
Video Out analog + digital
USB Host
FM Transmitter
Thermometer + Humudity ctrl would be a plus
Dual Sim in world phone mode
Battery larger than 1500 Mhz
Solar Charger
HD Videos Player
3D Graphics Engine with HW acceleration
Four Hardware buttons near edges for Playing Games

I don't mean to be rude, but your list doesn't get close to the sort of things that I would like to see in ideal a device. In no particular order:
Picture Camera; 3-5mp No more than 5 as too many pixels for a small sensor would render the pictures too noisy. Decent optics and a proper flash (not LED) with manual as well as auto. Digital only zoom would be fine, with the option to specify size/resolution. Able to record HD video with zoom (without assisted lighting).
Front Camera; for voice calls, but more importantly available as a webcam for voip and messaging applications. 640x480 and capable of 25fps. Able to record.
GPS; assisted GPS with voice turn by turn navigation software, downloadable maps of all available territories, capable of walking and cycling modes as well as driving.
Compass; to assist the above standalone as a walking tool and also integrated with the GPS for streetview.
FM radio; not requiring headset as aerial so it can be played through the device speaker(s) or a bluetooth headset. FM transmitter.
Video; able to play HD video and support for accelerated flash videos.
Connectors; HD Video out, stereo out via standard 3.5" jack. USB connector for charging and supporting USB host.
IR; transmitter receiver with programmable (both the IR codes and the button appearance and grouping) multi-device remote control application. Good range transmitter.
Screen; Large resolution (capable of widescreen HD) AMOLED capacitive touch screen with a small capacitive compatible stylus built in to the phone.
Phone; Voice and video phone with integrated Voip. Dual Sim where both can be active (with separate controls for ring, vibrate, and silent) or individually disabled and password protected.
Sound; stereo with decent bass and volume. Full media player including video, audio, and lossless formats.
Networking; GSM and 3G with top current specs and multi-band (ideally able to support voice and data in Europe, Japan, and the USA - although this is a point that can be compromised on given its impracticality). Wireless-n compatible wifi. Tethering (and ethernet) via bluetooth and USB port.
Memory; large program memory (1GB?), large ROM for OS and built-in apps, large storage (16Gb) microSD slot (HCSD high speed).
Processor; 1.5Gb Snapdragon.
Barrery; large capacity >12hrs talk time >240hrs standby >6hrs video playback
OS: Linux kernel with root access android.
Form factor; Like the Touch HD.
Now although close, this is unachievable at present (combining form factor and battery life for example). I strongly doubt anything like it will exist any time soon (despite the wishlist not being that outrageous on an individual item by item basis). It would be ideal, though.

My old SPV e100 had a thermometer!
Id like TV out. I plug the laptop into the tv, but then I cant browse the net! Nightmare!

I don't mean to be rude, but your list doesn't get close to the sort of things that I would like to see in ideal a device. In no particular order:
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No Problem Mate : Even i was thinking the same after posting.
However i agree with your ideal device exept i just want it to be running Win Os as i use a pc a lot so hacking / modifing is lot easier.
now coming to the post...
USB host with video out (digital) can completely elminate netbook / notebooks as we can connect a full desktop keybaord adn monitor ...few ppl at my work place hav asked for such technology...

My wishlist for a dream device
2Ghz processor
1Gb RAM
HTC Universal unbeatable form factor
4" VGA pivoting screen
Slim and nice design
A hardware keyboard
5Mpx camera
Front VGA camera
quadband
3G capable in México
Included all the great business features in Rhodium, like conference call
Maybe 2012.........

I want a usb port so i can plug in flash drives and extra hard ware. i also want at least dual micro sd card slots.
and i want it to look similar to the universal but with a screen that nearly takes up the whole lid plus more hard ware buttons.

Based on nexus one hardware (OLED 480*800, good memory, processor), i.e. best features of HD2 and Omnia 2
More hardware buttons (possibly detachable)
3.5mm audio line-in
Compass (good idea trendend)
Dual microsd slots (giving 2*32Gb storage)
USB host (unlikely!)
Software:
Nice new Windows Mobile without the niggles
An audio application 1/10 as good as rockbox
A working version of skype
A proper Onenote mobile, syncing to the cloud
Gaming platform (not that I'd use it, but it would help WM to progress)

Some things I don't see the need for:
FM radio: obsolete with internet?
Video out: I guess this is for showing off to friends, but are you likely to have the right cable to hand?
Thermometer/humidity: does this integrate with anything else the phone does? Otherwise just get an analog one and glue it to your phone!

CSMR said:
Some things I don't see the need for:
FM radio: obsolete with internet?
Video out: I guess this is for showing off to friends, but are you likely to have the right cable to hand?
Thermometer/humidity: does this integrate with anything else the phone does? Otherwise just get an analog one and glue it to your phone!
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Click to collapse
FM Radio is ubiquitous and of high quality. Still the best option for local news and sport as well as traffic reports. I like FM radio and don't want to carry a separate device. Video out becomes more useful when the device can record video. Shoot video, edit it, show it on a big screen. I'd rather carry a cable than another dedicated device and a cable.
As for temperature/humidity. I'm not particularly interested in it built into the device, because calibration could be a nightmare (given the device itself generates heat). I could be interested in remote devices (that connect via the USB host, perhaps?) with the likes of themocouples, pressure sensors, heart rate monitors, pulse oximeters. That could be useful with the right software....
I'm talking about my dream device. I do not require you to subscribe to my dreams. In return I'll stay out of yours.

Not perfect, but I'd probably settle for Something like this. Except with android.

The particular Android Cellphones regarding Summertime Vacation

Check out the i5500 is equipped with Android Only two.1 functioning program. It utilizes a 600MHz model. The memory setup is actually 256MB Range of motion 128MB Random access memory, therefore the running velocity is just not sluggish for people. It can assist micro-SDHC credit card slot and possesses a built in Two million mega-pixel camera. This doesn't support auto-focus along with flash nonetheless it could meet the regular capturing requires. The common 1200mAh lithium battery has a good battery life overall performance.
ZTE V880 comes with Android os Two.Two operating-system. It works on the 600MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 processor chip. We have an unbiased Adreno200 Graphics processing unit and also the recollection settings is actually 256MB Memory 512MB Range of motion, and so the working pace is fine for some. It has a integrated 320W pixel camera this means you will help GPS/AGPS routing operate. What's more, it could be appropriate for many different types of audio and video files. It could support EQ realignment, integrated Radio. And contains total enjoyment overall performance as it can certainly help TXT, Office (expression, stand out, PPT) and also Adobe Pdf browsing, Workplace document enhancing along with e-mail synchronization. The business enterprise performance is additionally spectacular. The particular 1230mAh lithium battery power could make sure the successful battery.
Atrix provides you with Android mobile phone Twnly two os. The idea uses Tagra Only two twin key processor which could provide you with the unexpected procedure knowledge. The actual built in 500W pixel photographic camera may auto focus. With a twin Directed thumb mild, it might capture 1080p degree HD movies. It could help High-definition multimedia interface and movie efficiency is quite highly effective.
Discomfort provides you with Android os Only two.Three operating-system. This makes use of MSM8260 two key cpu. The storage setup is 768MB Memory 1GB Range of motion, the actual performance is incredibly effective. The particular built in 800W pixel camera along with auto-focus plus a double Directed expensive mild can blast 1080p stage High definition videos. It could support High-definition multimedia result and SRS music technology. They have integrated GPS navigation function. With the built-in Google Routes Navigation, it may achieve the navigation services, integrated Android os Market, Yahoo Routes, Search, Googlemail, Metacafe as well as other circle support. It offer the internal Navigation receiver operate. Much like the Gps navigation data logger, it could obtain the signals from your Navigation geostationary satellites to provide us all. For your system, it might support GSM/WCDMA and the quicker HSPA network. The actual wi-fi circle surfing is extremely convenient for us. With a 1520mAh lithium battery, the particular successful battery can be ensured absolutely.

Advanced Camera app using dual pixel sensors

As many of us know that Google pixel 2 camera uses the dual pixel sensor ability for fast Autofocus as well as to get depth of field. Again face and body recognition algorithms are used to get dslr like portrait not using the dual camera but the same single camera. Dual pixels help in separating the person in focus from background, resulting amazing portraits..
Can the same features be implemented in a camera app that can utilise dual pixel sensors of phones like s7, note 8, x4, g5 plus and others to achieve similar results?
A new app may be.. Or we are waiting to port the pixel 2's camera app?
P. S. Please don't limit to sd 820,830 processors like the Google camera mod for hdr+ app. :laugh:
Here's an extract from petapixel post for better understanding of the new and the best ever Google Pixel camera:
Each pixel on the sensor has a “left and right split,” something that gives the sensor greater capabilities for depth of field and autofocus. This means that the camera’s sensor has two images, from slightly different perspectives, of the world in front of it. Consequently, the Pixel 2 can create a depth map and allow for shallow depth of field effects in its “Portrait Mode.”
Then there’s HDR+, which uses an algorithm that allows the tiny sensor to “act like a really big one,” introducing greater dynamic range. It combines several photos together with different exposures like a standard HDR image, but HDR+ also looks to realign each frame to avoid ghosting.
YouTube video "youtu.be/PIbeiddq_CQ"

Can an additional camera sensor attached via USB-C be read by apps via current APIs?

ok... so totally crazy idea. Hypothetically speaking, what if there is a way to attach a much larger camera sensor (eg. APS-C size with e-mount) onto a fast SD865 phone (or future) via usb-c? And then would it be possible to have camera apps read data from it via current APIs? obviously there are alot of steps i'm missing here, but the biggest weakness in phone cameras is the sensor and there is simply no physical way to put an APS-C sized one in. The lenses would be humongous.
That said, at SOME times, especially those who are more serious into photography, being able to attach your phone to a big sensor would give you superior gear than anything that exist right now. combining the existing computation techiques with a fast processor WITH a large sensor does not exist. it's one or the other, no one has tried to do both yet (there are some old ones like Samsung Galaxy NX and currently Zeiss, but it doesnt seem like they are going to take advantage of computational tech)
Benefits:
- superior HDR with AI (most DSLRs have multi-stacked HDR but they are not as advanced as Google's)
- potentially AI HDR in video footage (no DSLRs have this , done in post)
- Enhanced artificial bokeh on top of already good bokeh to simulate medium format look
- immediate access to mobile lightroom / sharing direct to sources
- all media creation/library in one source
- utilize superior EIS to have stable footage (again, no DSLR has any good EIS tech. more focus in IBIS and OIS which is beneficial only in photos). ever tried S20 or iphone 11 pro at night? it's a noise party. In this case it would be a clean 4k footage with gimbal like EIS
it's true alot of the above can be done in POST when shooting with large sensor cameras
thoughts?