As the launch of Xperia S approaches and the Sony buy-out of Sony Ericsson is completed today, Sony has spoken to What Mobile about the new features of their first phone under the Sony Mobile Communications brand.
In the interview, Matt Beavis – Head of PR and Sponsorship for Sony Ericsson – let slip that there would be more devices released under the ‘Xperia’ brand name, perhaps suggesting that a new wave of tablet and connected devices could be released under the Xperia name.
Asked whether he thought the Xperia name would be the dominant name for all future Sony phones, Beavis said “it is more than likely that there will be other devices launched under the Xperia brand but ones which fall into a different series. Our iconic design for Xperia, bringing the screen to the forefront, will be prevalent throughout so consumers will hopefully instantly recognise a device as Sony, even without seeing any logos”.
Beavis went on to explain that multi-screen viewing and and interactivity are the key USPs that Sony are offering consumers, above screen size and battery life.
You can read our full Xperia S interview below.
What Mobile: The Xperia S has advanced accessories. Do you think consumers demand more from accessories as a way of making a smartphone more than just a phone, replacing laptops and other connected devices?
Matt Beavis: It’s not to replace other devices but offers additional convenience and customisation for consumers. In fact, our strategy is to be a cornerstone of Sony’s offerings – meaning a connected PC, TV, tablet and smartphone experience for consumers.
WM: Do you think we’ve reached a high-point of what can be achieved with cameras on smartphones?
MB: I like to be a little more optimistic than to say we’ve reached a high point of what can be achieved – being part of the wider Sony family means we can potentially benefit from some of the new technology for our Sony SLR and video cameras.
WM: The PlayStation Suite and Sony Entertainment Network is a key part of what Sony devices offer – how will this evolve in 2012?
MB: As the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Suite roll-out over the course of this year, more content will become available for PlayStation Certified Xperia devices. As we continue to become more deeply integrated into the Sony family, we can look forward to opportunities for deeper collaboration in gaming and across all our entertainment propositions.
WM: A lot of importance has been placed on the Xperia S screen resolution – can you tell us about the new technology?
MB: The 4.3 inch HD screen is powered by the Mobile Bravia engine and the pixel density of 342 ppi gives sharp clarity. The Xperia S also lets you experience everything in HD, so the consumer will have a stunning viewing experience with a high resolution screen. It comes with 720p HD Reality Display, rear camera with 1080p full HD video recording, 780p HD forward facing camera, HD gaming and HDMI connectivity to enable you to enjoy your content on the big screen.
WM: Is there any planned integration with PlayStation Vita? Does the consumer understand the difference between Android games and PlayStation Suite games yet?
MB: Content created using the PlayStation Suite will be fully compatible across all PlayStation Certified devices and PS Vita. Access to the content will be through the PlayStation Store. With regards to gaming, we have built up a great combination of optimised Android games for Xperia, generic Android games and games from PS suite.
WM: Do you think Android devices offer greater connectivity with a wider range of products in the home – Apple has a very closed shop in terms of TV connectivity to TV and Hi-Fi systems?
MB: We can’t comment on competitors, but for Sony, our aim is to give our Xperia smartphones the ability to connect with multiple devices, irrespective of manufacturer. Whether it’s through HDMI-out or through DLNA, the future for us is about allowing consumers to share their experiences and content wherever they are and on whatever screen is most convenient.
WM: Processor power doubles every 18 months within smartphones – is there a limit at which point the general consumer fails to see the difference?
MB: Today we see a clear consumer demand for faster processor power. Whether it will continue at the same pace is difficult to tell today.
WM: The watch is a new kind of accessory – do you see it as a fashion statement or a more essential add-on?
MB: We hope it’s a mixture of the two. It’s a product that stands out, but also provides real functionality as it adds another level of convenience and customisation for consumers. It is actually a follow up to last year’s LiveView and we have improved it further by adding features like multi-touch. You can access text messages, social media updates and manage calls or music via Bluetooth without having to get their Xperia out of their pocket or bag. They can also download applications using LiveWare manager; such as sports applications when out running, or a camera remote to take a picture.
WM: What is the biggest USP for consumers at the moment in smartphones – connectivity, battery life or screen size?
MB: Multi-screen viewing and interactivity. Smartphones allow the consumer to watch, interact and share their entertainment on the best screen available to them at that time.
WM: Will future Sony phones be developed by the team behind Tablet S and Tablet P devices or is there an individual team dedicated to phones – rather than TVs and tablets?
MB: The Android based Sony tablet complements our range of Xperia smartphones and they have different teams behind each product range. However, under the Sony family we enjoy close collaboration when it comes to product development and this helps us to differentiate and add appealing features to our respective products.
WM: How will the Xperia range of phones develop – will ‘Xperia’ be the dominant name for all Sony phones going forwards?
MB: Xperia is the brand for Sony smartphones moving forward. It is our intention to announce further family members to the NXT Series that Xperia S belongs to. Plus, “it is more than likely that there will be other devices launched under the Xperia brand but ones which fall into a different series. Our iconic design for Xperia, bringing the screen to the forefront, will be prevalent throughout so consumers will hopefully instantly recognise a device as Sony, even without seeing any logos.
