Device Arena » Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson reports first quarter 2010 results

Devicer — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:43:12 +0000

Q1 Highlights:
• Company returns to profitability in Q1 2010
• ASP rises to Euro 134 as Xperia™ X10 and Vivaz™ start shipping
• Improved cost structure generates better margins
The consolidated financial summary for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB (Sony Ericsson)
for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010 is as follows:
Q1 2009 Q4 2009 Q1 2010
Number of units shipped (million) 14.5 14.6 10.5
Sales (Euro m.) 1,736 1,750 1,405
Gross margin (%) 8% 23% 31%
Operating income (Euro m.) -369 -181 20
Operating margin (%) -21% -10% 1%
Restructuring charges (Euro m.) 12 150 3
Operating income excl. restructuring charges (Euro m.) -357 -32 23
Operating margin excl. restructuring charges (%) -21% -2% 2%
Income before taxes (IBT) (Euro m.) -370 -190 18
IBT excl. restructuring charges (Euro m.) -358 -40 21
Net income (Euro m.) -293 -167 21
Average selling price (Euro) 120 120 134
Bert Nordberg, President, Sony Ericsson commented, “We are pleased to see the positive impact of
both the launch of new products and the business transformation programme improving the
company’s results. The Xperia™ X10, our first android-based Communication Entertainment device
featuring signature Sony Ericsson applications Timescape and Mediascape™, and Vivaz™, a
beautifully designed, touch-screen Symbian phone started shipping towards the end of the quarter.
Both models have been well received by global customers.” He added, “Increases in both gross and
operating margins show that we are on the right track to build the correct cost structure for our
business organization and strategy. We will continue to work through the transformation programme
to ensure that we are competitive.”
Units shipped in the quarter were 10.5 million, a decrease of 28% compared to the same period last
year, reflecting the streamlining of the portfolio over the past 12 months to focus on higher-end
phones. Sales for the quarter were Euro 1,405 million, a decrease of 19% year on year. Average
selling price (ASP) increased 12% both sequentially and year-on-year to Euro 134 during the quarter
due to good sell through of existing models, new flagship phones starting to ship at the end of the
quarter and a positive currency effect.

Gross margin rose both sequentially and year-on-year, reflecting a more favourable product mix and
the benefit of cost of sales improvements in the past year, including the resolution of certain royalty
matters during the quarter.
Income before taxes for the quarter excluding restructuring was a profit of Euro 21 million, illustrating
the positive impact of the cost reduction programme.

The transformation programme, which started in mid-2008, with the aim of reducing annual operating
expenses by Euro 880 million is continuing with the full benefit expected during the second half of
2010. Since the start of the programme, Sony Ericsson has reduced its global workforce by
approximately 3,150 people to reach a total of 8,450 by March 31, 2010. The total restructuring
charges taken to date are Euro 342 million.
As of March 31, 2010, Sony Ericsson retained a net cash position of Euro 563 million.
During the first quarter of 2010, Sony Ericsson obtained additional external funding of Euro 150
million. The funding was guaranteed by the parent companies on a 50/50 basis.
Market share in unit base for the quarter decreased by one percentage point sequentially and is now
estimated to be around 4%.
Sony Ericsson maintains a forecast of slight growth in units in the global handset market in 2010.

sony.net

Sony Ericsson showcases the beta version of WebSDK at the annual Web 2.0 conference in New York.

Devicer — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:16:52 +0000

The Sony Ericsson WebSDK is a suite of mobile development tools that allows both web and mobile developers to create applications for Sony Ericsson’s Google Android™ OS and Symbian Foundation phones.

Created in collaboration with the PhoneGap open source community, the launch of the Sony Ericsson WebSDK makes it possible to design applications for Sony Ericsson’s Google Android™ OS and Symbian Foundation devices starting with the newly announced XPERIA™ X10 and the recently launched Satio™.

“With the Sony Ericsson WebSDK our focus is on bringing all the capabilities of web technologies to mobile applications and giving web developers wide access to easy-to-use tools and mobile phone platforms.” says Christopher David, Head of Developer and Partner Engagement at Sony Ericsson. “We are driving this initiative together with the PhoneGap open source community and invite developers to join us as we offer advanced mobile devices and a clear monetization path.”

Nitobi’s CEO, Andre Charland added: “Sony Ericsson’s collaboration with the PhoneGap community is a huge win for mobile users, developers and the future of the open web on mobile devices. Having already adopted and benefited from open platforms like Google Android™ OS and Symbian, Sony Ericsson is now completing the puzzle for developers of cross-platform mobile applications.”

For more information on the new Sony Ericsson WebSDK please visit booth 917 at the Web 2.0 Conference in New York or visit http://developer.sonyericsson.com

Sony Ericsson is a 50/50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson established in October 2001.
Our strategy is to become the industry leader in mobile Communication Entertainment and offer exciting consumer experiences through innovative and feature rich phones, accessories, content and applications, through collaboration with key partners and developer communities. Sony Ericsson Developer and Partner Engagement Program and Developer World represent a global support program and web portal dedicated to helping professional wireless developers and content partners achieve business success by providing ‘easy-to-find’ documentation, tools, technical advice and go-to-market support. Visit the website at www.SonyEricsson.com/developer and www.sonyericsson.com/press.

Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X10 introduces an open and integrated world of social media, communication and entertainment

Devicer — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:34:22 +0000

Sony Ericsson today unveils the XPERIA™ X10, the first phone in a family of phones to deliver a consistent user experience where communication truly becomes entertainment. Building on Sony Ericsson’s entertainment heritage and combining rich graphics with intelligence capabilities, the XPERIA™ X10 introduces a new UX platform that will evolve across the product portfolio and expand over time continuously introducing new features and capabilities.

The UX platform builds on top of the Open OS and creates a unique Sony Ericsson user experience by combining best-in-class entertainment features with signature applications, unrivalled integration of social media services and a rich graphical user interface. The XPERIA™ X10 is the first mobile phone to truly humanise the way people interact with their phones.

Bert Nordberg, President, Sony Ericsson said, “The XPERIA™ X10 and the family of phones launching in the first half of 2010 underpin our commitment to an open and multi-platform strategy that maximises choice for the consumer and delivers the best possible consumer experience. The reaction from our global operator partners to the XPERIA X10 has been extremely positive and we will be rolling out across the world including Japan from the first half of 2010.”

Rikko Sakaguchi, EVP and Chief Creation Officer, Sony Ericsson said, “The XPERIA™ X10 is a fantastic example of our make.believe philosophy because we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible and demonstrating that anything consumers can imagine, we can make possible. With the X10, we are raising the bar we have set ourselves with entertainment-rich phones like Aino and Satio by making communication more fun and playful, multiplying and enriching opportunities to connect.”

Introducing signature applications like Mediascape and Timescape™, the XPERIA™ X10 lets consumers organise everything in their phone in an intuitive way:
Sony Ericsson Timescape™ manages all your communication with one person in one place. Browse through your conversations the bright way to check out your Facebook™, Twitter™, photos, emails, and texts all in one go
Sony Ericsson Mediascape is the smart way to get all the music, photos and videos you want from your favourite friends and artists. It accesses content from everywhere – your phone, YouTube™, PlayNow™ – and presents everything for you

Intelligence capabilities, integrated into Mediascape and Timescape™, can automatically recognise connections between contacts, content and media. By recommending alternative ways to communicate or guiding to new media experiences, consumers can discover more in a truly open way. For example:
Pressing the new “infinite button” guides you through the connected world, aggregating all your interactions with one person into one view
Intelligent face recognition features recognise up to five faces in any picture, automatically connecting them with your social phonebook and all other related communications with that person.

Sony Ericsson’s open approach gives consumers maximum choice and with the XPERIA™ X10, users can download any application that they want direct from a wide variety of stores including PlayNow™ and the Android Market™, co-creating an experience that is entirely unique to them.

Sony Ericsson is also introducing the new Wireless Stereo Headset with FM Radio – MW600. Featuring advanced Bluetooth™ technology and a built-in FM radio, MW600 lets you stream music to your headset in high fidelity through sound-enhancing ear-buds. With a crystal clear OLED display, easy access controls and RDS radio station information, you don’t even need to take your phone with you to tune in to your favourite radio station.

The XPERIA™ X10 supports GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 900/1700/2100 and UMTS HSPA 800/850/1900/2100

The XPERIA™ X10 will be available in selected markets from Q1 in the colours Sensuous Black and Luster White.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X10 at a glance

Camera

8.1 megapixel camera
Up to 16x digital zoom
Auto focus
Intelligent face recognition features
Geo tagging
Image and video stabilizer
Photo and video light
Send to web (photo and video upload)
Smile detection
Touch focus
Video recording
Recent shot tray

Music

Album art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Media player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™
TrackID™

Web

Bookmarks
Google™ search (from standby)
Web feeds
WebKit web browser

Communication

Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Speakerphone
Vibrating alert

Messaging

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

Design

Auto rotate
Gesture control
Picture wallpaper
Touchscreen

Entertainment

3D games
Media browser
Infinite button
Video streaming
Video viewing
YouTube™

Organiser

Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Flight mode
Infinite button
Office suite
Phone book with dialer
World clock

Location-based services

A-GPS
Google Maps™
Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation* (free trial version)

*The service may not be available in every market. For more information, go to www.sonyericsson.wisepilot.com

Connectivity

3.5 mm audio jack
Bluetooth™ technology
Micro USB connector
Synchronisation
USB support
Wi-Fi™

Preloaded applications

Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Sony Ericsson Mediascape
Sony Ericsson Home with clock widget
Sony Ericsson Sync
Android Market™ Client
Gmail™
Google Calendar™
Google Maps™ with Street View
Google Media Uploader
Google phone-top search
Google search widget
Google Talk™
Google Voice Search™
Network Location Provider
Set-up Wizard
YouTube™

Screen

262,144 colour TFT touchscreen
4.0 inches
480 x 854 pixels (WVGA)
Scratch-resistant

Accessories
In-Box:

XPERIA™ X10
Battery
Stereo portable handsfree
8 GB microSD™ card
Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
User documentation

Optional:

Hi-Fi Wireless Headset with FM Radio MW600
Car Charger AN300
Screen Protector ET902

Facts 1)2)

Size: 119 x 63 x 13 mm
Weight: 135 grams

Phone memory: Up to 1 GB

Memory card support: microSD™

Memory card included: 8 GB

Operating system: Google™ Android Donut, version 1.6
Processor: 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ QSD8250

Availability and versions

Networks

UMTS HSPA 900/1700/2100
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

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

Available in selected markets in Q1 2010

Colour

Sensuous Black
Luster White

Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson introduces a world first – the Motion Activated Headphones MH907

Devicer — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:04:12 +0000

Sony Ericsson today unveils the world’s first ever motion activated headphones that sense the user. The clever MH907 headphones mean users simply plug in two earphones to start listening to music and pause by removing one earbud. To start listening again simply plug it back in. Do exactly the same to answer and end calls – simple as 1,2,3!

Sony Ericsson’s SensMe™ Control technology responds without a single press of a button, and with a Clear Audio experience users encounter superior sound on the move and enjoy their favourite music as it’s meant to be heard.

Sony Ericsson has created a humorous quirky film to demonstrate the product’s unique technology. Partnering with internationally renowned animator Kristofer Ström, the short film debuting today shows a cartoon character riding the bus and switching effortlessly between phone calls and listening to his favourite music. To see the film visit: www.sonyericsson.com/putyourearsincontrol

“With the MH907 consumers can pocket their phone but still stay connected all day, every day by simply plugging in or removing their earbuds – there is no need for a remote control or any buttons.” said Jacob Sten, Senior Vice President, SEMC Accessories. “At Sony Ericsson we think it is very important to listen to what our customer needs and introducing the world’s first ever motion activated headphones highlights our commitment to offer our customers a complete Communications Entertainment experience. The MH907 supports our realigned brand strategy, which aims to build a fun, playful and inclusive interaction with consumers.”

For further information visit: http://www.sonyericsson.com/putyourearsincontrol

The Sony Ericsson Motion Activated Headphones MH907 at a glance

Design

Colours: Yellow/White and Titan Chrome

Size: 164cm long

Weight: 25.32g

Compatibility

Most Sony Ericsson phones with a fast port connector Please check compatibility at www.sonyericsson.com

Sony Ericsson

Live life without boundaries with the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2

Devicer — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 08:14:49 +0000

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 gives 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 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®
Slide view – 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 mega pixel 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 in selected markets from early Q4 in the colours Elegant Black and Modern Silver.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X2 at a glance

XPERIA™ X2
Camera

8.1 megapixel camera
Up to 16x digital zoom
Auto focus
Geo tagging
Image stabilizer
Send to web
Touch focus
Video light
Video recording

Music

Album art
Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Equalizer
Sony Ericsson media player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
Equalizer
Sony Ericsson media player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
PlayNow™ arena*
Stereo speakers
Windows Media® Player

Web

Bookmarks
Google™ search
Internet Explorer®
Pan & Zoom
Web feeds

Communication

Call list
Conference calls
Polyphonic ringtones
Speakerphone
Vibrating alert

Messaging

Email
Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®
Handwriting recognition
Instant messaging
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Text messaging (SMS)

Design

Auto rotate
Media
Picture wallpaper
Touchscreen
Wallpaper animation
Windows Mobile® 6.5

Entertainment

3D games
Java™
Motion gaming
Tracker
Video streaming
Video viewing
YouTube™ application

Connectivity

A-GPS

Bluetooth™ technology

DNLA Certified™
Google Maps™
Modem
Synchronisation
TV out
USB mass storage
USB support
Wi-Fi™

Organizer

Adobe® PDF Reader
Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Flight mode
Microsoft® Office Mobile
Notes
Phone book
Stopwatch
Tasks
Timer

Accessories
In-Box:

XPERIA™ X2
Battery
Battery Charger
Stereo Portable Handsfree MH500
USB cable
TV out cable
4GB SanDisk microSD™ memory card
User guide

Optional accessories:

Bluetooth™ Headset PV740
Car charger AN300
Video Viewing Stand IM920

Facts and Figures 1)2)

Size: 110 x 54 x 16 mm

Weight: 115 grams

Colours: Elegant Black, Modern Silver

Main screen: 65,536 colour TFT
Resolution: 480 x 800 pixels (WVGA)
Size: 3.2 inches

Phone memory: Up to110MB
Memory card support: SanDisk microSD™ and 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

Availability and versions
Networks:

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

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSPA 900/1900/2100

Available in selected markets from early Q4 2009.

Sony Ericsson