The X1 is the first product in the company’s new XPERIA brand for high-end smartphones and was unveiled at Sony Ericsson’s press event on the eve of Mobile World Congress wireless telecom trade in Barcelona, the largest wireless industry conference bringing together more than 50,000 industry executives from some 1,300 companies.. The device is a stand-out, arc slider phone with a 3-inch wide VGA display and a full QWERTY keyboard within a metal-finish body.

“XPERIA represents the first brand that is truly borne from within Sony Ericsson. It represents our vision for a premium, energised communication experience,” said Dee Dutta, Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson.

“People should be able to have phones that deliver what they need throughout the day and stay connected with today’s broad array of on-demand information and entertainment no matter where they are,” said Pieter Knook, senior vice president, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. “Our shared vision with Sony Ericsson is to make the concept of ‘One Phone for Your Life’ a reality and finally give consumers the freedom of true mobility.”

The announcement of X1 marks the first time Sony Ericsson is using Microsoft Windows Mobile in a departure from its collaboration with Symbian, an open operating system that is partly owned by Sony Ericsson.

The main features of the new gadget are as follows:

• XPERIA panel interface: Enjoy access to different experiences – Web, multimedia, applications – from your desktop. Navigate with the tip of your finger. Configure and have your XPERIA panels just the way you want them.
• Multiple navigation: XPERIA X1 lets you interact with your phone in different ways. Touch, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation. Switch seamlessly between operation modes.
• Arc slider design: The arc design gives a distinct and unique feel. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide-pitch QWERTY keyboard. Ample distance between keys makes writing fast and easy.
• Ultimate mobile experience: With Windows Mobile, the highest data transfer rate (HSDPA/HSUPA) and WiFi support, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Mobile access to everything that is important to you. A GPS gives you the freedom to explore the world. XPERIA X1 is a premium mobile experience.

Samsung, Motorola and LG all ship cell phones with Windows Mobile and with Sony Ericsson’s move towards Windows Mobile makes Nokia, the largest handset maker by volume, the only phone manufacturer that uses Symbian OS for its smartphones.

The Xperia X1 will launch in the second half of 2008 and will be sold worldwide, including in the United States.