Sony Ericsson Jalou and D&G limited edition fashion-phone debuts

Sony Ericsson have announced a new fashion phone, the Jalou, a compact clamshell measuring 73mm long – less, they point out, than "your favorite lipstick" – with a 3.2-megapixel camera, 3G and stereo Bluetooth support.  The company has also partnered with Dolce & Gabbana to produce a limited-edition version of the Jalou, with exclusive bags, 24k gold highlights, D&G content and a custom headset.

Both versions have the same faceted casing, a screen which can become a compact mirror for your makeup (anybody spotting SE's target demographic yet?) and an integrated pedometer which the company are calling Walk Mate.  There's also onboard Google apps, an FM radio, ActiveSync Exchange support and, in the US, A-GPS for geotagging.

The Sony Ericsson Jalou is quadband GSM and triband UMTS (900/1700/2100) and should be landing in Q4 2009, price yet to be confirmed.  Expect a premium for the D&G edition.  Over at GSMHelpdesk.nl they've already got to grips with the new Jalou, and they expect to see the phone at the end of September or beginning of October.  They, like us, recognize a fashion-phone when they see one.

Press Release:

Communicate in style with Jalou, the irresistable compact fashion phone from Sony Ericsson

Share life in exquisite style with Sony Ericsson's new fashion mobile phone, Jalou. Packed with unique features and encased in a beautiful facet-cut jewel form, it is a stylish addition to any handbag. Bao will be available in selected markets Q4 2009

London, UK – August 12, 2009: Beautiful inside and out, Jalou exudes style as well as substance for the ultimate in chic communication. Sony Ericsson's latest style statement is only 73mm long – shorter than your favourite lipstick, it is easy to slip into the tiniest clutch or jacket pocket and is full of essential features. Never mind a signature necklace or oversized shades; Jalou is the perfect accessory.

Known for its expertise in design and technology, Sony Ericsson explored art, architecture and furniture trends whilst delving deep into the couture and fashion world to ensure Jalou encapsulates some of the hottest fashion trends which will emerge next year.

"Structured forms, intricate corners, hidden depths and jewel accents are set to be some of the hottest fashion trends in 2010. You can also expect to see deep and natural jewel colours on the runway next year. Jalou reflects these trends with its delicate facet-cut diamond shape design, clean and expressive lines and variety of different shine and matt finishes, that give depth to the handset," comments Charles Hunt, Jalou head designer at Sony Ericsson. "The design team wanted the handset to reflect beauty found in nature. They looked at structure, strength and form in various crystalline jewels, which resulted in the unique shape."

Combining beauty with cutting-edge technology, Jalou's host of features will keep you entertained and looking fabulous. The two inch screen's clever design means that at the touch of a button the screen becomes a mirror, offering a discreet way to make sure you look as good as your mobile phone. It is also the first Sony Ericsson to feature Walk Mate step counter, to help you stay in shape wherever you go. It also has an exclusive fashion interface which automatically updates with zodiac signs and special events throughout the year. Jalou will be available in a variety of gem inspired colours including: Deep Amethyst, Aquamarine Blue and Onyx Black.

"The new Jalou phone is all about looking great and sharing the good life," said Linda Schori, Marketing Business Manager at Sony Ericsson. "We wanted to create a beautiful handset without compromising on style or content. It's perfect for anyone who is sociable, loves fashion and wants to stay one step ahead of trends, because it has a fashion forward design you will want to show off. And, for such a compact handset, it has an immense amount of detail both inside and out."

Other features include the 3.2 megapixel camera, music player, video recording, 3G, Bluetooth™, built-in FM radio and Internet where you can check your email, watch YouTube™ clips, Google™, as well as upload your video and photos to your favourite social networking sites.

Jalou

Irresistible compact fashion phone comes with the following features and lots more:

3.2 megapixel camera – snap your favourite outfit and send to your friends

Video recording – film and post clips online anytime

Stereo FM radio – catch up on the latest songs while on the move

Music player – with Bluetooth™ stereo, PlayNow™ and TrackID ™

Bluetooth™ 2.0 – upload images and videos to your social network site

Mirror Key – check your hair before a hot date

Walk Mate step counter – see how far you have walked while out shopping

Internet – Google™ search, Google™ maps, email, instant messaging, picture messaging

Entertainment – YouTube™ application, 3D games, video viewing

Weight – will not weight your handbag down, only 84 grams

Jalou supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UTMS/HSPA 900/1700/2100. Jalou will be available in the fourth quarter 2009 in the colours Deep Amethyst, Aquamarine Blue and Onyx Black.

The Sony Ericsson Jalou phone at a glance

Camera

3.2 megapixel camera

3.2x digital zoom (up to)

Geo tagging

Photo feeds

Photo fix

Send to web

Video light

Video recording

Music

Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)

Media player

MEGA BASS™

Music tones ((MP3/AAC)

PlayNow™

TrackID™

Web

Access NetFront™ web browser

Bookmarks

Google™ search (from standby)

Web feeds

Communication

Call list

Conference calls

Speakerphone

Vibrating alert

Video calling (main camera)

Messaging

Conversations

Email

Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®

Instant messaging

Picture messaging (MMS)

Predictive text input

Sound recorder

Text messaging (SMS)

Design

Auto rotate

Media

Picture wallpaper

Wallpaper animation

Entertainment

3D games

FM radio with RDS

Java™

Motion gaming

Video streaming

Video viewing

Walk Mate step counter

YouTube™ application

Organiser

Alarm clock

Calculator

Calendar

Flight mode

Notes

Phone book

Stopwatch

Tasks

Timer

Connectivity

A-GPS (US only)

Bluetooth™ technology

Google Maps™

Modem

Synchronization

USB mass storage

USB support

Accessories

In box:

Sony Ericsson Jalou

Battery

Charger

Stereo

Portable handsfree

User documentation

Facts

Size: 73 x 45 x 18.2 mm

Weight: 84 grams

Colours

Onyx Black

Deep Amethyst

Aquamarine Blue

Main Screen:

Type: 262,144 colour TFT

Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels (QVGA)

Size: 2.0 inches

External screen:

Type: Monochrome LCD

Resolution: 128 x 36 pixels

Size: 1.3 inches

Phone memory: Up to 100 MB

Memory card support: SanDisk microSD™

Talk time GSM: Up to 7 hrs

Standby time GSM: Up to 350 hrs

Talk time UMTS: Up to 4 hrs 30 min

Standby time UMTS: Up to 250 hrs

Video call time: Up to 2 hrs

Networks

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

UMTS HSPA 900/1700/2100

On the web

Everything worth knowing about Jalou: www.sonyericsson.com/jalou