Sony Ericsson Neo packs 8MP and Gingerbread

Sony Ericsson has officially announced the Neo, its photo-centric Android Gingerbread smartphone, at MWC 2011 today. Effectively an Android update to the Sony Ericsson Vivaz, with that handset's focus on digital photography, the Neo has an 8-megapixel camera, HDMI connector, and screen technology borrowed from Sony's BRAVIA line.

Like the XPERIA Arc, there's EXMOR R display technology, and Sony Ericsson have integrated the Neo with Sony's remote control systems so that you'll be able to navigate the phone's menu and galleries while it's connected via HDMI. A front-facing 2-megapixel camera rounds out the main specs.

The Sony Ericsson Neo will launch in dark blue We've also been told that Vodafone will be exclusively offering the Neo in red. No word on pricing at this stage.

Press Release:

Sony Ericsson expands Xperia family with two new generation Android smartphones

XperiaTM pro combines intuitive and fast messaging with multimedia features from Sony XperiaTM neo gives consumers a new way to experience the best of Android and the best of Sony multimedia

February 13, 2011, Barcelona, Spain – Sony Ericsson today unveils the XperiaTM neo and XperiaTM pro, the newest additions to the new generation of XperiaTM smartphones. Closely following the launch of the XperiaTM arc smartphone earlier this year, these latest smartphones also

feature cutting edge technology from Sony and an exceptional multimedia experience on the latest version of the AndroidTM platform – Gingerbread.

As well as best-in-class imaging and display technology from Sony, the XperiaTM pro combines an optimised slide-out keyboard with smart functions to create a fast messaging experience. Featuring an ergonomically crafted keyboard, Sony Ericsson has focused on integrating the hardware with clever messaging functions for a perfect user experience. XperiaTM pro introduces the subtle but fast Type & Send functionality eliminating the need to open a dedicated app for each type of message, and Smart Keyboard that triggers predictive messaging actions automatically when the user slides out the keyboard.

XperiaTM pro is also the ideal business phone for AndroidTM fans coming complete with a set of professional functions such as synching email, calendar and contacts in a secure way, and the pre-loaded Office Suite Pro lets consumers view and edit office documents directly on the phone.

Steve Walker, Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson said, "We want to be a leader in Android, and with XperiaTM neo and XperiaTM pro we are now are offering excellent, innovative Android choices for consumers. These latest devices combine stunning design with state-of-the-art Sony technology and a new faster messaging experience on the XperiaTM pro, creating an entertaining smartphone experience."

The best of Sony technology once again features in both XperiaTM pro and XperiaTM neo. The Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine delivers exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image which enhances the overall entertainment experience. Sony's award-winning Exmor RTM for mobile sensor enables the capture of high quality, bright pictures and HD videos, even in low light. All pictures and videos can be shared on an HD TV in your living room via the built in HDMI-connector.

XperiaTM neo builds on the stunning design language that Sony Ericsson has become known for, with a unique shape that not only looks good but is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in the user's hand, especially when taking pictures.

Both smartphones will launch on the latest version of the AndroidTM platform providing access to GoogleTM Mobile Services and the myriad of applications available via the Android MarketTM. XperiaTM smartphones add best in class entertainment on top of smartphone fundamentals such as apps, maps, email and fast internet to create the most entertaining smartphone experience.

Sony Ericsson XperiaTM neo – Key features

Exmor RTM. Great stills and videos even in low light Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine Built-in HDMI. Your stills and videos on HD TV More than 100,000 apps on Android MarketTM GoogleTM services. At your service

The Sony Ericsson XperiaTM neo will be available in the following colours: Blue Gradient, Red and Silver.

Sony Ericsson XperiaTM pro – Key features

Touch phone with perfect slide-out keyboard and smart functions for fast messaging Synch your email and edit office documents on the go Sony Mobile BRAVIA® Engine and Exmor RTM for mobile

HDMI. Connect to an HD TV or a projector GoogleTM services and more than 100,000 apps on Android MarketTM

The Sony Ericsson XperiaTM pro will be available in the following colours: Black, Red, Silver

Sony Ericsson XperiaTM neo will be available globally in selected markets from end Q1 and Sony Ericsson XperiaTM pro from end Q2.