Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro adds QWERTY, drops a few megapixels

Sony Ericsson have announced a QWERTY version of their Vivaz touchscreen S60 smartphone, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro.  Packing a 5.1-megapixel camera, 3.2-inch 360 x 640 touchscreen and a VGA output, the Vivaz pro also has a slide-out keyboard for speedier messaging.  Connectivity includes UMTS/HSPA (with both 900/2100 and 850/1900/2100 models planned), WiFi, Bluetooth, VGA TV output and a USB port, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Vivaz pro does drop a few megapixels on its touchscreen-only sibling, which has an 8.1-megapixel camera.  Still, you can shoot 720p HD video, and photos support face detection, image stabilization and geotagging, together with smile detection and easy upload to various social media services.

There's also a webkit-based browser, Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support and Wisepilot turn-by-turn navigation app.  The whole thing measures 109 x 52 x 15 mm and has a microSD slot (with an 8GB card preloaded).  No word on pricing, but Sony Ericsson reckon the Vivaz pro will land in Q2 2010.

Press Release:

February 14, 2010 – Barcelona – Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro, announced today, adds a QWERTY keyboard to the touch screen offering, delivering a user experience optimised for messaging and entertainment. The full QWERTY keyboard allows consumers to communicate quickly and efficiently via email, SMS or social networking updates.

Just like flagship phone Sony Ericsson Vivaz™, announced in January, Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro allows consumers to produce and broadcast their best experiences in HD video. The open platform also allows users to personalise their entertainment experience by downloading great applications through PlayNow™ and the Symbian Developer Community.

"Having announced Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ in January we are now adding a sister phone that includes a QWERTY keyboard along with the touch screen for a superior messaging and entertainment experience," said Daniel Sandblom Marketing Business Manager, Sony Ericsson. "Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro meets the increased consumer demand for QWERTY devices without compromising on any entertainment features."

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro features the new design philosophy 'human curvature', which will become a consistent feature of the Sony Ericsson portfolio going forward. Designed to mirror the shape of the human body, and at the same time delivering a precise and compelling way of interacting with the phone, Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro is instantly recognisable.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro

Full slide-out keyboard for faster typing

Stay in touch through email, Twitter™, Facebook™, blogging and chat

View everything on the 3.2" 16:9 wide touchscreen

Capture the action in HD resolution – upload to YouTube via Wi-Fi™

PlayNow – immediate online access to applications, games and music.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro supports UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 850/1900/2100 and GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro will be available in selected markets from Q2 in the colours Black and White.

Sony Ericsson is also unveiling the Hi-Fi Stereo Headset MH710. Enjoy best-in-class clear audio while on the move and handle music and calls with just one touch.

Log on to The Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro

Camera

5.1 megapixel camera

4x digital zoom

Auto focus (photos)

Continuous auto focus (video)

Face detection (photos)

Geo tagging

Image stabiliser

Photo light

Send to web

Smile detection

Touch capture

Video light

Video recording (720p HD recording)

Music

Album art

Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)

Media player

Music player

Music tones (MP3/AAC)

PlayNow™

TrackID™

Web

Bookmarks

Google™ search (from standby)

Web feeds

WebKit web browser

Voice

Speakerphone

Vibrating alert

Video calling (main camera)

Messaging

Conversations

Email

Handwriting recognition

Instant messaging

Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync®

Picture messaging (MMS)

Predictive text input

Sound recorder

Text messaging (SMS)

Design

Auto rotate

Full slide-out keyboard

Picture wallpaper

Symbian OS™

Touchscreen

Entertainment

3D games

Facebook™ application

FM radio

Java

Twitter™ application

Video streaming

Video viewing

YouTube™

Organiser

Alarm clock

Calculator

Calendar

Document readers

Flight mode

Notes

Phone book

Location-based services

A-GPS

Google Maps™

Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation

Connectivity

3.5 mm audio jack

Bluetooth™ technology

DLNA Certified™ (photos and audio)

Micro USB connector

Modem

PictBridge printing

Synchronisation

TV out (VGA resolution)

USB mass storage

USB support

Wi-Fi™

Preloaded applications

Facebook™ – social networking

Google Maps™ – navigation

QuickOffice – Microsoft® Office viewer (trial version)

PDF Viewer (trial version)

Road Sync – synchronisation

SMS Preview – messaging app

Twitter – social networking

YouTube™ – video sharing

Wisepilot™ – navigation

World Mate – clock and weather app

Quadrapop

Rally Master Pro

Screen

16:9 nHD touchscreen (TFT)

16,777,216 colour

3.2 inches

360 x 640 pixels

Scratch-resistant

Accessories

In-Box:

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ pro

Battery

stereo portable handsfree

8 GB microSD™ card

micro USB cable for charging and file transfer

Optional:

Hi-Fi Wireless Headset with FM Radio MW600

Hi-Fi Stereo Headset MH710

Facts 1)2)

Size: 109 x 52 x 15 mm

Weight: 117 grams

Phone memory: Up to 75 MB

Memory card support: SanDisk microSD™, up to 16 GB

Memory card included: 8 GB microSD™ card

Operating system: Symbian™ S60 5th edition

Processor: 720 MHz

Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 12 hrs 30 min

Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 430 hrs

Talk time UMTS: Up to 5 hrs 10 min

Standby time UMTS: Up to 440 hrs

Video call time: Up to 2 hrs 30 min

Availability and versions

Networks

UMTS HSPA 900/2100

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

UMTS HSPA 850/1900/2100

GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

Available in selected markets from Q2 2010

Colour

Black

White

Legal

1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant. 2) Operational times are affected by network

preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. playing games. Kit contents and colour options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.