Home › News ›

CTIA Wireless 2004

Intro Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Wrap-Up Comments 77

Sony Ericsson didn't announce any new phones at CTIA, having just made major anouncements a couple weeks earlier. They did, however, have a brand-spanking-new, working S700 on hand.

For details on the new phones and my initial impressions, check out my report from the recent press conference in New York City.

The S700 naturally had extremely early software, but the camera viewfinder did work, which showed off the excellent display.

I also had a chance to try the new swivel action. Unlike most swivel-style phones, the S700 can swivel open both ways, all the way, to accomodate both left- and right-handed folks equally. It spins exactly 360 degrees, starting at full-open. In other words, you can open it either way, but you can only close it the way you opened it.

The Z500a is Sony Ericsson's first EDGE phone. My only concern when I first saw the Z500a was the passive STN main display. Considering the other advanced features of the phone, a passive main display seemed out-of-place.

So I asked about it, and Suzanne Cross, Product Marketing Manager, said the primary factor in that decision was cost. The Z500a is designed to be a mass-market phone, which means a $99 price point. Adding a better display would have bumped up the price by as much as $50, putting it out of the range that carriers consider "mass-market".

Knowing that price target definitely changed my mindset. A passive display is expected at that price, and to get EDGE, PTT, VGA camera, dual color displays, and streaming video, all for $99, sounds pretty darn impresive.

Ms. Cross also stressed that the final Z500a will have a better display than the current prototypes. It will still be passive, but she promised it would be better than the display on the T610 and T616.

And finally, a couple fresh pics of the K700:

Next page: Nokia

Related

iPhone 14 Plus Offers a Big Screen For Less

Sep 7, 2022
Apple has revealed the iPhone 14 series, with new features, improved specs, and new size options. In place of a Mini option, the iPhone 14 will come in the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen size options as the Pro models.

Nokia Brings New G Series to US

Jun 23, 2021
HMD Global is officially bringing its new Nokia G20 phone to the US for $200. The Nokia G10 was released here a few weeks ago.

Kyocera Intros Slim, Rugged 5G Phone for Consumers

Nov 11, 2021
Kyocera and Verizon today launched the DuraSport 5G, a mid-range 5G phone with the durability Kyocera is known for, but in a slim, pocket-friendly form factor. While Kyocera's DuraForce line is well-suited to the construction site, this model is targeted at those with an "active lifestyle" who want a phone that's rugged even without a case.

Motorola's new Edge+ has Dual 50 Megapixel Rear Cameras and 60 on the Front

Feb 24, 2022
Motorola has announced its new flagship phone for 2022: the Motorola edge+ (2022). Its most unique specs are the camera resolutions: 50 megapixel for both the main camera and wide-angle camera; the selfie camera also clocks in at an unprecedented 60 megapixel.

Motorola's new Edge Offers a Lot for $500

Aug 18, 2022
Motorola has taken the wraps off its new Edge phone for 2022. This is the little sibling to the Edge+, the company's flagship phone.