Continuous-autofocus camcorder phone Vivaz launched by Sony Ericsson

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Sony Ericsson has just launched a new flagship media smartphone, the Vivaz, running S60 5th Edition and a tweaked version of the software in the Satio. It's a smaller device (think Nokia 5800), with 3.2" screen and 'human curvature' design(!) and available in silver, black, blue and 'ruby'. The star feature though is the camcorder functionality, with full 720p video capture and continuous auto-focus, a first in production phones. Stills are at 8 megapixels with single LED flash. Availability is this quarter. Photos, video, specs and more below.

Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ – the second installment in a new family of communication entertainment phones also introduces HD video capabilities into the portfolio
New ‘human curvature’ design philosophy delivering beauty inside and out
Coming to market in the first quarter of 2010

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz

As you'll probably guess from my occupation as part time video producer (The Phones Show), I'm rather excited about this new Symbian device. HD video with professional/continuous autofocus. I'm not too sure about the curves, but maybe they'll grow on me!

With Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ communication truly becomes entertainment with high quality HD video allowing consumers to produce and broadcast their best experiences with the latest video capture and sharing features.
Capture - record spontaneous moments and memories in HD quality and crisp high resolution for a real-life video experience. The dedicated video key allows consumers to shoot video instantly with continuous auto focus for the perfect film every time.
View - review video content in the standby panel or online via Wi-Fi on the 3.2 inch widescreen
Share - upload via Wi-Fi onto YouTube™ and Picasa in high resolution while still using other features on the handset

From the press release:

"With Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ communication truly becomes entertainment with high quality HD video allowing consumers to produce and broadcast their best experiences with the latest video capture and sharing features.

  • Capture - record spontaneous moments and memories in HD quality and crisp high resolution for a real-life video experience. The dedicated video key allows consumers to shoot video instantly with continuous auto focus for the perfect film every time.
  • View - review video content in the standby panel or online via Wi-Fi on the 3.2 inch widescreen
  • Share - upload via Wi-Fi onto YouTube™ and Picasa in high resolution while still using other features on the handset"

 

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz

Here's the official launch/promo video:

Two more shots of the Vivaz, showing the colour range and camera controls:

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz

Steve Litchfield, All About Symbian, 21 Jan 2010

PS. Here's the full spec list, for the sake of completeness:

 

Camera

  • 8.1 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
  • 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* (free trial version)

*The service may not be available in every market. For more information, go to www.sonyericsson.wisepilot.com

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 Road Sync – synchronisation
  • SMS Preview – messaging app
  • Twitter – social networking
  • YouTube™ – video sharing
  • Water Level – tool app
  • Wisepilot™ – navigation
  • World Mate – clock and weather app
  • Rally Master Pro
  • SSX Snowboarding

Screen

  • 16.9 nHD wide touch screen
  • 16,777,216 colour
  • 3.2 inches
  • 640 x 360 pixels nHD
  • Scratch-resistant

In-box accessories

  • Sony Ericsson Vivaz™
  • Battery
  • HPM-60J Stereo portable handsfree
  • 8GB microSD™ card
  • Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer
  • User documentation

Optional:

  • Wireless Stereo Headphones HBH-IS800
  • Stereo Portable Handsfree MH700
  • SD USB Adapter CCR-80

Facts:

  • Size: 107 x 521.7 x 12.5 mm
  • Weight: 97 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: 720MHz
  • Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 13 hrs
  • Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 430 hrs
  • Talk time UMTS: Up to 5 hrs 20 min
  • Standby time UMTS: Up to 440 hrs
  • Video call time: Up to 2 hrs 30 min

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 Q1 2010