Sony Ericsson just announced the G700 and G900 UIQ 3-powered 'touchscreen organisers'. The G700 has a 3.2 megapixel camera, while the G900 has a 5 megapixel camera and Wi-Fi, but otherwise they're very similar. Read on for more details, analysis, photo links and specs.

The G700 and G900 are UIQ powered phones from Sony Ericsson. The two devices are relatively similar. The G900 has a higher specification (a 5 megapixel camera, WiFi Connectivity, some extra imaging software and a different keyboard layout) than the G700 (3.2 megapixel camera), but they're of  broadly similar size and share the same software enhancements.

At 106 x 49 x 13 mm and 99g, the G700 and G900 are smaller and lighter than any previous Sony Ericsson UIQ phone. They're the size of a typical Sony Ericsson feature phone and are more pocket friendly than both the P1i and W960.

Both have touch screens and directional controls (i.e. a d-pad - hurray!). This means you can access all the phone functions using either the stylus or the keypad. The phones also feature a revamped home/idle screen which is made up of customisable panels through which you rotate/scroll. This means that many functions are more accessible - indeed it is possible to use the majority of the phones' functionality without going into the traditional application launcher.

There's also a sticky note application (a revamped version of the long in the tooth jotter) which enables you to put virtual post-it-notes on the phone screen (these can also be sent to others via MMS or email). Sony Ericsson described this a key application for the target audience of these devices.

These phones are very specifically targetted at the 30+ market (hence the new G series designation). It is for those users who are looking for their phone to be a productivity tool that is easy to use while still being easy on the pocket. Traditionally Sony Ericsson has been relatively weak in this area (its Walkman and Cybershot brands are aimed at younger consumers).

In some ways, the most significant aspect of these handsets are that they are the first true mid tier devices from Sony Ericsson that are UIQ powered. The handsets are likely to be priced accordingly and will take UIQ to a new set of users. This is a sign of things to come from Sony Ericsson. This is easy to miss in the general noise around the other major Sony Ericsson launch of the day (the Windows Mobile powered X1). However, in another way it also underlines Sony Ericsson's message that, to the consumer, the software platform does not matter, rather it is the experience that the phone provides that matters.

We will be providing further coverage of the G700 and G900 in due course.

G700 on the left, G900 on the right.

Further images from the launch event are available here.

Press release:

The new G700 and G900 phones are designed to give back time. They place personal organiser features and easy finger-touch control within familiar form factors.

Barcelona, Spain – 10th February 2008 – Sony Ericsson today launched a new generation of phone: Touchscreen organisers with a broad appeal. The G700 and G900 phones are essential tools designed to organise the lives of all those with busy schedules to juggle, both at home and at work.

• The G700 is here to help you live your life to the full. This personal organiser in-your-pocket keeps your contacts, calendars, notes, pictures and favourite Web sites all in one place and just a fingertip away. Touch and go.

• The G900 has all the functions of the G700 with the added features of a unique new 5.0 megapixel Touch Auto Focus camera, touch photo album and editor. Perfect for those looking for a one-touch media experience combined with their organiser.

“Sony Ericsson is delivering touchscreen and innovative organiser capabilities to a wide audience without compromising on the size or shape of the phone. Both the G700 and G900 have regular keyboards and are no larger than a regular phone.” says Martin Winkler, Director Global Marketing and Head of Multimedia Web at Sony Ericsson. “These phones are ideal for users that are only interested in making their lives simpler. It’s not about technology for the sake of it.”

Sony Ericsson G700  phone

• One-touch full organiser functions
• Touch controlled Notes application - write and draw your memo's
• Large 2.4" display with unique single touch control menu
• 3,2 megapixel camera
• Compact size

Calendar is King
Access your calendar, reach family and friends and scribble and save your notes on your phone. With the G700, you can jot down a note on the screen with a stylus, just as you would with a pen on paper, and save it on your phone’s desktop to remind you - just as you’d stick a note on the fridge. You can even draw a map to the local shop or doodle personal notes to send them to your loved ones! Holding everything that is important to you wherever you go, the G700 is the most natural way to manage life. There’s no longer a need to have your home calendar separate from work – it works with you, the way you do.

Intuitively simple
With the G700 you can enjoy touchscreen text input, Web surfing, calendar and phone navigation. Want to contact someone at home? Just touch the relevant name in your phonebook and all of the various contact options will appear onscreen.  It’s instantly intuitive messaging. You can even browse your photo album using the tip of your finger. The G700 also has dedicated keys for messaging, notes and a key lock on the side of the phone. All it takes is one press to unlock.

Sony Ericsson G900  phone

• One touch media experience
• 5.0 megapixel camera with touch Auto focus and Multi-shot function
• One- touch media and organiser menu
• Large 2.4" display with single touch control menu
• Wi-Fi™ for high speed data transfer and internet browsing

Print-quality photos to keep
The G900’s 5.0 megapixel camera lets you take print-quality photos and share them with friends and family straight away.

Frame your shot and decide where you want to focus the camera by simply touching the screen. Also, with Camera Multi-Shot, hold down the camera key and take as many pictures as you like. Great for taking photos of your kids as they dash around the garden! Scroll through all of the photos on your phone with touch control and even edit them there with the Touch photo album and editor.

Stay mobile
Got a moment to surf? Access your favourite Web pages when you’re in a Wi-Fi™ hotspot and view them on the large 2.4” display. Use the stylus or your finger to zoom-in or pan around the page. When you’ve barely got a moment to spare, get RSS feeds direct to your phone for the latest updates; news, football scores or whatever you are in to. 

Organize with a personal touch
Touch, type or write… Everything comes naturally with the G900.  Organise your schedule, touch and tap to make calls and jot down notes before you forget it. The G900 works your way to let you get more into your day.  It’s the power of personal touch.

The G700 will launch in Silk Bronze and the G900 will launch in Dark Red and Dark Brown. Both are UMTS 2100 and GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 phones that will be available in selected markets from Q2 2008.

Legal Information
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant.
2) Talk and standby times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2007.

 

The Sony Ericsson G700 and G900  phones at a glance

	G700	G900
Camera	3.2 megapixel camera 3x digital zoom Fixed focus Image stabilizer Photo fix Photo light Picture blogging Video light Video recording Video stabilizer	5 megapixel camera 3x digital zoom Auto focus Image stabilizer Photo fix Photo light Picture blogging Video light Video recording Video stabilizer
Music/Entertainment	Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP) Media player Mega Bass™ Music tones (MP3/AAC) PlayNow™ TrackID™ 3D games FM radio with RDS Java Video streaming Video viewing	Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP) Media player Mega Bass™ Music tones (MP3/AAC) PlayNow™ TrackID 3D games FM radio with RDS Java Video streaming Video viewing
Web/Internet	Opera™ Web browser RSS feeds	Opera™ Web browser RSS feeds
Communication & Messaging	Polyphonic ringtones Speakerphone Vibrating alert Video calling Push Email, Exchange Active Sync Picture messaging (MMS) Predictive text input Sound recorder Text messaging (SMS)	Polyphonic ringtones Speakerphone Vibrating alert Video calling Push Email, Exchange Active Sync Picture messaging (MMS) Predictive text input Sound recorder Text messaging (SMS)
Design	Navigation key Picture wallpaper Touchscreen	Navigation key Picture wallpaper Touchscreen
Connectivity	Bluetooth™ technology Modem Synchronization USB mass storage USB charging	Bluetooth™ technology Modem Synchronization USB mass storage USB charging Wi-FiTM 802.11 b/g
Organizer	Alarm clock Calculator Calendar Document editors Document readers Flight mode Handwriting recognition Notes Phone book Stopwatch Symbian™ OS Tasks Timer	Alarm clock Calculator Calendar Document editors Document readers Flight mode Handwriting recognition Notes Phone book Stopwatch Symbian™ OS Tasks Timer Business card scanner
Accessories	In-Box: Battery Charger USB cable Stereo Portable Handsfree Sony Ericsson PC Suite Media Manager software 2 stylus User guide Optional: Bluetooth™ Headset HBH-PV703 Go wireless with a powerful headset. GPS-Enabler HGE-100 Get more from your phone – add GPS technology. Know where you are, where you’re going and how to get there. Bluetooth™ Car Speakerphone HCB-150 High performance car handsfree with text to speech for convenient calls on the road.	In-Box: Battery Charger USB Cable Stereo Portable Handsfree Sony Ericsson PC Suite Media Manager software 2 stylus User guide Optional: Bluetooth™ Headset HBH-PV708 A powerful wireless handsfree available in chrome or rose for everyday wear. GPS-Enabler HGE-100 Get more from your phone – add GPS technology. Know where you are, where you’re going and how to get there. Bluetooth™ Car Speakerphone HCB-150 High performance car handsfree with text to speech for convenient calls on the road.
Facts and Figures 1)2)	Size: 106 x 49 x 13mm Weight: 99 grams Colours: Silk Bronze Screen: 262,144 colour TFT Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels Size (diagonal): 2.4 inches                                                   Phone memory: Up to 160MB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) support Talk time (GSM/GPRS): Up to 12 hrs Standby time (GSM/GPRS): Up to 380 hrs                                         Talk time (UMTS): Up to 4 hrs Standby time (UMTS): Up to 380 hrs Video call time: Up to 2.5 hrs	Size: 106 x 49 x 13 mm Weight: 99 grams Colours: Dark Red Dark Brown Screen: 262,144 colour TFT Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels Size: 2.4 inches Phone memory: Up to 160MB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) support Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 12 hrs Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 380 hrs Talk time (UMTS): Up to 4 hrs Standby time UMTS: Up to 380 hrs Video call time: 2.5 hrs
Availability and versions	Networks: UMTS 2100 GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900 Available in selected markets from Q2 2008.

Networks:
UMTS 2100

GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900

Available in selected markets from Q2 2008.