X10 Éclair update hitting France in late November plus more details on improvements

As news of the Xperia X10 Android 2.1 delay filters throughout the globe, many regional offices have been providing their own response to local (frustrated) X10 owners. We’ve come across two such pieces of communication one from Sony Ericsson France and the other from SE Brazil. Whilst much of the detail has already been covered, they do add some additional colour on what to expect with the Android 2.1 update.

Sony Ericsson Brazil confirmed that the update will land from early November for sim-free phones and late November for operator branded handsets. David Mignot, Marketing Director of Sony Ericsson France, has told French X10 owners to expect the Éclair update in late November. The update is expected to bring with it over 100 improvements with the main ones listed below. 

Main improvements from Android 2.1 Xperia update:

• 30% increase in battery life: Due to Android 2.1 as well as better OS task management.
• Each homescreen will now display 20 app icons instead of 16. There will be 5 homescreens overall instead of 3.
• Improvement in the dialler: Applies to application of text messages and e-mail that will help to simplify and streamline operations.
• New lock screen displays battery level.
• New start-up wizard: Helps configure the Xperia X10 easily when first setting up. This includes steps to import contacts, setting up Wi-Fi and Gmail account as well as synchronizing with Google sync.
• Single inbox for multiple emails (Gmail and other).
• Live wallpapers: Sony Ericsson will offer a selection of 11 live wallpapers to choose from.
• Ability to import contacts from Facebook and Twitter: Profile pictures will be imported too.
• 720p HD video recording with autofocus.
• HTML 5 support and Bluetooth 2.1.

Android 2.2 (Froyo) on Xperia X10 undecided

A decision regarding Android 2.2 has not been decided yet. One of the reasons against upgrading, generally speaking, is due to hardware limitations that can result in lag, crashes or further bugs.

New generation of Xperia Android smartphones

Sony Ericsson will continue to differentiate their offering via design, multimedia (photo, video and music) as well as UI. One thing that can’t be denied about the X10 family is that they are gorgeous devices. Hopefully this focus will continue into the next generation.

Sony Ericsson is working on launching new products with major innovations in the coming months according to David. He went on to emphasise that as part of Sony Ericsson’s close collaboration with Google, their new range of Xperia handsets will launch with the latest Android version available. Let’s see if SE keeps to their word on this one.

Other reiterations

• No plans to include multi-touch on the Xperia X10
• The bootloader will not be opened
• The Xperia X10 will on display 65k colours
• No plans for Flash, unless Android 2.2 comes to the Xperia X10 (currently undecided)
• No plans to improve the camera features
• No PS3 interconnectivity is to be provided. [I hope this doesn’t mean that DLNA is scrapped]