Gadget of the week: Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

What is it?

Sony Ericsson's latest onslaught on the smartphone market — the Android powered Xperia arc — revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week.

What's all the fuss about?

Firstly, it's slim. One of the leanest smartphones yet, it's thinner than the iPhone 4 and LG's much-touted and forthcoming Optimus Black.

Secondly, it joins the popular Xperia family, which has rejuvenated the fortunes of this once-floundering device maker.

And thirdly, it's curvy. Who doesn't like curves?

Other notable specs include the 2.3 version of Android, called Gingerbread, and the Reality Display powered by the Sony Bravia Mobile Engine, a display engine mostly used in Sony television sets that controls the basics of contrast, colour, brightness and motion, meant to enhance display. There is an HD video-recording feature via an 8.1 megapixel camera with autofocus and the ability to utilise memory and SD cards up to 32GB. The 4.2-inch display is an added bonus.

What's this Reality Display all about?

Kind of an answer to Apple's Retina Display, Samsung's AMOLED screens and LG's Nova, the arc's 4.2-inch screen features an 850x480 resolution, thanks to the Sony Bravia Mobile Engine, which means brighter and clearer pictures — at least as promised by Sony Ericsson.

Smartphones are all about the OS as well, right?

Yes, the Android 2.3, which is nicknamed Gingerbread, is the latest improvement of the increasingly popular operating system owned by Google.

Released in December last year, improvements in this OS include a more power-efficient and intuitive user interface, improved virtual keyboard, easier ways to connect internet video calls and a richer multimedia and touch experience.

But it's the apps that make a phone and the Android Market is still not officially available in the UAE.

That's right. The Android Market, the official store for all Android apps, has not yet been made available in the UAE.

While Google and the Tele-communications Regulatory Authority continue to slug it out, this means no official apps for any Android phone in the interim.

Users have the option of hacking their phones via instructions on YouTube but remember, that is likely to void the warranty of your phone.

Plus, it will only give you access to free apps. There are applications to help you download apps, such as SliteMe but it's mostly a very painful process. Over to you Google and TRA.

When will the Xperia Arc be available and how much will it cost?

Sony Ericsson says it will make the star device available globally in selected markets, including Japan, in the very first half of this year and in two colours: Midnight Blue and Misty Silver.

The company has, however, been mum about the price but pundits have placed it around Dh2,500-Dh3,000.