Sony Ericsson Collaborates with China Mobile to Further Strengthen its ‘Communication Entertainment’ Strategy in the Region

Introducing the first handset to support the TD-SCDMA network – the Sony Ericsson A8i
The Sony Ericsson A8i was developed in collaboration with China Mobile specifically for the Chinese market and runs on the operator’s OMS 2.0 smart phone platform

Beijing, China – Sony Ericsson announces that it is strengthening its portfolio in China by launching the first smartphone to support China Mobile’s TD-SCDMA network – the Sony Ericsson A8i.

The Sony Ericsson A8i delivers high performance in a stylish form factor. The phone features a 3.5-inch (9 cm) touch screen and incorporates the human curvature design concept that is now consistent across the Sony Ericsson portfolio. The phone benefits comprehensive range of signature applications including TrackID which is linked directly with China Mobile’s entertainment download service – giving customers in China access to a wide range of local music.

Bert Nordberg, President & CEO, Sony Ericsson said, “China is a hugely important market for Sony Ericsson and we are committed to maintaining our strong position and driving growth by continually introducing new and exciting products into this market. Today cements that commitment and we are honored to introduce the Sony Ericsson A8i to users across China – enhancing to our already award winning* product line up in the region.”

“The Sony Ericsson A8i underpins our commitment to delivering the most entertaining smart phones. By combining the best communication and entertainment experiences on an open platform we are giving our customers the best possible consumer experience.”

Huidi Li, Assistant President, China Mobile said, “Demand for Smartphone is on the rise, and our customer’s are continually asking us to provide them with innovative, feature-rich products. Working closely with a partner such as Sony Ericsson, allows us to not only meet that need, but go one step further and deliver product and services that enhance overall user experience. The Sony Ericsson A8i is testament to the combined expertise of both companies and the first of its kind to support our TD-SCDMA network. We are proud to be adding this new product into our product portfolio.”

Sony Ericsson A8i at a glance:

High-speed, easy-to-use OMS 2.0 smartphne platform which is fully supported by China Mobile’s entertainment services and applications
Combines a 3.5” touch widescreen with CMMB mobile TV functionality and delivers amazing high-definition visual effects
Support both TD-SCDMA 3G networks and WLAN connections
Stylish design featuring the human curvature design concept
Features Sony Ericsson signature entertainment applications such as TrackID, linked directly with China Mobile’s music download service

Legal

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2010

The Liquid Identity logo, Xperia, PlayNow and TrackID are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. Sony is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Corporation. Ericsson is the trademark or registered trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson. Additional information regarding trademarks may be located on our website at: www.sonyericsson.com/cws/common/legal/disclaimer.

Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. All terms are subject to change without prior notice.

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, SE-221 88 Lund, Sweden.

*Awards received in China include:

2010, XPERIA™ X10i awarded the Best Worthy Expected 3G Flagship Smartphone in China Market by People.com.cn
2009, W595c awarded Best Music Phone of 2009 and Sony Ericsson as Most Fashionable Phone Brand by Southern Weekly Magazine

Sony Ericsson is a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson established in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London and operations in all major markets. Sony Ericsson vision is to become the industry leader in Communication Entertainment; where new styles of communicating through the internet and social media, become entertainment. Sony Ericsson offers exciting consumer experiences through phones, accessories, content and applications. For more information please visit, www.sonyericsson.com.

Sony Ericsson A8i:

Camera

5 megapixel camera
4x digital zoom
Auto focus
Geo tagging
Photo flash
Photo light
Touch focus
Video recording
LED flash

Music

Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
Media player
Music player
Music tones (MP3/AAC)
TrackID™ application

Web

Bookmarks
Pan & zoom
Web search (from standby)
HTML 4.01
XHTML 1.1

Communication

Call list
Conference calls
Polyphonic ringtones
Speakerphone
Vibrating alert
Video calling

Messaging

Conversations
Email
Microsoft® Exchange Active-
Sync®
Handwriting recognition
Instant messaging
Picture messaging (MMS)
Predictive text input
Sound recorder
Text messaging (SMS)
Unified messaging

Design

Auto rotate
Light sensor
Torch
OMS 2.0
Picture wallpaper
Proximity sensor
Touchscreen

Entertainment

eCompass™
FM radio
Java™
Media browser
Video streaming
Video viewing

Organiser

Alarm clock
Calculator
Calendar
Dictionary
Document readers
eManual
Flight mode
Notes
Phone book
Tasks

Connectivity

3.5 mm audio jack
aGPS
Bluetooth™ technology
Modem
Micro USB
Synchronisation
USB mass storage
USB High speed 2.0 support
WLAN

Screen

3.5 inches
854x480 pixels
262,144 colour TFT

Accessories

In-Box:
Sony Ericsson A8i
Battery
stereo portable handsfree
Charger
User documentation

Facts

Size: 117 x 59 x 14 mm
Weight: 136 grams
Phone memory: Up to 200 MB
Memory card support: microSD, up to 32GB
Talk time GSM/GPRS*: 5 hours
Talk time (TD-SCDMA)*: 7 hours 30 min*
Standby time GSM/GPRS*: 260 hours
Standby time (TD-SCDMA)*: 260 hours
*Typical according to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique

Availability and versions

Networks
TD 2010-2025 band, TD 1880-1920 band
GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Available in selected markets from Q4 2010

Colour

White
Black