Sony said the new phones will enable users to listen to music, handle phone calls and take pictures and video all through one device. They are expected to be available early in the second half of 2005.
The new W800 products will aim to offer large memory, quality headphones and the ability to import 150 music tracks from PCs and other devices using Disk2Phone software. It will also provide a 2 Megapixel camera and have a battery life of 15-30 hours.
It is thought that the new phones are an attempt by Sony to increase its position in the music industry after it lost its footing thanks to Apple’s popular iPods. However, the company will have to compete against rivals Nokia, who last month said it would work with Loudeye and Microsoft to combine digital music formats with Windows Audio Player, and Motorola, who will integrate open formats with Apple’s iTunes.
In addition, Sony Ericsson unveiled plans to launch an entry-level camera phone, the K300, and a J300 phone containing 3D gaming technology.
