Sony Ericsson Canada officially launched the Xperia PLAY and Xperia arc with Rogers Wireless with a well-attended party last night.
As you can imagine, both devices were in high demand but I had the chance to play with both (if only for a short time). First a few pics:
Sony Ericsson keychain
Android lollipop
I found the dummy phones before the real ones
At play with the Xperia Play
A rew random thoughts and comments about both:
- I like Sony Ericsson’s decision to transform Mediascape into a series of apps (and widgets). Much less intrusive.
- The Xperia PLAY is not as bulky as some pictures make it out to be. Not the thinnest out there (especially next to the Xperia arc) but fits well in the hands.
- I like the analog d-pads on the PLAY; the screen (which could be a bit brighter) is left unobscured.
- Why not put an HDMI-out port on it though?
- I expect that the plastic case will end up scratched up quite quickly.
- The arc is as thin as it looks. There is no search button (not that I missed it).
- I asked about rumours that supply might be constrained due to the recent earthquake in Japan. The Sony Ericsson representative indicated that there should be no such issue for the Rogers launch (albeit with a bit of a pause).
The Xperia PLAY and Xperia arc are very much two devices after two different markets. If I was more of a gamer, the Xperia PLAY could easily replace my current phone. The arc is a sexy looking device but I’d have to play with it a bit more to be convinced to have it replace my current device.
Both the Xperia PLAY and Xperia arc will be available as of April 28th from Rogers Wireless for CA$99.99 with a three-year contract or CA$549.99 with no contract.