FCC Releases Additional Info on Sony TG50

Several weeks ago, an unannounced Sony Handheld received FCC approval. At that time, little was known about the device as the files that normally accompany this approval process were kept confidential. These are now available an present a more complete picture of this device, names the TG50.

It was already known that the TG50 will include an integrated keyboard. It also has built-in Bluetooth, which is why it needed FCC approval.

A few more details are available now. It will include an MP3 player, as there is a jack for a set of headphones on top of the device. Also, there is a Hold button to save power by shuting down the screen while songs are being played.

Because it uses a keyboard, there is no Graffiti area and therefore no silkscreen buttons. The functions of the Home and Menu silkscreen buttons have been combined into a single hardware button on the face of the TG50. Pushing the button once opens the application launcher. Holding it down opens the menus. For most apps, tapping the top of the screen will also open the menus.

Palm OS 5?

While it is still not known for sure what version of the Palm OS this model will run, there is a strong indication that it will be OS 5. On the left side is a button labeled "Rec", assumably for "Record". This is likely the button for its built-in voice recorder. To date, the only handhelds Sony has released with voice recorders have been the NX series and the NZ90, both of which run Palm OS 5.

However, how much memory it will have remains a mystery.

In the excerpt from the user manual there is a screen shot from the application launcher that shows an icon for PiscelViewer, the new app that allows users to view desktop files in their native formats. Also, there are indications that it comes with the NetFront Web browser and the Macromedia Flash Player.

Perhaps the most valuable part of Sony's FCC filing is a series of pictures of the device. These were contained in a PDF file, so their quality isn't stellar.

• Front View, with cover closed
• Front View, with cover open
• Back View
• Left Side View, including additional controls
• Top View

The Sony TG50 now appears in the inventory database of a major electronics retailer. According to this, the device will be released March 23 and sell for $400.

Update

According to online retailer P.C. Richard, the TG50 runs Palm OS 5 on a 200 MHz processor and has 16MB of memory. The site's listing for this model also says it will be 4.75 by 2.88 inches.

However, none of this has been confirmed by Sony and is therefore subject to change. Information in FCC filings has been wrong before. For example, Handspring changed the name of one of the early Treo models between the FCC filing and the actual release. Plus, premature listings of products on webstores are sometimes unreliable.

Thanks to Foo Fighter and Equalibrium for the tips.

Related Links

• Sony T-Series Model to Include Bluetooth, Keyboard