New Xperia X1 Panels Announced: CNN, Skype, and More

Sony Ericsson has unveiled four new panels for its Xperia X1. Like all the panels for this smartphone, they will act as a sort of "home Page",  bringing the content and applications users wants to the forefront.

For those always on the move, an "On the Road" panel will include large touch-friendly icons and a simple layout. It will offer direct access to music playlists and tracks, navigation tools, and easy-to-use call-handling.

A new CNN panel will give users access to the latest news, sport, or weather and a host of CNN content. They will be able to browse information by category, personalize their experience, or plug in a location for localized news.  

A second panel will brings quick access to Skype, telling users at a glance which of their contacts are online, and then call or instant message them.

A new Mytopia panel will let Xperia X1 users play bingo and poker games with people around the world.

These new panels will be available from www.sonyericsson.com/fun in mid-March.

The X1 comes pre-loaded with a wide range of panels including a Google search panel. Facebook, and Windows Live.

More about the Xperia X1

The Xperia X1 includes a 3-inch, WVGA touchscreenthat can slide aside to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. Other navigation options are a four-way d-pad and an optical joystick.

The version of X1 this is available in the U.S.  -- the X1i -- is a quad-band GSM phone with support for 3G, including the frequencies used in this country. It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

This Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional device includes up to 400 MB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot for additional storage.

In addition, this model has a-GPS, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and an FM receiver.

Source: Sony Ericsson