Sony-Ericsson K630

Timing its launch with news of strong sales, Sony-Ericsson today released the K630i and a companion Bluetooth speaker set to bring wireless music to the new phone and most any similar device. The new candybar handset is intended as an all-purpose phone that focuses on media functions but can handle some business tasks on the side. For day-to-day use, the phone comes with a 2-megapixel camera as well as a dedicated music key like most Walkman phones; for work, it brings full Exchange e-mail support. Both sides can take advantage of 3G Internet access over HSDPA to stream audio and video (including video calls) as well as check e-mail and the web at speeds closer to landline broadband.

The K630i bundles a 256MB Memory Stick Micro card (with support up to 4GB) and should be available by the end of the year in either Havana Gold or Quick Black. Sony-Ericsson did not name countries or a price, but the phone's lack of 850MHz GSM or HSDPA radio support suggest the current version of the device will remain in Europe.

Although the K630i has a high-volume speaker for its own music, its creator today also released the MBS-100, a unique one-piece stereo speaker that the company says is its first portable phone speaker to support Bluetooth. Any phone or other device that supports A2DP stereo streaming can play audio for up to five hours on a single charge of a rechargeable battery. The rounded shape suits it to travel and will be accompanied by a travel bag when the MBS-100 ships in the fall.

By Electronista Staff