Sony Ericsson Aspen confirms Win Mobile 6.5.3
updated 07:30 am EST, Tue February 2, 2010
SE Aspen shows one last Win Mobile 6 update
Sony Ericsson today proved the existence of one more version of Windows Mobile 6 today by launching the Aspen. The QWERTY messaging smartphone has a visibly improved interface for touch and moves the Start menu to the bottom in addition to making touch areas larger. The front end similarly promises a much more visual experience that gives a clearer view of new messages, time, weather and other essentials.
As a device, the Aspen fits into the GreenHeart family and is relatively eco-friendly in design and packaging. It occupies the strict mid-range in features with a 3.2-megapixel camera, 3G, GPS and Wi-Fi. A microSDHC slot takes on the bulk of storage.
Sony Ericsson plans to ship black and white versions of the Aspen in the spring; a North American launch is certain as one model will ship with 850MHz HSPA for AT&T and most Canadian carriers.
The launch of Windows Mobile 6.5.3 is believed to be a stopgap to keep the OS more relevant within the next few months. Microsoft still plans to introduce Windows Phone 7 at Mobile World Congress and compete much more directly against modern touchscreen platforms like Android or iPhone, but 6.5.3 will have to bridge the gap until 7 ships later in 2010.
