The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 comes with the clever “Rachael” UI pasted on top of Android, and does a fantastic job of pulling in information that’s relevant both online and off, but the big secret is that Sony Ericsson doesn’t need Google’s platform to work its magic. It’s planning follow ups with the same software running on Symbian, just like the Sony Ericsson Satio.
As well as promising Android follow ups to the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, Sony Ericsson’s head of portfolio planning, Steve Walker, let slip that the social network juggling Rachael UI, is headed to Symbian powered Sony Ericsson phones in future too.
Developers voice fear for Symbian
“We do intend products on Android and on Symbian,” he said. “The intention is to not be specifically related to one particular platform…it’s not the right time to bet on any particular horse.”
That should come as a relief to the Symbian Foundation, as Sony Ericsson had nothing to show in way of new products at the Symbian Exchange and Exposition tradeshow last week. With Sony Ericsson’s Timescape, Mediascape and more on board though, the Rachel UI could give the Symbian platform a new lease of life. Expect to see the fruits of Sony Ericsson’s labour on Symbian some time next year. Now, who fancies a flutter on which handset will get it first? The Kurara, perhaps?
Out TBC | £TBC | Sony Ericsson
