Summary: Another sign that Sony Ericsson may shift more focus to GNU and Linux after Xperia X2 launch gets delayed, then downscaled

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WO weeks ago we wrote about Windows Mobile (version 7) being delayed along with Xperia X2. Well, it turns out that Xperia X2 will altogether be dropped from the UK market, symboling the continued collapse of Windows Mobile (market share down about 30% in just one year).

From The Inquirer:

AFTER AN UNDERSTATED launch event back in November, it seemed that the high-end Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 phone was due to land in the UK well in time for Christmas.

At the event the company admitted that it was still polishing the code and streamlining the Panels interface introduced by its predecessor the X1, but that we were assured that review units would be sent out within the week, running the release version of the Windows Mobile 6.5 overlay.

As we showed in December, Sony Ericsson is gradually exploring Linux and Free software. Maybe it is having second thoughts about Windows. References that we add below may help understanding of this situation (from 2008-2009, more recent items listed first). ⬆ ______ [1] Android phone sports 8.1-megapixel camera

Sony Ericsson announced its first Android phone, along with a "UX" user interface targeting social networking. The Xperia X10 offers from 8 to 16GB of flash storage, a four-inch touchscreen, and an 8.1-megapixel camera with face recognition and geo-tagging, plus the usual 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS features.

[2] Sony Ericsson announces its first Android handset: the XPERIA X10

Available in "Luster White" or "Sensuous Black", the 119mm x 63mm x 13mm device weighs 135g and features a 4in, 480 x 854 capacitive touchscreen display.

[3] Sony Ericsson's first Android phone highlights Microsoft's shortcomings

"Microsoft is being squeezed from one end by this open source approach from the likes of Android, Symbian open source, Maemo and LiMo, and squeezed from the other by RIM and Apple, which offer closed environments that users are very happy with," she said.

[4] Sony Ericsson preparing netbook launch?

Sony Ericsson appears set to launch a netbook. Sorry, smartbook - the phone firm's micro laptop seems likely to be as much phone as portable PC.

[5] Sony Ericsson Xperia drops Windows for Android

An Android-based version of Sony Ericsson's first Windows Mobile smartphone, the Xperia, has appeared online, prompting speculation that an official unveiling could be just around the corner.

[6] Check Out Sony Ericsson's Android UI

Word leaked over the weekend about Sony Ericsson's first Android-powered smartphone and it looked like a winner. Well, today we've learned that the company will be layering on its own custom user interface on top of the Linux-based OS, and it also looks pretty good.

To recap, the smartphone is code-named "Rachael" and it is expected to be the next generation in the company's Xperia line. Reports say it will run on Qualcomm's zippy 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, and it will have 3D graphics, a whopping 8-megapixel camera, and it will be capable of 7.2 Mbps downlink speeds.

[7] Sony Ericsson Using Drupal

Sony Ericsson's first Drupal web site was officially launched yesterday at the JavaOne conference. The site, called Sony Ericsson Labs, is a community website to shares application concepts with everyone who is interested in mobile applications and where new ideas can begin to take shape.

[8] Sony Ericsson Inches Closer To Android Phone

Ever since Sony Ericsson joined the Open Handset Alliance, Android fans have been wondering when the company would release a smartphone with the Google-backed operating system. An executive gave some more details Friday indicating fans may not have to wait too much longer.

[9] Sony Ericsson to make Android phone

Rikko Sakaguchi, Corporate VP at Sony Ericsson, said it’s the company’s aim to “develop a handset based on the Android platform”, according to his OHA membership statement.

[10] (Video) Ubuntu Linux Running On Sony Ericsson P990i

Apparently "Wizolabo" managed to get a copy of Ubuntu Linux running on the Sony Ericsson P990i, which features a 240 x 320 TFT touchscreen display, 2.0-megapixel camera, 64MB RAM, 128MB Flash memory, 60MB built-in memory, 802.11b Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, a music player, and USB 2.0 connectivity. Video after the break.