Sony Ericsson (SE) announced its LiveView accessory for Android smartphones, which is a compact (3.5 x 3.5 x 1.1 cm) device that boasts a 1.3" colour OLED display (128 x 128 pixels) and remote control functionality.

 

By employing this device users will be able to wirelessly pair with a compatible handset using Bluetooth and control their phone without taking it out of their pocket. The device can be clipped on a user’s shirt or belt, attached on to a supplied watch strap or a keychain or even clipped to a laptop. It will enable users to read their text messages, see incoming calls and keep up to date with the latest newsfeeds via Facebook and Twitter.

 

Amongst the device’s other features is the ability to control music playback on any SE Android based handset via the micro display, including selecting tracks as well as controlling the volume. This product also displays calendar events and other phone applications.

 

Users will be able to locate the apps that it supports, by using the SE LiveWare Manager application. This application will scan Android Market for SE LiveView enabled applications and present them to the user.

 

“It is our ambition to be THE Communication Entertainment brand and this includes being the most open mobile phone brand on the market,” said Sonja Shear, market unit head at Sony Ericsson South Africa.

 

“We believe in openness and offering consumers a wide range of applications to choose from. We will continue to develop accessories to ensure we play a major and ground breaking role in the market and design innovative and exciting accessories for all platforms, including Android.”

 

“The Sony Ericsson LiveView is the first Sony Ericsson accessory to be compatible with the open Android platform which gives developers an opportunity to be creative and develop the next must-have innovative application,” Shear stated.

 

Sony Ericsson LiveView will be available in stores as from Q4 of 2010 and is compatible with the Sony Ericsson X10i, X10 Mini, X10 Mini Pro, as well as most other Android 2.0 and above smartphones.