Sony Launches 3G Walkman Phone

Sony Ericsson introduced its first 3G Walkman phone Monday, the fourth music-enabled phone in the lineup. The W900 is slated to become available across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East by the end of the year.

So far only one Walkman phone has been launched worldwide, the W800, which debuted earlier this year. Sony Ericsson said that it plans to release two previously announced phones shortly, the W550 and W600.

The phone will have features similar to the first three models, but adds UMTS capabilities. UMTS is the high-speed third generation mobile phone network used heavily across Europe.

W900 users will also be able to easily import, play and manage their music libraries, Sony Ericcson said. Music can be downloaded to the device through a compatible over-the-air service or using a PC through "drag and drop" functionality.

The device also sports a "swivel" design similar to the W550. However, most music functions can be completed with the phone closed.

A 2.2-inch screen will allow users to display images and video, with the capability to import and export pictures and videos on and off the device to a PC. The videos will be QuickTime compatible, the company said.

Also, in a first for the Walkman phone models, the W900 will come with a remote control that will enable control of the phone without taking it out of a pocket.

"The W900, along with the rest of the Walkman phone family, will establish a new life-style habit of enjoying superb quality music and video and a full Internet Web experience on the move from a single mobile device," said Rikko Sakaguchi, Senior Vice President, Product and Application Planning of Sony Ericsson.