News Forum Phone database

> New Topic
> Reply
< Esato Forum Index > Sony Ericsson / Sony > Symbian phones > G700 mobile review. (UIQ not dying. Bookmark topic

http://www.mobile-review.com/review/sonyericsson-g700-en.shtml
--
Posted: 2008-03-28 06:11:25
Edit : Quote


To those who thought UIQ was almost dead, you are wrong, just read the introduction part from the review and see if you can undertstand the facts:

"Positioning
Sony Ericsson-branded smartphones have long been associated with the plethora of pricey phones not-for-all – top-of-the-line solutions, that grab a lot of eyes, but never become widely adopted. While the maker was one of the pioneers in this device class, throwing in touch-sensitive displays for good measure, they couldn’t take its success one step further. Against the backdrop of Nokia’s S60, a couple of debuts a year from Sony Ericsson seem quite thin on the ground. And, the reason for this, is the company’s size. It’s this simple: Sony Ericsson can’t allocate its funds, time and people to a lot of fields at once, that’s why UIQ was somewhat left out, as they focused on rolling out top-notch solutions, without bothering about beefing up the core of the line-up. But, 2008 should see a turn-around, with the arrival of the G700 and G900.

The philosophy underpinning these products is completely opposite to what we have seen from UIQ-smartphones thus far. While they pack in no bells and whistles, as far as hardware goes, being rather bog-standard UIQ solutions, software-wise they are very straightforward, looking to appeal to the average, unsophisticated user. Just like Nokia has come to this notion with their S60, Sony Ericsson has grasped the idea that the only way to develop the UIQ platform is to sell boatloads of devices, touting it for the average user. There is no other way around.

And what does the average Joe crave for these days? What state of the art technologies does he know about? The answer doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out – touch-sensitive displays, which are so hot thanks to the Apple iPhone these days, and the impending release of S60 Touch, as well as HTC’s recent activities, and partly LG’s advance in Europe. And if there is gesture-based navigation that requires no stylus whatsoever – all the better.

Also, the handset should be smart. Interestingly, is no universal way to determine what phone is smart, and what’s not – some put camera and megapixel-count above everything else; some suppose a device gets smart as soon as it becomes capable of playing music and videos. To each his own. But, the important thing is that on paper, people are ready to shell out for these feats, while in practice, they show much more expertise and caution, preferring to go for versatile solutions.

The Sony Ericsson G700 is what the maker is going to cater to these needs with. An adequately price touchscreen device, that is more of a feature phone, which will allow attracting the conservative part of the audience. But hiding behind its not-so-smart face is a true UIQ-smartphone, meaning techi won’t come out with their hands empty either, should they pick the G700.

To put the final piece of the puzzle in its place, Sony Ericsson had to give the G700 the best price/quality ratio out there, turning it into a mass-market solution. And, they have done it by pushing its price tag below the price point, which similar offerings from other manufacturers are offered at (on top of that, Nokia offers no touchscreens as of today). The G700’s primary selling point is its touch-sensitive screen, which couldn’t be more welcome here, and it’s also great timing on Sony Ericsson’s part – one year prior to the arrival of alternatives from Nokia, they are planting some loyalty to their brand in the minds of consumers.

On the other hand, in case you are not bent on touchscreens, there are many other ways to go, like the Nokia N82. But, at the end of the day, the G700 and the N82 look and feel very different, that’s why there is no reason to believe their target audiences will overlap in any way.

The core motif the G700's ad campaign will be guided is simplicity, focus on specific functions, rather than its whole pack of features. The company highlights its PIM functionality (get organized), calling features (communicate the natural way), and makes a mention of its touch-screen (touch the future). This strategy seems like the right way to go, and it is likely to work a treat.

Design, size, controls
Smartphones have long been considered bulkier than feature phones, but this paradigm has been changing as of late, so the margins between them are getting slimmer with the Sony Ericsson G700, conforming with the trend at 106x49x13 mm, and 103 grams (while the Sony Ericsson P1i measured 106x55x17mm). This phone, which is the name we will be using for the G700 throughout this review, for convenience, readily slips into just about any pocket, thanks its decent proportions."

--
Posted: 2008-03-28 06:54:21
Edit : Quote



Hopla. Eldar is beating on big drums now.
--
Posted: 2008-03-28 06:58:40
Edit : Quote


nice, i like the sound and beat of the drums on this review:)
--
Posted: 2008-03-28 08:26:41
Edit : Quote


Very positive

if only the new Symbian hack would made G900/G700 able to update it's OS to UIQ 3.3 - then that'll be one more heck of a dream come true!
--
Posted: 2008-03-29 13:38:43
Edit : Quote


I really love the way every UIQ-related thread now has to point out how UIQ is definitely "not dying". It adds a lot to the general smell of death surrounding the platform.
--
Posted: 2008-03-29 15:11:25
Edit : Quote


..So.. if a few people say you're not a pedofile - that.. means you're hiding something..?

I guess you learn something new every day. I mean - who could've known? (Not me, anyway.)
--
Posted: 2008-03-29 15:30:43
Edit : Quote


i see no reason why the G series wont fly off the shelves - it will definitely bring UIQ to the masses. but unless we get a really well spec'ed device soon UIQ wont live up to its huge potential.
--
Posted: 2008-03-29 17:58:00
Edit : Quote


More screen- layouts and resolutions would be nice as well.
--
Posted: 2008-03-30 00:37:36
Edit : Quote


This is definitely the rebirth of UIQ.

This is a very balanced phone based on this review. I am very impressed. WiFi would've been the only welcomed addition (considering the price differential between G700 and G900).

I am pleased with the photo quality (and finally the camera interface is improved), the addition of the flash light, the snappy new interface, everything in general.

This was a pleasant surprise. Very nice way to bring UIQ to the masses.
--
Posted: 2008-03-30 09:30:38
Edit : Quote

---

New Topic   Reply

Forum Index