New. Not improved. Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V.

Here's a mystery.. namely the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V. It's not often that a hardware manufacturer revises a product and makes it less good, but for some reason SE have taken the 8 megapixel camera out of the Xperia Neo and replaced it with a 5 megapixel sensor in the Neo V.

Apparently, Sony hinted that they might be supplying 8 megapixel sensors to Apple for the next generation iPhone, and it is well known that the earthquake and tsunami in Japan has been causing problems with certain areas of the supply chain.

From the point of view of Sony Ericsson's customers, it really doesn't make much difference, because camera phone picture quality is constrained by more things than the pixel count, and besides the updated camera software in the Neo V probably compensates for it.

But - and this really is speculation - if Sony are switching components from their subsidiary to another project then it indicates that there must be some serious supply problems indeed. Apple always have a massive amount of iPhone handsets in their inventory when they launch a new product, so it remains a tantalizing possibility..

Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy S II and Galaxy Ace banned in Europe

Apple have successfully blocked sales of the Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy S II and Galaxy Ace in Europe, according to the BBC.

Apple had attempted to block sales of the Galaxy Tab tablet in Europe too, following a similar ban in Germany.

Although the Netherlands court does not have the authority to block sales of the devices Europe-wide, it can effectively shut down distribution through Samsung's European distribution centre in Breda. It is possible for Samsung to change distribution channels to get round the ban, but that will take some time and add to the cost.

Apple's intention seems to be to shut down all of Samsung's sales for all smartphones and tablets in Europe. It's not as if Apple are struggling.. they have the tablet market to themselves and a very robust share of the smartphone market, but Apple's attempts to ban black slabby touchscreen phones in general is stupid.

The bitter irony of this matter is that Samsung are an extremely important supplier to Apple in processor and display components. What a crappy way to treat your business partners..

Florian Mueller has more analysis here.

Via [1] [2]

Video: Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman

The Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman has a clumsy name, but remember that this is the company that brought us the six word Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro so it is at least a slight improvement. Very much NOT a "me too" Android phone, Sony Ericsson look to have put some real effort into the Live with Walkman's media capabilties and it has probably earned the "Walkman" badge, unlike previous Sony Ericsson models that squandered it.

Not a particularly high-end device, but we suspect that Sony Ericsson may be looking for a slightly higher price tag because of the "Walkman" branding boost. And it looks great in white too..

Video: LG Optimus Sol

The LG Optimus Sol is designed to be more usable out of doors with an "Ultra AMOLED" display.. although perhaps in the UK it should be the LG Optimus Pluvia given the amount of rain we have been having!

It does seem that LG might be missing a trick here though. Combine the Ultra AMOLED display with a rugged housing like the Motorola DEFY and this could be a much more interesting device..

Video: Motorola FIRE XT / SPICE XT / XT531

Ho-hum, the Motorola FIRE XT (in Europe) SPICE XT (in Latin America) or XT531 (in Asia) isn't the world's most powerful Android phone by a long shot. Something like this will sell an price which is.. errr... ummm... well, don't you just hate it when manufacturers don't even give you a vague retail price?