Sony Ericsson who has been on a roll as of late has just announced the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active. This new Android Gingerbread smartphone, which follows on the heels of the Xperia Ray, is a quite a different take on the smartphone. Instead of offering just a fancy Bravia engine like the Xperia Arc or being a gaming handset as well like the Xperia Play, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active is geared for those who are, well, active.

You see, this new Android 2.3 from Sony Ericsson will include the latest Android built and it does include Mobile Bravia Engine, however what makes it different is starting with asthetics first. From the first look, you will undoubtedly notice the clip to the side of the phone, allowing you to latch the phone onto yourself while doing any kind of physical activity. Building from there, the phone is both dust-proof and water-resistant. In fact, the phone can be kept under 1m of water for 30 mins. Many who are familiar with touchscreen phones will know that using a device with wet hands is not only not recommended, but many touch screen phones cannot properly track your finger tips when they are wet, seeing how they rely on their heat to do that. The Xperia Active instead uniquely incorporates wet finger tracking, to ensure the phone works perfectly when either the screen or a user’s fingers are wet. Other specs include:

• 3-inch Touchscreen
• 5mp Camera
• 720p HD Video Functionality
• 8x Digital Zoom
• 1Ghz Processor
• 3G + Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
• 2GB MicroSD Memory Card

For all you atheltic fans, you should also take note of the pre-loaded sports apps that enable consumers to easily track your fitness levels. Users can set their ideal training route using the built-in GPS, Barometer and Compass. On-screen heart rate and pulse can be monitored in realtime (enabled by ANT+ wireless networking technology), while the iMapMyFitness app can monitor day to day performance. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active which will come in Orange/Black and White/Black will be available globally in selected markets in Q3 2011 with no price point attached yet.

Discuss:

As always, hit the jump for the official press release and additional pictures. While you’re there, let us know your thoughts on the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active? Is this take on the smartphone something that attracts you or is it too much of a niche market? Should Sony even try to cater to niche markets?

 22 June 2011, Singapore –Sony Ericsson today announced Xperia™ active, a compact smartphone targeting consumers with an active lifestyle, in conjunction with CommunicAsia 2011 in Singapore. With a 3” screen and running the latest Android platform for smartphones (Gingerbread 2.3), the phone packs Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine, a 5mp camera with HD video functionality, and a powerful 1Ghz processor. Xperia™ active is dust proof and water resistant* and uniquely incorporates wet finger tracking, to ensure the phone works perfectly when either the screen or a user’s fingers are wet.

The phone comes pre-loaded with sports apps that enable consumers to easily track their fitness levels. Users can set their ideal training route using the built-in GPS, Barometer and Compass. On-screen heart rate and pulse can be monitored in realtime (enabled by ANT+ wireless networking technology), while the iMapMyFitness app can monitor day to day performance.  Additionally, Facebook inside Xperia™ allows consumers to share their progress and experiences with friends.

Fredrik Månsson, Global Product Marketing Manager, Sony Ericsson said: “Xperia™ active is the ultimate smartphone for an active life. Not only is it packed with all the features and applications consumers need for a worry free mobile life, it also comes with a set of accessories that make it fun and easy for them to take it everywhere, whatever their daily plans are.”

Maria Sharapova, a three time grand slam winning tennis player added: “I love this smartphone because it perfectly fits both my professional and personal needs.  It keeps me in touch with my friends as I travel the world on the pro tour and tracks my fitness both on and off the court.”

Extras included in the box to further build the consumer experience:

• One extra exchangeable soft touch back cover
• Detachable ear hooks for the portable handsfree active headset
• Wrist strap to keep the phone close at all times
• An arm case for use during a workout
• 2GB memory card to save all your special moments
• Micro USB cable for charging and computer data transfer

*Water resistant – the phone can be kept under 1m of water for 30 mins.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ active will be available globally in selected markets from Q3 2011.

Sony Ericsson Xperia active at a glance.

*Please note that all services mentioned below may not be available in every market.

Colours

• Orange band with black back cover – white extra cover in the kit
• White band with black back cover – white extra cover in the kit