Sony Xperia sola controlled with 'floating' hand gestures

 

Introducing the Sony Xperia sola - The Android smartphone with a touchscreen you don't need to touch...

Sony has unveiled the latest Android smartphone in its Xperia range, introducing a new "floating touch" navigation technique that means you can browse the web with hand gestures.

Users move around pages by hovering their finger above the Sony Xperia sola’s screen so it acts like a moving cursor, but without actually making contact. Links can then be highlighted with a single tap and the page will load.

Calum MacDougall, head of Xperia marketing for Sony Mobile Communications, said: "Xperia sola comes with the power of Sony and a sense of magic with floating touch, giving consumers a fun new way to browse the web and latest technology to show off."

The Xperia sola also benefits from near field communication (NFC) - wireless technology that can be used for things like contactless payments - and comes with two Xperia SmartTags as standard.

These are small tags that can be personalised with up to 10 "magic" commands. Swiping the Xperia sola over a tag then automatically changes the configuration of the handset according to each tags commands.

For example, a SmartTag in the bedroom could be programmed to activate the Xperia sola's alarm and automatically switch the device to silent mode to avoid disturbances during the night.

"With Xperia SmartTags out of the box and access to the latest content through Sony Entertainment Network, Xperia sola is perfect for consumers looking for ease of use and the best in entertainment in a smart and innovative smartphone," MacDougall explained.

The Sony Xperia sola is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, has a 3.7in display with Sony BRAVIA technology for “razor-sharp clarity” and features xLOUD audio technology and 3D surround sound.

Running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread initially, the phone will later be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. An official UK release date has yet to be confirmed, but the Xperia sola will be available - in black, white or red - before the second half of 2012.

Video: Xperia Smart Tags explained

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