Time Added to the Hourglass: XPERIA Ion uses NFC to Save Consumers Time

Time Added to the Hourglass: XPERIA Ion uses NFC to Save Consumers Time

Let’s chat it up about the Sony Xperia Ion, the LTE version of the Xperia S, available on the AT&T 4G network. Earlier this year in January, following CES we did a piece on Sony’s NFC speakers for Xperia NFC smartphones, which you can find here. With 4G compatibility, the phone can be used on GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ where LTE is not available on AT&T. The device is part of the new generation of NXT series (next generation) smartphones and displays a 4.6-inch 720p HD Bravia Engine screen. A 12MP camera that goes from having the device off to snapping a picture in 1.5 seconds by holding down on the dual-stage camera shutter button and 1.5 GHZ dual core processor with Android Gingerbread this quarter to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich during the second quarter. In holding the device, we notice the Sony Ericsson’s signature human curvature back (metal, not plastic like the XPERIA S) that allows users to grip the XPERIA Ion comfortably in their hands.

High-Def Entertainment with the All-Can-Do SmartDock of Xperia

Equipped with a HDMI port, you can connect the device with the SmartDock for Xperia Ion which Sony is calling the dock that “can do it all.” The dock has a special UI that allow users to view and browse content on a larger HDTV. One can enjoy their mobile media, launch any app, of course charge their phone in style and turn their phone into a mini-PC by connecting a USB keyboard and mouse. For our gamers out there, the device is PlayStation-certified, enabling it to access PlayStation games store and other Sony entertainment assets including music, movies and TV shows.

Xperia Ion provides a User-Specific Experience and Consumer time saver with NFC 

In addition, Sony has equipped the XPERIA Ion with NFC. In its exclusivity with AT&T  in the US, it will be shipped with a packaged of NFC stylish round tags marketed as Xperia SmartTags. The technology’s purpose on the device primarily to help the consumer with time. The tags are read-only and stores an ID number that users can set its action to the tag by using the LiveWareManager Application on their device. This allows the reading of the tag to be specific to the user. Using another differently configured device to read the tag will produce a different experience.

For example, let’s say you are just getting to your house and you walk in the door. You can scan your home tag with your XPERIA Ion and turn on the WiFi, turn off the GPS to conserve our battery and silence your ringer all in one automated one-stepped programmed within the tag. Or even, when entering your car, the programmed NFC tag inside your card when scanned can turn off your WiFi, activate your GPS to your destination and turn up your volume.

We feel that the Xperia Ion will be a good experience. There are some concern with the battery life of the non-removable battery since there still looms an ongoing concern about the power life on LTE. Nevertheless, we appreciate the opportunity to get our hands on the device and, of course, we are glad to see it supporting the NFC movement. My Xperia SmartTag reads “Thumbs Up!”