Sony Ericsson introduces a GPS-enabled tri-mode phone for CDMA systems – the T206

Tuesday, March 5 2002

Sony Ericsson today unveiled the T206, featuring Global Positioning System (GPS) for emergency and location-based services. For personalization, messaging and entertainment, the T206 features screensavers, games and enhanced messaging services, EMS. The T206 is the first Sony Ericsson branded CDMA phone for the Americas.

The T206 is Sony Ericsson’s second tri-mode handset for CDMA2000 1X networks. Equipped with a WAP 1.1 browser and CDMA2000 1X technology, the T206 allows consumers to browse the mobile Internet for news, weather, sports, entertainment and more – at speeds of up to 153 kbps. The T206 is designed to appeal to value-minded consumers and offers many fun and useful features for staying connected.

Personalization is easy with the T206. Pictures can be stored as background screens or even assigned to a phone book contact, letting the user see an image associated with the person who is calling. For added fun, the T206 features embedded games and a variety of graphical start-up and shut-down animations. The T206 supports two-way text and enhanced messaging services (EMS), allowing consumers to send and receive sounds, images and ring tones.

“With the T206, Sony Ericsson continues to demonstrate its pursuit of wireless technology innovation, combined with dedication to meeting the needs of both operators and consumers,” says Bo Larsson, Corporate Vice President and General Manager, Sony Ericsson, North America. “The T206 meets these demands by offering features like enhanced messaging capability for personalized consumer communication and added-value service offerings for operators.”

Designed to be easy and fun of use, the T206 has a large, seven-line display and graphical menu interface, and is navigated with a four-way navigation button and soft keys. Voice activation and answer commands enable handsfree communication so users can dial or answer a call with the sound of their voice. The voice memo recorder is useful for recording reminders while on the go. The T206 provides easy organization for contacts with its high-capacity phonebook with storage for multiple numbers per name.

The T206 provides tri-mode coverage, operating on digital CDMA (800 and 1900 MHz) and analog networks. The phone measures a compact 112 x 48 x 26mm and weighs a mere 120 grams. A built-in long-life lithium ion battery provides up to 3.5 hours of talk time and up to 10 days of standby time. Compatible accessories include interchangeable covers, a variety of chargers and handsfree solutions.

The Sony Ericsson T206 is scheduled for launch during Q3 2002. The T206 will also be featured at the CTIA Wireless 2002 trade show in Orlando, Florida, in the US, from March 18-20, 2002, at Sony Ericsson Booth Number 1463.

In an effort to deliver this product to market in the most efficient manner and in response to changing market dynamics, all features may not be available at launch or in all markets where the product may be offered. Please visit www.sonyericsson.com for the latest product features and specifications.

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB offers mobile communications products for people who appreciate the possibilities of powerful technology. Established in 2001 by Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Sony Corporation, the joint venture continues to build on the success of its two innovative parent companies. Sony Ericsson creates value for its operator customers by bringing new ways of using multimedia communications while mobile. The company’s management is based in London, and has 4,000 employees across the globe working on research, development, design, sales, marketing, distribution and support.