Android 1.6, Not Xperia X10, Limited To 65k Colors

There are a few highly anticipated Android phones lingering on the interwebz and the officially confirmed Xperia X10 is among them. With a 4-inch screen, the X10 has the potential to rock some amazing clarity and visuals from everyday use in basic applications to HD video. Or does it?

Following the announcement, many Android enthusiasts clamored for answers regarding X10 product details. Luckily, Global Marketing Manager for the Xperia X10 – Sumit Malhotra -provided a brief Xperia X10 Q&A to address some of the most pressing questions about the phone. Among them was this exchange:

* How many colors does the screen support?

I noticed the confusion in the communction around this topic, but the correct number is 65,536.

Uhohs. The Motorola Droid screen, by contrast, is capable of displaying Up to 16M colors. XperiaFail? Not exactly…

The difference in the 16 million colors of the Droid and the 65,536 colors of the Xperia X10 is the version of Android being run. Android 1.6 isn’t capable/compatible with 16M devices and so the full functionality of the X10 hardware isn’t utilized. Yes… the X10 DOES support 16 million colors but because it will launch with Android 1.6 and not Android 2.0, you won’t be able to enjoy 16 million color functionality.

So the logical next question is, “Will the Xperia X10 get an Android 2.0 upgrade?” That is the exact next question from the Q&A with Sumit:

* Will the X10 receive Android 2.0 update (for those who bought from the initial batches with Android 1.6) ?

The UX platform used for Xperia X10 will evolve to Android 2.0 over time.

So for those wondering, Android 1.6 will limit the Xperia X10 to 65,536 colors when it initially launches, but at some point it will receive an Android 2.0 update that will allow it to display the full 16 million colors for which it is capable.

I know… I know… you’re wondering how long after launch it will get the Android 2.0 update. We don’t have that information for you. Actually, we don’t even know when its launching! But I can tell you that if you stay tuned to Phandroid we WILL have that information “at some point”.

[Thanks Dave]

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Answers to some of your questions

Let me introduce myself. I am Sumit Malhotra, Global marketing manager for Xperia X10.

I am very happy about the announcement earlier this week. Using the phone outside the office walls has been somewhat of a relief and it is encouraging to get some remarks and raised eyebrows when people see me using it. The design is eye catching and stands out from normal large screen so getting great response and anticipation, but a lot of questions as well….

One of the benefits of using an open operating system is that we can tailor your phone to your specific needs. As an example, there is not a document editor preloaded, but there are and will be free and premium applications available in the application store.

Now to your questions. I haven’t been able to answer all of them at this point but have tried my best to get to as many as possible.

* Will it have multi-touch in future updates?

Xperia X10 has a capacitive screen. It does not support multi-touch functionality at launch, but is considered for the future.

* What’s a scratch-resistant screen?

Xperia X10 has mineral glass to prevent easy scratching and fingerprint coating.

* Is it based on OpenGL 1.1 or 2.0 for games and other stuff?

Xperia X10 supports Open GL 2.0.

* What is the size of the battery?

It is 1500mAh.

* How many colors does the screen support?

I noticed the confusion in the communction around this topic, but the correct number is 65,536.

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