The Official Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc Thread

Tejstar · 13 Apr 2011 at 18:50

The question now is, which custom ROM to try first!?

RSR · 13 Apr 2011 at 18:55

I don't think there are any at present. As they will need to be compiled for the decice.

Tejstar · 13 Apr 2011 at 20:51

Shame there doesn't seem to be much dev activity so far. Although now that the bootloader is unlocked surely it's a matter of time!

RSR · 13 Apr 2011 at 21:56

Bootloader Unlocked

C:\android-sdk-windows\tools>fastboot.exe -i 0x0fce oem unlock 0xKEY
1
...
(bootloader) Unlock phone requested
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00000d00
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00000e00
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00000f00
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001000
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001100
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001200
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001300
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001400
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001500
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001600
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001700
(bootloader) Erasing block 0x00001800
OKAY [ 4.307s]
finished. total time: 4.307s

C:\android-sdk-windows\tools>

Simian · 14 Apr 2011 at 14:35

I see a light at the end of the tunnel... (hopefully its not a freight train coming back the other way!!)...

Popped into my local Voda Shop in town and asked "WHEN!!??!!".. The person I first asked looked like a bunny in the headlights, then passed me on to a very knowlegable and friendly person who showed me a 'release' from head office on their system, which said "Official Release by Vodafone of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc 15th April 2011" and that everyone who pre=ordered prior to 1st April will get priority delivery!!..

So mine WILL be in-store (can't get it delivered home!!) on Monday!!

Just hope its worth the wait!!..

And on another Plus!.. aparently Voda are releasing it completely unfettled (Gingerbread) and Unlocked!!..

Robbo · 15 Apr 2011 at 17:09

I had a good play with one of these today, aaaaaaaaand.....

I really like it. Very nicely designed, great camera (the first I've seen that can stand up to the iPhone 4). It didn't seem that snappy but that was probably because people had buggered it up messing about with it

Pity its not dual core as it would have really put Sony top of the Android pile for a short while at least. I still think the SGS2 is a better option if you can afford it (unless of course its rubbish, but statistically it should be great)

Simian · 15 Apr 2011 at 21:06

Got the Email earlier!!!

Hope it get delivered to store tomorrow! Otherwise I'll have to nip to town Monday at lunch!!

Can't wait

RSR · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:27

Robbo said:
I had a good play with one of these today, aaaaaaaaand.....

I really like it. Very nicely designed, great camera (the first I've seen that can stand up to the iPhone 4). It didn't seem that snappy but that was probably because people had buggered it up messing about with it

Pity its not dual core as it would have really put Sony top of the Android pile for a short while at least. I still think the SGS2 is a better option if you can afford it (unless of course its rubbish, but statistically it should be great)

NOO WAYYYY

Robbo said he liked a SE phone :eek:

Robbo · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:32

andyd said:
NOO WAYYYY

Robbo said he liked a SE phone

I've always liked them, I just thought the X10 was a bit naff, which it was

I'm a huge Sony fanboy really, TV, laptop, sound system etc

RSR · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:48

Just found a downside to opening the boot loader, Updating won't work either because DRM keys have been wiped in the unlocking process. However, you can use the XperiaFlash Tool to upgrade.

I'll write a guide shortly and get all the images ready.

Robbo · 15 Apr 2011 at 23:02

I've just been having a look at contracts on this (for interest), you can get it with low-ish minutes (fine for most people), a medium amount of texts and standard amount of data for what works out at about £450 over 2 years.

That is a steal I must say, if the SGS2/Sensation cameras aren't up to much then this could well be a better option for many, many people, especially for these three reasons -

1. It will take a while for software to be optimised for dual core
2. Its a really low overall cost so if you find yourself wanting a dual core it wont cost you the earth to get your contract closed and sell the phone, etc.
3. The screen, while not iP4 Retina or SAMOLED, is still very good

How is the video recording compared to the iPhone 4?

RSR · 16 Apr 2011 at 08:22

Right I have all the files now. I have a generic UK image, generic NCB image. I'll upload them shortly along with the Xperia Flash.

So if anyone wishes to debranded the handset they can use my image.

RSR · 16 Apr 2011 at 23:36

[UPDATE 22/03/2011] Flashtool BETA version 0.2.9.1
3.0.A.2.181 Global Frmware
3.0.A.2.184 Generic UK

Tutorial on debranding your Xperia arc

1) Switch on the debugging option on your Xperia arc. Go to Menu –> Settings –> Applications –> Development –> Tick ‘USB debugging’

Also tick ‘Unknown sources’ under Menu –> Settings –> Applications

2) Download the latest version of FlashTool.

3) Extract the downloaded FlashTool file to a folder of your choice. Press ‘Parcourir’ to choose the folder then press ‘Extraire’ to extract the files.

4) Download the Xperia arc firmware from above.

5) Unzip the firmware to reveal the ‘FTF’ file. Place this file in the Flashtool/firmwares folder.

6) Open the ‘X10FlashTool’ application in the FlashTool folder. Click ‘Flash’.

7) You should now see the firmware selected as shown below. Click ‘OK’.

8 ) You will then see the screen below.

9) Turn your phone off. Whilst holding the back button on your handset, connect your phone via USB.

10) Follow the on-screen instructions to flash your phone to generic firmware. Once complete, your Xperia arc should now be unbranded.

Appelhanns · 18 Apr 2011 at 13:57

Guys, just looked at some deals online for this and found the following...

http://www.buymobilephones.net/mobi...5-(18mths)-inc.-Internet/9333541?adnetwork=af

Which, with £30 (I think) cashback from topcashback, makes it £378.60 over the 18 months. Rather good I feel?

I was going to wait to see what the the SGS2 was like but I don't think there will be any deals this good on it for a while. Being my first android phone, I don't think I will miss the dual-core and don't see the camera on the SGS2 being better than the Arc's (something I'm very interested in)

In summary, I guess I'm looking for opinions on if people think this is a good deal/are happy with their Arc's? Also how are people getting on with battery life?

Simian · 18 Apr 2011 at 16:28

I HAS IT IN MY HAND!!!!!!...

Been playing with it since 2ish and Lovin it so far!!..

Already got Twitter/Farcebook set up, Gmail/Ymail and Firefox (just need to set up Sync!)... Gonna have a good play later when I get home!!

kona786 · 18 Apr 2011 at 16:28

Simian said:
I HAS IT IN MY HAND!!!!!!...

Is this your first Android phone?

Sickboy · 18 Apr 2011 at 18:23

Simian said:
I HAS IT IN MY HAND!!!!!!...

Been playing with it since 2ish and Lovin it so far!!..

Already got Twitter/Farcebook set up, Gmail/Ymail and Firefox (just need to set up Sync!)... Gonna have a good play later when I get home!!

You have it in your hand, you've been playing with it from 2ish and you're going to have another good play when you get home. You not bleeding about now?

Dead Dog · 19 Apr 2011 at 08:13

Does this still have the rubbish charging/headphone/pc connection socket that se's of the past have ?

RSR · 19 Apr 2011 at 08:33

Dead Dog said:
Does this still have the rubbish charging/headphone/pc connection socket that se's of the past have ?

No it doesn't have a Sony Ericsson fast port connection. It's the standard 3.5mm headphonejack and USB connection.

Simian · 19 Apr 2011 at 08:37

kona786 said:
Is this your first Android phone?

Yep!... how can you tell??

Coming from a BlackBerry Bold9700...

***The Official Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc Thread***

The Official Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc Thread