Review: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
The messaging options on the Xperia Play are standard Android fare. SMS/MMS messages are displayed in a conversational, threaded format. It's easy to attach media and information to your messages, including pics and videos, as well as navigation coordinates and contact info.
For instant messaging, the Xperia Play comes with Google Talk. Like many Android phones, there are no other IM apps on board, but there are good options available from the Android Market.
For email, there is Gmail and then there is the app for everything else. Everything else can include Exchange accounts, with support for multiple Exchange servers, as well as POP3 and IMAP4 mail accounts. The Gmail app is superior in my opinion, with more features for managing, organizing, and labeling messages. The generic email app for Exchange and other accounts does a fine job, too.
I wonder if Sony Ericsson is making a subtle jab at its perceived market, given the lack of any social networking software on the Xperia Play. Does Sony Ericsson think mobile gamers are a socially inept and awkward lot? Does Verizon believe gamers to be lacking in the friend department? Whatever the reason, it stinks that there are no social networking apps on board the Xperia Play out of the box. You have to go to the Android Market and download them yourself.
Video chatting software? Also missing. At least visual voicemail, Skype, and Latitude are on board, but that's not saying much.
In sum, only the basics are present and accounted for. If you want more than that, you'll have to forage for it on your own.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (CDMA)
