Sony announces water/dust-proof Xperia go, acro S

Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today announced two new Xperia™ smartphones for consumers looking for premium specifications and beautiful design with extra durability and water resistance. Xperia go and Xperia acro S have scratch resistant mineral glass displays and meet industry standard IP ratings* (International Protection) for protection against dust and water immersion.
Xperia go and Xperia acro S enable easy connectivity to share and enjoy content on TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet. They also come preloaded with Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited from Sony Entertainment Network giving access to Hollywood blockbusters, TV series and millions and millions of music tracks. Xperia go and Xperia acro S will be available globally from the third quarter of 2012.
Consumer demand for durable and water resistant smartphones
Industry research demonstrates that consumers consider durability and water resistance as important features when purchasing a smartphone. For example, a study conducted in Japan by Mobile Marketing Data Labo** highlighted water resistance in the top three most important features for smartphone buyers. In a recent poll*** on Sony Mobile’s Facebook community more than a third of participants stated durability as the most important feature when choosing a smartphone. Also, Xperia acro HD, which has the same durability and water resistance features as Xperia acro S, has been the best selling smartphone in Japan since its launch in March****, further demonstrating the appeal of durability and water resistance.
Xperia go – the stylish Sony smartphone made for extra durability
With Xperia go consumers can watch the latest movies and TV shows in razor sharp quality and with super fast performance. Its sleek and stylish design means durable and water resistant smartphones no longer have to look bulky and ruggedized.
Xperia acro S – The stylish water resistant HD smartphone
Xperia acro S boasts a 4.3” HD Reality Display for razor sharp clarity, full HD video recording, HD video chat and easy HDMI TV connectivity to enjoy content on the big screen. NFC enabled, Xperia acro S can easily open applications with one touch against an Xperia SmartTag.

LG Optimus Elite on pre-order at Virgin Mobile; carrier's first NFC phone in the US

Sprint may already count the LG Optimus Elite among its roster of smartphones, but today that handset is finding a second home at Virgin Mobile. The $150 Gingerbread-powered device is now up for pre-order, and Virgin says it will start shipping on May 15th. Though the 3.5-inch HVGA display, 800MHz CPU and 5-MP rear camera aren't exactly impressive specs, the Optimus Elite stands out as the carrier's first phone to include NFC and Google Wallet for mobile payments. Unlike Sprint, which offers a white version, Virgin Mobile will only sell the Optimus Elite in silver. And while the former carrier prices the phone at just $30 after a mail-in rebate, Virgin's cheaper monthly plans might convince customers that it's worth shelling out more up front.