Sony Ericsson have announced the new Sony Ericsson Z610 mobile phone. The Z610 is a 3G clamshell phone with respectable mid-range features (2 megapixel camera, video recording and streaming, push email, MP3 player - blimey, that all that can be classed as 'mid-range'!). What sets the Z610 apart from its rivals, though, is its front cover, which is completely opaque when not in use, but which features an 'invisible' OLED display that appears when a call comes in, or when the user presses any buttons.

Sony Ericsson call this a 'magic mirror' display, which apparently "achieves the feel of a calm ocean surface." I'm sure we're all reminded of the ocean whenever we see an OLED display...er...!

More details and picture of the Sony Ericsson Z610 after the jump.

Sony Ericsson Z610 mobile phone

Sony Ericsson aren't the first mobile phone manufacturer to introduce OLED displays on their mobile phone - LG have had OLED displays on their chocolate range for some time now.

But just as with the LG chocolate phones, OLED adds a real sense of class to the Z610, making it an extremely attractive phone. Certainly one you'd be happy to show off to your friends and colleagues (though you may not go as far as saying "look at my new phone - doesn't it remind you of a calm ocean!"

What's more, with its comprehensive range of features, it should keep you occupied for quite a while. As well as the hardware features mentioned above, the Z610 also comes with a decent browser, including an RSS feed-reader, and has software on board that lets you post your pics to your blog.

Add tri-band GPRS and UMTS (3G) connectivity, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth (including A2DP) support, and you have a glorious looking phone that'll satisfy most of your needs for some time to come.

More info on the Sony Ericsson Z610 mobile phone

From the press release:

Sony Ericsson today announces the Z610; a stylish 3G phone that blends performance with stand-out design. The sleek mirror finish on the front cover gives the phone a jewel-like quality that is complimented by a hidden 'magic mirror' display which can only be seen when in use. This striking phone delivers on its good looks: its advanced feature set includes a 2.0 Megapixel camera and broadband-speed 3G connectivity. With such a unique design and a choice of three eye-catching colours - Luster Black, Rose Pink & Airy Blue - Z610 is the clamshell to be seen with.

"The unique design of the Z610 is inspired by nature. We have applied a mirror finish and used a hidden display for the first time to achieve the feel of a calm ocean surface" says Eiji Shintani, Art Director, Creative Design Centre, Sony Ericsson. "OLED technology has enabled us to build in a display that doesn't interrupt the seductive, reflective qualities on the front of the phone. And given that Z610 is also a highly-specified device, it appeals to the design conscious that need a phone for every day use."

The magic of the Z610 is revealed when a call comes in or the user receives an SMS or MMS. The hidden external display illuminates, giving the effect that the caller-ID information is floating on the face of the phone itself.

The distinctive design of the Z610 is matched by a feature set that lets the user get the most from their mobile phone. The Picture Blog application allows the user to share photographs with friends and family, via an online 'blogsite', within just a few clicks. Simply take a shot with the Z610's 2.0 Megapixel camera and upload (or blog) the images directly to the site.

The Z610's 3G capability, coupled with its large 2.0 inch screen, makes video calling and accessing the Internet a pleasure; and with support for Push Email and RSS feeds that deliver the latest news updates direct to your mobile, it's so much more than a pretty face.

And when its time to reflect, support for Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) allows for generous storage of photos, video clips and MP3 files. This popular and portable storage format is available in memory sizes up to 1GB - that equates to around 2,800 pictures of 2.0 Megapixel quality.

The Sony Ericsson Z610 release date is sometime in Q3 2006.

Z610 - Features at a glance:

Imaging & Messaging

• Main screen: 2.0", 262k colour TFD, 220×176 pixel
• External screen: OLED, 128×36 pixel
• 2.0 Megapixel Integrated Camera
• 2.5 x Digital Zoom for still imaging
• Picture Blog
• Picture Wallpaper
• SVG Tiny 1.1
• Video telephony
• QCIF Video recording and streaming
• VideoDJ™ & PhotoDJ™
• Wallpaper animation
• SMS, MMS (Photo Messaging)
• Predictive text input
• Push e-mail
• Sound recorder

Music & Entertainment

• 3D games
• Flight mode
• Embedded games
• Java MIDP 2.0
• Music player with support for MP3, AAC, AAC+ and eAAC+
• MusicDJ™
• PlayNow™
• Polyphonic ringtones (72 voices)

Connectivity

• UMTS 2100
• GPRS 900/1800/1900
• Bluetooth™
• Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP) support
• USB 2.0 mass storage
• USB charging
• 64MB Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™) in kit. Support of up to 1 GB
• Fast port connector
• Flight mode
• HTML full browser with RSS
• PC Tools and software

Accessories

CORE ACCESSORIES

• Desk Stand CDS-60
• Travel Charger CMT-60
• Bluetooth Headset HBH-PV705
• Bluetooth Headset HBH-GV435
• Bluetooth Car Speakerphone HCB-100

OTHER ACCESSORIES

• Bluetooth™ Headset HBH- IV835
• Music Desk Stand MDS-60
• Portable Speakers MPS-60
• Bluetooth™ Car Handsfree HCB-700

Availability

Available: Within Q3 2006

Available colours:

• Luster Black
• Rose Pink
• Airy Blue