Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S gets 3D photo skills

It wasn't all tablets, laptops and cameras at Sony's IFA press conference: the Japanese giant made room to show off a new mobile too. The Xperia Arc S is the sequel to the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc we were mightily impressed with, and looks like it's adding some neat new tricks to its mobile repertoire.

Such as? Well with the Xperia Arc S you'll be able to take 3D panorama pictures, though you will need a 3D-capable TV set to view them on. The snaps are taken in 2D as normal, but thanks to some processing knowhow, they'll appear in 3D when you plug in your phone and display them on your TV. A ruse by Sony to sell more 3D TVs? Sure, but it's impressive nonetheless.

The processor has been upped from the original Arc's 1GHz to 1.4GHz, and it'll be available in October of this year. From the presentation it looks as though it'll come in a white version as well, which is good news for Android users jealous of a white iPhone 4, but who don't want to wait so long their hair turns white too.

Aside from the new white finish, the Arc S looks identical to the Arc, and with the screen touted as a "reality display" (as on the original -- basically a 4.2-incher promising exceptionally bright, clear colours), we can only assume it's the same size. It's also quite likely it'll have the same Exmor R sensor as the Arc, for great quality snaps.

We're out in Berlin in force for IFA, so keep it CNET UK and we'll bring you a full hands-on preview soon. And see if we can't get some 3D photography action while we're at it.