Sony Corp. has unveiled its first smartphones under the Sony brand at the Barcelona Mobile World Congress. However, the company said that the group’s uneasy transition would not be so fast.

Photo: the introduction of Xperia models, Getty

Kazuo Hirai will replace Howard Stringer as Sony CEO on April 1. It will be a formal replacement and the things seem to be very complicated as Hirai said in an interview to Reuters that «People have these lofty expectations that we’re going to have all the answers to all the problems that plague the world on April 1. We’re not going to have that.»

On February 16, Sony completed the purchase of Ericsson‘s 50 percent stake in the Sony Ericsson joint venture. Sony Mobile Communications is now headed by Bert Nordberg, Sony Ericsson’s chief executive.

Hirai, who presented two new Android-powered smartphones, Xperia P and Xperia U, said that Sony Mobile Communications would be integrated within Sony as a whole.

The new smartphones feature a stylish design and the latest Sony technology including WhiteMagic display technology for an ultra-bright and power-saving viewing experience featuring in Xperia P. The P model also features a 8Mp camera and supports NFC connection. Xperia U offers users a powerful 3D-surround music player in a compact body and 5Mp camera. The phones will hit the market in the second quarter of 2012.

Hirai and Nordberg said that the Sony Ericsson group’s transition would be better for both companies, because the equal partnership had slowed down decision-making and getting products to market.

Hirai mentioned that Sony would focus on the “four pillars”: digital imaging and gaming; mobile devices with Sony technologies, content and services; TV business; and new markets such as the medical business.

Now, Sony is intended to move a portfolio of products very quick to the market to keep in pace with competitors.