Sony Ericsson launches the Vivaz, a Symbian S60 5th edition powered device that doubles as a 720p HD camcorder. The handset boasts of an 8.1 megapixel camera, GPS support, WiFi, an 8GB microSD card, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.2-inch touchscreen display with a 540 x 360 resolution. The video camera features auto-focus, face detection, an image stabilizer, flash, and geotagging.

The SE Vivaz includes WiFi and 3G support. It will be available this quarter in four colors: Moon silver, cosmic black, galaxy blue, and venus ruby.

Sony Ericsson has announced the Elm, a candybar-style phone and the newest member of the manufacturer’s earth-friendly GreenHeart initiative. The Elm features a 5.0 megapixel camera, noise-reduction technology, and an ergonomic design. Users will also appreciate easy access to social networks like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. aGPS technology works with Google Maps and with Wisepilot, the phone’s built in turn-by-turn navigation application. It will be available in the first quarter of 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

Sony Ericsson has announced Hazel, the newest addition to its line of GreenHeart mobile phones. The slider phone makes use of recycled plastic, low power consumption parts, and minimized packaging as part of the company’s initiative to reduce its CO2 emissions. It features better voice quality, an ergonomic design, and a lot of smart features. It comes customary with a 5.0 megapixel autofocus camera that shoots photos and video that can effortlessly be uploaded to social networks like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. The Hazel includes easy access to Google Search and Google Maps. aGPS is also on-board for use with turn-by-turn navigation application Wisepilot.

The Sony Ericsson Hazel will be available in the second quarter of 2010. Pricing details were not announced.

Reports have it that new firmware has been offered for the Satio touchscreen smartphone to deal with issues that caused the gadget to be pulled from store shelves in the UK in late November. It has also been said that Carphone Warehouse, one of the stores that pulled the device, has not yet put the phone back up for sale. There’s also no information on whether Sony Ericsson’s Aino smartphone has acknowledged any updates to address touchscreen problems that are disturbing a small number of customers.

The Sony Ericsson Aino smartphone is plagued with customer complaint due to some software issues that involve the use of its touchscreen feature. Spokesman Mattias Holm explained Sony Ericsson is running as swiftly as possible to secure the matter. Meanwhile, the Sony Ericsson Satio smartphone was also removed from some mobile phone shops in the UK because of a malfunction that causes the phone to power off unexpectedly. Geoff Blaber, analyst from CCS Insight told Reuters that these issues couldn’t come at a worse time. “Aino and Satio are Sony Ericsson’s key products for the final quarter,” Blaber said.