But, for at least an hour, there was a job posting on the UK government’s website for an James Bond-style “elimination specialist.” And yeah, the job code was 007.

MI6/SIS is looking for a Target Elimination Specialist. Get the full details from DirectGov: jobsearch.direct.gov.uk/GetJob.aspx?Jo…

—
John Graham-Cumming (@jgrahamc) November 23, 2012

The link is now expired, but when it was live The Telegraph took a screen capture of the listing. While the salary is nothing to write home about — 50-60,000 pounds — performance bonuses are available. And the perks are pretty hot: jet packs, mini submarines, and yes, a Walther PPK pistol.

Source: Wikipedia

A Walther PPK

Prior military history is preferred, especially sniper experience, and interested applicants must be willing to “work on a non-attributable basis” and take care of people “whose continued existence poses a risk to the effective conduct of public order.”

Three big clues that this is a spoof?

One, the hours of work contain a misspelling: “flexitime” rather than “flextime.” Two, the ridiculous suggestion that to apply, interested parties should “express their interest somewhere near the large and rather fake-looking rock in Regent’s Park.” And three, the job reference code is the famous 007.

Oh, not to mention the email for more information: mi6recruitment@hotmail.com.

James Bond most certainly does not use Hotmail.

Here’s the supposed job posting:

Source: The Telegraph

The “James Bond” posting

photo credit: johanoomen via photopin cc

So in Skyfall, 007 is using a 13-megapixel-equipped Sony Xperia T, running Google’s Android mobile operating system.

Sony has launched phones with Bond before, showcasing the K800i in Casino Royale and the c902 in Quantum of Solace. Perhaps Skyfall will bring a big dollop of solace to Sony this year, as its latest earnings have shown widening losses.

After selling just 30 million phones in 2012 so far – Apple sold 27 million and Samsung sold 57 million in just the last quarter – Sony is aiming for 50 million for 2013.

Source: Sony

Sony Xperia T

Bond, James Bond, does not use the phone’s built-in NFC, but he does flash the camera in a not terribly subtle product placement. The Xperia’s impressive 13-megapixel camera is fully accessible just 1.5 seconds from standby, records in 1080P high-definition, and includes Sony’s face and smile detection technology. And Sony included a relatively recent version of Android in the 4.55″ smartphone: Ice Cream Sandwich.

One neat feature for Bond fans: Sony is apparently including some exclusive Skyfall behind-the-scenes footage, wallpaper, ring tones, and more.

After all, who wouldn’t want the Bond theme as their ringtone?

Image credit: Skyfall