XPERIA SONY SMARTPHONES

Xperia Z1s for T-Mobile US leaks again; this is the Z1 mini

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 20:42:00 +0530

A new image of the “Xperia Z1^s” has leaked from @evleaks. It is exactly the same phone leaked by evleaks back in October 2013. There has been some confusion over whether this was a refresh of the Xperia Z1 i.e. sporting a 5-inch display or whether this was a mini version with 4.3-inch 720p display.

Well a tweet from @evleaks with the specs claims that this is indeed the Xperia Z1 mini or “Xperia Z1s” as it will likely be called. Yes, the phone looks almost identical to the Xperia Z1 (L39t) that launched in China recently, which is why we thought the Xperia Z1s would be a 5-inch model. However, if you look carefully, this phone has two port flaps on the left side, compared to one for the L39t which eschewed the micro SD memory card slot.
If this does happen to be the case it means the global Xperia Z1 mini (Xperia Z1s) will look completely different to the Japanese Xperia Z1 mini (Xperia Z1 f), despite the fact that the specs look identical. The announcement for the Xperia Z1s looks a dead cert for the CES press event later today.

New Sony model numbers certified in China – L39u, M51w and XM50h

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 20:41:00 +0530

A few new Sony Xperia model numbers were certified in China via CCC a few days ago. This includes model number M51w, expected to be the Chinese Xperia Z1 mini and the L39u, another Xperia Z1 variant for the Chinese market possibly for China Unicom given the WCDMA band support.

Another model number is XM50h, which could be a large mid-ranger, perhaps a 6-inch model running a Mediatek chipset. Rumours point to this model having the codename “Tianchi”. We may hear more about these products at CES 2014 tomorrow.
China Compulsory Certification (CCC)

Visa Certification

Sony China offers new Xperia Care initiative to bolster ownership experience

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 20:40:00 +0530

China is not a market that any manufacturer can ignore and Sony knows that all too well. Sony China recently announced new initiatives to help with the overall Xperia ownership experience. The Xperia Care scheme has been launched and involves three main parts: 1) a pick-up warranty service, 2) extended & accidental warranties and 3) one-on-one training.

If a product needs repair, the owner can call a special number from which Sony will organise a courier to pick up the device free of charge. Sony will enable owners to check the progress of repairs at every stage. The service covers the Xperia Z (L36h), Xperia Z Ultra (XL39h), Xperia Z1 (L39h), Xperia Z1 4G (L39t) and the 4G mobile version of the Xperia SP (M35t).

Sony will also allow users to purchase an extended warranty service which extends the warranty by one year and gives users three repairs during the year. An accidental warranty will also be available that covers against water damage, accidental damage and loss. The last part of the new Xperia Care scheme involves one-to-one training for the phone at all Sony service centres.

We do see Sony doing more on the service/warranty side going forward. Last year, Sony India offered six months of free accidental warranty on its premium Xperia phones for example. We would love to see something similar rolled out to other regions, after all, offering a stronger ownership experience can be a big point of difference for Sony, similar to what Apple has done with its service in its Apple Stores around the world.

Sony China press event set for 14 January 2014; Xperia Z1 mini to be unveiled

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 20:37:00 +0530

Sony will be out in force at next week’s CES 2014 trade show in Las Vegas, showcasing all of its new wares across its vast portfolio of televisions, cameras, laptops and of course, mobile products.

It is increasingly looking like that the Xperia Z1 mini is a dead cert for a global release as Sony China has revealed it is due to hold a press conference the week after CES on 14 January 2014, with strong hints that the Xperia Z1 mini will be the star of the show.

The teaser image has four colours (yellow, black, white and pink), which are the four colours that the Japanese version of the Xperia Z1 mini, the Xperia Z1 f, released in Japan at the end of last year. Interestingly, if you look at the official press images of the Xperia Z1 f below, you’ll notice that they also come in the same colour order as the Sony China invite.

If the main tease for Sony China’s invite surrounds the Xperia Z1 mini, then it makes us think that we will not see any higher specced phone at CES. This would be in line with Sony’s recent comments that it sees the Xperia Z1 as being the main flagship as we move into 2014. This could set us up for a major new Xperia reveal at MWC in February.

We’ll have to wait and see of course, but we wouldn’t be building up any hopes for any big new flagship reveals next week. Sony’s main press event will take place on Monday 6 January 2014 at 17.00 in Las Vegas. To find out the time of Sony’s CES 2014 press conference in your time zone click here.

The Xperia Z1 mini will share most of the same hardware of the Xperia Z1 including the Snapdragon 800 chipset, 20.7MP camera, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and IP55/IP58 dust and water resistance. It differs by offering a smaller 4.3-inch 720p display, 2300mAh embedded battery, a chassis measuring 65 mm × 127mm × 9.4mm and weighs 140g.

Sony China press event coming on 14 January 2014

Official press images of Sony Xperia Z1 f for NTT DoCoMo in Japan

Xperia Z1 display goes up against its mini sibling, the Xperia Z1 f

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 20:36:00 +0530

There is wide expectation that the Xperia Z1 mini will be announced at CES 2014 in Las Vegas next week. The handset shares much of the same hardware of the Xperia Z1, but packs it into a smaller chassis with 4.3-inch 720p display.

Sony has had much criticism over the displays used in its 2013 Xperia range, so it will be interesting to see if that changes for the 2014 models. If you want to see how the Xperia Z1′s display fares against the Xperia Z1 f then check out the photos below, which were taken at full brightness. It shows that the Xperia Z1 f does not lose contrast at wider viewing angles as much as the Xperia Z1. We look forward to the official announcement next week.

Xperia E1 and Xperia E1 dual passes through FCC

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 20:34:00 +0530

We have already seen the D200X (D2004, D2005) and D210X (D2104, D2105) model numbers appear. The handset is believed to be an entry level Sony Xperia that will launch in early 2014. The D200X is the single SIM model, whilst the D210X is the dual SIM version. Both models have passed through the FCC, revealing that smartphone ODM Arima Communications is in charge of building the handset.

FCC documents appear to reveal that the models have the codename Falcon SS (D200X) and Falcon DS (D210X). There are also references to the model name of E1 and E1 dual, suggesting that Sony may be going down a similar path that it took with the Xperia Z1 in terms of naming scheme.

A third variant of the Xperia E1 has model number D2114, but comes with the “Falcon DTV” codename. The DTV is most likely to stand for Digital TV and could hint that a mobile TV-enabled handset will hit certain regions (the Americas in this case). We hope to hear more about Sony’s new handsets at CES 2014 next week. We hope to hear more about Sony’s new handsets at CES 2014 next week.

Sony D200X and D210X to be called Xperia E1 and Xperia E1 dual respectively?

Sony D2004

Sony D2104

Sony Mobile prepping Windows Phone for mid-2014 release?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 20:31:00 +0530

Every once in a while, the rumour mill around Sony entering the Windows Phone ecosystem starts again, pointing to a diversification of mobile OS support. Of course for those with long memories will know that Sony’s Xperia range actually started with Windows Mobile with the Xperia X1 and Xperia X2 handsets.

Whilst Sony Mobile has been running exclusively with Android since then, it is currently dabbling with Firefox OS for some entry-level models that will launch in 2014. Now, The Information is reporting that Sony Mobile could launch a (Vaio-branded?) Windows Phone by the middle of 2014.

Obviously, the same concerns around such a project remain. The Windows Phone ecosystem is dominated by Nokia’s Lumia range of smartphones, accounting for 90% of all Windows Phones. If that wasn’t bad enough you also have Microsoft’s recent proposed acquisition of Nokia’s hardware arm that would put any other OEM at a distinct disadvantage. Then there is also the fact that Microsoft pushing Xbox Live as its gaming platform of choice in Windows Phone, would jar against Sony’s PlayStation drive.

Would you like to see a Sony Windows Phone? Or would you rather the focus remains on Android and for Sony to push up the ranks? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.

Xperia Z ‘eXistenZ Ultra’ custom ROM is a full Honami port [Video]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 15:14:00 +0530

We have seen a number of Sony Honami leaks in recent weeks. However, putting the hardware to one side, let’s go back to the software. We’ve already detailed some of the improvements expected, but if you want to get a good idea on what Honami’s software will bring then check out the video below. It shows the eXistenZ Ultra custom ROM running on the Xperia Z. The ROM wraps up all of the Honami apps leaked to date including its framework.

Obviously calling it a ‘full’ Honami port is a bit of a misnomer, given that the device hasn’t launched yet and we’re still likely to see a few surprises. In the meantime, check out the video below and hit the source link to find out how to install this ROM onto your Xperia Z device.

Sony details changes in new Media apps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 15:11:00 +0530

We have already reported about Sony Mobile’s new Media apps a fortnight back, but Sony took the time to detail exactly what changes are in the new apps. We thought we’d quickly let you know what new features it includes – the main one being integration for Sony’s cloud services (Music Unlimited, Video Unlimited and PlayMemories Online).

The update is available for a number of handsets running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean including the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia Tablet Z and Xperia Z Ultra. An update should appear OTA, but if you can’t wait, you can check out the changelog below where we’ve also included links to the apks once again.

New media apps – Changelog

WALKMAN [version 7.9.A.0.1]

•Sony’s Music Unlimited integration – with universal search across local and cloud content…
•New social features making it easy to discover, play and share tunes on your social channels
•Gapless, smooth playback

Album [version 5.1.A.0.4]

•PlayMemories Online integration – ability to upload to, access, browse your PlayMemories library in the cloud
•Recall Playback, that intelligently displays and reminds you of memories, occasions and events
•Favourites – let’s you *star* your best snaps, for easy viewing later

Movies [version 5.1.A.0.6]

•Seamless access to Sony’s Video Unlimited
•A revamped UI with a banner video function for trailers and recently played videos

Official teaser for Sony ‘Honami’ leaked

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 15:04:00 +0530

A new picture deemed to be an official teaser image of the upcoming Sony ‘Honami’ flagship has leaked. What is immediately apparent to us is that if this picture is real, it looks a little different to the Honami images recently leaked.

The edges are more rounded, much like the Xperia Z Ultra, compared to the straight edges of the leaked images which looks very similar to the Xperia Z. Although, this may just be down to the angle of the picture. Either way, take the picture with a grain of salt.

The picture shows a teasing glimpse of the right side of the phone where you can see the power button, flap and volume rocker. This purple-coloured Honami seems to show that the frame will be of a different material – perhaps aluminium much like the Xperia Z Ultra?

However, in other purple Sony Xperia phones, the frame is normally coloured too, whereas this is not the case here. So this could be a departure of recent trends or maybe this image is not final (or even not real). The image then has “September 4 2013 – Berlin” in reference to its likely reveal at IFA in early September. Just under a month to wait for official details.

Sony ‘Honami’ Teaser

Sony ‘Honami’ Teaser – Magnified

Here you can see Sony’s signature power button, as used in all of the 2013 Sony Xperia range. This pic is important as the direction of the power button gives us the orientation of the handset i.e. the display is on top.

Above the power button sits a flap.

Below the power button sits a purple volume rocker

Here you can make out the edge of the display, just above the purple strip. The faint white strip you see here could even be the shatter-proof screen protector that Sony places on most of its smartphones.

Xperia Z Ultra firmware certified (14.1.B.1.493), will it bring X-Reality for mobile?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 15:00:00 +0530

A new firmware build has been certified by the PTCRB website for the Sony Xperia Z Ultra. Firmware version 14.1.B.1.493 will follow on from the current build (14.1.B.0.471) that recently rolled out to HSPA+ handsets (model number C6802).

We don’t know what the new update will bring, but there is a possibility it will include ‘X-Reality for mobile’. Sony said that the X-Reality for mobile update is due to arrive in early September, so there is a strong possibility that this build may include it. We’ll bring you more news on the update as we have it.

New firmware for Xperia L (15.0.A.2.17) introduces Small Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 14:59:00 +0530

Sony Mobile is rolling out a new firmware update for the Xperia L (C210X) in the form of build version 15.0.A.2.17. One of the notable features it introduces to the handset is Small Apps, which thus far had been absent. Users are also reporting performance enhancements and big fixes. The update appears to be out in Indonesia and is likely to roll out to other regions soon.

Xperia E new firmware rolling out [11.3.A.2.13]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 14:54:00 +0530

Sony Mobile has recently pushed out a new firmware update in the form of build number 11.3.A.2.13 for the Xperia E (C150X). This firmware version is still Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean and uses the 3.4 kernel. If you have downloaded the update, let us know what changes you’ve noticed in the comments below.

Xperia Z Ultra sized up against the Nexus 7 (2013)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 14:53:00 +0530

The latest Nexus 7 has won wide praise after recently being announced by Google and Asus. The 7-inch tablet improves the old version by having better resolution (1200 x 1920 versus 800 x 1280), faster chipset (1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon versus 1.2GHz quad-core Tegra 3), more RAM (2GB versus 1GB) and the addition of a rear-facing camera.

Sony’s new phablet, the 6.4-inch Xperia Z Ultra, sits very closely to tablet territory and if you’re wondering how the two devices compare when sized up together then check out the pictures below. The Xperia Z Ultra has a nicer design in our view, however the Nexus 7 rear casing has a better grip making it easier to hold according to RingHK. The Nexus 7 apparently also has slightly better viewing angles and of course, a much cheaper price. Check out the pictures below.

Xperia Tablet Z Android 4.2.2 update now rolling out

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 14:49:00 +0530

Following on from the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean release of the Sony Xperia ZR, it appears that the update is now rolling out for Xperia Tablet Z (SGP321) users i.e. owners of the LTE version of the tablet. The actual firmware version is build number 10.3.1.A.0.244, which is the same build that is now available for the Sony Xperia Z, Xperia ZL and Xperia ZR.

We tried our resident Wi-Fi version (SGP311, SGP312) of the Xperia Tablet Z and it didn’t pick up any update, so it looks like the Wi-Fi Android 4.2.2 update will hit at some point after the LTE version. If you’ve managed to update the Xperia Tablet Z, let us know how you’re getting on below.

Xperia Z Ultra gets its first firmware update [14.1.B.0.471]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 14:47:00 +0530

The HSPA+ version of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra (C6802) has just been released across a number of regions in Asia and Sony has already pushed the handsets very first firmware update. It appears to be a relatively minor update moving the build number from 14.1.B.0.461 to 14.1.B.0.471.

The Android 4.2.2 update keeps the phone on the 3.4 kernel. The update appears to bring better stylus support sensitivity and performance enhancements. If you’ve noticed other changes, let us know in the comments below.

Google’s Android Device Manager will help you find a lost phone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 14:44:00 +0530

Sony Mobile already has its own app called ‘my Xperia‘ to help locate a lost or stolen phone and there are a number of similar apps in the Google Play Store. Well Google is also officially jumping on this bandwagon as it has just announced Android Device Manager which will help to locate, ring and wipe a misplaced or stolen device.

The Android Device Manager will be able to ring your handset at maximum volume, even if you have the phone on silent, or locate the phone on a map. Google will also provide a way to erase all of the data on the device if your phone is stolen. Android Device Manager will launch later this month.

Xperia Z Ultra’s ‘X-Reality for mobile’ update coming in early September

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 9 Aug 2013 14:41:00 +0530

A number of Sony Xperia Z Ultra (C68XX) owners have been getting in touch with us recently about their new handsets and wondering why it is not running the same UI as seen on announcement day. Also, many have noticed that the ‘X-Reality for mobile’ option does not appear in their settings.

Well, before you get too concerned, those options are currently not available for the HSPA+ version of the handset. Sony will be providing an update during week commencing 9 September 2013 that will include ‘X-Reality for mobile’, just in time for the release of the LTE version of the handset. So don’t get too concerned and enjoy your handset, there are many people who have to wait six weeks before they get hands on!

First firmware certified for the Xperia Z Ultra (14.1.B.0.438)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:18:00 +0530

Sony’s first firmware for is upcoming 6.4-inch Xperia Z Ultra has been certified by the PTCRB. Firmware build 14.1.B.0.438 is likely to represent Android 4.2.2 and went live for the HSPA+ version of the handset (C6802, XL39h). The phone is expected to launch in Europe with LTE during September, but as this firmware has been certified earlier than expected, there is a chance that we may see the HSPA+ version launch earlier than that.

Get a closer look at the Xperia Z Ultra in purple [Video]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:17:00 +0530

We have seen a number of hands-on pictures of the Xperia Z Ultra inblack and white, however in-the-wild pics of the purple version has eluded us. Well luckily we’ve come across a hands-on video below that gives a quick tour of the Z Ultra in purple. We even get a brief side-by-side with the purple Xperia Z at the beginning too. We’re still not sure which of the three colours (black, white and purple) would get our vote – although we’re probably leaning towards the white version at the moment.

Is there a place for a SmartWatch in your gadget portfolio?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:15:00 +0530

Sony will launch the latest iteration of its SmartWatch concept in the next couple of months, but unlike other competitors this is not a space that Sony has just entered on a whim. Sony’s first offering in this space was LiveView which went on sale in November 2010. This was then followed up by the SmartWatch that launched in April 2012. Sony has seen the value of such a wearable gadget for a while now and since the LiveView launched it has helped create a decent ecosystem of dedicated apps for the accessory.

However, whilst Sony is about to embark on its third-iteration of the device, we were wondering how many of you see this as the future? Have you used a LiveView or SmartWatch or even a competitor product such as the Pebble? Has it become an indispensable part of your life or do you just prefer the simplicity of a normal watch? If it doesn’t attract to you, then what would you like to see in a Sony SmartWatch before you bite? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.

Cute Sony promotional videos show that water is an Xperia’s best friend

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:14:00 +0530

Sony Mobile Hong Kong recently released a number of very cute animations for the Xperia range. The videos entitled “Water is My Friend” shows a water character who desperately wants a friend. However, every phone he tries to help, or touch, ends up biting the dust (you can see where we’re going with this).

Then along comes the Sony Xperia with its water resistant qualities and the two are friends forever, it is actually quite touching believe it or not. The videos are well worth a watch and you can see Sony trying to cement its position in the market as being the go-to handset for those looking for a water resistant handset. Check out all three videos below.

Sony SmartWatch 2 now due w/c 9 September in UK

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:12:00 +0530

Looks like Sony’s UK distributors made a mistake on the launch date for Sony’s SmartWatch 2 (SW2). We previously reported that the SmartWatch 2 was due to launch at some point next week. However retailers Clove andHandtec are now reporting that the SmartWatch 2 is now expected during week commencing 9 September.

This means nearly a two-month longer wait for those that were expecting it to arrive imminently. The SW2 launch is likely to tie in with the release of the Xperia Z Ultra and SBH52 Bluetooth headset, which are also due in mid-September. The Sony SmartWatch 2 has a 1.6 inch (220 x 176 pixel) display, NFC for easy pairing, IP57 water resistance and a customised Android UI. Sony also allows the SmartWatch to be personalised with any standard 24mm wristband.

Android 4.2.2 firmware certified for Xperia Tablet Z (10.3.A.0.407)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:23:00 +0530

Now that the Sony Xperia Z (C660X) and Xperia ZL (C650X) have got their Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean firmware, it looks like Sony is turning its attention to the Xperia Tablet Z. The PTCRB website shows that firmware build 10.3.A.0.407 was recently certified for the LTE version of the Xperia Tablet Z (SGP321). We already know that the 10.3.A.X.XXX structure relates to Android 4.2.2 so it could mean Xperia Tablet Z owners are just a few weeks away from the update.

Xperia ion Jelly Bean firmware finally rolls out (6.2.B.0.211)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 21:21:00 +0530

Most other Sony Xperia handsets have been getting all of the fun recently, whilst Xperia ion users have had to watch on the side. Well, ion users, your time has come. The Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update is now rolling out in the form of build version 6.2.B.0.211. Let us know your initial views on the firmware in the comments below.