CES

Sony Teases CES 2015 With ‘Welcome to the New World’ Video

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 19, 2014 | 0 comments

It’s hard to believe it, but CES 2015 is nearly two weeks away. CES has always been an important convention for Sony where in the past, the company had debuted their 4K TV fleet, new Xperia smartphones, and much more. For CES 2015, Sony wants us to ‘Welcome to the New World’ in a teaser video. The cryptic video features shots of beautiful color, lollipop, and human emotions among other things. Those three likely hint at new 4K televisions from Sony while lollipop is surely a reference to the latest Android build that’s expected to hit Sony’s entire Xperia Z line in early 2015. As the human emotion, you sometimes have to hear to believe, referencing Sony’s growing line of high-end speakers.

The video is available after the jump.

Meet the Sony Wireless Subwoofer (SWF-BR100)

by Sohrab Osati | May 16, 2014 | 0 comments

Announced at CES 2104, the Sony Wireless Subwoofer (SWF-BR100) is designed to accompany Sony’s 2014 W and X series televisions. Featuring a 100W digital amplifier in a cabinet that is constructed from 18mm thick medium density fibre, the SWF-BR100 adds meaningful bass with nearly no setup and no cables. From there, the sub wirelessly syncs with compatible Sony TVs and allows for easy manipulation of settings like sound level, cutoff frequency, and phase via the TV screen. For those looking for an easy solution and a subwoofer that they can place anywhere in their house, the BR100 might just be what you’re looking for. That is, if you’re also in the market for a 2014 W or X series Sony television.

The above video gives you a quick glimpse of the wireless subwoofer in action during CES 2014.

Sony Smart Tennis Sensor Gets Official With Price and Release Date

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 21, 2014 | 0 comments

During CES 2014, Sony showed off its Smart Tennis Sensor. Designed to be stuck inside the bud of a tennis racket, the sensor is capable of detecting your:

Shot count
Impact position
Swing type
Swing speed
Ball speed
Spin rate

While only shown off on Android, today Sony revealed that they will be releasing the sensor with a compatible iOS and Android app upon launch. Sony thinks that these types of sensors are a natural extension of the wearable gadget era and boom that we’re about to enter and they want to be there from the start. The video below gives you an example of the sensor’s functionality and speed.

Sony Life Space UX: Technology At Your Fingertips (video)

by Allegra Osati | Jan 15, 2014 | 0 comments

Life Space UX: the concept room from Sony that has everyone talking.

On Tuesday, the first official day of CES 2014, we were able to get a good look at the Life Space UX concept in the live demo room in Sony’s extensive booth. Did you miss CES? Do a digital walk-through of the concept room by watching our video of the experience! You’ll be ooh-ing and aah-ing before you know it.

Sony_Life_Space_UX_2

The line in the picture only appears when captured on film and not present to the human eye.

Life Space UX is an experience made up of four separate concepts – and each one will change the way you look at things. By now you’ll have heard of Sony’s 4K Ultra Short Throw projector – but it’s what they’ve done with it that will blow your mind. Three of the four devices in the Life Space UX room utilize the short throw projector. First, there’s the two ceiling lights with a short throw projector inside – it will turn your ceiling into a screen that you can show anything on, from a movie to your computer desktop. Pair that with the short throw projector they’ve hidden inside a lamp alongside some camera sensors that turn your dining table (or floor, or any other flat surface) into a touch screen, and you’ve hit the ground running towards having a tech-filled home that will wow your guests and allow you to video chat at breakfast to bring out the Tony Stark in you. Before we move on to the other two concepts, check out our full walk-through of the room after the jump.

Prototype Sony 4K Media Server Displayed at CES (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 11, 2014 | 1 comment

When Sony announced their 84-inch 4K television over a year ago, it also brought with it the Sony 4K Media Server to the market. In order for 4K television sales to take off, content is required and that’s something that traditional broadcast won’t likely offer for some time. Enter the Sony 4K Media Server which acts as your gateway to 4K media via the internet. Currently, Sony offers over 150 4K titles on its media server and that list is expected to grow substantially as more films and shows begin to convert to the new format. While the original design of the FMP-X1 4K Media Server was bold, Sony is taking a more traditional approach with a reduced footprint its second generation counter part which can be seen, after the jump.

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact to be Offered in Multiple Colors (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 11, 2014 | 1 comment

To the delight of those in the US, Sony during its CES 2014 press conference announced a continued partnership with T-Mobile, the 4th largest carrier in the US. Under this continued effort between the two companies, T-Mobile will be getting the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact. Previously referred to as the Xperia Z1 mini or ‘Amami,’, the Z1 Compact will offer everything its bigger brother has with a slight twist. Like the iPhone 5c, the Xperia Z1 Compact will come in a series of colors that will take the powerful phone and give it a more fun personality. After the jump, you can see our video preview of the Xperia Z1 Compact with colors.

Sony Action Cam Accessories Preview (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 10, 2014 | 0 comments

While GoPro is still the go-to company when it comes to MP4 cameras for adventure seekers, Sony continues to improve its Action Cam with each generation. At CES 2014, Sony announced the 3rd generation Action Cam HDR-AS100V with a lighter body design and splashproof housing. Much like the iOS ecosystem, what makes GoPro units so appealing is the host of accessories that are available for them.

To help make the Action Cam more attractive, Sony is offering a slew of new accessories like a Head Lens Protector, Handlebar Mount, and more. All the announced Action Cam accessories can be seen in our video preview after the jump.

PSA: Sony Core Not a Product but Sony SmartBand Is… Let Us Explain

by Allegra Osati | Jan 9, 2014 | 0 comments

Here at CES 2014, Sony introduced a new wearable device that combines portability and connectivity to offer a unique logging experience for your daily life. The term that the press ran with for this device was the Sony Core… which is only partially correct. Let us explain after the jump.

Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 Preview, “4K for $2K” (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 9, 2014 | 6 comments

One of the surprises from CES 2014 was the announcement of the Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100. What makes this Handycam special is that it’s the first consumer camcorder that offers 4K recording that fits in the palm of your hand. As with any high-end consumer camcorder from Sony, you get an array of features that include 5.1 surround sound, 14.2-megapixel back-illuminated 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor and Wi-Fi/NFC for easy sharing and pairing with Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app for iOS and Android which can remotely control the device.

While all those features are nice, what makes this camera special is its ability to record in 4K Ultra HD images (3840 x 2160 pixels) and fit in the palm of your hand with a price tag of $2,000 come this March. As Sony CEO Kaz Hirai joked, the motto for the Handycam is “4K for 2K.” After the jump, our video preview awaits you.

Sony Action Cam AS100V Preview (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 9, 2014 | 0 comments

At CES 2014, Sony updated their Action Cam line of MP4 cameras which compete directly with GoPro. This 3rd generation Action Cam (AS100V) contains the same design language as its predecessor but don’t be fooled by that. While it may look unchanged from years before, the HDR-AS100V offers a host of improvements like a new splashproof design which means that you can now record in the rain without worry of frying your unit. It’s worth noting that splashproof and waterproof are two different concepts and for those looking to do underwater recording or water activities, a waterproof case will still be required.

Another improvement this year is in what Sony hasn’t included which is weight. Compared to its predecessor and rival GoPro units, the Action Cam AS100V weighs next to nothing at 2.4oz. Other features include built in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy syncing with computers and mobile devices like iOS and Android via the PlayMemories Mobile app. After the jump, our video preview awaits you.

Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Specs and Price Range Revealed

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 9, 2014 | 2 comments

One of the biggest surprises from Sony during CES 2014 was the Life Space UX concept which is meant to take technology beyond a piece of tech and instead beautifully incorporate it into your lifestyle. While still in a concept stage, one of the products from this vision, the Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector, will be coming to fruition this Summer. Previously, we gave you a demo of the 4K projector that’s able to cast a 147-inch screen from just 27 inches away. Despite pictures, the Ultra Short Throw Projector is smaller than it appears as there are multiple parts that make it.

Now with some more digging, we’re able to give you the Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector specs and price range.

CES 2014: Sony Delivers the Hi-Res Audio to Match 4K Video

by Jonathan Nolan | Jan 9, 2014 | 2 comments

4K video resolution might be getting all the attention at the moment but a new level of sonic brilliance is needed to accompany it. A new wave of updates to our portable media players, our HDTVs, and our home entertainment systems is incoming, and it promises to blow our socks off.

For over a year now Sony has been gathering support to raise the baseline of audio standards, particularly with the quality of music. This is more than simply rejuvenating the Walkman brand through Xperia smartphones however. It’s time that our ears enjoyed better, they tell us. Enter: high-resolution audio.

What’s hi-res audio about? Read on to find out.

PlayStation Now Demo: Running God of War: Ascension on PS Vita (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 8, 2014 | 0 comments

PlayStation Now was announced earlier today as the evolution of Gaikai, the video game streaming company Sony purchased nearly two years ago. The service will come to the PS3 and PS4 in late Summer, followed by the PlayStation Vita and will allow gamers to either rent games or subscribe to some form of package, a la Netflix style. This new service from Sony will also open the door for the PS4 to play all those PS3 exclusive games like The Last of Us and God of War: Ascension. With any video streaming service, latency can be an issue so the results have to be disastrous for games right?

To our delight, the result couldn’t be further from the truth. After the jump, we gave PlayStation Now a spin on the PS Vita and played God of War: Ascension, a demanding game to say the least and were amazed with the outcome.

Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Demo (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 8, 2014 | 0 comments

At CES 2014, Sony introduced a new concept dubbed Life Space UX. The theory goes that technology needs to transform and better mold into one’s lifestyle. One part of this is for products to blend in better in the home and instead compliment any decor while offering a technological benefit as well. The Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector is a device that fits within this vision. At its core, the device is no different than any other projector with the added benefit of 4K. What makes the device unique though is its capability to be so close to the wall while still being able to cast a 147-inch display. From there on, its unique design helps it blend in without sacrificing any quality. A video demo can be found after the jump.

What We Know About ‘PlayStation Now’

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 8, 2014 | 2 comments

Just yesterday, Sony announced their gaming streaming service which will launch later this year for the PS3 and PS4, followed by the PS Vita. Dubbed PlayStation Now, thanks to streaming technology provided by Gaikai which was bought by Sony, gamers can now enjoy games like The Last of Us and God of War: Ascension to name a few on the PS4 or PS Vita, despite the game never having been designed for either console. Consequently, your PS3 will have access to games never designed for it as well. While we were skeptical of the service and expected to find trouble due to latency issues, after some hands on time with the service, we walked away quite impressed. While the service is still not ready for prime time, we’ve learned a few nuggets of information worth sharing which you can find after the jump.