When the iPhone 6 launches later this year, it’s expected to do large numbers with its rumored 4.7- and 5.5-inch screen sizes. Beyond offering a larger display, it’s believed that Apple will be upping the megapixel count on their front facing camera which is already the world’s most popular way to take photos. For the last three iterations of the iPhone, Apple has tapped Sony to provide the image sensor and has opted to keep the same Sony’s IMX145 8-megapixel 1/3.2” sensor. In order to improve photo quality with each model, Apple has instead tweaked the iPhone lens to better use available light and other similar tweaks to the camera. With a complete shift in design and size, it’s now believed that Apple will be once again tapping Sony for the iPhone 6 sensor but this time, with a higher megapixel count. So what can we expect Sony to provide Apple? Let’s talk details.
Sony Mobile
If you’ve been rocking Android 4.4.4 on your Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact which the US is finally getting, or the Z1 Ultra then this news is for you. In a trend that current affects the mentioned phones which will likely expand to all current Xperia smartphones, Sony is separating the Contacts app from all firmware updates and instead is planning on treating as a standalone app. Sony already does this with their media apps like Walkman which was just updated to build 8.4.A.1.4. With that move, the Contacts update 16.1.B.3.2 went live as well.
After the jump, we discuss why this is an important step for Sony and what Contacts 16.1.B.3.2 brings with it.
In the past, the FCC has been our best friend at revealing Sony’s hand for upcoming devices, particularly smartphones. For those not familiar, the FCC, or Federal Communications Commission, must approve all electronic products with wireless capabilities in the United States. This can range from simple Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to more advanced wireless features like LTE. The latest device to make its rounds through the FCC appears to be the Sony Xperia Z3, the company’s next flagship Android smartphone.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Sony has been quietly updating older Xperia smartphones. Just the other day, the Sony Xperia E update 11.3.A.2.33 went live which brought minor changes. Now, the Sony Xperia SP update 12.1.A.1.207 has been certified, so let’s talk details.
Released in early 2013, the Sony Xperia E was always designed as an entry level smartphone. Powered by a Qualcomm 1 GHz Cortex-A5 processor with only 3G connectivity, 320 x 480 pixels display, and 3.1-megapixel camera meant the Xperia E also carried an appropriate price of ₹9,290 when released in India. Now, seemingly out of nowhere, Sony has released a new update, taking the Xperia E build from 11.3.A.2.23 to 11.3.A.2.33.
After the jump, let’s talk about the Sony Xperia E update 11.3.A.2.33.
Till the Sony Xperia Z3 is released to the public, the Xperia Z2 will continue to be the flagship Android smartphone from Sony. Boasting some incredible specs, the Xperia Z2 is a phone that’s to be reckoned with, even half a year later. But let’s say for one reason or another, you’ve already moved onto another phone and have a spare Xperia Z2 or maybe simply you like taking things apart.
After the jump, the folks at Witrigs will show you how to disassemble the Sony Xperia Z2 and conveniently have spare parts on their site in case you were to break the magnetic charging flex, for instance. While the video isn’t for the faint of heart and I wouldn’t recommend anybody doing this purely for fun, the video offers great details for those who work in the repair industry and/or for those who are interested in repairing their damaged Z2. It’s also worth noting that by doing this, you’re 100% voiding your warranty so again, don’t do this for the sake of doing it, especially if the Xperia Z2 is your main phone.
If you’ve been enjoying the Sony Walkman app on your Android phone then listen up. Sony is rolling out the Walkman 8.4.A.1.4 update which brings with it some good UI tweaks and the inevitable “bug fixes” that tend to come with all software and firmware updates. Those looking to get their hands on the latest Walkman app update need Android 4.2 or higher on their smartphone and can download the small in size Walkman 8.4.A.1.4 update over the air (OTA).
After the jump, let’s talk details and device compatibility for the new Walkman app.
Revealed in early Spring, the Sony Xperia M2 (pictured above) is a mid-level Android smartphone from Sony that still packs a punch. As a recap, the 4.8-inch phone features a 1.2GHz Quad-core Snapdragon processor, with an 8-megapixel camera, LTE connectivity, and NFC for easy pairing with other accessories (preferably those from Sony right?). Now thanks to the powers of the internet, a group of users found a rogue XML address from Sony’s own site that points to a yet to be announced device, the Sony Xperia M2 Aqua D2403.
Late last year, Google introduced the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition. While the phablet was everything we’d come to know about the device that offers a 6.4-inch 1080p (1920 x 1080) Triluminos display on a Qualcomm 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800, with 2GB RAM, 16GB internal memory, and 4G LTE connectivity, there was one big difference. Google and not Sony would be handling the software on the device. This meant more timely Android updates and no custom Sony software like their highly liked Timescape skin. Pros and cons for a fantastic, albeit niche device.
Now all of that is coming to an end.
Now that we know that the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is officially coming to the US, what better time than to take a look at its tech specs? As a recap, the Xperia Z1 Compact offers:
- 4.3” TRILUMINOS™ HD Display at 1280×720 pixels
- Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPU and 4G LTE
- RAM: 2GB, 16GB internal memory
- 20.7 megapixel camera with Sony Exmor RS image sensor, 2 MP 1080p front-facing camera
- Sony Exmor RS for mobile image sensor
- X-Reality™ for mobile is an intelligent super resolution technology
- Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2
- HDR for both picture/film, 1080p video recording
- Up to 64GB SD support
- Dust-resistant and waterproof (IP55 & IP58)
After the jump, the full list of Sony Xperia Z1 Compact tech specs awaits you.
Hot on the heels of the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet coming exclusively to Verizon, we have more Sony Mobile news for US fans. Revealed at CES 2014, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact has been touted as doing compact the right way by offering big features in a small form. Let’s be honest, a lot of us still want a great camera and fast phone but aren’t necessarily interested in carrying a phone the size of a tablet. Unfortunately for those in the US, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact simply hasn’t been an option for them. Until today.
Sony teased us over and over again about working with Verizon and they’ve finally delivered. While it’s not the Xperia Z2 that many had been hoping for, Sony and Verizon have officially announced the partnership that will see the waterproof tablet make its official debut in the US with carrier support. News about the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet coming to Verizon began to circulate as early as May and most recently in early June. Now that the two companies have made it official, what does it mean for you? Let’s talk details.
News has been swirling about Sony’s second and final flagship for 2014. The latest rumours about the specs is that there will be an incremental upgrade from the Z2 rather than a significant jump. As for design, some leaked images appeared a few days ago giving us an idea of what to expect (if it is the Z3). Well here is another one, it comes from the same leaker of the original images though it’s unclear if it’s a polished mock-up of the first leak or actual promotional material.
Come take a look.
Are you a selfie fan? Do you like to get the best snaps you can with friends but are frustrated by the lower quality of the front camera? Well get ready for the Xperia C3, Sony’s answer to this problem. The Xperia C3 has been officially revealed and it sports a front-facing flash to help you achieve the best lighting no matter the time of day or weather.
Official specs:
- Snapdragon 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Quad-core
- 1GB RAM
- 5.5″ HD (1280×720)
- 5 MP Front-facing camera (720p)
- Soft flash for front camera
- 8 MP camera with auto focus
- 4G LTE
- 7.6mm thin
- Android 4.4 (KitKat)
- 2500 mAh
Read on to find out more.
Thanks to a new study conducted by DreamChrono, we’ve have a clear picture of the SmartWatch market and how it was broken down between different companies in 2013. That might be all too familiar to Sony enthusiasts, despite being one of the first tech giants to get into the race and having released their second generation version, dubbed Sony SmartWatch 2 at the time when its rivals like Samsung were only releasing their first generation SmartWatch, Sony was only able to take a 7% marketshare in 2013. From the $711 million total market worth in 2013, Sony was only responsible for $50 million with Samsung holding the lion’s share at 34%.
Let’s talk more details, including an amazing chart that really gives you a breakdown of the SmartWatch market of 2013.
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