Sony Mobile

Sony Releases New S1 and S2 Tablet Video Teaser (part 2)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 5, 2011 | 6 comments

We all know that Sony is looking to release two Android Honeycomb tablets this fall. Outside of the previous teaser video, we’ve even managed to catch the S2 on video for a few seconds. Now the electronic giant wants you to see even more of the S1 and S2. However, if you are looking for a slew of new revealing tidbits, you will be disappointed by the new teaser video. On the other hand, if your eyes and brains are ready to be visually stimulated, then the new video, with the small reveals of different programs, including Twitter and Google Maps will leave you clicking the reply button again.

Hit the jump for the newest teaser from Sony.

Sony Ericsson Xperia arc Housing Suffering from Widespread Cracks?

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 1, 2011 | 2 comments

The internet is good for two things. The first one, you already know and the second one is for community members discovering potential problems with their phones. This time, the culprit seems to be the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc which is said to be suffering from a housing crack. Though you might need a flashlight and a magnifying glass to locate it, the potential hairline crack appears near the light sensor on the front of the phone.

Due to this crack appearing on multiple community member phones in the same exact spot, many who state that they’ve been using a case from day one, it’s probably not a stretch to assume that such a crack may just be a weld line for where the plastic meets together around the sensor. The Xperia arc, which was released in Midnight Blue and Misty Silver, seems to be favoring the silver color, while a majority of the cracks appear on the Midnight Blue. Hit the jump for additional pictures.

Discuss:

So do you think that this hairline crack is an actual problem or, seeing as how you have to hunt to find it, it’s actually not a big deal? If you own an Xperia arc, please weigh in!

[Via Xperia Blog]

First Video of the Sony Tablet S2 UI

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 30, 2011 | 23 comments

Although we know that the Sony Tablets are headed to retail store in the Fall for Europe, we have still yet to see much of them. Outside of a teaser video which is more about the concept than the device, we still don’t know much about this Android Honeycomb tablet, out side of some specs which place the S1 tablet at 9.4-inches with a more traditional design. Sony has also spent a considerable time on the weight distribution, designing the S1 for long term use and ensuring that your hands wont get tired from holding.

With the S2 which is in the video below, Sony took a different approach to the tablet design. They instead incorporated a dual 5.5-inch, clamp shell designed screen. Allowing you to have two different work spaces, great for when the need to multitask arises and even better for portability. Both tablets will also be PlayStation Suit certified, allowing them access to PSN and PlayStation One games. Bellow is a quick video of the Sony Tablet S2 UI. All be it a very short video.

Discuss:

What do you think about Sony’s ambitions with the tablet market? Do you like the dual tablet strategy with the S1 appealing to more traditional users while the S2 tries to do something different then the iPad or Samsung Galaxy.

[Via Androidpit]

Sony Announces the VAIO VPC-Z21V9E, Ultra Slim, External GPU with Power Media Dock. We Have Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 28, 2011 | 39 comments

Sony has just announced and revealed to the world the rumored VAIO Z21, previously called the Ultimate Mobile PC. The VAIO VPC-Z21V9E, which is the proper model number, was unveiled earlier today or late last night, depending on when you read this, with many of the rumored specs that we had reported on previously and some surprises that we only hinted at. This ultra-slim 13.1-inch VAIO, which comes in at 1.2 kg (2.6 pounds), is designed for the users on the go, giving you a standard 6-hour battery and an optional 14-hour sheet battery. Even with the ever-so-thin design, the VAIP Z21 still packs a punch, and unlike other laptops in its range, for instance the MacBook Air, is no slouch! Some specs include:

2.7GHz Intel Core i7 Processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.40GHz)
256GB SSD
8GB RAM
1600 x 900 Resolution
Intel’s HD Graphics 3000
WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n
3G WWAN
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
HDMI Out (3D support)
HD web camera powered by ‘Exmor’ (1.3 effective megapixels)
(1) USB 2.0
Windows 7 Professional (64bit)
Finger print reader

Now, if the integrated graphics card and resolution of 1600 x 900 just don’t cut it for you, then you are in luck. Users will be given the option to upgrade the screen to full HD, meaning 1920 by 1080 to enjoy full 1080p on their VAIO and even export out 1080p 3D footage via the HDMI out port. If any of you read our previous coverage of the VAIO Z21, then you will know that our story hinted towards the following and now we can confirm it. You see, for those who require a little more power and ports from their VAIO, Sony has built a great solution for you called the Power Media Dock (VGP-PRZ20C). When in need of additional power, users can simply connect their VAIO to the Power Media Dock and receive a boost of power, via the units built in AMD Radeon 6650M GPU with 1GB of dedicated memory. This connection is made thanks to the Power Media Dock’s “light peak” aka Thunderbolt connector cable.

Hit the jump for the dock’s additional specs, official press release and pictures.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Active Announced. We Have Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 27, 2011 | 68 comments

Sony Ericsson who has been on a roll as of late has just announced the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active. This new Android Gingerbread smartphone, which follows on the heels of the Xperia Ray, is a quite a different take on the smartphone. Instead of offering just a fancy Bravia engine like the Xperia Arc or being a gaming handset as well like the Xperia Play, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active is geared for those who are, well, active.

You see, this new Android 2.3 from Sony Ericsson will include the latest Android built and it does include Mobile Bravia Engine, however what makes it different is starting with asthetics first. From the first look, you will undoubtedly notice the clip to the side of the phone, allowing you to latch the phone onto yourself while doing any kind of physical activity. Building from there, the phone is both dust-proof and water-resistant. In fact, the phone can be kept under 1m of water for 30 mins. Many who are familiar with touchscreen phones will know that using a device with wet hands is not only not recommended, but many touch screen phones cannot properly track your finger tips when they are wet, seeing how they rely on their heat to do that. The Xperia Active instead uniquely incorporates wet finger tracking, to ensure the phone works perfectly when either the screen or a user’s fingers are wet. Other specs include:

3-inch Touchscreen
5mp Camera
720p HD Video Functionality
8x Digital Zoom
1Ghz Processor
3G + Wi-Fi + Bluetooth
2GB MicroSD Memory Card

For all you atheltic fans, you should also take note of the pre-loaded sports apps that enable consumers to easily track your fitness levels. Users can set their ideal training route using the built-in GPS, Barometer and Compass. On-screen heart rate and pulse can be monitored in realtime (enabled by ANT+ wireless networking technology), while the iMapMyFitness app can monitor day to day performance. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Active which will come in Orange/Black and White/Black will be available globally in selected markets in Q3 2011 with no price point attached yet.

Discuss:

As always, hit the jump for the official press release and additional pictures. While you’re there, let us know your thoughts on the Sony Ericsson Xperia Active? Is this take on the smartphone something that attracts you or is it too much of a niche market? Should Sony even try to cater to niche markets?

Sony VAIO Z21 Leaked! Previously Dubbed Ultimate Mobile PC (pics) (updated)

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 25, 2011 | 21 comments

With Tuesday, June 28th, pegged as the official unveil date, we can now share with you some pictures of Sony’s upcoming flagship VAIO Z21 which was previously dubbed and teased as the Ultimate Mobile PC. Though we don’t have all the official specs yet from this 13-inch laptop, we can confirm that it will be available in black and gold and carry an external Blu-ray drive (much like the MacBook Air, plus the Blu-ray capability). Also much like the current MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lineup, the VAIO Z21 will use a glass trackpad and backlit keyboard. Additional specs include (though these are not 100% confirmed yet):

Core i5-2410M processor or Core i7-2620M CPU
128GB of solid-state storage or 256GB in storage
1600 x 900 resolution is standard
3G SIM card slot
Fingerprint reader
3D output via HDMI
HD webcam with Sony’s Exmor imaging technology
Thunderbolt via USB connector

We will hopefully have more for you soon, including price and release date. Till then, hit the jump for some additional pictures and while you’re there, let us know what you think about the new VAIO Z21. Is it as you imagined?

Thanks to our tipster Aigak

Update:

Some sites are even reporting that the external drive packs a separate GPU, allowing you to be mobile when needed and while docked, receiving some extra horsepower. Although an interesting idea and concept, I wouldn’t put too much stock into that.

Read More ›

Sony Ericsson Announces Xperia Ray. We Have Specs, Details, and Pictures

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 24, 2011 | 8 comments

It almost seems like a ritual at this point to expect a new Android handset from Sony, and this time, it’s called the Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray. Fresh from the bakery, this new Android phone will come with the latest Android Gingerbread (2.3) while giving users the options of black, gold, white, or pink as their color of choice. Though it might not be as high-tiered as other Sony Ericsson handsets, the spec sheet on this phone looks quite delicious, especially if the price is right, though that has yet to be announced. Specs include:

1GHz Snapdragon CPU
3.3” 854×480 screen
Mobile BRAVIA Engine (optimized for video viewing)
8.1MP camera with Exmor R for Mobile and HD
Front Facing Camera
3G, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) and GPS
9.4mm thin

The Xperia Ray, which will have full access to the Android Market, is targeted for Q3 in Japan and other select markets. As always, hit the jump for the full press release and additional photos.

Sony Compares VAIO S Against the MacBook Pro (Video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 24, 2011 | 14 comments

Sony is gearing up for Back to School time in more than one way. First, they’ve released a few new colors for the VAIO C lineup while giving the VAIO E a few new processor options. With a video that’s sure to start a heated debate, Sony is taking the campaign to the next level by putting the VAIO S up against the MacBook Pro in a head-to-head comparison. Full disclosure, I worked for the fruit company for nearly 3 years before leaving and becoming an independent consultant for them.

So what do you think? Would you chose the Sony VAIO S over the MacBook Pro?

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Getting Android 2.3 Gingerbread in August

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 21, 2011 | 3 comments

In late March, we were able to report to you that Sony Ericsson had a change of heart in regards to the Xperia X10 family and was going to bring Android 2.3 Gingerbread to the handset at some point. Two months later, the cell phone division of Sony kept good on its word to advance the OS on the Xperia X10 by releasing Android 2.1 for owners of the then-flagship device. Now, Sony Ericsson is finishing off its promise and is going to bring Android 2.3 Gingerbread to Xperia X10 users in August.

One of the many great features of Sony Ericsson phones have been their custom UI design, something which Google’s with Android 2.3 does not play nice with and has left a lot of developers and manufactures with a slight bitter taste. However, Sony is reporting that they’ve been able to create a work around and keep their custom UI in tact. In case of their unique camera interface,

First of all – we’ve seen your feedback about losing some of the camera features of the original Xperia^TM X10. Our developers have been working on it and I can now confirm that also the Gingerbread version of the X10 software will keep the original camera UI as in the Éclair version. I can also confirm that the new Facebook inside Xperia^TM functionality introduced in the 2011 Xperia^TM products will also be in the Xperia^TM X10.

Other features for you to take note of that is already available on the companies Xperia Arc will be:

Desktop layout and pinch-to-overview gesture will be similar
Wi-Fi & USB tethering
App storage on SD-card etc are included.
Customizable horizontal app tray and the media experience widgets from the 2011 Xperia Products are in
Integrated equalizer in the music player
Apps that require Android versions 2.2 or 2.3 will now be possible to download from Android Market, e.g. Adobe flash.

Hit the jump for a video walkthrough of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. While you are there, let us know if you are looking forward to this release of if you have a newer Sony Ericsson Android phone which already has Android 2.3.

Sony Updates VAIO C with New Colors

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 21, 2011 | 20 comments

Hot on the heels of updating the VAIO E series, Sony is also updating the VAIO C series as well. Unlike the E series, which saw a big shift in the processing department, the VAIO C instead will get two new colors added to the lineup. Now VAIO C owners can choose from Neon Red and Thunder Blue, in addition to the already available Neon Green and Neon Orange. Still, don’t be disappointed, seeing how as the 14-inch and 15.5-inch VAIO C lineup already offers:

Intel Core i5 processor
Intel Core i3 processor
Intel WiDi (which allows you to share your laptop content wirelessly on your HDTV)
Backlit Keyboard
Webcam & Microphone with Exmor sensor technology

The new colors will be available for pre-order now and start at $730. As always, hit the jump for the official press release. and additional pictures.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo Pictures Leaked?

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 20, 2011 | 27 comments

If the following leaked images are to be believed, then we may have ourselves the first look at the Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo. Though beyond these two leaked images we don’t have much else to go off of, the phone appears to be of a larger size, much like the Xperia Arc. Due to the edge to edge front display, it would be a safe bet to assume that the Android power phone will more than likely sport a 4.5-inch LCD screen. Some sites are also venturing that the Duo could refer to the processor of the unit, making it the first Sony Ericsson phone with a dual core processor. Another thing to note from the images is the layout of the 3 buttons at the bottom of the phone, exactly the same as all other Sony Ericsson phones. The pictures also reveal a new UI for Sony Ericsson. Although there isn’t a huge change compared to previous models, we can spot a slightly tweaked weather widget and the media player controls under the dock. Still, take all of this with a grain of salt as there is no real proof one way or another if they are real. However, if this ends up being real, you can expect more shots in the coming weeks, if not days.

Hit the jump for one more shot of what may be the Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo. While you are there, let us know if you own a Sony Ericsson phone and if so, what your experience has been with it so far.

Sony Releases New S1 and S2 Tablet Video Teasers

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 17, 2011 | 2 comments

A new video from Sony, mixes a little inspiration from LittleBigPlanet and your bordem from when you were 6 years old to show off their Honeycomb (Android 3.0) S1 and S2 tablets. As entertaining of a watch that the video is and it truly is beautiful in terms, there is really absolutely nothing new revealed here. Still, a recommended watch while we can hope that future videos from Sony will help set the tablet apart from other Android tablets. Because at the end of the day, what makes an iPad is the software that Apple has created, not fancy videos and what makes the Blackberry Playbook stand out is again the difference in the OS.

What do you think. Do you enjoy creative and artful teaser videos or would you prefer for Sony to get down to business and reveal the OS?

(Thanks to our tipster Chrisdian)

Sony Updates VAIO E Series With Intel Sandy Bridge Processor, New Colors. We Have Specs

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 16, 2011 | 28 comments

Just in time for the Summer and the slow beginning of back-to-school shopping, Sony has updated their VAIO E series with new colors and the ever powerful and efficient Sandy Bridge processor. The E series which is available in 14-, 15.5-, and 17.3-inch will give buyers the option between the latest Core i3 and i5s processors. Those who prefer the AMD round will also be given the option to select the AMD Fusion as a processor on the 15.5-inch model. Both the 14-inch and 15-inch variation will be available in midnight blue, glacier white, charcoal black and blush pink – while the 17.3-inch model comes in charcoal black and glacier white. The VAIO E series will be available on June 19th with a starting price of $550. Hit the jump for some more noteworthy specs, as well as additional pictures and an official press release.

Sony to Release S1 and S2 Android Tablets in September for Europe?

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 16, 2011 | 7 comments

If recent rumors are to believed, then Sony is looking to release the S1 and S2 Android 3.0 Tablets in September for Europe with a an August pre-order date. During the initial announcement of these PlayStation Suite certified devices, which means they can run PlayStation and potentially PS2 games, Sony had indicated that they were aiming for a Summer release date, and with the recent tragedies in Japan, we are damn impressed that they are so close to their initial timeline. With the S1 Honycomb Tablet recently hitting the FCC, we know that, as far as Sony is concerned, these devices are ready for public release, hence them being turned in for Federal regularity checks. After that, it’s a matter of turning on the factories and building an inventory, which is what the next few months will more than likely be dedicated to. The FCC finding revealed that the S1 (and more than likely S2) comes with a WCDMA bands II, indicating a compatibility with AT&T and T-Mobile for the US, which is the same standard that Europe and many other countries use (sorry Verizon and Sprint fans).

Although we have yet to see what the UI on these tablets will be like, from what you’ve seen so far, what do you think? Do you like the different design approach that Sony is taking? Especially with the S2?

[Via Engadget]

Some Details Leaked on Sony’s S1 Honeycomb Tablet

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 8, 2011 | 27 comments

We know that this fall, Sony will be shipping two different tablets out: the S1 and S2. However, specifics of both devices have eluded us until now. Though it’s not much to go by, we know that the S1 Honeycomb tablet from Sony will be PlayStation Certified, allowing it to run PlayStation and potentially PlayStation 2 games. What’s more, due to an FCC filing for the device, is that we can now also reveal that tablet will come with a 2.4GHz 802.11n WiFi and WCDMA bands II and V radios, making it ready for AT&T and potentially T-Mobile (though that might not matter as much, seeing how AT&T is trying to buy T-Mobile). Designed with a custom-made “Quick and Smooth” UI and “Swift” web browser, this 3G variant tablet (SGPT113JP/S and SGPT114JP/S) will also have have a Wi-Fi counterpart as well with model numbers SGPT112US/S, SGPT112CA/S, SGPT111US/S, and SGPT111CA/S.

[Via FCC]