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Come comment on this article: [TA Deals] Pay what you want for this awesome Web Hacker Bundle
Hulu Introduces Ad-Free Subscription Plan for $12 a Month
Hulu today revealed a new plan option that will grant subscribers immunity from the service’s embedded advertisements by paying $11.99 each month instead of the traditional $7.99 (via Re/code). Available for new and existing users, Hulu’s CEO Mike Hopkins notes that it took months for the various companies and providers available on the service to support the new subscription tier, but he still expects a “solid majority” of people to stick with the $7.99 option.
Hopkins says getting the various rights owners for the Hulu catalog — which includes TV shows from NBC, ABC and Fox, as well as stuff from other networks, plus movies (note the Epix deal it just signed), plus stuff Hulu is creating on its own — to agree to the ad-free option took months.
Hulu is jointly owned by Disney, 21st Century Fox and Comcast’s NBCUniversal, and those companies are heavily invested in the business of selling TV ads. Hulu won’t come out and say this out loud, but the 50 percent price jump between the two versions is meant to give most of Hulu’s 9 million subscribers a reason to keep the version they have, and not hasten the erosion of the ad model.
A slight negative for some will come in the new tier’s “exception shows,” which will present users with bookended ads even when a subscriber is paying $12 per month. From ABC, NBC, and FOX, the seven exception shows are: New Girl, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Grey’s Anatomy, Once Upon a Time, Marvel’s Agents of Shield, and Grimm. Perhaps a minor silver lining: the exception shows won’t include the timed ads in the middle of a video and will only include a 15-second pre-show and 30-second post-show commercial.
Users interested in signing up for Hulu Plus, or changing their current subscription to the new option, can do so over on Hulu’s official website. The Hulu app is also available to download free from the App Store [Direct Link].
Acer launches new Android smartphones, tablets, and Chromebook at IFA
Acer is off to a huge start for its 2015 showing at the annual IFA trade show. Today sees the company introducing a whole slew of new consumer products, a handful of which happen to fall into the AndroidGuys wheelhouse. Among the fresh crop are four Android smartphones, an Android tablet, and a convertible Chromebook.
Liquid Smartphones
Whereas each of the smartphones has its own unique specs or selling point, they all share several features. Acer BluelightShield, for instance, limits the exposure of blue light from the display, making it less likely to keep you wide awake in bed as you browse Reddit.
The DTS Studio Sound offers up high-quality audio for movies, music, and games while Acer QuickMode provides three distinct layout designs for specific user types: Standard, Easy, and Basic.
- Standard Mode for those familiar with a smartphones;
- Easy Mode for those who are just learning
- Basic Mode that offers a range of protective options for kids offers Kids Center, a protected environment with parental control
The Acer Liquid UI has been refreshed and is touted as more consumer friendly than in past iterations. Key applications are designated “Float Apps” and take up a small portion of the screen, providing quick access to browser, calendar, maps, and more.
Select models also include camera software enhancements for selfies and other shots. Gourmet mode, Favorite Shot and Bright Magic Selfie are designed to help produce better images in various situations.
Standout features of the various models:
Liquid Z630 “Big on Power and Size”
- 5.5-inch HD IPS display
- 8-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel front-facing camera
- Android 5.1
- quad-core 1.3GHz processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB storage
- 4000mAh
Liquid Z630S
- 5.5-inch HD IPS display
- 8-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel front-facing camera
- Android 5.1
- octa-core processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB storage
- 4000mAh
Liquid Z530 “Perfect Selfie Smartphone”
- 5-inch HD IPS display
- 8-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel 84 degree wide-angle front-facing camera
- Android 5.1
- 1.3GHz quad-core processor
- 1GB/2GB RAM
- 8GB/16GB storage
- Cat4 LTE
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity
Liquid Z530S
- 5-inch HD IPS display
- 8-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel 84 degree wide-angle front-facing camera
- Android 5.1
- ocata-core processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB storage
- Cat4 LTE
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity
Liquid Z330 – “Android for Everyone”
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor
- 4.5-inch WVGA wide view angle display
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB storage
- Android 5.1
- 5-megapixel front facing camera
- 5-megapixel rear camera
- Cat4 LTE
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity
Liquid Z320 – “Pocket Friendly Android”
- Qualcomm MSM 8209 processor
- 4.5-inch WVGA wide view angle display
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB storage
- Android 5.1
- 2-megapixel front facing camera
- 5-megapixel rear camera
- 3G connectivity
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity
For now, the aforementioned smartphones will be sold in Europe, Middle East, and African markets. Pricing ranges between €129 and €199, depending on model and country.
Predator 8
Considered a dedicated gaming tablet, the Acer Predator 8 is an 8-inch FHD (1920 x 1200 pixel) experience that runs Android 5.1 Lollipop. Powered by an Intel Atom x7 processor, the tablet is a mere 8.7mm thick and weighs only 350 grams.
To ensure you hear every little music note or game sound effect, the slate boasts a four array front-facing speaker setup with virtual surround. For an added aesthetic touch, Acer has included a red stainless steel mesh which delivers a distinct, if not aggressive look.
Key hardware includes up to 64GB internal storage with microSD support for up to 128GB external space and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless with 2×2 MIMO support.
The Acer Predator 8 will be available starting on November 6; Newegg gets a two week exclusive followed by other retailers. The tablet will sell for $299 and will be pre-loaded with Asphalt 8 and 320,000 game credits ($50 value).
Chromebook R11
As Acer’s first convertible Chromebook, the R11 is the perfect type of device for users who like to write, edit, and create documents and media. Powered by an Intel Celeron processor, this one can be transitioned into four different modes: laptop, pad, display and tent.
The 11.6-inch display allows for ten-point touch and features a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. Other specifications include a USB 3.0 port, 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac wireless support, and 360-degree hinge.
The Chromebook R11 will be offered in North America as early as October with prices that start at $299. We might assume this to mean multiple storage capacities and memory options are on the horizon.
The post Acer launches new Android smartphones, tablets, and Chromebook at IFA appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Acer launches new Android smartphones, tablets, and Chromebook at IFA
Acer is off to a huge start for its 2015 showing at the annual IFA trade show. Today sees the company introducing a whole slew of new consumer products, a handful of which happen to fall into the AndroidGuys wheelhouse. Among the fresh crop are four Android smartphones, an Android tablet, and a convertible Chromebook.
Liquid Smartphones
Whereas each of the smartphones has its own unique specs or selling point, they all share several features. Acer BluelightShield, for instance, limits the exposure of blue light from the display, making it less likely to keep you wide awake in bed as you browse Reddit.
The DTS Studio Sound offers up high-quality audio for movies, music, and games while Acer QuickMode provides three distinct layout designs for specific user types: Standard, Easy, and Basic.
- Standard Mode for those familiar with a smartphones;
- Easy Mode for those who are just learning
- Basic Mode that offers a range of protective options for kids offers Kids Center, a protected environment with parental control
The Acer Liquid UI has been refreshed and is touted as more consumer friendly than in past iterations. Key applications are designated “Float Apps” and take up a small portion of the screen, providing quick access to browser, calendar, maps, and more.
Select models also include camera software enhancements for selfies and other shots. Gourmet mode, Favorite Shot and Bright Magic Selfie are designed to help produce better images in various situations.
Standout features of the various models:
Liquid Z630 “Big on Power and Size”
- 5.5-inch HD IPS display
- 8-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel front-facing camera
- Android 5.1
- quad-core 1.3GHz processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB storage
- 4000mAh
Liquid Z630S
- 5.5-inch HD IPS display
- 8-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel front-facing camera
- Android 5.1
- octa-core processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB storage
- 4000mAh
Liquid Z530 “Perfect Selfie Smartphone”
- 5-inch HD IPS display
- 8-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel 84 degree wide-angle front-facing camera
- Android 5.1
- 1.3GHz quad-core processor
- 1GB/2GB RAM
- 8GB/16GB storage
- Cat4 LTE
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity
Liquid Z530S
- 5-inch HD IPS display
- 8-megapixel rear camera
- 8-megapixel 84 degree wide-angle front-facing camera
- Android 5.1
- ocata-core processor
- 3GB RAM
- 32GB storage
- Cat4 LTE
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity
Liquid Z330 – “Android for Everyone”
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor
- 4.5-inch WVGA wide view angle display
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB storage
- Android 5.1
- 5-megapixel front facing camera
- 5-megapixel rear camera
- Cat4 LTE
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity
Liquid Z320 – “Pocket Friendly Android”
- Qualcomm MSM 8209 processor
- 4.5-inch WVGA wide view angle display
- 1GB RAM
- 8GB storage
- Android 5.1
- 2-megapixel front facing camera
- 5-megapixel rear camera
- 3G connectivity
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth 4.0 EDR connectivity
For now, the aforementioned smartphones will be sold in Europe, Middle East, and African markets. Pricing ranges between €129 and €199, depending on model and country.
Predator 8
Considered a dedicated gaming tablet, the Acer Predator 8 is an 8-inch FHD (1920 x 1200 pixel) experience that runs Android 5.1 Lollipop. Powered by an Intel Atom x7 processor, the tablet is a mere 8.7mm thick and weighs only 350 grams.
To ensure you hear every little music note or game sound effect, the slate boasts a four array front-facing speaker setup with virtual surround. For an added aesthetic touch, Acer has included a red stainless steel mesh which delivers a distinct, if not aggressive look.
Key hardware includes up to 64GB internal storage with microSD support for up to 128GB external space and 802.11a/b/g/n wireless with 2×2 MIMO support.
The Acer Predator 8 will be available starting on November 6; Newegg gets a two week exclusive followed by other retailers. The tablet will sell for $299 and will be pre-loaded with Asphalt 8 and 320,000 game credits ($50 value).
Chromebook R11
As Acer’s first convertible Chromebook, the R11 is the perfect type of device for users who like to write, edit, and create documents and media. Powered by an Intel Celeron processor, this one can be transitioned into four different modes: laptop, pad, display and tent.
The 11.6-inch display allows for ten-point touch and features a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. Other specifications include a USB 3.0 port, 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac wireless support, and 360-degree hinge.
The Chromebook R11 will be offered in North America as early as October with prices that start at $299. We might assume this to mean multiple storage capacities and memory options are on the horizon.
The post Acer launches new Android smartphones, tablets, and Chromebook at IFA appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Sony Xperia Z5 officially announced: what you need to know
Sony has never really been a crowd favorite in the U.S., at least when it comes to smartphones. Recently however, Sony has struggled internationally as well, with the latest iteration of their flagship particularly coming under fire for being too similar to the Sony Xperia Z3, leading Sony to dub the phone the as the Xperia Z3+ in international markets, referring to it as the Xperia Z4 only in Japan. Thankfully, Sony is finally upping its game with the Xperia Z5, which is being offered in three unique flavors: the Xperia Z5, Z5 Premium, and Z5 Compact.
At their IFA 2015 press event Sony formally announced the Sony Xperia Z5, and on the outside it doesn’t seem a whole lot different from its predecessors, offering the iconic glass-and-metal stylings that we’ve come to expect from Sony. The power button on the side of the Z5 is a bit bigger this time around though, in order to make room for the integrated fingerprint scanner. If you’re a fan of Sony’s style, you’re certainly going to like the looks of Xperia Z5, even if they are still a bit too familiar for those that were hoping Sony would finally make a bigger and bolder change in design language.
Sony Xperia Z5 specs and features
| emium | |
| Display | 5.2-inch 1080p display |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32GB with microSD |
| Network | 4G / LTE / HSPA+ 21/42 Mbps |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, A-GPS / Glonass, USB 2.0 |
| Camera | Main cam: 23MP cam with Exmor RS sensor, fast autofocus, 4K video capture and output, 23mm wide-angle G Lens, 5x clear image, HDR, ISO 12800 photo / 4000 vide, Steadyshot tech
Front: 5MP |
| Software | Android 5.1 Lollipop with Sony UI |
| Battery | 2900 mAh |
| Dimensions | 146mm x 72mm x 7.3mm, 154 grams |
In many ways the specs here are quite similar to the Sony Xperia Z4 (aka Z3+), with the Sony Xperia Z5 featuring a Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB RAM, and 32GB storage. It is a bit disappointing to note that we are just seeing a Full HD display here, and not a more impressive QHD one, though fans of high-res can always turn their attention to the 4K-touting Z5 Premium instead. Where things differ from the Xperia Z3+ is in the extras like the new fingerprint scanner, and more importantly, in the redesigned camera.
The fingerprint scanner is of the “touch” variety, meaning it should work similarly to the iPhone, the newer Samsung Galaxy line, and Huawei’s Mate 7 and Honor 7. Aside from unlocking the phone, there doesn’t seem to be too many other fingerprint-yeilding features but it is still a nice extra.
The Xperia Z5 comes with a 23MP sensor with autofocus of just .03 seconds and F2.0 G Lens tech. There’s also a few other extras including 5x clear image zoom and advanced processing software. Sony also claims that advancements in low-light photography mean you can now capture clearer images even in less than ideal lighting. As you’d expect, Sony says this is one of the best on the market, though we’ll reserve judgment until we have some time to put the camera through its paces.
In addition to providing a better camera experience, Sony promises better battery life with the Xperia Z5. Sony claims its flagship will offer “up to two days usage from a single charge” thanks to its 2900 mAh non-removable battery.
On the software front, don’t expect much different here. Though Sony had previously tested out redesigned “concept” software builds, ultimately the UI that made its way to the Xperia Z5 series is the same as ever. That means you get a lightly skinned experience with extras like Playstation Remote Play, which lets you play your PS4 games utilizing your Xperia phone. THere’s also the Xperia Gold Lounge, offering up “exclusive competitions and offers” for Sony fans.
Sony Xperia price and availability
The Sony Xperia Z5 will arrive globally starting in October, though Sony has yet to clarify pricing just yet. For international markets, the Xperia Z5 will be offered in both single and dual-SIM variants.
Press release
Berlin, IFA, 2nd September 2015 – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today unveiled its next-generation Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact, and the world’s first 4K smartphone Xperia Z5 Premium – each engineered to make everyday experiences better.
“Smartphones are part of people’s lives” said Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO at Sony Mobile Communications. “Since users already create, share and enjoy most of their content on the go – we’ve set out to bring Sony’s latest innovations in camera, design and display to ensure the Xperia Z5 series is the best possible lifestyle and entertainment platform.”
A mobile camera experience unlike any other
Xperia Z5 features Sony’s brand new large 1/2.3 Exmor RSTM for mobile 23MP sensor and F2.0 G Lens – it’s Sony’s first completely re-imagined smartphone camera module since Xperia Z1, designed with Sony’s interchangeable lens camera αTM technology for clear, vivid imagery every time.
The camera is capable of the fastest autofocus in a smartphone, a powerful blend of speed and accuracy to capture split-second moments with ease. It delivers a ground-breaking speed of just 0.037 seconds – faster than the blink of a human eye (average 0.1 – 0.4 s), so whether you’re jumping for the frisbee in the park, diving into the pool or catching air on the vert ramp, you’ll have the power to preserve spontaneous action in real-time.
A combination of the large 23MP Exmor RSTM for mobile sensor and advanced processing software lets you get close to subjects; whether it be a landmark, architecture or other objects of interest, with 5x clear image zoom with minimum loss of quality. And, advancements in low-light photography mean you can capture clearer photos at night or in darker surroundings with less noise and blur – perfect for capturing a sunrise or night skyline.
With the continued popularity of content capture for social media, Xperia Z5 series brings significant advancements in the evolution of Sony’s SteadyShotTM with Intelligent Active Mode for video. Further improvements mean you’ll be able to continuously capture action smoothly, such as riding a bike or skateboard, free from jolts or shudders. It also features better low-light performance without blur.
Designed for life, with the same flagship experiences in a choice of form factor
Designed by leading creatives at Sony’s Creative Center studios in Sweden and Japan, Xperia Z5 presents a svelte continuous plate form, with a metal frame and frosted glass back. It’s striking, comfortable to hold and waterproof for everyday convenience. With a 5.2″ display, sleek looks and Fall 2015 fashion and interior design cues, colours range from elegant to expressive for any personal style or taste; White, Graphite Black, Gold and Green.
For those who prefer a compact smartphone, Xperia Z5 Compact brings the same great camera technology and features in a pocket-friendly compact device. It delivers uncompromised performance in a beautifully compact design with a 4.6″ display, perfect for one-handed use. And, Z5 Compact let’s you express personal style with fresh, vibrant colours including Yellow and Coral, in addition to White and Graphite Black.
Both devices represent iconic Sony craftsmanship with premium materials throughout, including frosted glass finishing to the rear and a subtly etched Xperia logo side engraving, as well as capless USB for quick efficient connection and charging.
To the side, a new integrated fingerprint sensor power button means each device is personal, protected and easily unlockable with a simple pick up and press in one natural movement. It will also support the FIDO standard; authentication via fingerprint for online payment services – with news on first partners shared closer to launch.
Powerful performance that meets demands
Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, featuring octa-core CPUs, 64 bit capabilities and ultra-fast 4G LTE speeds, letting you reach new levels of performance for video, photography and gaming. Whether you’re multi-tasking over Wi-Fi or the latest 4G network, both devices deliver the speed you need. Download email with attachments in seconds and enjoy video streaming with no delays or unwanted buffering. Powerful smartphone features demand smart power management, Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are equipped with Sony’s incredible up to two-day8 battery stamina and innovative power-saving technology, which gives you superior long-lasting battery performance. With Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 2.0 enabled on the new devices, you can get 5.5 hours usage with just 10 minutes of charging with a certified Quick Charge™ 2.0 charger, such as the Quick Charger UCH10 (dependant on market variants)9.
Sony’s 4K leadership now in a mobile device – Xperia Z5 Premium, the world’s first 4K smartphone
Xperia Z5 Premium is the world’s first 4K smartphone with a sharp, vivid 5.5″ 4K TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile and IPS, where breathtaking detail is depicted with pinpoint accuracy for the most natural images, at four times the resolution of Full HD.
Xperia Z5 Premium will upscale your favourite content to 4K, enhancing any native or third party videos or photos so you can view Netflix, YouTube or your holiday shots in rich, vibrant 4K detail. And, Xperia Z5 Premium is built to allow you to get creative by capturing in 4K and immediately enjoying the content on Z5 Premium, with the option of preserving any moment as an 8MP quality image.
And, why not port the memory card from Sony’s 4K Action Cam FDR-X1000V to Xperia Z5 Premium to enjoy your footage immediately – or simply connect to the big screen either wirelessly via DLNA or with MHL 3.0 to enjoy your content on a 4K TV.
Xperia Z5 Premium is designed from the ground up as a high-performance mobile device, also powered by the Snapdragon 810 processor. A high capacity 3430 mAh battery lasting for up to two days, with quick charge capability eliminates the need for regular charging.
Xperia Z5 Premium features a large 32GB internal memory, with the capability to take a 200GB external microSD card, which offers extra room for 4K videos and movies, and images too. Xperia Z5 Premium also features Sony’s innovative memory on display feature – the data transfer between processor and device is optimized so Xperia Z5’s display memory technology remembers the display of images seen on your smartphone and caches the image or video so that you don’t need to reload the full image each time you view it – preserving battery power in the process.
A flagship series powered by an entertainment and content ecosystem
Across the Xperia Z5 series, Sony’s rich expertise in audio technologies lets you enjoy sound in incredible detail and clarity. High-Res Audio reproduces high frequency sound for a studio quality experience. DSEE HXTM upscales the audio fidelity of your existing MP3, AAC or Spotify tracks to near High-Res Audio quality. And for high quality wireless music listening, Sony’s LDAC™ codec transmits data three times more efficiently than legacy codec over Bluetooth.
And now for the first time, Sony’s new High-Resolution Audio Headset MDR-NC750 allows you to enjoy combined Hi-Res Audio music with Digital Noise Cancelling – your tunes as they were intended to be heard, with ambient background noise reduced by up to 98%.
Keep playing your favourite PlayStation®4 (PS4™) games wherever you are in the home with PS4 Remote Play10. Simply connect your Xperia Z5 series device to your PS4 via home Wi-Fi and use the DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller to ensure you never miss a minute of the action – whatever room you are in.
And to ensure you continue to enjoy the best experiences that Sony has to offer, all Xperia Z5 series users will benefit from access to Xperia Lounge Gold – delivering the world of Sony entertainment at your fingertips. Get access to exclusive competitions and offers; be among the first to try out new apps; and enjoy the latest movies, TV episodes and music included with your device.
Smart style, with new accessories
A range of stylish and protective Style Cover Window cases will be available for each Xperia Z5 series model at launch, in respective corresponding device colours – each will let you access your favourite smartphone widgets through a smart window.
Stereo Bluetooth® Headset SBH54 is versatile headset with a doubling handset function, designed for users who want a convenient companion device to a large screen smartphone, allowing you to take and make calls, see messages, play music and enjoy FM radio.
Availability and specifications
Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will launch globally from October 2015, and Xperia Z5 Premium from November 2015 – Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Premium will be available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM variants11.
What’s your take?
So, are you impressed with the Xperia Z5 series or are you disappointed? What do you love about the new phones, and what do you hate? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
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Sony Xperia Z5 Compact officially announced: everything you need to know
Alongside the brand new Xperia Z5 and Z5 Premium flagships, Sony has just taken the wraps off its newest compact offering, the Xperia Z5 Compact. When it comes to specifications, pricing and availability information, we’ve got you covered.
As is the case with many of the other handsets Sony has launched in the past few years, the Z5 Compact doesn’t stray too far from the path. You’ll quickly notice that it features a similar overall design to that of recent Xperia devices, so the big question here is, can it stand out enough from the crowd? Let’s find out just what this phone can offer.
(Note: this story is still developing, be sure to check back shortly for even more details)
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact specifications
| Display | 4.6-inch IPS LCD display, 720p resolution, 323ppi |
| Processor | 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 |
| GPU | Adreno 430 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 200GB |
| Software | Android 5.1 Lollipop, Sony’s customized UI |
| SIM card | Nano SIM |
| Dual SIM | No |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP65 / IP68 certification, capless USB |
| Quick Charge 2.0 | Yes |
| Cameras | Sony Exmor RS 23MP rear-facing camera, Sony Exmor R 5MP front-facing camera |
| Battery | Non-removable 2,700mAh battery |
| Dimensions | 127 x 65 x 8.9mm, 138g |
The Xperia Z5 Compact’s specs should satisfy many folks out there, especially when it comes to the added benefits of water resistance and the compact display. Overall, this device isn’t much different from other small Sony phones we’ve seen in the past. It has a 4.6-inch 720p display that comes with an anti-fingerprint coating to keep it looking smooth and clean. It also features a metallic trim around the edges.
The big news here is that the Z5 Compact sports Sony’s new Exmor RS sensor, which comes in at 23 megapixels. Sony devices have always been great in the camera department, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the Z5 Compact could take some pretty awesome photos. It’s capable of 4K video capture and output and comes with a new 24mm wide-angle G Lens. Sony says it can take photos in just .03 seconds, as well. Additionally, the front-facing camera comes in at 5MP and sports Sony’s Exmor R image sensor.
Sony has also built in a touch-based fingerprint sensor to the side-mounted home button, which should make it easy to gain access to your phone much more quickly. We’ll need to test out the new fingerprint reader for ourselves before we make any assumptions, though.
The Z5 Compact also comes with 32GB of base storage with microSD expansion up to a massive 200GB. Expandable storage was notably missing on some recent flagships out there, so many folks will be happy to see Sony is keeping up with the trend of offering users more storage if they need it.
Seeing as how this device only has a 720p display, the 2,700mAh battery should be enough to get you through a full day of usage. If it’s not though, the Z5 Compact comes with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 capabilities, which will be able to get you 5.5 hours of usage in just 10 minutes.
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact design and build
At no surprise to almost anyone, the Z5 Compact doesn’t stray too far away from past devices from the company in the design department. It has a dual glass design with “frosted glass finishing”, and also includes a subtly etched Xperia logo on the side of the device. Even though it doesn’t look too different, the Z5 Compact still looks like a pretty sleek device.
The Xperia Z5 Compact will be available in Yellow, Coral, White and Graphite Black color options.
Sony Xperia Z5 Compact pricing and availability
The Z5 Compact will launch globally in October 2015. Unfortunately no pricing information has been released yet, but we’ll be sure to let you know once more information surfaces.
Press release
“Smartphones are part of people’s lives” said Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO at Sony Mobile Communications. “Since users already create, share and enjoy most of their content on the go – we’ve set out to bring Sony’s latest innovations in camera, design and display to ensure the Xperia Z5 series is the best possible lifestyle and entertainment platform.”
A mobile camera experience unlike any other
Xperia Z5 features Sony’s brand new large 1/2.3 Exmor RSTM for mobile 23MP sensor and F2.0 G Lens – it’s Sony’s first completely re-imagined smartphone camera module since Xperia Z1, designed with Sony’s interchangeable lens camera αTM technology for clear, vivid imagery every time.
The camera is capable of the fastest autofocus in a smartphone, a powerful blend of speed and accuracy to capture split-second moments with ease. It delivers a ground-breaking speed of just 0.037 seconds – faster than the blink of a human eye (average 0.1 – 0.4 s), so whether you’re jumping for the frisbee in the park, diving into the pool or catching air on the vert ramp, you’ll have the power to preserve spontaneous action in real-time.
A combination of the large 23MP Exmor RSTM for mobile sensor and advanced processing software lets you get close to subjects; whether it be a landmark, architecture or other objects of interest, with 5x clear image zoom with minimum loss of quality. And, advancements in low-light photography mean you can capture clearer photos at night or in darker surroundings with less noise and blur – perfect for capturing a sunrise or night skyline.
With the continued popularity of content capture for social media, Xperia Z5 series brings significant advancements in the evolution of Sony’s SteadyShotTM with Intelligent Active Mode for video. Further improvements mean you’ll be able to continuously capture action smoothly, such as riding a bike or skateboard, free from jolts or shudders. It also features better low-light performance without blur.
Designed for life, with the same flagship experiences in a choice of form factor
Designed by leading creatives at Sony’s Creative Center studios in Sweden and Japan, Xperia Z5 presents a svelte continuous plate form, with a metal frame and frosted glass back. It’s striking, comfortable to hold and waterproof for everyday convenience. With a 5.2″ display, sleek looks and Fall 2015 fashion and interior design cues, colours range from elegant to expressive for any personal style or taste; White, Graphite Black, Gold and Green.
For those who prefer a compact smartphone, Xperia Z5 Compact brings the same great camera technology and features in a pocket-friendly compact device. It delivers uncompromised performance in a beautifully compact design with a 4.6″ display, perfect for one-handed use. And, Z5 Compact let’s you express personal style with fresh, vibrant colours including Yellow and Coral, in addition to White and Graphite Black.
Both devices represent iconic Sony craftsmanship with premium materials throughout, including frosted glass finishing to the rear and a subtly etched Xperia logo side engraving, as well as capless USB for quick efficient connection and charging.
To the side, a new integrated fingerprint sensor power button means each device is personal, protected and easily unlockable with a simple pick up and press in one natural movement. It will also support the FIDO standard; authentication via fingerprint for online payment services – with news on first partners shared closer to launch.
Powerful performance that meets demands
Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, featuring octa-core CPUs, 64 bit capabilities and ultra-fast 4G LTE speeds, letting you reach new levels of performance for video, photography and gaming. Whether you’re multi-tasking over Wi-Fi or the latest 4G network, both devices deliver the speed you need. Download email with attachments in seconds and enjoy video streaming with no delays or unwanted buffering. Powerful smartphone features demand smart power management, Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are equipped with Sony’s incredible up to two-day8 battery stamina and innovative power-saving technology, which gives you superior long-lasting battery performance. With Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 2.0 enabled on the new devices, you can get 5.5 hours usage with just 10 minutes of charging with a certified Quick Charge™ 2.0 charger, such as the Quick Charger UCH10 (dependant on market variants)9.
Sony’s 4K leadership now in a mobile device – Xperia Z5 Premium, the world’s first 4K smartphone
Xperia Z5 Premium is the world’s first 4K smartphone with a sharp, vivid 5.5″ 4K TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile and IPS, where breathtaking detail is depicted with pinpoint accuracy for the most natural images, at four times the resolution of Full HD.
Xperia Z5 Premium will upscale your favourite content to 4K, enhancing any native or third party videos or photos so you can view Netflix, YouTube or your holiday shots in rich, vibrant 4K detail. And, Xperia Z5 Premium is built to allow you to get creative by capturing in 4K and immediately enjoying the content on Z5 Premium, with the option of preserving any moment as an 8MP quality image.
And, why not port the memory card from Sony’s 4K Action Cam FDR-X1000V to Xperia Z5 Premium to enjoy your footage immediately – or simply connect to the big screen either wirelessly via DLNA or with MHL 3.0 to enjoy your content on a 4K TV.
Xperia Z5 Premium is designed from the ground up as a high-performance mobile device, also powered by the Snapdragon 810 processor. A high capacity 3430 mAh battery lasting for up to two days, with quick charge capability eliminates the need for regular charging.
Xperia Z5 Premium features a large 32GB internal memory, with the capability to take a 200GB external microSD card, which offers extra room for 4K videos and movies, and images too. Xperia Z5 Premium also features Sony’s innovative memory on display feature – the data transfer between processor and device is optimized so Xperia Z5’s display memory technology remembers the display of images seen on your smartphone and caches the image or video so that you don’t need to reload the full image each time you view it – preserving battery power in the process.
A flagship series powered by an entertainment and content ecosystem
Across the Xperia Z5 series, Sony’s rich expertise in audio technologies lets you enjoy sound in incredible detail and clarity. High-Res Audio reproduces high frequency sound for a studio quality experience. DSEE HXTM upscales the audio fidelity of your existing MP3, AAC or Spotify tracks to near High-Res Audio quality. And for high quality wireless music listening, Sony’s LDAC™ codec transmits data three times more efficiently than legacy codec over Bluetooth.
And now for the first time, Sony’s new High-Resolution Audio Headset MDR-NC750 allows you to enjoy combined Hi-Res Audio music with Digital Noise Cancelling – your tunes as they were intended to be heard, with ambient background noise reduced by up to 98%.
Keep playing your favourite PlayStation®4 (PS4™) games wherever you are in the home with PS4 Remote Play10. Simply connect your Xperia Z5 series device to your PS4 via home Wi-Fi and use the DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller to ensure you never miss a minute of the action – whatever room you are in.
And to ensure you continue to enjoy the best experiences that Sony has to offer, all Xperia Z5 series users will benefit from access to Xperia Lounge Gold – delivering the world of Sony entertainment at your fingertips. Get access to exclusive competitions and offers; be among the first to try out new apps; and enjoy the latest movies, TV episodes and music included with your device.
Smart style, with new accessories
A range of stylish and protective Style Cover Window cases will be available for each Xperia Z5 series model at launch, in respective corresponding device colours – each will let you access your favourite smartphone widgets through a smart window.
Stereo Bluetooth® Headset SBH54 is versatile headset with a doubling handset function, designed for users who want a convenient companion device to a large screen smartphone, allowing you to take and make calls, see messages, play music and enjoy FM radio.
Availability and specifications
Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will launch globally from October 2015, and Xperia Z5 Premium from November 2015 – Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Premium will be available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM variants11.
What are your thoughts?
Now that it’s official, is this the Sony handset you’ve been waiting for? If not, tell us what you’d change about it in the comment section below!
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium officially announced: what you need to know
(Note: this story is still developing, be sure to check back shortly for even more details)
At IFA 2015 Sony officially took the veil off of the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium, the largest and highest-end variant of the new Z5 family. While not nearly as large as the now well-aged Xperia Z Ultra, the new Z5 Premium could be perfect for Sony fans looking for something a bit more on the phablet side.
On the outside the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium doesn’t seem a whole lot different from past Xperia Z offerings, offering the iconic glass-and-metal stylings that we’ve come to expect from Sony. Just like with the other members of the Z5 family, the power button on the side of the Z5 Premium is a bit bigger this time around though, making room for an integrated fingerprint scanner.
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium specs and features
| emium | |
| Display | 5.5-inch 4K display with 808 PPI |
| Processor | 1.9GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32GB with microSD |
| Network | LTE, LTE Cat6, GSM GPRS/EDGE (2G), UMTS HSPA+ (3G) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, A-GPS / Glonass, USB 2.0 |
| Camera | Main cam: 23MP cam with Exmor RS sensor, fast autofocus, 4K video capture and output, 23mm wide-angle G Lens, 5x clear image, HDR, ISO 12800 photo / 4000 vide, Steadyshot tech
Front: 5MP |
| Software | Android 5.1 with Sony UI |
| Battery | 3430 mAh |
| Dimensions | 154.4mm x 75.8mm x 7.8mm, 180 grams |
Where the Xperia Z5 Premium really shines is the display, as the handset is the very first to offer a 4K screen. Considering the 5.5-inch size and the impressive PPI of 806, the resolution here is going to be nothing short of amazing. As for the other specs? The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium offers a Snapdragon 810 processor with 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, microSD, and a 3430 mAh battery that Sony says should provide around 2 days of battery life.
Just like with the Sony Xperia Z5, the Z5 Premium also features a revamped camera. The Xperia Z5 Premium has a 23MP sensor with autofocus of just .03 seconds and F2.0 G Lens tech. The camera also offers 5x clear image zoom, advanced processing software, and improved low-lighting capabilities. The Sony Xperia Z5 Premium’s camera certainly looks and sounds great on paper, but until we have more time to put the camera though its paces, we’ll reserve judgment.
Sony Xperia Z5 Premium price and availability
While the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will be available starting in October, fans of the Z5 Premium will have to wait a little longer. The Z5 Premium is expected to launch in November. It’s unclear if the phone will be made available in the US, though we wouldn’t be surprised to see it launch under T-Mobile, Verizon, or perhaps both.
We can’t comment on pricing just yet, but we’d expect the 4K display to come at a premium.
Press release
Berlin, IFA, 2nd September 2015 – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today unveiled its next-generation Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact, and the world’s first 4K smartphone Xperia Z5 Premium – each engineered to make everyday experiences better.
“Smartphones are part of people’s lives” said Hiroki Totoki, President and CEO at Sony Mobile Communications. “Since users already create, share and enjoy most of their content on the go – we’ve set out to bring Sony’s latest innovations in camera, design and display to ensure the Xperia Z5 series is the best possible lifestyle and entertainment platform.”
A mobile camera experience unlike any other
Xperia Z5 features Sony’s brand new large 1/2.3 Exmor RSTM for mobile 23MP sensor and F2.0 G Lens – it’s Sony’s first completely re-imagined smartphone camera module since Xperia Z1, designed with Sony’s interchangeable lens camera αTM technology for clear, vivid imagery every time.
The camera is capable of the fastest autofocus in a smartphone, a powerful blend of speed and accuracy to capture split-second moments with ease. It delivers a ground-breaking speed of just 0.037 seconds – faster than the blink of a human eye (average 0.1 – 0.4 s), so whether you’re jumping for the frisbee in the park, diving into the pool or catching air on the vert ramp, you’ll have the power to preserve spontaneous action in real-time.
A combination of the large 23MP Exmor RSTM for mobile sensor and advanced processing software lets you get close to subjects; whether it be a landmark, architecture or other objects of interest, with 5x clear image zoom with minimum loss of quality. And, advancements in low-light photography mean you can capture clearer photos at night or in darker surroundings with less noise and blur – perfect for capturing a sunrise or night skyline.
With the continued popularity of content capture for social media, Xperia Z5 series brings significant advancements in the evolution of Sony’s SteadyShotTM with Intelligent Active Mode for video. Further improvements mean you’ll be able to continuously capture action smoothly, such as riding a bike or skateboard, free from jolts or shudders. It also features better low-light performance without blur.
Designed for life, with the same flagship experiences in a choice of form factor
Designed by leading creatives at Sony’s Creative Center studios in Sweden and Japan, Xperia Z5 presents a svelte continuous plate form, with a metal frame and frosted glass back. It’s striking, comfortable to hold and waterproof for everyday convenience. With a 5.2″ display, sleek looks and Fall 2015 fashion and interior design cues, colours range from elegant to expressive for any personal style or taste; White, Graphite Black, Gold and Green.
For those who prefer a compact smartphone, Xperia Z5 Compact brings the same great camera technology and features in a pocket-friendly compact device. It delivers uncompromised performance in a beautifully compact design with a 4.6″ display, perfect for one-handed use. And, Z5 Compact let’s you express personal style with fresh, vibrant colours including Yellow and Coral, in addition to White and Graphite Black.
Both devices represent iconic Sony craftsmanship with premium materials throughout, including frosted glass finishing to the rear and a subtly etched Xperia logo side engraving, as well as capless USB for quick efficient connection and charging.
To the side, a new integrated fingerprint sensor power button means each device is personal, protected and easily unlockable with a simple pick up and press in one natural movement. It will also support the FIDO standard; authentication via fingerprint for online payment services – with news on first partners shared closer to launch.
Powerful performance that meets demands
Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, featuring octa-core CPUs, 64 bit capabilities and ultra-fast 4G LTE speeds, letting you reach new levels of performance for video, photography and gaming. Whether you’re multi-tasking over Wi-Fi or the latest 4G network, both devices deliver the speed you need. Download email with attachments in seconds and enjoy video streaming with no delays or unwanted buffering. Powerful smartphone features demand smart power management, Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact are equipped with Sony’s incredible up to two-day8 battery stamina and innovative power-saving technology, which gives you superior long-lasting battery performance. With Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 2.0 enabled on the new devices, you can get 5.5 hours usage with just 10 minutes of charging with a certified Quick Charge™ 2.0 charger, such as the Quick Charger UCH10 (dependant on market variants)9.
Sony’s 4K leadership now in a mobile device – Xperia Z5 Premium, the world’s first 4K smartphone
Xperia Z5 Premium is the world’s first 4K smartphone with a sharp, vivid 5.5″ 4K TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile and IPS, where breathtaking detail is depicted with pinpoint accuracy for the most natural images, at four times the resolution of Full HD.
Xperia Z5 Premium will upscale your favourite content to 4K, enhancing any native or third party videos or photos so you can view Netflix, YouTube or your holiday shots in rich, vibrant 4K detail. And, Xperia Z5 Premium is built to allow you to get creative by capturing in 4K and immediately enjoying the content on Z5 Premium, with the option of preserving any moment as an 8MP quality image.
And, why not port the memory card from Sony’s 4K Action Cam FDR-X1000V to Xperia Z5 Premium to enjoy your footage immediately – or simply connect to the big screen either wirelessly via DLNA or with MHL 3.0 to enjoy your content on a 4K TV.
Xperia Z5 Premium is designed from the ground up as a high-performance mobile device, also powered by the Snapdragon 810 processor. A high capacity 3430 mAh battery lasting for up to two days, with quick charge capability eliminates the need for regular charging.
Xperia Z5 Premium features a large 32GB internal memory, with the capability to take a 200GB external microSD card, which offers extra room for 4K videos and movies, and images too. Xperia Z5 Premium also features Sony’s innovative memory on display feature – the data transfer between processor and device is optimized so Xperia Z5’s display memory technology remembers the display of images seen on your smartphone and caches the image or video so that you don’t need to reload the full image each time you view it – preserving battery power in the process.
A flagship series powered by an entertainment and content ecosystem
Across the Xperia Z5 series, Sony’s rich expertise in audio technologies lets you enjoy sound in incredible detail and clarity. High-Res Audio reproduces high frequency sound for a studio quality experience. DSEE HXTM upscales the audio fidelity of your existing MP3, AAC or Spotify tracks to near High-Res Audio quality. And for high quality wireless music listening, Sony’s LDAC™ codec transmits data three times more efficiently than legacy codec over Bluetooth.
And now for the first time, Sony’s new High-Resolution Audio Headset MDR-NC750 allows you to enjoy combined Hi-Res Audio music with Digital Noise Cancelling – your tunes as they were intended to be heard, with ambient background noise reduced by up to 98%.
Keep playing your favourite PlayStation®4 (PS4™) games wherever you are in the home with PS4 Remote Play10. Simply connect your Xperia Z5 series device to your PS4 via home Wi-Fi and use the DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller to ensure you never miss a minute of the action – whatever room you are in.
And to ensure you continue to enjoy the best experiences that Sony has to offer, all Xperia Z5 series users will benefit from access to Xperia Lounge Gold – delivering the world of Sony entertainment at your fingertips. Get access to exclusive competitions and offers; be among the first to try out new apps; and enjoy the latest movies, TV episodes and music included with your device.
Smart style, with new accessories
A range of stylish and protective Style Cover Window cases will be available for each Xperia Z5 series model at launch, in respective corresponding device colours – each will let you access your favourite smartphone widgets through a smart window.
Stereo Bluetooth® Headset SBH54 is versatile headset with a doubling handset function, designed for users who want a convenient companion device to a large screen smartphone, allowing you to take and make calls, see messages, play music and enjoy FM radio.
Availability and specifications
Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact will launch globally from October 2015, and Xperia Z5 Premium from November 2015 – Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Premium will be available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM variants11.
What’s your take?
So, are you impressed with the Xperia Z5 Premium or are you disappointed? Let us know in the comments.
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Sony makes a pun out of some pretty Hi-Res Audio headphones
It seems like with every new phone, Sony has a new accessory to plug. Presenting the pun-ful “H.ear On” headphones. They’re over-ear cans that are supposedly at their best when playing back Sony’s Hi-Res Audio. Of course, they’ll need to be paired with a compatible device — like one of its new Xperia Z5 family. For the audiophiles: The H.ear On are closed-back headphones with fairly low impedance (24 Ohm) 40mm drivers, 5Hz – 60,000Hz frequency response and 103dB/mW sensitivity. For the rest of you: pretty colors! They’ll cost $200 this November and come in an “exciting array of colors” including Bordeaux pink, cinnabar red and (our favorite) lime yellow.
Check out all the news from Berlin at our IFA 2015 hub.
Filed under:
Sony
Tags: audio, headphones, hearon, hires, ifa, ifa2015, sony
Sony’s Xperia Z5 family includes the world’s first 4K smartphone
To say that Sony’s mobile division has had a tough time lately would be an understatement. As the company puts out half-hearted efforts like the Z3 and Z3+, sales have been dropping steadily. We’re now at the point where Sony is losing more than $1 million per day just keeping the division going. Something has to change. Sony has to take smartphones seriously, and this is its attempt to do just that. Meet the Xperia Z5 family, which includes the world’s first 4K phone display, “next-generation” cameras and some tiny, tiny fingerprint scanners. Slideshow-316694
For what seems like the first time in ages, Sony is announcing a trio of flagship phones at the same time. From big to small, we’ve got the Z5 Premium, the Z5 and the Z5 Compact. The trio share many attributes, but thanks to one spec, the Premium is by far the most interesting.
The world’s first 4K phone display
I’m totally besotted with the Premium’s display. It’s got a truly ridiculous, world-beating 5.5-inch 4K (3,840 x 2,160) panel, with rich colors and deep blacks. We’ll need to spend more time than the few hours we’ve had with the new lineup to give a proper verdict, but right now we can say for sure that it looks great. I’m not sure I want a 4K display in my phone, but I am sure that the allure of an 806-ppi display will be enough to win some over. Sony’s thrown down the gauntlet, and at least in pixel density, the Z5 Premium is the phone to beat.
Unfortunately, Sony’s saved all of its new screen tech for the Premium, with the regular Z5 retaining the same 5.2-inch 1080p unit as the Z3 and Z3+, and the Z5 Compact getting a slightly larger — 4.7 inches vs. the Z3 Compact’s 4.6 inches — but still 720p display.
Apart from their displays, the devices are almost identical.
As far as specs go, though, the displays are pretty much the only things distinguishing the Z5 Premium from the Z5 and Z5 Compact. All three have Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 processor inside, up to 32GB of internal storage (expandable by microSD), high-res audio chips and “up to two-day battery life.” That’s a cute way Sony found to say “you only need to charge this one once a day.” How they eke out that battery life differs of course, with the Premium having a 3,430mAh battery, the Z5 a 2,900mAh and the Z5 Compact a 2,700mAh. The only other differentiator is RAM: The Z5 Premium and Z5 have 3GB; the Z5 Compact only has 2GB.
The same, but different
The Z5s’ power buttons house fingerprint sensors.
If you’ve seen any Sony phone made in the last couple of years, I’m sure you’ve already noticed the Z5 family is a very familiar one. Sony’s “OmniBalance” design theme has been knocking around since the Xperia Z1, and it’s really difficult to get excited about: They’re rectangular slabs with clean line; they’re waterproof; and they’re uncomplicated. That said, this is probably the tightest iteration on that theme. The Z5 Premium and Z5 both feel very polished, with carefully considered color schemes and materials. The Z5 Compact feels sturdier and a little chunkier, but not necessarily in a bad way.
The Z5 Premium is available in black, gold or chrome, all with a mirrored glass back, while the Z5 has white, black, gold and a subdued green, with a frosted glass back. Sony’s clearly targeting the younglings with the Compact, especially with some of the bright and “fun” colors. It comes in the usual white and black, but also vibrant yellow and coral (pink) — again with frosted glass at the back. Of course they’re all different sizes too; The Z5 Premium has a 5.5-inch display and is 7.8mm thick; the Z5 has a 5.2-inch display and is 7.3mm thick; while the Compact has a 4.7-inch display and is 8.3mm thick.
The Z5 Premium in chrome makes for a very effective mirror.
I think the yellow Z5 Compact is probably my favorite of the bunch; the bright color wrapping around the edge of the black display frames the device really well. The green Z5 is also kinda classy looking, and it’s a nice step away from the staid colors we’re used to from flagships. Also, big shout out to the chrome Z5 Premium, which is essentially a mirror with a phone attached to the back. It’s ostentatious; it’s ridiculous; and it’s impossible to keep clean, but I kinda love it.
So all these new Xperias are familiar, but changed. The same, but different. Those coming from a previous-generation Z will notice how nicely this latest bunch feels to hold, as well as some neat design additions. There’s now a little “Xperia” wordmark etched into the phones’ metallic sides, and the series’ small circular power button is no more, replaced by an oval-shaped button that somehow squeezes in a tiny fingerprint reader.
Taking care of number one
All three phones share the same camera setup.
Sony’s new sensor is exclusive to Xperias, for now.
Sony’s image sensors are everywhere. Of course you’ll find them in the company’s own smartphones, mirrorless and SLT cameras, but they’re also in high-end Nikon and Fujifilm models. Not to mention flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S6 and LG G4. Put simply, they’re considered some of the finest in the business, and one of the increasingly few areas that Sony is a market leader in. Not all sensors are created equal, though, and this time, Sony’s keeping the best smartphone sensor for itself. All of the Z5s have a 1/2.3-inch Exmor RS 23-megapixel image sensor. It’s brand-new, and Sony says it’ll be exclusive to Xperias, at least for a while.
Click image for original 7MB file. Shot by Sony at f/2.0, 1/2500s, ISO 40.
This fancy new sensor is backside illuminated and has embedded phase-detection pixels. It’s housed in Sony’s first mobile camera module with a closed-loop actuator, and in front of the sensor is a new six-element 24mm lens with a wide f/2.0 aperture. If you’re unsure what all of this means, I’ll break it down for you:
Sony says that, thanks to the phase-detection pixels, the Z5 family can autofocus in as little as 0.03 second, claiming it’s the “world’s fastest autofocus in a smartphone.” All we can say is it’s very quick. The actuator helps with this by swiftly moving the lens to focus, and because it’s closed-loop, it’ll also offer better image stabilization, especially for video. As you’d expect, all three will shoot movies in 4K, although evidently the Z5 Premium is the only one capable of playing footage back natively on the phone itself. Sony says the new sensor is capable of oversampling images (PureView style) for digital zoom “without loss of image quality.” Take that claim with an ocean’s worth of salt, of course, but the zoomed images definitely seemed good enough for a Facebook or Twitter share.
Click image for original 3MB file. Shot by Sony at f/2.0, 1/30s, ISO 250.
All of this adds up to… well, no one knows yet. What I can say is that Sony’s sensors are the envy of the business; Sony’s “unedited” sample images look fantastic; and, in my brief time with the Z5s, I took some quite pretty images that I’m sadly unable to share with you. But it’s too early to say whether this new camera represents a huge leap forward, or even if it’s at the front of the pack.
A fresh start
Although it’s not quite stock, Sony has all but removed its Android skin.
On the software side, the Z5 family runs Android 5.1.1, and Sony says “stay tuned” about an Android M update. The good news for virtually everyone but the most die-hard of Sony fans, though? The company’s Android skin is no more. Instead, the devices all run a virtually stock Android experience. Sure, there are some differences in iconography, but the general look-and-feel isn’t too far from a Nexus device. That’s a huge step forward from current Xperias, which feel like they’re stuck in the past despite many of them actually being on the latest version of Android.
Google won’t officially bake in fingerprint support to its OS until Android M is released this fall. Like other manufacturers, though, Sony already has things up and running. I wasn’t able to test out the functionality myself, but the placement seems very natural, and I watched Sony staff unlocking their devices with various fingers and thumbs at a 100 percent success rate.
The big questions
A close-up of the Xperia Premium’s etched metal wordmark.
I’m pretty impressed with Sony’s new lineup. But there are still three lingering questions that Sony needs to answer. First, there’s the small matter of price. So far, we’ve got this from Sony: “Pricing will reflect the premium quality of the smartphone.” Make of that what you will, but Sony isn’t exactly known for producing budget devices. In the age of the OnePlus 2 and the Moto X Pure, you can get a lot of smartphone for a few hundred dollars.
Second is battery life and performance. The chip inside all three, the Snapdragon 810, has had some well-reported issues with overheating, and is not known to be very frugal when it comes to battery life. Couple that chip with a 4K display, and it’s easy to question Sony’s claim of “up to two-day” endurance when it comes to the Premium. The company points to its on-display memory (which effectively switches off the processor when the screen isn’t moving), and other battery-saving tech as proof it can hit that target. Many will remain unconvinced until the phone’s been properly tested.
Third, and perhaps most importantly for Sony’s shot at a global success, is availability. The Z5 and Z5 Compact will be “globally” available in October, with the Z5 Premium following in November. But Sony has really struggled to persuade carriers to push its devices. That’s especially true in the US, where sometimes it feels like Sony doesn’t exist.
If a 4K display doesn’t pique the US carriers’ attention, nothing will.
You could argue that this is Sony’s fault. Several generations of Xperias have come and gone, all of which looked pretty much the same, and none of which blew the competition out of the water. They’ve been solid phones, but plenty of companies make solid phones. Why should carriers put their weight behind Sony when Samsung et al. offer the same basic package? With iPhone season fast approaching, there’s a real chance Sony could be left by the wayside again. At least with the Z5 Premium, Sony has clearly put everything it can into a single device, short of a new design. If the world’s first 4K smartphone doesn’t get the attention of AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile, nothing will.
Check out all the news from Berlin at our IFA 2015 hub.
Filed under:
Cellphones, Mobile, Sony
Tags: 4k, exmor, hands-on, ifa, ifa2015, mobilepostcross, sony, xperia, xperiaz5, z5
Mac keychain flaw can send your passwords to hackers via text
Antoine Vincent Jebara and Raja Rahbani have discovered a Mac Keychain vulnerability that hackers can easily exploit to steal passwords, certificates, etc. with very little user interaction needed. The duo stumbled upon the flaw while working on the Keychain for their identity management software Myki. They found out that attackers can craft commands that can make Mac’s password management system prompt users to click an “Allow button” instead of asking them to type in their passwords. Once a user clicks that button, the malicious code can forward Keychain’s contents via text, though the info could also be saved somewhere for download later on.
The malware required to trigger that process can be introduced into the victim’s computer via innocuous files such as images, documents and spreadsheets. In fact, the proof of concept Rahbani and Jebara developed to test out what they discovered launches the malware-wrapped image in Preview after you click Allow. They designed it that way to show how that method can be used to allay any suspicion brewing in the back of the victim’s mind.
In Jebara’s email to Engadget, he said they already notified Apple of the vulnerability and are waiting to hear back. He explained that they decided to come out with this information, because it could be extremely harmful to users if exploited. By knowing the flaw’s nature, you can at least protect yourself by not click strange buttons that pop up in Keychain.
We disclosed because we feel that it is the right thing to do knowing that a vulnerability of this magnitude would have disastrous consequences (you wouldn’t be able to open any third-party file on your computer without the risk of losing all of your sensitive information until Apple issues a patch)…
The vulnerability is extremely critical as it allows anyone to steal all of your passwords remotely by simply downloading a file that doesn’t look malicious at all and that can’t be detected by malware detectors because it doesn’t behave the way malware usually does.
[Image credit: mangpages/Flickr]
Tags: apple, keychain, security
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