D-Link adds battery-powered and LTE cameras to its home security line

D-Link introduced two new home monitoring cameras at CES that tackle logistics shortfalls of domestic security. One is a wire-free system boasting battery power that lasts up to 11 months, while the other can operate and record over LTE. Additionally, D-Link has refreshed three of its simpler, affordable models. All have sound and motion triggers, can record footage to the cloud and integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT.

The Wire-Free Full HD Indoor/Outdoor Camera operates around a hub and as many cameras as desired, all of which operate on battery life. Kits start at $250 for one camera, $350 for two and additional cameras cost $220 apiece. The $300 LTE model does exactly what it says, which is useful if Wi-Fi is spotty or unavailable. Both cameras record in 1080p and will be available in Q2 2018.

D-Link also refreshed three of its simpler home security cameras. The lower-tier $60 HD Wi-Fi Camera handles basic home monitoring in 720p with a 120-degree field of view from a static position, while the $90 mid-grade Full HD version bumps that up to 1080p and 140 degrees. The top camera of the set, which retails for $120, includes pan and tilt functionality to cover 340 degrees in total. All three will be available in Q2 2018.

You can set up and control all of D-Link’s new cameras from your smartphone or device with the updated mydlink app. Users can be alerted when they detect sound or motion and watch live video straight from the app. All of D-Links cameras can record locally on microSD or to the cloud using D-Link’s subscription options, which will be available in Q1 2018 and range from $1 a month for 2GB of video up to $10 a month for 30GB.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2018.

Tile’s item-finding technology gets built into Bose earbuds

Ever lost a pair of earbuds? Or your luggage at the airport? Or worse, your inhaler? Well, starting this year, Tile will partner with companies like Bose, Samsonite and Propeller Health to help you find those things and more.

These are extensions of the Tile Platform, which the company debuted in 2016. The purpose of the program is to incorporate the stuff-finding tech found in its Bluetooth trackers into everyday items like battery packs and scooters. You’d add them to the Tile app just like the regular trackers, and if you lose them, you can use the app to find them. The device in question will make a sound, or you can use the vast Tile community network to help locate where it is.

With Bose, the Tile technology will be incorporated in the Bose SoundSport Wireless and QuietControl 30 headphones — they’ll ring when you tap “find” in the app — some time in 2018. As for Samsonite, a global pilot of Tile-integrated luggage is scheduled for later this spring. Other companies that will integrate with Tile technology later this year include Herschel backpacks, Boosted skateboards and Starling, an educational wearable for young kids.

As mentioned above, Propeller Health is also working on integrating the tech into its connected inhalers. “We’re excited to partner with Tile in our ongoing efforts to make management of asthma and COPD more personal and convenient,” said David Van Sickle, Propeller co-founder and CEO in a statement. “By combining the search power of Tile with our connected medication sensors, we can help people ensure their important inhalers and information are always easy to find.”

Additionally, Tile has also partnered with Comcast, Ruckus Wireless and the San Jose International Airport to provide more access points for Tile’s network. Currently, the network relies on a community of Tile owners — everyone’s Tile app works in concert to pinpoint the location of a missing item. The addition of these access points help boost the power of that community. Right now, San Jose International Airport has already been blanketed with Tile access points, while Ruckus Wireless and Comcast will add them later this year.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2018.

Investors Urge Apple to Do More to Protect Children From Smartphone Addiction

Apple should do more to reduce growing smartphone addiction among children, said two major investors on Monday (via USA Today). In an open letter to the tech giant, New York-based Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System wrote of their increasing concern about the effects of mobile devices and social media on youngsters, urging Apple to offer more tools and choices to help prevent harm.

“There is a developing consensus around the world including Silicon Valley that the potential long-term consequences of new technologies need to be factored in at the outset, and no company can outsource that responsibility to an app designer, or more accurately to hundreds of app designers.”

The letter cited several studies revealing the negative effects of smartphones and social media on children’s mental and physical health. For example, one study found that 67 percent of over 2,300 teachers surveyed believe that the number of students who are negatively distracted by gadgets in the classroom is growing, while 75 percent say students’ ability to focus on educational tasks has decreased. 

In another study, eighth graders who are heavy users of social media were shown to have a 27 percent higher risk of depression, compared to children who exceed the average time spent playing sports, socializing with friends, or doing homework, all of whom have a much lower risk.  

To counter the threat, the investors – who collectively control $2 billion worth of Apple shares – suggested that Apple set up an expert committee including child development specialists and make its information more available to researchers. The letter also proposed enhancing iOS and associated apps to give parents and guardians more resources to protect their children’s wellbeing.

This is a complex issue and we hope that this is the start of a constructive and well-informed dialogue,” said the partners. “As one of the most innovative companies in the history of technology, Apple can play a defining role in signaling to the industry that paying special attention to the health and development of the next generation is both good business and the right thing to do.”

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CES 2018: DJI Announces Osmo Mobile 2 With Simpler Controls and Improved Battery Life

Camera and drone maker DJI today announced two new camera stabilizers ahead of the first official day of CES 2018, which begins tomorrow, January 9. DJI’s reveal centered upon the Osmo Mobile 2 and Ronin-S, a pair of stabilizers made for smartphones and DSLRs, respectively, that allow users to take videos without having to worry about shaky cam disrupting the footage.

The Osmo Mobile 2 is the newest model in DJI’s line of camera stabilizers for smartphones, introducing simpler controls with cinematic zoom and a longer battery life. Like the previous device, the Osmo Mobile 2 is compatible with iPhone and includes three-axis gimbal technology to cancel out movement in three directions, allowing footage to remain steady even when the user’s hands shake.

The gimbal technology combines with DJI’s SmoothTrack technology to detect and compensate for the user’s movement of the camera and “ensure a smooth cinematic shot every time.” Users can shoot in both landscape and portrait orientation, and a 1/4″ universal screw mount makes the Osmo Mobile 2 compatible with most photography accessories.

“With the introduction of these two stabilizers, DJI now offers gimbal technology to help unlock the creative storyteller in everyone no matter what camera they’re using,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “Osmo Mobile 2 offers the best in smartphone stabilization at an affordable price, and Ronin-S brings the quality of DJI’s professional gimbal technology to a new form factor that is perfect for run-and-gun filming using your favorite DSLR or mirrorless camera system.”

In terms of the major new additions, DJI said the new device’s battery system is “more powerful” than its predecessor and allows for filming for up to 15 hours, which is three times longer than the original. There’s also a new USB port to enable smartphone charging while the Osmo Mobile 2 is being used, and even lets the Osmo act as a power bank for charging other devices when not in use.

DJI said the “simpler controls” include ways for users to use their smartphone’s camera similar to a professional camera, thanks to integrated settings for ISO, shutter speed, and more. A new button for a zoom slider on the Osmo Mobile 2’s handle lets users operate their smartphone camera without needing to touch the screen, and the controls also allow for the production of a dolly zoom, which DJI said is “a visual effect usually created only on professional film sets.”

The Osmo Mobile 2 will cost $209 AUD (about $163 USD) and will launch exclusively on Apple.com, with pre-orders beginning January 23. In early February, the new Osmo will then debut on DJI’s own website, as well as in DJI stores and authorized resellers. Later in February the device will be available to purchase in Apple’s retail stores too. The Ronin-S will launch in Q2 2018.

Tags: DJI, CES 2018
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Showtime swears ‘Halo’ TV show is still in ‘active development’

It’s that time of year again: that is, time to promise that Steven Spielberg’s Halo TV series isn’t dead. In an interview with TV Guide, Showtime CEO David Nevins promised that the live-action, gaming inspired show is “still in very active development.” He didn’t provide more details, but did note that he had seen scripts and that the network was “encouraged by what we’ve seen so far.” He was confident it would not only please Halo fans, but Showtime’s overall drama audience.

This may be heartening if you’ve wanted to see how Halo would fare in Hollywood. However, that “if” may be the problem. Microsoft proudly announced the show alongside the Xbox One in 2013, but it’s been in limbo ever since. That’s a long time to wait if you’re used to getting new games in a franchise every couple of years or less. And remember, Halo 5 shipped in 2015. Even if the TV show arrives in 2018, that’s a roughly 3-year gap — interest definitely isn’t at its zenith. While game adaptations regularly have trouble standing purely on their own merits, the Halo show might face an even greater challenge than usual.

Via: Kotaku

Source: TV Guide

The ‘world’s biggest wind farm’ could send power to as many as five countries

While most offshore wind farms are located close to the coast, an ambitious plan by a Dutch energy firm involves the creation of what would be the world’s biggest wind farm, with a central man-made island acting as a power hub.

Dutch-controlled TenneT says the hub could be located in the North Sea and provide power to not only the Netherlands, but also the U.K., Norway, Denmark, Germany, and Belgium.

All of these countries are roughly the same distance from the proposed site, Dogger Bank, a vast sandbank about 160 miles north-west of the Netherlands and 60 miles off the east coast of England.

The power hub on the 2.3-square-mile artificial island would be surrounded by numerous wind turbines capable of providing power, via long-distance cables, to each of the countries.

The wind farm could provide power to the Netherlands, U.K., Norway, Denmark, Germany, and Belgium.

TenneT

As noted by the Guardian, TenneT claims its plan could lead to savings of billions of dollars over conventional wind farms and international power cables.

Today’s offshore wind farms produce alternating current that suffers loss when sent over long distances, so the hub would convert it to direct current before sending it to nearby nations using more affordable cables.

TenneT is planning to produce a more detailed proposal this year, and said that if construction went ahead, the earliest it could be operational is 2027.

But the bold project faces plenty of hurdles, including securing both cooperation and funding from other energy companies in Europe.

If they can work together to make it happen, the wind farm could have a capacity of 30GW — more than double the total installed offshore wind power across all of Europe today.

With opposition from those living close to proposed wind farms a constant obstacle to their construction, it’s little surprise that energy firms are beginning to look at sites further offshore.

Rob van der Hage, manager of TenneT’s offshore wind grid development program, told the Guardian that “onshore wind is hampered by local opposition and nearshore is nearly full,” adding that it was therefore logical to look at the idea of placing wind farms further away from land.

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HP supercharges Spectre x360 15-inch with Intel 8th-Gen Core and AMD Vega graphics

HP recently refreshed a number of its PCs with a handful of revisions, including a significant redesign of the Spectre 13, a refinement of the excellent Spectre x360 13, and some updates to the midrange Envy line.

As CES 2018 gets underway, the company is continuing its efforts to keep its PCs up-to-date, with a refreshed Spectre x360 15, an Intel version of the Envy X2 tablet, an add-on version of the 3D technology included with its Sprout PC, and more.

HP Spectre x360 15 (2018)

Key Specs

Intel 8th-gen Kaby Lake-R (15 watt) and Kaby Lake-G (65 watt) CPUs

Nvidia GeForce MX150 or AMD Radeon RX Vega M GPUs

15.6-inch 4K UHD micro-edge display

Up to 16GB RAM, up to 1TB PCIe SSD

4.62 pounds (Nvidia) or 4.72 pounds (AMD)

84 watt-hour battery, 13.5 hours (Nvidia) or 12 hours (AMD)

One (Nvidia) or two (AMD) USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3

The Spectre x360 15 was one of our favorite large convertible 2-in-1s in 2017, offering an attractive design, compelling performance and battery life, and a lovely 15.6-inch 4K UHD (3,820 x 2,160, or 282 PPI) display. The machine received a minor update in late 2017 to Intel’s quad-core eighth-generation Core CPUs and Nvidia GeForce MX150 CPU (a slight bump up from the previous model’s GeForce 940MX). Now, HP is making some additional changes to make the Spectre x360 15 an even more attractive and useful 2-in-1, while giving buyers a more meaningful choice of configurations.

Regarding the latter, HP is expanding the Spectre x360 15 family by adding a second member, this one utilizing the Intel Kaby Lake G-series Core i7, a 65-watt CPU that’s mated with an AMD Radeon RX Vega M GPU. The combination promises to offer better performance compared to the combination of the 15-watt Intel Kaby Lake R-series Core i7 and the Nvidia MX150. According to HP, however, the AMD version is 2.5 times faster in graphics rendering, 40 percent quicker in editing and transcoding 4K video to 1080p, and up to 1.4 times the frames per second (fps) in gaming while simultaneously encoding a video in the background.

In terms of design, HP applied the same aesthetic cues as it used to freshen up the smaller Spectre x360 13. The lines have been made more angular, giving the machine a more modern look, while the Dark Ash Silver with Copper Luxe accents color scheme remains the same. HP made the display bezels even thinner (from 6.8mm to 6.3mm on the sides, and from 17.68mm to 17.3mm on top), making for a slightly smaller chassis overall.

The machine is actually slightly thicker, by 1.5mm, to accommodate the new GPU options, along with a battery size increase from 79.2 watt-hours to 84 watt-hours. Battery life is estimated at 13.5 hours for the Nvidia version and 12 hours for the AMD version. The Spectre x360 15 is also a bit heavier, at 4.62 pounds for the Nvidia version and 4.72 pounds for the AMD version (compared to the previous models 4.4 pounds).

HP didn’t stop there, though. It revised the keyboard, moving away from the row of home keys along the right size and squeezing in a numeric keypad. The speakers have been relocated from the sides to below the display, and the audio power was amped up. And, the touchpad has been shifted slightly left to be more centrally positioned with the spacebar and keyboard home row. Finally, HP improved the AMD version with two USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports, compared to the Nvidia version’s USB-C 3.1 and USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Pricing will start at $1,370 for the Nvidia version with 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid state drive (SSD), running up to $1,600 for 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD. The AMD Radeon RX Vega M version will run from $1,500 for 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD to $1,700 for 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD. An updated HP active pen will also be available for $90, which adds a laser mouse function, USB-C charging, and tilt support.

Anker Innovations’ five key sub-brands focus on smart home, batteries, and more

Anker, known for its battery packs and mobile accessories, has slowly been becoming more of a fully-fledged hardware company, dipping its toes in various tech categories. In its expansion comes a structural reorganization: Anker Innovations is now the parent company for five key sub-brands, including Anker, Eufy, Roav, Nebula, and Zolo.

Each brand focuses on a particular kind of technology. For example, Zolo is for Anker Innovations’ audio products, and Anker will stick to battery packs and power devices. The company is announcing several new products under these sub-brands, but several have also already been announced and on the market.

Anker

Anker Innovations

Anker is sticking to what it’s best known for — charging and power delivery products. Its latest creation is the PowerHouse 200, which is a smaller version of the regular PowerHouse. It’s akin to a generator, as it can power all sorts of devices, and it’s still quite bulky and big (6.61 lbs) — though it is a more portable version of the original PowerHouse. It has a 200Wh capacity, with a total output of 190W. It has an AC and DC outlet, as well as 3 USB-A ports, and 1 USB Type-C port. It’s expected to launch this summer for $300.

Roav

Anker Innovations

Roav is Anker Innovations’ brand focusing on “in-car” products. Roav has some dashcams on the market, but its latest addition is the Roav Viva, which brings the power of Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant into your car. Simply plug the device into your car’s charging port and you’ll get the exact same functionality of the Amazon Echo with the Roav Viva. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and uses your phone’s data connection to power internet searches, smart home control commands, music streaming, podcasts, and more. It also has two USB-A ports so you can charge your devices. The Roav Viva will cost $50, and pre-orders will be available in the U.S. A global launch will follow in early 2018.

Zolo

Zolo is the audio brand under Anker Innovations, and the company has two products at CES 2018. The first is the Liberty+, a pair of true wireless earbuds with graphene-coated audio drivers. Zolo claims the earbuds deliver 3.5 hours of “constant beautiful sound,” but they come with a charging case that can provide 48 hours of power on a single charge. The Liberty+ started out as a Kickstarter, successfully raising $2.8 million. The earbuds has the ability to connect to Siri or Google Assistant with a tap of the button, and you can also listen into the environment around you in case you want to be more aware of your surroundings. It will be available on Amazon and the end of January for $150.

The second Zolo product is a Google Assistant-powered speaker, but with a quite non-traditional design. The Zolo Model Zero utilizes Dolby Audio for rich sound quality, and the handbag-esque design is meant to make it portable. Since it has Google’s voice assistant built-in, you can say “Hey Google,” to activate the Assistant and perform all the functions as the Google Home, including listening to music, asking about the weather, or adding an appointment to your calendar. Pricing and availability haven’t been announced yet, but expect to learn more in the coming months.

Nebula

Anker Innovations

The Nebula Capsule is another crowd-funded device that’s now available globally. It’s an Android-powered portable Digital Light Processing projector and speaker. It’s akin to a smart TV, allowing up to 4 hours of movie playtime, or 30 hours on music playback on a single charge. It runs Android 7.1, so you can download apps like Netflix and YouTube, and it supports Bluetooth and HDMI. It costs $350, and it’s available now on Amazon.

Eufy

Eufy is the smart home brand under Anker Innovations, and it doesn’t have any new products at CES 2018. The Eufy Lumos bulbs it announced last year are fairly standard smart bulbs, without the need for a hub, and with support for Alexa. They’re available on Amazon starting at $20.

SoundCore

SoundCore is yet another brand under Anker Innovations, and it confusing tackles audio, like Zolo. It’s not a key brand like the others. The first product we’ll see from this brand will be a neckband-style earphones called Life NC, with noise cancellation. SoundCore’s first product will be available this summer.

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Sony’s latest Xperia smartphones boast changes, but not a major redesign

As was widely expected, Sony is unveiling the latest models from its Xperia lineup — the Xperia L2, XA2, and XA2 Ultra — at CES 2018.

Those of us who had been hoping for a major redesign of Sony’s Omni-Balance design that the Xperia line has been rocking since 2013 may be in for a letdown with these devices. Still, there are some clear changes here, the most obvious being the switch to a rear-placed fingerprint scanner on each of the three models — similar to the placement on Huawei devices and the Pixel 2 range. Since this is present on each of the three models here, it’s probably safe to assume that we’ll be seeing more of this choice in the other Xperia phones in 2018. So love it or hate it, it’s likely here to stay for now.

We’re looking at three new models here — an update to the Xperia’s budget range with the Xperia L2, and two new models in Sony’s “super midrange” with the Xperia XA2, and XA2 Ultra. Here’s everything that we know about these devices.

Xperia L2

Despite Sony pulling the plug on its drive for “Affordable Premium” devices, the Xperia L2 is looking to be a solid entry-level addition to the Xperia lineup. Physically, it’s not too much of a change from the original Xperia L1 released in 2017, with the exception of that rear-placed fingerprint scanner. Dimension-wise, the L2 is slightly smaller than the L1, and packs the same 5.5-inch display as its predecessor, as well as the same 1,280 x 720 resolution.

There are also improvements internally. The 1.45 GHz Quad Core processor we saw in the Xperia L1 has been upgraded to a 1.5 GHz processor in the L2, and it also comes with a 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage — both increases from the previous model. The battery has seen some serious improvements, going from a 2,620mAh battery in the L1 to a seriously beefy 3,300mAh on the Xperia L2. That’s an increase of more than 25-percent — which should mean that the Xperia L2 will have some seriously good battery life.

Sony doesn’t seem to have skimped on the cameras either — the rear of the phone has a 13-megapixel snapper that comes equipped with a maximum ISO of 3200. The front camera is a wide-angle 8MP lens that should allow for some great-looking selfies thanks to the additional scope offered by the wide-angle lens.

It’s not all good news. As we said, the physical changes are relatively minor. The L2 also doesn’t come with the latest version of Android — Android 8.0 Oreo — and will instead ship with a version of Android from 2016 — Android Nougat 7.1.1. As of yet, there’s no word from Sony as to whether the L2 will be upgraded to the latest Android version at a later date. That’s got to be a disappointment for any fans of the Xperia L1 who were looking for a serious update with the Xperia L2.

The Xperia L2 will be available in black, pink, and gold in late January/early February. Pricing has not been announced yet, and it’s unclear if it will be available in the U.S.

Xperia XA2

Like the Xperia L2, don’t expect too many physical changes between the Xperia XA1 and the XA2. Both devices are much the same in terms of dimensions, and the fingerprint scanner on the back is the main difference between the two. The XA2 does have a slightly larger display, 5.2 inches compared to 5 inches, so it’s clear that Sony has been able to shrink the top and bottom bezels on the device, even if it’s only a little. The XA2 is now also running a full HD 1080p resolution, replacing the 720p display on the older device.

Internally, the XA2 should be a much more powerful device, thanks to the inclusion of the Snapdragon 630, a respectable midrange processor. The XA2 comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage as standard. Like the L2, the XA2’s battery has seen a significant upgrade, increasing from 2,300mAh to 3,300mAh.

Camera-wise, the XA2 is packing a 23MP shooter on the rear that comes with the ability to shoot video in 4K and slow-motion video at 120fps (frames-per-second). A maximum ISO of 12800 should mean that the single lens is excellent at nighttime photography, though it’s not clear whether the sensor size has been increased to match the ISO. Around the front of the phone, there’s an 8MP selfie camera with the same 120-degree wide-angle lens as the L2, so get used to no longer having to squeeze everyone into frame, or moving to fit as much of the background in as possible.

The Xperia XA2 will launch with Android 8.0 Oreo, and be available in silver, black, blue, and pink (in selected markets) in late January/early February. We don’t know how much the XA2 will cost, and whether it will be available in the U.S.

Xperia XA2 Ultra

The Xperia XA2 Ultra is much the same device as the XA2, but with a few differences. Physically, it’s again much the same to the previous XA1 Ultra, save for a slight thinning of the top and bottom bezels. The 6-inch screen outputs a full HD 1080p resolution, and it’s powered by the same Snapdragon 630 as the XA2. There’s 4GB of RAM, as well as the choice between 32GB and 64GB of internal storage.

Around the back of the phone, you’ll find the new fingerprint scanner and the same single lens as the XA2 — but you’ll find a surprise on the front. The wide-angle 8MP lens on the front of the device has a friend — a 16MP lens with optical image stabilization (OIS). Sony is clearly going all in on making sure XA2 Ultra owners get the best selfies possible.

The battery is a massive improvement, increasing to 3,580mAh from the 2,700mAh on the previous XA1 Ultra.

Like the XA2, the XA2 Ultra will launch with Android 8.0 Oreo, and be available in black, silver, blue, and gold (selected markets only) in late January/early February. Pricing and availability has not been announced.

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Sony is finally selling phones in the U.S. with fingerprint sensors, starting with the XA2, XA2 Ultra and L2

Hey look, Sony’s taking things seriously in the U.S.

Sony’s taking to CES 2018 to launch three new mid-range phones: the Xperia XA2, XA2 Ultra and L2. They look like fine phones. They have solid specs for mid-range devices and a few neat features.

But let me tell you the important part up front: all three have fingerprint sensors in the U.S. They’re interestingly rear-mounted fingerprint sensors, rather than the side-mounted power button variety Sony has used for years. And yes, they’re actually enabled right out of the box here in the States. No importing, no hacking, nothing. Finally, our long national nightmare is over.

Left to right: Xperia XA2 Ultra, XA2 and L2

Okay, breathe. It’s really happening. We have a Sony phone in the U.S. with a working fingerprint sensor. It’s not a dream. Let’s move on to the phones themselves.

These are totally expected and standard mid-range phones. The fingerprint sensor is what really matters here.

These three phones are refreshes of the existing Sony mid-range lineup. The XA2 and super-sized XA2 Ultra are understandably built on a similar platform — they run on a Snapdragon 630 processor with a 1920×1080 display, the same 23MP rear camera and supporting specs. The XA2 Ultra is larger, with a 6-inch display and corresponding 3580mAh battery compared to the 5.2-inch and 3300mAh of the XA2. For its extra size the XA2 Ultra adds a secondary front-facing camera with OIS, above and beyond the 8MP 120-degree wide-angle camera found on both, and also bumps up to 4GB of RAM from 3GB.

That’s right, the XA2 Ultra has two front-facing cameras, and one even has OIS. Despite the fact that the rear camera doesn’t have OIS. Who knows.

Sitting well below those two is the Xperia L2, with its 5.5-inch 1280×720 display, quad-core processor (the brand is unknown, but likely MediaTek), 3GB of RAM and sizable 3300mAh battery. It takes a big step down in terms of camera, with a basic 13MP shooter on the back and 8MP wide-angle on the front. The goal here, as is the case with Sony’s low-end range, is to bring that unmistakeable Sony design language down to an affordable price by skimping on the specs — for a point of reference, the current Xperia L1 is just $180. The downside? You’re getting Android 7.1.1 Nougat on board, whereas the others launch on Oreo as you’d expect in early 2018.

All three phones will come to the U.S. as single-SIM models in February, but pricing hasn’t been announced just yet. The XA2 Ultra in particular has a shot at being pretty popular if the pricing is right, as Sony has seen surprisingly good sales of its large mid-range phones — like the XA1 Ultra at $379 — in the U.S. previously. But what really matters here is that we can expect Sony’s upcoming flagships for 2018 to also have fingerprint sensors, which will finally remove the longstanding caveat that has applied every time we talk about its phones here.

Press release:

Sony unveils three new smartphones: Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Ultra, and Xperia L2

• Xperia XA2 and large-screen Xperia XA2 Ultra feature 23MP main camera, 8MP 120-degree super-wide-angle front-facing camera (plus second 16 MP front camera on Xperia XA2 Ultra), and a range of upgrades in a sleek, borderless design
• Xperia XA2 and XA2 Ultra come equipped with Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 630 processor platform
• Xperia L2 also announced, with a 5.5″ HD display, high- capacity battery and 8MP 120-degree super-wide-angle front camera
• All three devices feature new, always-on fingerprint sensor

Las Vegas, 8th January 2018, Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today unveiled Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra – the latest additions to its popular super mid-range line, with Sony camera technology, elegant designs, and powerful performance.

“Our super mid-range product strategy started out as an exciting new idea based on bringing bold technologies to this section of the market in the most accessible way possible,” said Hideyuki Furumi, EVP, Global Sales & Marketing, at Sony Mobile Communications. “Xperia XA2 and XA2 Ultra are no different, with leading front camera technology first seen in our flagship XZ line. We’re targeting 2018 as a breakthrough year, and look forward to showcasing further innovations across the entire Xperia portfolio over the coming months.”

Xperia XA2 and large-screen Xperia XA2 Ultra – Sony’s renowned borderless display smartphones – add 120-degree super-wide-angle lens front camera and a broad range of performance upgrades to deliver more ways to capture and share life moments with ease.

Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra take the Sony borderless smartphone series to new heights by adding a host of enhancements that make these Full HD screen devices stand out even further from the competition.

Both smartphones feature a high-resolution 23MP main camera upgraded with 4K video recording and 120fps slow-motion video capture (for high- resolution and creative video shots) and much improved low-light sensitivity at ISO 12800 for capturing higher quality photos in dark or indoor conditions.

When it comes to the front-facing camera, Xperia XA2 takes a big step up with an all-new 8MP front camera with 120-degree super-wide-angle lens for fitting more scenery and people into your shots. The Xperia XA2 Ultra ups the ante even further with dual front cameras: a 16MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and display flash for blur-free night-time selfies and an all-new secondary 8MP front camera with 120-degree super-wide- angle lens.

Xperia XA2 and the large-screen Xperia XA2 Ultra deliver an extraordinary mobile viewing experience, with both smartphones featuring a stunning edge-to-edge display and reduced top and bottom bezels. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing the internet, or playing the latest mobile games, the Full HD 1080p screen (5.2″ on Xperia XA2; 6″ on Xperia XA2 Ultra) is designed to exceed expectations for how content is viewed on a smartphone while still fitting comfortably in your hand.

Entertainment experiences on the Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra will not only look great on the screen, but they’ll also sound fantastic with SmartAmp, a feature that significantly enhances the sound quality of music, videos, and games. A perfect complement to the beauty of the bezel-less display, this improved audio feature ensures you’ll be more deeply immersed in your entertainment.

Narrow and stylishly sleek, Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra feature a premium look and feel with an all-new aluminum back panel, precision-edge detailing, and 2.5D curved glass, all of which give these devices a more polished look.

Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra are powered by the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 630 processor platform, which delivers 3X the upload and 2X the download speeds compared to their predecessors (i.e., Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra), at 150Mbps and 600Mbps respectively. These devices also come with a new, always-on fingerprint sensor* for greater peace of mind. Xperia XA2 is backed by a high-capacity 3,300 mAh battery, almost 40% larger than its predecessor, while Xperia XA2 Ultra comes with a 3,580 mAh battery, which is more than 32% larger than its predecessor. Both phones will launch on Android 8.0 OreoTM.

Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra feature Sony smart charging technologies. Smart Stamina delivers extended usage during the day and night, while Battery Care and Qnovo Adaptive Charging ensure the battery stays healthy over time. Quick charging is also supported to give you hours of power with just minutes of charging (requires Quick Charger).

Xperia XA2 and Xperia XA2 Ultra will be available in Single SIM in the U.S. Xperia XA2 comes in four colors: Silver, Black, Blue, and Pink, while Xperia XA2 Ultra will be available in Silver, Black, Blue, and Gold.

Xperia L2 is a 5.5-inch borderless display smartphone with 120- degree super-wide-angle lens front camera, all-new metallic design, and always-on fingerprint sensor.

The Xperia L2 smartphone combines a premium camera, sophisticated design, superior performance, and long-lasting battery life in a 5.5-inch borderless HD display – all at an affordable price. Xperia L2’s high-quality 13MP main camera features a fast autofocus to quickly capture sharp photos and a 3X clear image zoom to hone in on your subject from afar. The device
takes a big step up with an all-new 8MP front camera with 120-degree super- wide-angle lens for fitting more scenery and people into your shots.

Xperia L2 also comes with a new, always-on fingerprint sensor for greater peace of mind and is backed by a larger capacity 3,300 mAh battery, which is more than 25% larger than its predecessor. The device is designed to last throughout the day and night thanks to its smart battery management functions, including Stamina Mode and Smart Cleaner. These battery-saving features optimize app use and activate the device’s power-saving capability.

This smartphone is equipped with the Android 7.1.1 Nougat operating system and increased memory at 3GB RAM and 32GB internal memory storage, with an external microSD memory card slot to allow up to 256GB of additional storage. Xperia L2 is crafted in a loop-like surface with a curved back panel and metallic design that fits comfortably in your hand as you enjoy watching your videos or posting on social media.

With the all-new Xperia L2, Sony’s trademark excellence in audio and visual technology and smartphone craftsmanship are all packed into a reasonably priced high-performance smartphone that’s perfect for capturing and sharing a wider variety of your life moments with ease and style.

Xperia L2 will launch in Single SIM in the U.S. and come in three colors: Black, Gold, and Pink.

Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Ultra, and Xperia L2 will all roll out in early February.