Sony Xperia Z3 re-added to T-Mobile’s lineup with a price reduction
It wasn’t too long ago that we saw T-Mobile remove Sony’s Xperia Z3 from its lineup, no longer offering the device through its online store. Even a T-Mobile representative confirmed the removal through Twitter, stating that the Z3 will no longer be offered by the carrier. It looks like the representative gave us some false information, because in a recent development, T-Mobile has, for some reason, re-added the Z3 to its online store with a pretty nice discount.
When the phone was available through T-Mo previously, it would run you a hefty $630 without a contract. Now if you’d like to get your hands on the device, it will only run you $499.92 off-contract, or $20.83 per month over a 24-month span. This price drop likely has a lot to do with Sony’s recent announcement of the Xperia Z4 – an iterative take on last year’s flagship.
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We’re not sure how long the phone will be available on the Un-carrier, so you may want to take advantage of this deal before it’s too late. Head over to the source link below if you’re interested.
JXE Streams: Playing ‘Shovel Knight’ PS4 with Yacht Club Games
Shovel Knight raised a mighty pixelated fist to the sky when it came to Nintendo Wii U, 3DS and PC in 2014. Yacht Club Games created a marvelously assured debut, giving the little blue warrior and his righteous spade an adventure that felt classical in the tradition of Mega Man and Castlevania while also smartly modern. Wandering intricately detailed stages full of enemies and pits to jump over recalled the NES’ best but never felt cloying, never retro for retro’s sake. Now Shovel Knight‘s made the leap to PlayStation 4, PS4, and PS Vita so we’re checking back in with the game on today’s stream with Yacht Club Games.
We’ll be streaming a piping hot plate of Shovel Knight on PS4 starting at 3:30PM ET right here in this post, at the top of Engadget.com/gaming and over on Twitch.tv/Joystiq. Come hang out with us and ask questions of the Yacht Club Games crew as they talk about how Shovel Knight‘s changed since it first came out.
Dig the stream? Bookmark Engadget.com/gaming to keep up to date with our schedule and follow us over on Twitch.tv/Joystiq to know whenever we go live.
[We’re playing Shovel Knight on PlayStation 4, streamed through an Elgato Capture HD via OBS at 720p.]
Sony raises earnings estimate again, but it’s not thanks to smartphones
For the second time in three months, Sony announced that it will raise its outlook for the fiscal year that just ended.
Sony first raised its earnings estimate for FY2014 in February, when the company projected that it would make 20 billion yen in operating profit, thanks to stronger than expected sales of the PlayStation, camera sensors, and entertainment units.
Today Sony said it expects better results compared to the last estimate, and by a big margin. The company now expects to make 68 billion yen ($569 million) in the year that ended on March 31. That’s more than three times the previous estimate, and more than double the operating profit from last year, which was 26.5 billion yen. Sony also surprised analysts polled by Bloomberg, who were expecting on average just 47.2 billion for the year.
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Sony will publish its final results for the year on April 30.
The good news is Sony’s focus on gaming, sensors, and entertainment seems to be paying off. The bad news is the company will actually post a net loss of 126 billion yen, due to the massive impairment charge it took last year for its mobile unit.
Furthermore, there’s nothing in Sony’s statement suggesting any positive developments on the smartphone front. The company just introduced the Xperia Z4 in Japan, sparking controversy on whether that’s a massive mistake or a purely local play with no bearing on the international market.
Sony said in February that it doesn’t see mobile as a growth driver in its mid-term strategy. The company will focus on bringing its smartphone unit to black, by cutting costs and focusing on the higher end of the market. Cost cutting measures include the layoff of 2,100 employees this year.
Build your own Xperia: How would you improve the Sony Xperia Z4?
Earlier this week, Sony quietly took the veil off of the Sony Xperia Z4, showcasing a device that essentially was nothing more than a Z3 with slightly upgraded internals. The new handset has been meet with some pretty stong opinions, with our own team expresing at least some degree of disappointment, even if the Z4 might make sense for the Japanese market. Since then, there have been reports that the Xperia Z4 as wis exclusively for the Japanese market and that the company’s next global flagship may significantly differ in design (and perhaps even specs).
Regardless of what Sony may have in store, as it sits, the Sony Xperia Z4 isn’t much of an upgrade. With this in mind, we ask our readers: how would you improve the Sony Xperia Z4? Let’s say you had been put in charge of designing the Sony Xperia Z4, what specs would you have focused on, what special features?
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So now that you have your display size, let’s choose the resolution. Some say that 1080p is the ideal resolution choose as it’s not too heavy on the battery, and arguably QHD really doesn’t add any detectable difference.. at least not considering the hit to the battery that the phone takes as a result.
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Onto the processing package:
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Alright, so you have the basics. What about some of the special features several other OEMs are currently using — include them or no?
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While HTC and Sony produced flagships that were highly reminiscent of their predecessors, Samsung received quite a bit of positive attention for switching things up with the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Would you follow Samsung’s lead and bring a dramatic new look, or keep things status quo?
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Camera time.
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Onto the battery:
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Last but not least, let’s talk software:
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Obviously there are more features and elements that go into the design of a phone. With that in mind, we welcome you to detail your opinion in the comments about the Z4, Sony’s current mobile direction, and hw you’d change things up. Any options or features we should have mentioned in the poll but didn’t? Let us know about those too.
The ‘Journey’ game soundtrack will be available on vinyl
Sony and Thatgamecompany are proud that Journey‘s soundtrack was good enough to make it the first game nominated for a Grammy — so proud, in fact, that they’re releasing the score on vinyl. Spend $35 and you’ll get a double LP of Austin Wintory’s original score for the music-driven adventure, complete with art on each side of both discs. You’ll have to wait until August to start listening, although you can get a $60 limited edition print of the album art this June. Is this overkill for a game that you can easily finish in an afternoon? Quite possibly, but it’s a testament to how soundtracks like this are increasingly finding relevance beyond your console.
Source: PlayStation Blog, iam8bit
Sony’s Google Cast for Audio-ready devices coming next month
Starting next month, Sony will launch some of the hardware introduced at CES 2015 as being compatible with Google Cast for Audio. The company has six devices that will be released between May and July. There are four sound bars ($349-$1,499) and two A/V receivers ($499-$599) for consumers to choose from. Aside from Google Cast support, these devices have Bluetooth and 7.2 channel audio. Both the online Sony store and authorized dealers in the United States will sell the devices.
Sound bars:
- HT-CT780 – $449 – May 2015
- HT-CT380 – $349 – May 2015
- HT-NT3 – $699 – July 2015
- HT-ST9 – $1,499 – July 2015
A/V receivers:
- STR-DN1060 – $599 – May 2015
- STR-DN860 – $499 – May 2015
Sony Electronics Unveils New Premium Home Audio Products For The Ultimate In-Home Entertainment Experience with 4K Support
SAN DIEGO, April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics announced today pricing and retail availability for four new Sound Bars – the HT-ST9, HT-NT3, HT-CT780, and HT-CT380, as well as the STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060 A/V Receivers, allowing consumers to elevate the home audio experience with simplicity and powerful performance. Taking the home entertainment experience to the next level, these new home audio products are HDCP 2.2 compliant (except for the HT-CT380), supporting playback of copyright-protected 4K content, including hit blockbuster movies.
The HT-ST9, HT-NT3, and both new A/V Receivers have Google Cast™ built in so you can cast your favorite music apps from your personal device to your speakers. You can cast from your Android phone or tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, and Mac or Windows laptop. By simply pressing the cast icon, you can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume on your favorite tracks directly. Google Cast gives you a wider breadth of audio streaming options vs. standard built-in streaming. Additionally, you can expand the fully integrated home music experience through multi-room functionality by joining speakers together using the intuitive SongPal™ app. Stay tuned for more information on the future of Google Cast and multi-room functionality.
Sound Bars
The HT-ST9 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer, sound-tuned by Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures engineers for world-class cinematic sound, features immersive 800 watts and 7.1 channel surround sound from seven discrete amplifiers and nine speakers. The HT-ST9 is Hi-Res capable and also supports Spotify Connect. Complete with a wireless, front-firing subwoofer with passive radiator, the HT-ST9 delivers an enveloping listening experience that will enhance any home theater environment. The HT-ST9 has three HDMI inputs for easy set-up, and brings full-room cinematic simulated surround sound to life with four digital sound fields – allowing consumers to enjoy movies as if in the theater, listen to music as if at a concert or watch sports as if at the stadium. For easy music connectivity, the HT-ST9 offers Bluetooth® reception and transmission for a simplified, high-quality music experience. With integrated Bluetooth transmission, enjoy music or movies with Bluetooth enabled headphones while not disturbing the rest of the house. With three times the data transmission capability, Sony’s LDAC™ technology provides an enhanced wireless listening experience for all music with compatible products.
The HT-NT3 Hi-Res Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer provides flexible connectivity, smart functionality and 450 watts of premium power for rich, high-fidelity sound. The sleek, slim and versatile HT-NT3 delivers a quality 2.1 channel listening experience that allows for effortless, wireless audio streaming with Bluetooth and NFC connections. The HT-NT3 also incorporates Sony LDAC technology. Boasting single HDMI® TV connection with inputs for three HDMI devices, the HT-NT3 also offers easy connectivity for superb sound in unrivaled hi-resolution.
The HT-CT780 330 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer elevates the home theater experience with elegant simplicity and powerful performance. This sound bar delivers impressive sound with wall-mount versatility. Enjoy superior high-definition quality, including three HDMI inputs with one supporting 4K with HDCP 2.2, and seamlessly connect to 4K or HD devices such as a cable box, Blu-ray® player or gaming console. HDMI TV connectivity with Audio Return Channel support ensures simple, one cable connectivity and maximum Audio/Video performance.
The HT-CT380 300 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer allows users to simply connect a TV and other HD devices or stream content wirelessly via Bluetooth and NFC. Similar to the HT-CT780, the sleek HT-CT380 is inspired by a flat panel design, complementing virtually any TV or household room, and can easily be mounted on the wall or placed on top of a TV stand or table.
A/V Receivers
The STR-DN1060 Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver provides the ultimate sound stage for music, movies and more. Enjoy superior sound while easily streaming music with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for audio, AirPlay® and Spotify Connect. With 7.2 channels and 165 watts of power per channel, supported by the largest capacitors and transformer in its class, its legendary Sony sound really connects the listener to the sound experience. The STR-DN1060 also features 4K resolution upscaling and pass-through, flexible connectivity with ten high-definition inputs, support for two separate powered zones and hi-res audio compatibility.
The STR-DN860 7.2 channel Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver is a powerhouse that envelopes listeners in a new level of sound performance. The STR-DN860 offers 7.2 channels and 150 watts of power, as well as the ability to stream music via built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for Audio and AirPlay. Quickly and easily maximize the home theater experience via the newly improved Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration feature and supplied microphone. Using the intuitive, graphical user interface, refined remote control or SongPal App, users can easily adjust settings, change inputs, and confirm volume levels on-screen.
Model Price Availability HT-ST9 $1,499.99 July 2015 HT-NT3 $699.99 July 2015 HT-CT780 $449.99 May 2015 HT-CT380 $349.99 May 2015 STR-DN1060 $599.99 May 2015 STR-DN860 $499.99 May 2015
Come comment on this article: Sony’s Google Cast for Audio-ready devices coming next month
Sony’s new Android-powered 4K TVs will be available this May
Sony introduced its 2015 lineup of Android TV-powered 4K televisions back at CES 2015, and now the company has finally released pricing and availability information for most of its new television sets. Backed by the new 4K Processor X1, the TVs range in size anywhere from 43 to 75 inches and cost up to $8,000.
The majority of Sony’s televisions will go on sale to the public in May and are available for pre-order from today. The X830C (available in 43 and 49-inch versions) will be available for $1,299.99 and $1,599.99, respectively. The X850C is available in 55, 65 and 75-inch variants and will cost $2,199.99, $3,499.99 and $4,999.99. The 65-inch X930C and 75-inch X940C series will be available for $4,499.99 and $7,999.99, respectively.
At CES, we got a first-hand look at the 65-inch Sony X900C and 43-inch X830C televisions. Measuring less than 5mm thick, the X900C will ship later this summer in both 65 and 55-inch versions. The X910C will also ship at the same time in a 75-inch version, although no pricing information has been revealed for any of these sets yet. Take a look at the video below for our first impressions.
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It’s clear that these televisions are top-of-the-line products, but how do you feel about the price? Would you pick one of these up for yourself? Let us know what you think.
Adiós YouTube: Time to upgrade your old gear for many 2012 and older devices
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Google is dumping support for YouTube on a number of devices that, while old, are still very much part of many people’s lives. Select manufactured devices in 2012 and prior will cease to be able to use YouTube going forward. The list includes Sony TVs & Blu-ray Discs, Panasonic TVs & Blu-ray Discs, older iOS devices, and devices running older versions of Google TV. The reason lies in our own desire and need for more functionality and features.
Beginning April 20th, yesterday, the YouTube app on the mentioned devices, and plenty other offshoot devices, will stop working all together. If you are lucky enough to have Google TV version 3 or 4 on your device, then you can still bounce to the Play Store and get it updated to regain its use. Otherwise your YouTube viewing will be limited to the web browser from now on. In a nutshell, it might be time to consider moving up in the world if YouTube was a big part of your viewing experience. I am sure not many of you will want to spend a few hundred for a new TV, so you might consider a Google Chromecast
Moving forward Google will continue to push the YouTube app, and support it, for most devices manufactured from 2013 through today. Although, I am certain that in a few years those will probably end up getting axed as well.
The post Adiós YouTube: Time to upgrade your old gear for many 2012 and older devices appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Sony’s REAL flagship could land next month
Poor old Sony – after unveiling the Xperia Z4 earlier today, the company has faced a backlash across social media – and from myself – about how the Xperia Z4 isn’t really an upgrade, it’s just the same device with a couple of tweaks to the specifications. Except, all might not be as it seems with a new report suggesting that we’ll see Sony announce a real global flagship towards the end of next month.
The new information suggests that Sony’s Xperia Z4 launch was held in Japan as the handset is only for Japan and instead, the company plans to launch another flagship device for the rest of the world at the end of May. Our very own Matthew Benson has written about Sony in Japan and why the Xperia Z4 makes perfect sense for the Japanese market and it seems that Sony agrees but exactly what the company will announce next month – if anything – is unclear at the moment.
The new “flagship” could be an entirely new device with new build, new materials and new design or just as easily, it could be the Xperia Z4 with a slight tweak to the specifications. That tweak could be as simple as something like updating the LTE band radio and the handset may even sell under the same monniker, albeit with a different model number.
Given Sony’s past history of releasing new flagships that are slight tweaks over previous years and given the announcement of the Xperia Z4 today, we’re inclined to believe that the new flagship won’t be a completely new device but the Xperia Z4 in some form or another. Then again, Sony could have launched the Xperia Z4 today only to launch an entirely new handset line next month and while it might seem strange that Sony would launch a handset only to replace it a month later, stranger things have happened in the smartphone industry.
More on Sony:
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What will Sony announce next month and will there even be a global flagship and a launch? Those are questions we can’t answer right now but you know we’ll bring you the news as soon as it happens. For now, head over to my thoughts on Sony’s new flagship and be sure to check out Matthew’s analysis of Sony in Japan and how the Xperia Z4 fits in there.
Sony’s latest receivers and sound bars pack Google Cast streaming
LG isn’t the only tech giant rolling out Google Cast-friendly devices this month. Sony is launching two AV receivers (the STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060) and two sound bars (the HT-NT3 and the HT-ST9, above) that all take audio from Google Cast-capable mobile and web apps, so you won’t have a problem sending music to your TV’s speakers. Outside of the NT3, you’ll also get alternatives like Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and (on the receivers) Apple’s AirPlay.
Beyond that, you’re mostly paying for extra power. The receivers start off with the $500 DN860, which delivers 150W across 7.2 channels, Bluetooth and WiFi support for both Google Cast and AirPlay; splurge on the $600 DN1060 and you’ll get 165W of power, 4K video support and Spotify Connect. Among sound bars, the $700 NT3 is a straightforward 2.1-channel system with 450W of juice and Bluetooth, while the $1,500 ST9 kicks things up to 7.1 channels with 800W of total output. The two receivers will ship in May, alongside Cast-less HT-CT380 ($350) and HT-CT780 ($450) sound bars. If you insist on better sound for your TV, the two higher-end sound bars are due in July.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony
Source: Sony
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