Call Handling Pro: A replacement for Sony’s smartwatch call handling [‘Watch’ This App]
If you’ve had problems with Sony’s smartwatch call handling and are looking for an app to replace it, then it may be time to check out Call Handling Pro. For the SmartWatch 2 it includes a phone book, a call log, and ringer mode switcher. It also includes a widget support for the SmartWatch 2… Read more »
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Sony Xperia Z3, Z2, and Z3 get AOSP version of Lollipop
In the image above, you are looking at a version of Android 5.0 Lollipop running on select Sony devices. It is the AOSP version of the operating system’s latest version shown on a Xperia Z3, Xperia Z2, and even the Xperia Z1. Owners of those devices (unlocked) can go ahead and check it out.
The Xperia Z Series is scheduled to receive an official version of Android 5.0 Lollipop from Sony in early 2015. In Sweden, though, Sony has the 3Beta program that allows Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact owners to test drive Sony’s Lollipop software ahead of everyone else. This allows the company to understand how its software is performing in reality.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Source: Sony
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Sony testing Android 5.0 on Xperia Z1, Z1, and Z3
I remember back in 2010 when I had a Xperia X10, I was really annoyed by the fact that everyone around me with an Android phone was enjoying their share of Android 2.1, while I kept hearing how Sony delayed the update again. In my opinion, that ‘delaying of update’ had a huge impact on Sony’s reputation, but now it is good to see that Sony is learning from their history. In the video below, you will see that Sony is testing the latest Android Lollipop 5.0 on the Sony Xperia Z1, Z2, and Z3.
If you are a developer, then you can give this AOSP version a shot on your unlocked smartphone. We will see the official version hopefully early next year.
Are you excited about this? Let us know in the comment box below.
Source: Sony
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PlayStation 4’s SharePlay can be turned off by developers
Sad news, PS4 owners — that awesome new “virtual-couch” feature Sony added with the console’s latest update won’t work with the latest Call of Duty game. Users trying to use Share Play to digitally lend Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare to a friend have found the feature completely blocked. “This host’s game screen is not displayed because the current scene is a blocked scene for Share Play,” the guest’s screen will display. “Wait until the blocked scene is finished.” Unfortunately, the entire game is flagged as a “blocked scene.”
Sony designed the feature so certain elements of games (such as the licensed music in NBA 2k14) could be blocked, but Activision seems to be the first company to block an entire game. Before Share Play launch, Sony told Engadget that that was part of the plan too: Share Play access is completely at the mercy of developers. Its their choice, and it’s very probable that Call of Duty won’t be the last game to block the feature. That said, Activision says that Share Play might not be blocked indefinitely — the company recently told Polygon that it blocked the feature because it didn’t have enough time to test it before the game launched. “Once we’ve fully analyzed its performance,” the company said, “We’ll determine how to support it going forward.”
Source: Polygon
Sony has AOSP Android Lollipop Running on Xperia Z1, Z2 and Z3 [Video]
Everyone is eagerly awaiting their device manufacturer, and corresponding carriers, to start pushing out updates to the latest Android OS version, Lollipop. While we all know in our hearts that the first set of updates for devices beyond the Nexus line aren’t likely to begin rolling out for another month or two, we are all still eager to see and hear about progress for our specific devices. A blog post that went up today on the Sony Mobile Blog shows owners of the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 some hope. Not that Sony didn’t already announce that Android 5.0 would be coming to those devices starting early in 2015.
It is all still very early and is just straight AOSP Android, meaning Sony hasn’t put in all their software and specialty apps yet. It is sure pretty looking though.
A secondary post was published to the Sony Developer blog as well that lets developers, and tinkerers alike, know that they are working hard to bring the binaries for unlocked Xperia devices to use as a base for compiling your own AOSP ROM from the AOSP source code. They also already have the device configurations ready for the Xperia Z1 and Z2 with the Z3 on the way.
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Verizon Buyer’s Guide for Android (November 2014)
In the hunt for a new smartphone from Verizon? Regardless of whether you’re buying your first Android or upgrading for the fourth time there’s something for everyone. And, as you might suspect, Big Red has plenty to choose from. In fact, counting variations, there are roughly two dozen models to choose from today.
As the lone carrier to offer the Droid series, Verizon transitioned the family away from other hardware makers into an exclusive relationship with Motorola. Beyond that, you’ll also find some devices that are exclusive to the nation’s largest wireless provider.
Defining high-end
Today’s top Androids feature big, gorgeous displays, fantastic high-resolution cameras, and lots of memory. Toss in some quad-core and octa-core processors and some killer high capacity batteries and you’ve got mobile devices that would rival your computer from just a few years back.
As 2014 draws to a close and we look at the hardware from late model Androids it’s not uncommon to find screens hovering at 5-inches or larger. Thanks to ever-shrinking bezels we have phones with massive displays that also happen to fit comfortably in our hand. And, they’re not only big, but they’re sharp, too. Resolutions across the the top models are 1080p and higher. For what it’s worth, we’re starting to get our first glimpses of 2K and Ultra HD screens. It can be argued that average users cannot discern much beyond 720p/1080p on such a small device.
If you’re not coming to the table with at least a quad-core processor and 2GB RAM then you’re not going to sit at the big boy’s table. Most of the bleeding edge stuff you’ll find today comes with 3GB memory and chipsets of around 2.3GHz – 2.7GHz.
Storage capacities, for the most part, haven’t moved forward quite as quickly as other areas. You’ll still routinely find 16GB and 32GB models in most models though some are creeping into the 64GB space. Given that many handsets offer external storage via microSD cards it should matter little where you start out – especially if cost is a factor.
Another important factor in determining a smartphone purchase is the version of Android. Typically, it’s a simple case of “the newer the phone, the newer the operating system”. Today’s most recent phones are powered by Android 4.4.4 KitKat but anything running at least 4.4 should suffice for the average person. You will still find an occasional straggler, though, running something older.
Flagships & Exclusives
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4: Launched in October, this is Samsung’s annual plus-sized experience. Thanks to the release time-frame, these are typically a step-up from the Galaxy S series of smartphones. Standout specs include 32GB storage, a 5.7-inch Quad HD display, 3GB RAM, an S Pen stylus, and a 3220mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S5: Released in spring 2014, it’s the most popular series of Android models to date. Hardware includes a 5.1-inch display, 16-megapixel camera, 16GB storage, and a 2800mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- LG G3: LG’s increasingly popular family of phones, this one is unique in that it features rear button configuration under the camera. Verizon | Best Buy
- Motorola Moto X (2014): Motorola’s now annual flagship model, the Moto X is significant for its stripped down Android experience. Slightly bigger than last year’s model, this one has been very well received in the space. Verizon | Best Buy
- Sony Xperia Z3v: The first Sony smartphone for Big Red, it’s sleek, sexy, and waterproof. Featuring a 5.2-inch 1080p display, the handset also boasts a stellar 20.7-megapixel rear camera, and 3200mAh battery Verizon
- Motorola Droid Turbo: The first Droid from Verizon in over a year, it’s big and beautiful with a lean Android 4.4 KitKat experience. Standout features include turbo charging (8 hrs juice in 15 minutes) and a Quad HD display. Verizon | Best Buy
- HTC One M8: Perhaps the oldest model in this list, HTC’s flagship handset received very high marks for its build quality and toned-down custom UI. Often cheaper than others in the group, it’s still plenty of bang for the buck. Verizon | Best Buy
Mid-range
While not always the case, the mid-range Android is typically made up of last year’s top models. This is not to suggest, however, that there’s not a one-off model or variation that sneaks in every once in a while. Specs, as you can imagine, are often a step below. Processors, cameras, and batteries are sometimes the key difference though many of them also feature a screen resolution of 720p or 1080p. What follows what could be considered some of Verizon’s middle-of-the-pack handsets.
- LG G2: One of LG’s breakout devices over the last few years, the smartphone was the first to employ the rear button setup. Killer hardware and a refined UI make this one hard to resist even a year later. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S4: Quite possibly one of the most popular handsets ever, this Samsung features a 5-inch 1080p display, 13-megapixel rear camera, and a 2600mAh battery. Verizon | Best Buy
- Droid Maxx: Centered around its all-day battery life, the Droid Maxx is one big and powerful device. As often is the case with these signature Motorola handsets, this one features Kevlar coating and a splashproof screen. Verizon | Best Buy
- Droid Mini: Still powerful enough for the typical smartphone user, this Droid is smaller in hand. At 4.3-inches it might feel diminutive by today’s standards, however it gets the job done. Verizon | Best Buy
- HTC Desire 612: As a budgeted approach to the flagship One M8, you’ll find slightly less powerful hardware and a plastic housing. The 4.7-inch qHD display looks sharp and shows off the modern approach to HTC’s Sense UI. Verizon
- HTC One Remix: Also an offshoot of the One M8, this HTC packs a 4.5-inch screen and eschews Ultrapixels in favor of 13-megapixels. The front-facing 5-megapixel shooter is a selfie-lover’s dream. Verizon | Best Buy
- LG G Vista: A twist on the flagship G3, the G Vista boasts a massive 5.7-inch HD display and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Toss in a 3200mAh battery and a quad-core CPU and you’ve got an excellent option for plus-sized smartphone lovers. Verizon | Best Buy
Entry-level
- LG Lucid 3: Employing the more traditional button configuration, LG’s phone comes with a 4.7-inch qHD display, a 5-megapixel rear camera, and 1.2GHz quad-core chipset. Still present are some of LG’s custom software enhancements. Verizon | Best Buy
- Kyocera Brigadier: The most, if only, rugged Android in Verizon’s lineup today, the Brigadier can withstand water, dirt, drops, and even tough weather conditions. Strong enough to get the job done, you’ll get a 4.5-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera, too. Verizon | Best Buy
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: A smaller take on the 2013 flagship model, the S4 Mini has a very pocketable 4.3-inch display, an 8-megapixel rear shooter, and plenty of Samsung software features. Verizon
- Droid Razr M: Thanks to a 4.3-inch, nearly edge-to-edge screen, this Droid simply feels great in hand. Kevlar coating and a scratch resistant glass make this one tough phone. Specs, including software, are a step behind the others listed here. Verizon | Best Buy
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Unlocked Xperia Z3 hits the Sony online store, ships Nov. 10 for $679.99
For those interested in an unlocked Xperia Z3 you’ll be excited to hear that the Sony Store has it. According to the web site the device will go for $679.99 and will start shipping on Monday, Nov. 10. It should be noted that this is the global variant (D6603) with support for LTE Bands 1-5,7,8,13,17, and 20. If you do decide to order one, you’ll have your choice of the colors available, including black, copper, olive green and copper. Hit the source link to score one.
source: Sony
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New-gen GTA V looks great, and you can play in first-person (video)
The re-release of Grand Theft Auto V on PS4 and Xbox One (PC version delayed until 2015) is just days away now. As a result, Rockstar is cranking up the PR campaign by showing and telling why it should get your hard-earned money (again). Yesterday it delivered confirmation of the leaked first-person mode that brings even deeper immersion to your criminal hijinks — according to a comment on CVG’s podcast, you can even watch the cutscenes in first person — along with a video preview of what it’s like (viewable on YouTube here and in higher quality, higher bitrate video at Gamersyde.) Today it has another highlight reel to present, showing the difference between the PS3 and PS4 version across scenes.
The high-res 1080p / 30fps experience is just the start — you can quickly see more detail in the buildings, environments and cars as a dashboard smear suddenly has working dials, a green blur on the ground becomes fully 3D-rendered foliage and more. The team has also talked specifically on its work for the PS4 version, as IGN says the jump to first person is controlled by the DualShock 4’s touchpad, while police lights cause the lightbar to flash red and blue and radio chatter to come out of the controller’s speaker. Peep the reflections on the helicopter and the realistic looking puddles for more evidence of the team’s attention to detail, although there’s some aliasing and pop-in evident in the videos too. Give them a watch and let us know if you’re convinced it’s time to make a return trip to Los Santos.
Filed under: Gaming, HD, Sony, Microsoft
Source: Rockstar Newswire (1), (2)
A new PS4 update is coming to fix the bugs 2.0 introduced
Unfortunately, the PS4 2.0 software update came packing more than just SharePlay and a better-organized home screen. For a number of users it introduced some annoying bugs, like the inability to come back from rest mode without unplugging the system. Sony just announced that version 2.01 of the software is on the way “soon,” specifically to address those rest mode issues. There’s no word on whether it will fix any of the other problems that have been reported, but this might be one of the most-anticipated stability updates so far.
PS4 software update v2.01 is coming soon, and will address issues some users have encountered when powering on the system from Rest Mode
– PlayStation (@PlayStation) November 5, 2014
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Sony
Source: PlayStation (Twitter)
‘Destiny’ and the 9.5 million ‘registered users’ number
Activision is the most profitable game publisher in existence. The company’s behind the Call of Duty franchise, the Skylanders franchise and many more. You know World of Warcraft? Activision owns the company that makes it, Blizzard Entertainment. The company’s latest big release is Destiny — a $500 million bet that Activision’s making on the studio that previously created the Halo franchise (Bungie Studios). The game launched on September 9th across four platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg says the game was “profitable from day one,” but the company’s yet to release up-to-date sales numbers. Instead, it’s offering a “registered user” statistic: 9.5 million. But what does that actually mean? That’s a good question. Hirshberg offered the following clarification during a quarterly financial call this evening:
“To date we have over 9.5 million registered users — of course there’s a relationship to sell through, it’s not exact. Because some people have more than one identity, but obviously that’s directional.”
Okay, what?
There are two ways to interpret Hirshberg’s explanation, and those interpretations hang on one particular bit of language in the statement. “Some people have more than one identity” is the problematic bit — is Hirshberg referencing folks who have more than one Xbox Live/Sony Entertainment Network login? Or is he referencing how many player characters have been created within Destiny?
These two interpretations come with starkly different outcomes. Should he mean the former, the correlation between 9.5 million “registered users” and sales of the game aren’t completely divorced. After all, there are only so many folks who purchase the same game on multiple platforms. We can pretty safely assume the actual unit sales of Destiny wouldn’t be very different from the “registered users” number if this is what Hirshberg is referencing.
But if he means the latter, that 9.5 million number could shrink pretty dramatically in terms of unit sales. Each copy of Destiny enables three character creation slots. It doesn’t cost anything extra to create extra characters (other than time, of course), and part of the appeal of Destiny is trying out different character builds. It also doesn’t help that there’s a relatively low level cap in the game thus far, meaning multiple characters is the way that many are extending their gameplay experience.
Thus, if “registered users” means “all created characters,” the correlation between that 9.5 million number and actual copies of the game sold to human beings is pretty weak. To the extent that the number could be divided by a factor of three, in fact. That’s a huge difference!
We’ve asked Activision for clarification and will update this should we hear more. That said, Activision not outright stating Destiny sales (for the second month in a row) says a lot unto itself.
AIVAnet 