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Posts tagged ‘Sony’

7
Jan

Sony ‘Sirius’ smartphone and ‘Castor’ tablet expected at Mobile World Congress


The flagship smartphone and tablet should debut in late February

CES 2014 is not even halfway in the books and yet we’re already looking ahead to the next big event. According to trusted leakmaster @evleaks, Sony is expected to debut its 2014 flagship smartphone and tablet at the annual conference.

The so-called Sony ”Sirius” smartphone will reportedly feature a Qualcomm MSM8974AB processor, a 5.2-inch 2,560×1,440 pixel display, 3GB RAM, a 20.7-megapixel rear camera with G Lens, and a 3,500mAh battery. Allegedly, the device will run Android 4.4 KitKat and we suspect it will boast the full suite of Sony apps and services. According to the source, Verizon will offer this particular model when it comes stateside.

As for the tablet, the Sony “Castor” will also feature the same processor and come in both Wi-Fi only and 4G LTE versions. There’s no other specs to share at this point but we expect nothing short of incredible and powerful.

Mobile World Congress takes place in Barcelona, Spain starting on February 24 so there’s plenty of time left for more leaks and images to surface.

evleaks | evleaks

The post Sony ‘Sirius’ smartphone and ‘Castor’ tablet expected at Mobile World Congress appeared first on AndroidGuys.

7
Jan

A chip off the 3D printing block: Samsung partners with 3D Systems for custom Note 3 cases (video)


It figures that Samsung would want to take its “Create” tagline for the Note series and press on into 3D printing because: You. Customization. The endless possibilities. And all that other jargon-y industry buzz buzz buzz. Well, now that the Korean electronics giant’s taking a stab at the make-it-yourself wheel, it’s partnered with 3D Systems to show off an app that makes custom inserts for specially-designed Galaxy Note 3 cases. The catch here being that it’s not a soon-to-be released commercial product. This is all just concept for now and you have to be at CES 2014 in Las Vegas to test it out.

Instead of whipping up entire cases, the 3D Systems app allows users visiting Samsung’s booth to create custom-designed coins (small plastic inserts that slot into the base of a Note 3 case) using its new entry-level Cube 3 3D printer. Coin creation is fairly straightforward with options to add a range of pre-set icons, text or free hand drawing. There are also three template users can choose from: a plain-faced Simple Coin, an Olive Wreath or Poker Chip. But 3D Systems told us that it intends to swap out these three templates throughout the week, so what you’ll see will depend on the day you visit.

Once you’ve settled on a final design, the coin printing process takes about 20 minutes to complete, but not everyone who passes through the booth will see their designs come to life. 3D Systems plans to sort through all submitted designs and populate a wall in Samsung’s booth with the best of the bunch — a money shot we’ll have for you later this week. So, there’s your taste of the future folks: Big-ass phones, styluses, 3D printers and your unbridled creativity (actual sense of taste optional).

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7
Jan

PlayStation 4 sales hit 4.2 million as of December 28th


SCEA CEO Andrew House just took the stage during Kaz Hirai’s CES 2014 keynote to announce some PS4 sales numbers: 4.2 million units sold, as of December 28th. That’s exactly double the figure the company told us last month, notching 2.1 million cumulative sales by December 1st. It’s a seriously impressive start for Sony’s next-gen console, putting it clearly ahead of the 3 million Xbox One sales recorded in 2013 (although Microsoft’s console is available in fewer markets right now).

Moving forward, Sony will build on its sales momentum by launching PlayStation Now, a service that’ll eliminate cross platform compatibility issues by letting gamers stream titles on their PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, smartphone and tablet directly from the cloud. Based on Sony’s acquisition of streaming outfit Gaikai, PlayStation Now will come as part of a new subscription model for users, and will kick off with a limited beta starting later this month, followed by a full US rollout in the summer.

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7
Jan

Sony’s launching a new cloud based TV streaming service in the US this year


SCEA president Andrew House just announced Sony’s launching its long-rumored IPTV service, as a cloud based offering with both live TV and video on-demand that personalizes itself for the viewer. According to House, it will be able to pause and resume viewing across multiple screens, including on Sony’s connected devices like the PS4, and third party hardware including the iPad. There aren’t a ton of details yet, but it will start testing later this year. Sony execs claimed as recently as last year that the project was on hold due to issues like the low limits of bandwidth caps, so it will be interesting to see how they work that out.

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7
Jan

PlayStation Now streams PlayStation games to PS4, Vita, PS3, tablets and smartphones


Sony has just announced PlayStation Now, a new service for PS4, Vita, PS3, tablets, smartphones and Bravia TVs based on its acquisition of streaming outfit Gaikai. It represents a new subscription model for PlayStation users, and will kick off with a limited beta on PS3 starting later in January, with a wider US release slated for this summer. Games can be rented by the title or subscription and will support PSN features like multi-player, online, trophies and messages, even when you’re on the road. During his CES 2014 keynote, Sony chief Kaz Hirai said that it’ll “enable streaming across your smartphone, Vita, tablet and PS4 wherever, whenever,” even at the same time. To enable that, PS Now is tied to a brand new cloud service, also just announced. There’s no more details for now, but Sony will be showing off the tech here at CES 2014, so stay tuned for more details.

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7
Jan

Sony’s $30k+ Life Space UX projector all-in-one puts a 147-inch 4K screen on any wall


You can tell the veterans from the young upstarts at CES simply by how they announce products. Simply putting a new device on stage and feeding you specs is pretty much amateur hour. (Though, it does make the lives of tech journalists much easier.) The big boys know that you’ve got to bury a product launch among piles of hyperbole and abstract concepts that will (supposedly) improve your entire state of being. Enter Life Space UX. Sony’s concept for a world where your walls become virtual windows into the world around you. You could, for instance, project the sky at various points of the day across your living room walls. (Now, why you’d want to do that, is a different question.) At the heart of the concept is a new Ultra Short Throw Projector that can fill a wall with a bright moving image from an extremely close distance. Specifically it can fill 147 inches of wall space with a full 4K image. There’s even a pair of built in speakers and a cabinet for hiding your various home theater components. But, as you’d expect from something like this, the price tag is not for mere mortals (or those with heart conditions). Sony is hoping to start shipping the short throw projector this summer for between $30,000 and $40,000.

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Source: Sony

7
Jan

Sony announces Xperia Z1 Compact


Sony on Monday introduced its latest Android smartphone, the Xperia Z1 Compact, a 4.3-inch monster of a device. Powered by a 2.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB RAM, the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean handset packs a killer 20.7-megapixel camera. The display measures 4.3-inches, features a 720p resolution and offers Sony’s TRILUMINOS Display for mobile with X-Reality technology. The battery is listed at 2300mAh and offers Sony’s Battery STAMINA Mode which extends the life of each charge. In other words, it doesn’t have any weak spots.

Click to view slideshow.

As you might expect, the Xperia Z1 Compact features a host of Sony applications and services.

  • PlayMemories Online – a cloud-based image and video service that is integrated into the Album application. A new ‘All Sync’ feature enables users to instantly auto-upload all of their photos without storage limitation.
  • “WALKMAN” and Movies applications provide access to more than 22 million songs on the “WALKMAN” app through Music Unlimited and more than 150K movies and TV series on the Movies app through Video Unlimited from Sony Entertainment Network.
  • TrackID TV – enhances your TV-viewing experience as it lets you search, share and explore information from broadcasted TV shows such as cast & crew, biographies, filmography or show related Tweets.

The waterproof Xperia Z1 Compact will launch globally from February 2014 in a variety of color (black, lime, white, pink) options. Look for pricing and carrier details in the coming weeks.

 

The post Sony announces Xperia Z1 Compact appeared first on AndroidGuys.

7
Jan

We’re live-blogging Kaz Hirai’s CES keynote, don’t miss it!


It’s crazy, yes, but CES 2014 is only just beginning. Though we’ve been on the ground for two days already, the show floor is officially opening tomorrow. To kick things off, Sony CEO Kaz Hirai will be delivering the opening keynote. 4K’s a huge trend this year, so expect him to talk about his company’s efforts in this area. Of course, there may be some product announcements in store for us as well. We’ll be live-blogging his presentation — catch our updates here.

January 7, 2014 8:30:00 AM PST

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7
Jan

Kaz Hirai’s CES keynote liveblog


2013 was a big year for Sony, with 4K TVs and the hotly anticipated PlayStation 4, among many other products, keeping the company in the news. So, as CES 2014 kicks off, who better to set the tone than CEO Kaz Hirai? We’re here at the Venetian hotel bright and early to share his presentation with you. Stay tuned!

January 7, 2014 8:30:00 AM PST

2013 was a big year for Sony, with 4K TVs and the hotly anticipated PlayStation 4, among many other products, keeping the company in the news. So, as CES 2014 kicks off, who better to set the tone than CEO Kaz Hirai? We’re here at the Venetian hotel bright and early to share his presentation with you. Stay tuned!

G’morning everyone! We’re about to get started. CES is almost officially open!

Just a refresher of what Sony’s announced so far…

The Core, a wearable sensor: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/07/sony-core-not-wearable-its-a-sensor/

Some UHD TVs with Netflix integration: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/sony-4k-tv-range-2014-netflix/

The waterproof Z1S: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/sony-xperia-z1s-waterproof-flagship-t-mobile/

Apparently “Michael Bay” is still the #4 Twitter topic with the #CES2014 hashtag.

And the compact Z1: http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/sony-announces-xperia-z1-compact/

Soooo, let’s just say Sony’s already had quite an eventful show.

Last year, Panasonic’s CEO took the stage to kick CES off, and Kaz Hirai certainly has plenty to talk about in the TV space himself.

Really mellow music here. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing for sleep-deprived journalists.

We’re being prompted to take our seats.

There are two comfy-looking leather armchairs on stage, so CEA head Gary Shapiro will likely be joining Kaz on-stage.

In the meantime, I’m throwing my notions about a right to personal space out the window. A journalist is literally leaning into me.

Ultra HD is mentioned in 63 PERCENT of tweets with the #CES2014 hashtag. So maybe that could be a theme of the show, eh?

“Flash photography is only permitted for the first minute of this morning’s presentation.” Huh?

Hurry, Zach, get ready to bombard Kaz!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s going on in the Engadget chatroom: “We’ve officially reached peak wearables hype… smart onesie” – Jon Fingas

Looks like things will get going any second. We’re already five minutes behind.

Lights dimming, that’s our sign.

Some seriously bright lights twinkling on and off up on stage.

We’re starting with a video conveying the show’s relationship with innovation. CES = innovation, kay?

“For all of those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.” Video showing wearables, smart refrigerators — the themes of the show.

Here’s Gary Shapiro!

He’s a smiley guy, with lots of energy for this early morning.

“This week is the home to leaders, innovators and even disruptors.”

“Totally new industries” are being created overnight. The US industry forecast is expected to grow to $208 billion this year, thanks to new categories such as 3D printers, wireless health and Ultra HD.

CEA is tracking all of this industry-inventing, obviously.

“Disruptive innovation improves our lives.”

He’s name-dropped Snapchat, Yelp, Aero, Uber — CEA members that “threatened the status quo.”

OH NO Gary please don’t say “internet of things.” That’s the worst phrase ever, right?

“In an hour the doors will open on a show that will surprise any journalist willing to walk the floor.” Willing? Ha!

This event is about “sharing a five-sense experience.” So there will be food??

Gary’s really emphasizing how inspiring this show can be. I mean, I’m inspired to start my own home theater company. Anyone want to pony up some funding?

He’s talking about a new tech zone at the show focused on the sensors found in all the new wearables and smart devices we’re seeing.

“Internet of everything.” No, that’s not better.

Automotive is also a huge trend this year: nine top companies are here. Audi’s concept car gets 90 mph, 90mpg.

Uh-oh, he just mentioned driverless cars. We have several of those to look forward to at the show.

This is a marathon list-off of tech innovations. Now he’s talking 3D printing.

Ultra HD… 4K… buzzwords.

We’re looking back at visionaries we’ve lost in the last year, including execs from Dolby and Kenwood.

“CES represents the idea that as humans we must reach higher in every endeavor.”

“Anyone with an idea can have a shot at becoming a successful entrepreneur.” That’s where the Eureka Park section comes in.

CES 2014 has more exhibitors and more product launches than ever. It’s the largest CES ever, with 2 million net square feet of exhibit space.

There are 20 tech zones dedicated to emerging markets.

This is nice and all, but where’s Kaz?

Shapiro is talking about US men and women in uniform, saying this show is really about the states and helping people at home here. There’s a US Tech Vets org, too.

CEA is based in Washington, DC, by the way, so they’re definitely promoting tech on the national level.

He says the CEA is partly responsible for getting the FAA to allow us to use our phones during takeoff and landing. “For all of you who enjoyed WiFi on your flight out here, you’re welcome.”

Slight dig at China and its pushing back against “open innovation.” He’s also bashing the “patent troll extortion market.”

People in the audience are digging this innovation-activist rhetoric. Most applause we’ve heard thus far.

I feel kinda bad for all of you who showed up for Kaz — he’s coming… I think.

Gary’s announcing the new “Extreme tech challenge”, codenamed XTC. It’s a startup program with mentors such as Richard Branson and Samsung execs.

He wants you to enjoy the health monitors, the wearable tech, the creative disruption.

“Our opening keynote is Sony, a brand synonymous with consumer electronics.”

Like many of the top brands at CES — Samsung and LG also among them — Sony already has devices in almost every hot category. That includes wearables and 4K TVs.

“Like Sony itself, Kazuo Hirai is a man of many talents.” He’s been involved in many branches where the company succeeded.

Here he is! Looking sharp as always.

“As Gary said, I know a lot of you had challenges getting here, and I’m glad you made it.”

“Every since I was a boy, I’ve been curious… about everything from cars to gadgets to electronics.”

There are some collage-type graphics behind him, reflecting what he’s saying.

He just listed Romper Room as an inspiration!!!

“The kids on-screen were having cookies — where was mine?” I think that’s a metaphor.

The point is that we should maintain our “childlike wonder and imagination,” and creating things is an extension of that.

That’s some philosophy right there!

In ’79, the Sony Walkman was the first portable music player. In ’92, we got the CD.

His first CD was Billy Joel’s “52nd Street,” helpfully shown on-screen behind him.

And of course, there was the PlayStaion, a device so compelling that Kaz moved from the music business to work on the gaming console.

He’s giving Sony a well-deserved pat on the back for the PlayStation 4. (Or so I’m told — Ben Gilbert really likes it!)

“Sometimes at Sony, we zig-zag our way to greater innovations, and sometimes we fail.” Examples: all these products no one remembers.

He’s poking fun at the Betamax, which didn’t stand up to VHS. But at least it was an innovative idea!

The tagline for Betamax was “Watch whatever whenever.” That’s a motto that still applies to media tech today.

“We have to make a connection with people. Our products’ value depends on them.”

“Kando” — emotional involvement; “wow!” He dropped some Japanese in to demonstrate the essence and philosophy behind Sony products.

“The wow happens when your senses are engaged.”

See, Hear, Feel, Dazzled, Amazed.

Products that “wow”: Sony’s 4K TVs, which let you really “feel that atmosphere.” Also, high-res audio.

“The moment of pride when sharing the perfect picture.” Sony *does* have some awesome cams, from the QX lens camera to the fast-focus RX100 II.

And, of course, the PlayStation 4 with remote play.

The Sony Xperia Z1 — “a more intuitive smartphone.”

“We’re spending more and more time looking at culture and consumers. On the horizon, we see a next-generation consumer different than anything before them.”

Generation Remix: digital natives who have grown up using technology from the very beginning.

Technology as a tool, rather than “bowing down to the altar of technology.” Be afraid, be very afraid.

They’ll have the ability to see things differently, to use their fluency in tech to help improve peoples’ lives.

“Evolving out of the box”

“Seeing things differently:” Advanced sensors are improving our experience of tech, from cameras to wearables.

Looking forward, advanced sensor tech will improve color analysis and selective focus in cameras.

“Our sensing technologies have the ability to see the unseen.” In automotive: speed sensing, ability to detect and capture images in detail even when you’re driving in the dark.

In agriculture: ability to send CO2 consistency and other vital stats will help both growers and consumers get optimal-quality products.

The Smart Skin Evaluation Program analyzes your mug for more targeted skin care.

Data can be used to help your treatment plan, either by sharing with your doctor or in your own hands.

4K and 3D displays let surgeons see their operations in “vivid detail.” Yeah.

“Another important dimension of the human experience is of course entertainment.” So that means the PlayStation, the 4K TVs, the headline-grabbing goods.

“More sophisticated storytelling drives a new landscape of engagement.”

Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad and Michael Lynton of Sony Pictures are here!

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7
Jan

T-Mobile gets exclusive U.S. rights to Sony Xperia Z1S


T-Mobile on Monday announced that it will be the exclusive U.S. carrier for the Sony Xperia Z1S smartphone. In a nutshell, the Z1S is a version of the Z1 which has been optimized for T-Mobile’s network with other, minor hardware tweaks.

Like the Z1 which was announced in September of last year, this one features a 20.7-megapixel camera (BIONZ mobile image processing engine), with a G Lens, and a 1/2.3-inch camera sensor. The camera has a unique burst mode that captures 61 images (30 before you press shutter, 30 after the shutter, and your picture). Additional details in the camera include an augmented reality mode which places the subject in virtual locations, such as with dinosaurs.

Click to view slideshow.

 

Getting away from the camera aspect, the Z1S boasts a 5-inch 1080p HD display with TriLuminos and X-Reality engines and a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor. Backed by 2GB RAM, the phone features 16GB internal storage, BLuetooth 4.0LE, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, and LTE.  The Xperia Z1S runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and can withstand up to 30 minutes in 4.9 feet of water.

T-Mobile expects that customers will be able to preorder the Xperia Z1S starting January 13 with online and retail availability on January 22. T-Mobile will offer the smartphone for $0 down with 24 monthly payments of $23 on the Simple Choice Plan.

As an added bonus, Sony is offering customers who purchase the Xperia Z1S and a PlayStation 4 a $100 Visa gift card. The Z1S comes with six free movie downloads (Sony Video Unlimited) and a 60-day free trial of Music Unlimited.

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