Sony starts rolling out Android 4.3 to the Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z
Sony started delivering Android 4.3 updates to the shiny new Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra last week, and today it’s rolling out those improvements to (slightly) older devices. The Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z are all getting both Google’s not-quite-newest OS as well as a host of improved Sony apps, including Smart Social Camera and Walkman software. Xperia Tablet Z owners may appreciate the update most of all — they can implement restricted profiles that give users private settings and storage. Sony hasn’t said how long the upgrade will take, but don’t be surprised if your Xperia gets a gift of its own this holiday.
Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Sony
Via: Android and Me
Source: Sony Mobile Blog
Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z getting Android 4.3 Updates
Sony recently released the Android 4.3 update to the Xperia Z1 and Ultra and it was only going to be a matter of time before the other Z line started to see theirs. We are happy to pass along that Sony is currently pushing out that Android 4.3 update to the Sony Xperia Z, Xperia ZR, Xperia ZL and the Xperia Tablet Z.
The update brings quite a lot to the table.
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Launched with Xperia Z1, we’re now bringing Sony’s Smart Social Camera to these devices – our signature camera experience, that lets you download, access and enjoy “Xperia camera apps” directly from within the viewfinder
- We’re also uplifting Sony’s entire native app portfolio to the latest versions – bringing tweaked / improved / current experiences for (to name but a few): Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, Sony Select and…
- Sony’s Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies, with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration* – a more converged and full Sony entertainment experience – Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories integration with a more intuitive UI, offering seamless access to both local and cloud content
- The launch of our unique custom interface experience: “Xperia Themes”, with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select – more on this soon…
- The latest Android security enhancements, matched with Sony’s mobile enterprise solution: Xperia in Business
- Battery STAMINA Mode – updated version of Sony’s power management app, now with refreshed interface and more smart options for prolonging battery life
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Increased user control for Xperia Tablet Z, with “Restricted Profiles”; option to create isolated, secure spaces with individual local storage, home screens, widgets and settings
While I am a happy Xperia Z owner, those of us here in the states know that it is going to be a while before T-Mobile probably rolls out the update. I can tell you though from personal experience with this update for the last week or so, that all the little features and tweaks certainly do make a HUGE difference to the device. I am particularly happy to report that it is noticeably smoother, the camera offers much more and the battery life has dramatically improved. T-Mobile will probably kill that off with bloatware though.
For those that went ahead and flashed the commercial/journalist build that made its way to XDA, this update is carrying the same firmware version of 10.4.B.0.569.
Be on the lookout for the update overseas to your various Xperia Z devices.
Via Sony Mobile
Avenger Reflex aims to improve Xbox One and PS4 input times, looks bananas
Those Xbox One and PlayStation 4 gamepads you’ve got look a little underdressed, and not nearly enough like Batman. Thankfully, the Avenger Reflex is here to fix both issues in one fell swoop, appending a shell to either the XB1 or PS4 gamepad that promises “faster response time” and levers to hit the four main face buttons without having to lift your thumbs from either thumbstick.
As you might’ve already guessed, the Reflex is simply the latest iteration in the Avenger series. It adds one new trick: dubbed the “bionic edge,” a lever below your left thumb “removes all need to move your thumb from your analog stick.” We’ll have to give it a shot before trusting that claim; we’ve got until “late March,” when the Avenger Reflex goes on sale for $70 (pre-orders are available now for 20 percent off if you use discount code “REFLEX”).
The company started back in 2011 with an Xbox 360 gamepad shell, eventually evolving several successful iterations. Beyond the Avenger controller series, the company also makes the occasionally controversial, always bizarre Delta Six gaming peripheral.
Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals, HD, Sony, Microsoft
Sony QX lens cameras get full HD video capture and boosted ISO in firmware update
Photographers who prefer Sony’s WiFi-equipped cameras are about to get a pair of very welcome updates. In January, both the QX10 and QX100 lens cameras will receive firmware upgrades that bump their maximum light sensitivity settings to ISO 3,200 and 12,800, respectively; theoretically, they’ll have an easier time with dark scenes. The two will also support widescreen 1080p video recording, and the QX100 is getting a shutter priority mode (shown above) to help with action shots and long exposures.
Sony’s mobile shooting app, PlayMemories Mobile, is in line for an important refresh of its own. Version 4.0 for Android (pictured after the break) and iOS will introduce a quick photo browser that should make it much easier to review recent shots. There’s a big speed boost in store for iOS users, too — Sony claims that the app should connect to WiFi cameras twice as quickly as before. The company hasn’t said when 4.0 will be available, but it promises a performance improvement for Android users in a second update due this spring.
Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Peripherals, Mobile, Sony
Source: App Store, Google Play
Amazon Gold Box Deals: Up to 65% off Sony flash memory, accessories
Looking to pick up some additional storage for your Android smartphone or tablet? You could do much worse than to swing by Amazon’s Gold Box Deals for today, December 18, 2013. You’ll be able to score special savings on select microSD cards, SD cards, and mobile accessories from the trusted brand. Some of these deals are downright incredible – the lowest ever, for a few.
SD Cards
- Sony 16GB SDHC/SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card $8.99
- Sony 32GB SDHC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card $16.99
- Sony 64GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 R40 Memory Card $33.99
- Sony16GB SDHC UHS-1 Class 10 Memory Card $13.99
- Sony32GB SDHC UHS-1 Class 10 Memory Card $25.99
- Sony 64GB SDXC UHS-1 Class 10 Memory Card $54.99
- Sony 16GB Back Up SD Card $17.99
- Sony 32GB Back Up SD Card $29.99
- Sony 64GB Back Up SD Card $59.99
MicroSD Cards
- Sony 16GB Class 10 Micro SDHC R40 Memory Card $9.99
- Sony 32GB Class 10 Micro SDHC R40 Memory Card $17.99
The post Amazon Gold Box Deals: Up to 65% off Sony flash memory, accessories appeared first on AndroidGuys.
On The Gadget Table: the products that defined 2013
The snow is falling, the trees are all lit up and servers everywhere are beginning to groan under the strain of last-minute shopping sprees. It’s beginning to look a lot like Gadget Table time. To celebrate the season — and put one last ribbon on the year that was — we’re bringing back an old Engadget Show favorite. We’ve dusted off the table and filled it full of some of the best and most memorable gadgets of 2013. Tablets, smartphones, video game consoles, tablets, wearables and even the occasional dongle — all are fair game. Join Brian and Dana after the break, as they take you through the year in gadgets.
On The Gadget Table:
Google Chromecast: At $35, the Chromecast is the gadget deal of the year. This little dongle and its ever-growing arsenal of compatible streaming services can turn your old HDMI-enabled set into a smart TV you control with your mobile device.
Moto X: Motorola has a knack for focusing on elements other smartphone manufacturers largely ignore. Recent models have brought ruggedness and battery life to the forefront, as other companies have raced toward ever enlarging displays. The Moto X is all about customization, thanks to Moto Maker — and thanks to a new US factory, the Google-owned phone maker can proudly display the words “assembled in the USA.”
Google Glass: If the Gadget Table is any indication, 2013 was a banner year for hardware from a company largely known for its software offerings. Google Glass wasn’t the most popular or best-received product of 2013, but in a year that saw an explosion in the popularity of wearables, the headset seemingly gave us a small glimpse into the future. Google’s still got a ways to go as far as convincing the public, but Glass’ limited exposure has managed to capture the public’s imagination.
iPad Air: 2013 likely won’t go down as one of the more innovative years in Apple’s history, but the company did prove that it can still wow us with some super-sleek hardware. The latest iPad is as thin and light as its name implies, while still packing in great battery life and snappy performance, thanks to the A7 chip. The real star of the show, however, is iOS 7, a completely revamped version of Apple’s mobile OS.
PlayStation 4: It’s still far, far too early to crown a winner in the console wars, of course, but Sony’s certainly got a bit of a head start, thanks in no small part to its $400 price point (coming in at $100 cheaper than the new Xbox). That price tag will get you a fast, powerful machine with a lovingly revamped gamepad. As for games, however, well, we’ll have to wait for 2014…
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Home Entertainment, Tablets, Wearables, Sony
Latest Android update for the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition fixes major bugs
As Android updates go, version 4.4.2 shouldn’t get anyone hot under the collar — it’s mostly just bug fixes and software removals. But in the case of the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition, the requisite fixes are, in fact, quite substantial. As we noted in our hands-on with the massive 6.44-inch device, the Z Ultra shipped with a few unforgivable quirks, like the inability to uninstall apps (which is what you’d expect from a skinned device, not pure Android), or sideload apps via the Unknown Sources option in the security settings menu. With 4.4.2. rolling out today, all of that’s now been remedied, in addition the convenient deletion of Google’s not ready for primetime Apps Op feature which allowed users to manage privacy settings for individual apps. Again, it’s as humdrum as updates get, but at least now your très cher Z Ultra is actually worth the money.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Sony, Google
Source: Talk Android
Google’s 2013 Zeitgeist includes Mandela, iPhones and a 3D trend map (video)
Google is back again with its annual list of the most popular searches of the year — only this time, with a 3D twist. In addition to old-fashioned 2D charts, the internet giant’s 2013 Zeitgeist includes a trend globe that lets you see what major cities were looking for on any given day. Google+ also plays a large role, as you can share and browse the social network’s most memorable public photos.
Like in years past, 2013′s top searches were a mixture of tech and tragedy. The deaths of Nelson Mandela and Paul Walker led the world’s queries, but many also spent a lot of time looking for the iPhone 5s, Galaxy S 4 and PlayStation 4. Other notable searches ranged from serious matters like the Boston Marathon bombing to the silliness of the Harlem Shake. Want to see more? Hop past the break, where we have both the full top 10 list as well as Google’s year-in-review video.
Top 10 Global Searches
- Nelson Mandela
- Paul Walker
- iPhone 5s
- Cory Monteith
- Harlem Shake
- Boston Marathon
- Royal Baby
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- PlayStation 4
- North Korea
Filed under: Internet, Apple, Samsung, Sony, Google
Via: Google Official Blog
Source: Google Zeitgeist
Android 4.3 For Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z Gets Certified, Update Should Be Imminent
With the update of the Sony Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra rolling out as of yesterday, we knew it wouldn’t be long before Sony updated the rest of its top line of Xperia Z products to Android 4.3. Sure enough, Android 4.3 for Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and the Tablet Z was seen to be getting certified at PTCRB today, approving firmware build 10.4.B.0.569 for release. This will surely mean that the update will be incoming very shortly to those of you who have these devices, though we’ll let you know as soon as we know anything more.
While Sony might be a little bit late to the update game relative to Samsung and HTC’s flagships, I would say they look like they’re doing a better job at updating more of their devices. Who else is impressed by Sony? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Source: Xperia Blog
Sony Xperia Z1 comes to China Mobile with more memory and minor hardware changes
Three months after the launch of the Sony Xperia Z1, the flagship smartphone is coming to China Mobile — but the handset as we currently know it isn’t making the trip. This particular device (shown above) boasts nearly all of the same features and specs — 5-inch 1080p Triluminous display, 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800, 2GB RAM, 20MP camera and 3,000mAh battery, for starters — but the new model, also referred to as the L39t, has been bumped up to 32GB internal storage (up from 16GB in the international model) and now offers TD-LTE and TD-SCDMA/GSM support for carrier compatibility. Additionally, the sides are now reportedly made of plastic instead of metal and the headphone jack is centered. These are minor differences, but the new Z1 looks very similar to the T-Mobile version first leaked by @evleaks in October, which means it’s quite possible we’ll see more of this design in Vegas next month. If the T39t is right up your alley, get ready to pay up: it’s 4,499 yuan ($724).
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Sony, Google
Via: AndroidCentral
Source: ePrice, XperiaBlog
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