In-house chips may be on the way to LG, Sony devices
LG has been steadily improving its position in the mobile device market thanks to a string of successful smartphone launches over the past couple years. Meanwhile, Sony, while producing devices that tend to be well received, struggles to translate that into sales success. Although they seem to be on divergent paths, the two companies have something in common – they are both mentioned in rumors of a move by smartphone manufacturers to transition to in-house production of processors used in their devices.
The latest rumor swirling around the subject was triggered after Global Unichip, a Taiwan-based chip designer, reportedly received orders for development from “Asia-based handset vendors.” This has prompted some sources to consider the possibility that both LG and Sony may be following a strategy implemented by Apple, Samsung and Huawei, all of whom manufacture chips for their own devices.
Currently LG and Sony depend on “off-the-shelf” processors from Mediatek and Qualcomm for their devices.
Do you think this is a smart move for either company? Does the use of an in-house chip versus a generally available chip sway your purchase decisions any?
source: DigiTimes
via: XperiaBlog
Come comment on this article: In-house chips may be on the way to LG, Sony devices
Sony makes experimental AOSP camera app available to developers
Sony has just released an experimental AOSP camera app for use with devices in Sony’s Open Device program. The camera app is aimed purely at developers, with Sony hoping that the app will allow them to create custom ROM’s with basic camera functions.
The experimental camera app is based on Qualcomm’s framework, but has not been calibrated, lacks Sony’s tweaks and enhancements, and is prone to lagging and crashes. Despite not being intended for daily use, Sony hopes the app will allow developers to dig into the app’s innards, inspiring innovation along the way. The following Xperia devices are compatible with the camera app:
- Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact
- Xperia Z Ultra (MSM8974)
- Xperia Z2 and Z2 Tablet (MSM8974AB)
- Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact, Z3 Compact Tablet (MSM8974AC), and Xperia Z3+
- Xperia Z4 Tablet (MSM8994)
The Xperia Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium (MSM8994), Xperia M2, Xperia E3, and Xperia T3 will be added to the list at a later date. If you’d like to get your hands dirty, just click the source link below to get started with the experimental camera app.
Source: Sony
Come comment on this article: Sony makes experimental AOSP camera app available to developers
Sony opens up experimental AOSP camera to developers
Sony has become increasingly open regarding software development and third parties, as well as taking on extra feedback from the community, with its Open Device program and the company has just released a new open source camera application for use with AOSP Xperia devices.
Before you all run to try it out, Sony clearly states that it does not recommend the app for daily use, as the app is not calibrated and will produce worse looking shots that Sony’s regular camera app. Instead, Sony stresses that the goal of the project is to allow developers to get behind the scenes to come up with innovative new camera applications and will hopefully improve support custom ROMs with basic camera functionality. It’s going to be interesting to see what comes out of it.
The open source camera is based on Qualcomm framework and works with a number of Xperia devices, including the Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra (MSM8974), Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet (MSM8974AB), Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3, Zperia Z3 Tablet Compact (MSM8974AC) and Xperia Z3+, and Xperia Z4 Tablet (MSM8994). Support for the Xperia Z5 range, Xperia M2, E3 and T3 will be added in at a later date.
Sony’s Open Device program saw early Marshmallow binaries arrive for a number of its Xperia devices back in October, giving custom ROM development a good head start over handsets from other manufacturers. If you would like to learn more about the program, you can read all about it over on Sony’s official site.
Rdio’s collapse will hurt Sony, Roku and Shazam
When a company goes under, the firms that it still owes money to have to bear the pain of those unpaid debts. Rdio’s collapse has, unfortunately, sent ramifications through the tech and music industries that’ll see firms like Roku and Shazam reaching for the Tylenol. Music Business Worldwide is claiming to have details of Rdio’s bankruptcy filing that reveals that it owed $2.7 million to Roku and $1.7 million to Shazam. In addition, the service had promised Sony Music $2.4 million and Facebook $495,000. Ouch.
Source: Music Business Worldwide
Sony launches the Xperia Z3+ in the United States for $499.99
Earlier today, Sony launched its latest high-end smartphone, the Xperia Z3+, in the United States. The handset, which first debuted in Europe back in May, is available to purchase in either Black or White colorways from the Japanese company’s online store for a rather hefty $499.99.
Just in case you need a refresher on its specifications, the Xperia Z3+ is essentially the non-Japanese variant of the Xperia Z4, packing a 5.2-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, a 20.7MP rear-facing camera, a 5.1MP selfie shooter and a 2,930mAh battery.
If you’ve been patiently waiting to pick up the Xperia Z3+, be sure to head over to Sony’s online portal where you can snag yourself free delivery with the device. If you are planning on picking one up, however, be sure to let us know in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!
Source: Sony
Come comment on this article: Sony launches the Xperia Z3+ in the United States for $499.99
You can now buy the unlocked Sony Xperia Z3 Plus in the United States
Sony’s Xperia line of phones have been quite popular over the years, despite their lack of differentiation from one another when it comes to specifications, build quality and price. If you happen to live in the United States and have been eyeing the Xperia Z3 Plus, now is your chance to purchase one without having to import it (or having to pay a higher price from another retailer). B&H Photo Video has just started selling the unlocked GSM variant of the Z3 Plus (E6553) for $499.99. What’s more, it also comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty from Sony in case you aren’t wholly satisfied.
If you need a refresher, the display on the Z3 Plus is 5.2 inches of IPS LCD Full HD beauty, and it’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. We told you in our full review that the device could get pretty hot at times, so that’s something to note if you decide to buy. It also comes with a 20.7MP rear camera and a 5.1MP front facing camera. It has 3 gigabytes of RAM, and it also sports 32GB of on-board storage.
See also: Sony Xperia Z3+ review
The Z3 Plus runs a version of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop that’s very close to a stock Android experience. Sony has added a few software features such as Smart Call, Music, Video and Social Life, but by and large, the OS remains as Google intended. If you’re in the market for a higher-end Sony smartphone, the Z3 Plus might be a pretty solid bet for you.
If you’re interested, follow the link below to order yours today.
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The original ‘Valkyria Chronicles’ heads to PS4 in HD (in Japan)
Valkyria Chronicles, Sega’s strategy RPG that hit the PlayStation 3 in 2008, is getting an HD upgrade for a launch on PS4, Famitsu reports (as translated by Gematsu). The remake is confirmed for a release in Japan on February 10th, with no mention of North American plans just yet. Sega is also working on a new entry in the series, Valkyria: Azure Revolution, slated to hit Japanese PS4s in winter 2016, according to Gematsu. Valkyria Chronicles debuted on PC in November 2014, and while that wasn’t an HD remake, it featured dual-language support, Steam Achievements, customization options and all previously released DLC — not bad for $20.
Source: Gematsu
Sony’s X900C 4K television isn’t perfect, but it makes a good case for Android TV
We’re already living in the future. Virtually every appliance in the modern home has become smarter thanks to ubiquitous internet connectivity, and the same goes for televisions as well. What used to simply be a monitor has quickly morphed into an all-in-one entertainment system. Heck, even having direct access to your entire online content collection and streaming services without so much as a set-top box is becoming standard fare. But does a TV that’s as smart as my cellphone really make for a better viewing experience? To find out, I spent a month consuming my content on the Sony X900C, a ridiculously thin $2,400 (MSRP) flat panel 4K LCD TV, and one of the first powered by the Android TV operating system.
Sony’s crowdfunded e-paper watch is coming to Japanese stores
Sony’s one-of-a-kind FES Watch is about to become more than a clever crowdfunded idea. The mostly e-paper timepiece is going on sale in Tokyo at Omotesando’s MoMA Design Store on November 21st, when it will cost you a not-completely-unreasonable ¥29,700 ($241). It’ll reach the city’s Isetan boutique more than a week later, on December 1st. There’s no mention of retail launches elsewhere in the world, but something tells us that you’ll have to order it online (either through Sony’s First Flight or the MoMA store) if you want any hope of strapping on this customizable wristwear outside of Japan.
Via: SlashGear
Source: Sony (translated)
Sony FES e-paper watch lands on shelves this month
Sony’s FES Watch is finally scheduled to go on sale later this month. We’re not looking at a major product roll-out here, but the watch will be appearing on a few store shelves exclusively in Japan.
The watch will be stocked at the MoMA Desgin Store on Omotesando, Tokyo starting from this Saturday, while Isetan in Shinjuku will begin sales on December 1st. These two stores are more fashion than gadget oriented, so Sony is clearly after a different type of crowd with the Fes Watch.
This make sense though, as we’re not looking at something as powerful as a smartwatch here. The FES Watch is more like a regular digital watch with a selection of customizable watch faces and strap designs that can be displayed using the e-paper display. The display wraps all around the strap too. The company is also working on e-ink variable design ties, hat accessories, and paper holders.
The FES Watch originally popped up on Japan’s Makuake crowd-funding site more than a year ago and also appeared on Sony’s own First Flight backing website. The watch has been developed by a sub-division over at Sony, tasked with coming up with innovative new product ideas.
Although Sony isn’t planning a wide launch, the FES Watch will apparently be brought to other stores in the future. The watch will retail with a price tag of ¥29,700 (about $242).
AIVAnet 