Android 5.1 arrives for the Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra
Following its long series of Lollipop updates for its other Xperia devices, Sony has today released its Android 5.1 firmware update for its Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra smartphones.
The update appears as version number 14.6.A.0.368 for the Z1 Compact and Z Ultra. If this is the same as previous Android 5.1 Lollipop updates for the wider Xperia Z range, the patch will include some new customization options, camera improvements, SmartWear integration, and enhanced enterprise support, along with the small number of changes, fixes and improvements included with Android 5.1.
After updating its more recent flagships, Sony has stated that its M2 and M2 Aqua are next in line for a similar firmware upgrade, although a time frame has not been given.
The update is only live in a few regions at the moment, but should be landing in a range of countries over the coming days. Keep an eye out for that OTA update notification or check out Sony’s PC Companion software to see if a manual download is available.
Moneypenny and the Xperia Z5 star in Sony’s “Made for Bond” ad
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In case you hadn’t noticed the not-so-subtle advertising in the previous 3 movies, Sony has a big hand in making the James Bond movies and has put plenty of its latest products in each. Sony’s latest ad, with the “Made for Bond” tag, stars Moneypenny as she flees from some henchmen with the help of Sony’s latest smartphone, the Sony Xperia Z5, and the RX100 IV camera – despite taking on the role of M’s assistant at the end of the movie Skyfall, it looks like Moneypenny likes a run in the field. Take a look at the ad below:
Unsurprisingly, since the Xperia Z5 benefits from the new Exmor RS 23MP camera sensor, Sony is keen to show off the Xperia Z5’s apparent low light abilities, though we’ll have to see if it actually performs like that when it reaches the hands of consumers. The latest movie, Spectre, is set to hit movie screens at the end of October so expect to see more “Made for Bond” ads in the coming weeks – perhaps we’ll even see Mr Bond next time.
What do you think about this “Made for Bond” ad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The Telegraph via XperiaBlog
The post Moneypenny and the Xperia Z5 star in Sony’s “Made for Bond” ad appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Here are the videos you don’t want to miss this week – September 12th, 2015
Even though the big IFA 2015 trade show has officially come to a close, we’re still committed to bringing you the best Android-related coverage on the web. A number of major gadget manufacturers have recently announced some interesting products, and we’ve been lucky enough to go hands-on and even unbox some of the new offerings.
The much-anticipated Moto X Pure Edition has finally arrived on our doorstep, and we wasted no time unboxing it and giving you our first impressions. We’ve also brought you some hands-on coverage of the new Huawei Watch and ASUS ZenWatch 2, which you definitely don’t want to miss. If you managed to miss any of our video coverage this week, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are the videos you don’t want to miss this week.
Unboxings and first impressions
Moto X Style / Moto X Pure Edition unboxing and first impressions
Motorola has really hit it out of the park with previous Moto X devices, but how does its newest flagship offering compare? Lanh goes hands-on and gives you his first impressions on the Moto X Pure Edition.
Huawei Watch at IFA 2015
What’s perhaps the most highly-anticipated smartwatch of the year, we finally got to go hands-on with an (almost) finished version of the Huawei Watch.
ASUS ZenWatch 2 first look
The ASUS ZenWatch was one of our favorite Android Wear devices of 2014, and now we’re going hands-on with its successor. Take a look at the video above for a brief overview of the new ASUS ZenWatch 2.
ASUS ZenFone Zoom first look
First announced at CES 2015, the ASUS ZenFone Zoom offers up a 13MP rear-facing camera with OIS, laser autofocus and much more. Check out our hands-on and first impressions video above for more information.
Acer Predator 8 Tablet first look
When it comes to gaming tablets, the space is quite small at the moment. With that said, there may be a new device to pick from soon. Lanh goes hands-on with the newly-announced Acer Predator 8 Tablet.
Huawei Mate S Force Touch hands-on
Apple recently delivered a new feature called 3D Touch with its new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, but the Cupertino-based tech company isn’t the first smartphone maker to bring this feature to the table. Check out our hands-on with Force Touch on the Huawei Mate S.
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3C, Pop Star and Pop Up
Alcatel OneTouch had a huge presence at IFA this year, announcing three new budget-friendly handsets, the Idol 3C, the Pop Star and the Pop Up. Below you can find a brief overview of the new smartphones along with our hands-on and first impressions videos for each device.
Reviews
Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 review
Xiaomi has released some killer budget-friendly smartphones in the past few years, and the Redmi Note 2 is no exception. Bailey is here to walk you through just what this sub-$200 device has to offer.
IFA 2015 wrap up
Our best of IFA 2015!
IFA 2015 was home to some of the most exciting gadget announcements of the year. Check out the video above to see what devices made the top of our list!
IFA 2015 recap
Want to know more about what went on at the big IFA trade show in Berlin? Don’t miss our IFA 2015 recap video attached above.
The best
Best portable projectors of 2015
There are tons of awesome portable projectors out there, some even powered by our favorite operating system. Check out Krystal’s roundup of the best portable projectors of 2015.
20+ best NVIDIA Shield Console games
Do you happen to own a NVIDIA Shield Console? Are you looking for some great new games? If so, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 20 best games available on the NVIDIA Shield Console at the moment.
Rumors, rumors and more rumors
Exclusive: LG’s Nexus 5X release date and pricing
Google will probably release two new Nexus smartphones this year – one made by Huawei, and the other, LG. We’re very certain that the latter will be officially named the LG Nexus 5X and that it will most likely come to the Google Play Store on September 29th. There are a few more details you might not know about the handset, so take a look at the video above for more info.
- Exclusive: LG’s Nexus 5X coming September 29 for around $400
- LG Nexus 5X shows up in clearest image yet
- You can get a good look at what the LG Nexus 5X looks like from these case renders
BlackBerry Venice rumor roundup
Oddly enough, BlackBerry’s upcoming Venice Android phone might be one of the most anticipated and controversial smartphones of the year. There have been tons of rumors floating around lately, so we’re here to compile all of the speculation into one place. Check out Jayce’s video coverage above, and don’t miss Edgar’s written version below.
Android Apps Weekly
Adblock vs YouTube, Humble Bundle, new Google Wallet – you don’t want to miss Joe’s newest episode of Android Apps Weekly!
Sony will invalidate your warranty if you go swimming with your new Xperia Z5 smartphone
A new report from Sony may leave possible Z5 buyers a little skeptical. Going forward, users who fully immerse their Z5 handset in water will have their warranty voided. We’re not sure as to why Sony is doing this mainly because its Z5 handsets are listed with an IP68 rating.
This goes for all three of Sony’s upcoming handsets, the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Premium and the Xperia Z5 Compact. The company has been advertising its recent flagship’s water proofing capabilities for years now. However, the company has changed its mind when it comes to fully immersing the handsets in water. This could have been due to an obsessive amount of complaints with past handsets. If you still decide to purchase one of the above Xperia Z5 handsets, make sure you understand your device’s limitations. Unfortunately, Sony will no longer refund your money nor give you a replacement device if they have any reasonable suspicion to water damage.
Following Sony’s statement, it uploaded a dedicated page on its website indicating the water and dust limitations. The company highly advises users not to use the handset under water. For more details, check out the source link down below.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Sony should continue advertising underwater photos in its ads if it’s not willing to replace handsets with water damage?
Source: Sony
Via Xperia Blog
Come comment on this article: Sony will invalidate your warranty if you go swimming with your new Xperia Z5 smartphone
Sony no longer recommends that you use its phones underwater, Xperia Z5 included
One of the staples found on Sony phones are their waterproofing capabilities. Sony had previously billed their phones as perfect companions for those hoping to use them at the beach, while scuba diving, and the list goes on. Interesting then that Sony now recommends that you don’t take its waterproof phones under the water.
The new policy change from Sony was actually first seen with the Xperia Z3+ and Z4, leading some to believe this change was specific to those models. Now the Sony website has similar wording in reference to the Xperia Z5 series.
The Xperia Z5 is waterproof and protected against dust, so don’t worry if you get caught in the rain or want to wash off dirt under a tap, but remember: all ports and attached covers should be firmly closed. You should not put the device completely underwater or expose it to seawater, salt water, chlorinated water or liquids such as drinks. Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty.
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In the past, the ability to bring your phone into the water was huge part of Sony’s marketing, with promo videos showing its phones in the water, in a dive scene, and so forth. Why the change of heart? Despite still being rated for underwater use, the Xperia Z5 isn’t recommended for use in these scenarios, likely for one reason: as a loophole to prevent tons of warranty claims.
A screenshot from a Z3 underwater unboxing video by Sony.
Sony says that the reason they don’t recommend planned in-water use is that its tests are done in “lab settings”, meaning they used tap water and were relatively gentle with the phone. That said, we imagine folks who bring their phone into the water intentionally aren’t quite as careful. Simply put, the change is to protect Sony from issuing claims to people who are hard on their phones while using them in these types of scenarios.
Simply put, the change is to protect Sony from issuing warranty claims to people who are hard on their phones while using them underwater.
So what does this mean for you? If you planned on getting a Sony Xperia Z5, just remember that, while your phone should be fine underwater as long as you take the necessary precautions and aren’t too rough — if something happens, you are probably out of luck warranty-wise.
While this change will affect Sony’s marketing, we suspect that most Xperia user rarely use the phone underwater intentionally. Instead, they might have it beachside or in the rain, knowing that if they accidentally get it too wet, they will be just fine. And for these types of users, nothing should change really.
What do you think of Sony’s change in policy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Don’t use Sony smartphones underwater
If you head on over to Sony’s website today, the company will warn you not to use its Xperia smartphones while underwater. That might come as a surprise, especially as Sony has repeatedly touted the waterproof capabilities of its devices in the past. But really, you shouldn’t be doing it. XperiaBlog points out that the handset maker is now taking additional measures to discourage the practice, and has updated its website to help customers avoid making a costly mistake while at the pool.
In describing what its phones are capable of, Sony says: “Remember not to use the device underwater.” To receive an IP68 rating, a phone must be able to withstand liquid under pressure for “long periods.” It has to remain leak-proof down to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Sony’s phones can do this — they’ve passed the test.
Sony explains: “The IP rating of your device was achieved in laboratory conditions in standby mode, so you should not use the device underwater, such as taking pictures. It also says: “Do not use the device to take photos while performing any type of activity underwater, including diving or snorkeling.”
It’s important to note that Sony issued these warnings for the Xperia Z3+, but they now also cover the company’s latest flagship: the Xperia Z5. Because Sony isn’t required to operate an Xperia handset while it’s being subjected to water and dust tests, the phone maker is reinforcing the fact that its devices were never intended to be subjected to a shallow dive.
What should you do if you own a top-end Xperia? Well, you’re clear to use it in “wet surroundings.” You can probably use it briefly while underwater, but that’s completely on you. Sony is just trying to set expectations and stop you from invalidating your warranty, even if it kind of flies in the face of previous marketing campaigns.
Filed under:
Cellphones, Mobile, Sony
Via:
XperiaBlog
Source:
Sony
Tags: ip68, mobilepostcross, sony, waterproof, xperia, xperiaz5
Sony’s stance on Xperia waterproofing changes, says “remember not to use the device underwater”
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Sony Xperia devices have had one defining feature which has proven to be a selling point for many years – waterproofing. While other manufacturers have started to catch up, Sony has continued to release device after device with sufficient water resistance to survive a dip in the pool, though it appears its tune has changed slightly. While Xperia waterproofing, and water, still make up a large portion of Sony’s marketing campaigns, the Japanese company has put up the following disclaimer on their support website:
“Remember not to use the device underwater. The IP rating of your device was achieved in laboratory conditions in standby mode, so you should not use the device underwater, such as taking pictures.”
If we take what Sony has written on face value, then the IP rating of any device means nothing, which is utterly ridiculous. We’ve seen a video of a Sony Xperia Z3 unboxed while underwater in a swimming pool and switched on for the first time while submerged, a most impressive feat indeed – if that’s not because of the device’s IP rating under conditions outside of a laboratory, then I don’t know what is. No doubt the reason Sony has done this is due to devices being returned because they have received water damage and putting this statement on their support site protects them, kind of.
What do you think about Sony’s stance on Xperia waterproofing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: XperiaBlog
The post Sony’s stance on Xperia waterproofing changes, says “remember not to use the device underwater” appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Sony’s full-frame, high-ISO Alpha 7s II can record 4K video
Sony has revealed the mirrorless full-frame Alpha A7s II, the successor to one of its most unusual cameras. The original Alpha A7s carried a maximum 409,600 max ISO setting, allowing images to be captured in near darkness. The new model fixes the biggest problem with the original: for 4K video, you needed an external recorder. The A7s II now has internal 4K recording at 24 or 30fps, and also uses a full-sensor readout with no pixel binning at both 4K and 1080p resolutions. In layman’s terms, that means you’ll get sharper 4K video with no moire or jagged lines. Slideshow-318723
The A7s II retains the same 12-megapixel sensor and 409,600 ISO light sensitivity of the original model. It can shoot 1080p video at 120fps with a full readout, which Sony says is a first in its Alpha A7 series. It also introduced a new shooting mode called S-Log3, which allows for 14-stops of dynamic range, making shooting possible in a wider variety of lighting conditions.
Another new feature is 5-axis stabilization, which it borrowed from the recent Alpha 7 II. That means you’ll get less jitter on shots taken at night or with long, telephoto lenses. The camera also has a new autofocus system with 169 AF points for quicker and more accurate focusing. In addition, the high ISO sensor’s lack of noise means you can often focus on objects that you can’t even see with the naked eye, as Sony points out. There’s also a new OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.78x magnification that should also make for easier manual focusing at night.
This is not a camera for everyone, of course. For one, it costs a considerable sum, €3,400 (we’re still waiting for US pricing). The relatively low 12-megapixel resolution for still images will also discourage most photographers. However, if you need good quality 4K video and ultra-high light sensitivity — and many videographers would love those features — then it’ll be arriving to Europe sometime in November.
Source:
Sony
Tags: A7s II, Alpha, AlphaA7sII, Full-frame, Mirrorless, sony
Dolby Vision imaging tech swings to Sony movies
Slowly but surely Dolby Vision is making its way to more and more places. The cinema company recently announced that it’s partnering with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to give Hirai and Co.’s flicks a brighter, more contrasty image, whether you’re watching it via a physical or digital format. No specific titles were announced for the high dynamic range video feature, but the press release quotes mention that new releases as well as catalog titles will benefit from the relatively new 4K UHD tech. So! For those keeping track at home, this marks two major studios signed on, as Warner Bros. announced its partnership earlier this year. On the streaming side, Netflix and Xbox Video announced in 2014. Now we just need those Ultra Blu-rays and their players to hit and we’ll really be in business.
Filed under:
Home Entertainment, HD, Sony
Source:
Dolby
Tags: 4k, 4kuhd, dolby, dolbyvision, hdpostcross, hdr, hdrvideo, sony, SonyPicturesHomeEntertainment, uhd, ultrabluray, video
Playdate: Chatting with the developers of ‘Tearaway Unfolded’
Want a game with adorable stylized visuals and quirky gameplay mechanics that defy convention? Play Tearaway. Oh, you don’t have a PlayStation Vita? Okay fine — let us introduce you to Tearaway Unfolded, the high definition PS4 remake of Media Molecule’s papercraft platformer. Not only will Tim Seppala and I will be streaming this stylized beauty at 3:30PM ET (12:30PM PT) right here, on the Engadget gaming homepage and at Twitch.tv/Joystiq, but we’ll be doing it with Media Molocule’s Rex Crowle. Join us, as we ask the developer how they folded this Vita game into a PS4 masterpiece.
http://www.twitch.tv/joystiq/embedWatch live video from Joystiq on www.twitch.tv
http://www.twitch.tv/joystiq/chat?popout=
[We’re streaming Tearaway Unfolded at 720p through OBS, so rest assured this game will look dramatically better on your PS4 at home.]
Filed under:
Misc, Gaming, Sony
Tags: mediamolocule, playdate, ps4, rexcrowle, sony, streaming, tearaway, tearawayunfolded, twitch, video
AIVAnet 