Sony wants you to delay upgrading your old VAIO PC to Windows 10
Sony might not be making PCs anymore, but it’s still on the hook for supporting its older systems — and that’s creating a big problem for Windows 10 upgrades. The electronics giant is warning owners against installing Microsoft’s latest software on older VAIO PCs until it has the drivers needed to get all the hardware working properly. And unfortunately, that’s going to take a while. If your computer first ran Windows 8.1, the Windows 10 drivers won’t be ready until October; if it’s old enough to have shipped with Windows 8, you’ll have to wait until November.
As for a PC that came with Windows 7? Well, you may want to budget for a replacement. Sony is only promising that it will describe “limitation [sic] and issues” this month. To us, that’s shorthand for dropping some or all support. There’s a real chance that certain hardware features will go missing if you install Windows 10, or that you’ll have to endure less-than-ideal performance. We’ve seen some VAIO owners get things working, but they’ve had to use decidedly unofficial methods so far. It’s not surprising that Sony is devoting less attention to PCs than it did when it was still in the business, but that isn’t very comforting if you were hoping to keep that older machine up to date for as long as possible.
Filed under:
Desktops, Laptops, Software, Sony
Source:
Sony
Tags: computer, desktop, laptop, pc, software, sony, update, vaio, windows, windows10
PlayStation Plus members can vote for their next free game tomorrow
If you’ve ever been disappointed with the selection of “free” PS Plus games, listen up: Sony is giving you the chance to have a say over which titles make the next cut. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be able to vote on three games via your PS4 — action platformer Grow Home, the board game-inspired Armello and four-player brawler Zombie Vikings. The one with the most votes on August 24th will be crowned the victor and added to the September lineup. The other two will be discounted in the PlayStation Store, so you should still get a good deal regardless of how your preferred game fares. It’s not the same as being able to freely pick a title, but it’s certainly more choice than PlayStation fans have been offered in the past. Sony says this new “Vote to Play” initiative won’t be occurring every month, however, so there’s an extra incentive to use your influence this time around. If enough people participate, maybe the company will consider making it a standard perk.
Source:
PlayStation
Tags: sony
Why Sony’s rumored Xperia Z5 Plus won’t feature a 4K display
The rumored Sony Xperia Z5 Plus could feature a 4K UHD 2160 x 3840 display and a Snapdragon 810 chipset, according to a user-agent profile. The device is codenamed E68XX (E6833, E6853 E6883), which is rumored to be a larger version of Sony’s H2 flagship. Unfortunately, this rumor has no credibility whatsoever.
The device is said to allegedly feature a 5.5-inch display packing a pixel density of 801ppi, according to Xperia Blog. Unfortunately, pushing this much power to the display could take a significant hit to battery life.
Most flagship smartphones today feature 2K displays, which already take up a large portion of battery life. It would no doubt be even worse on a 4K display pushing 801ppi.
Sony isn’t making a 4K smartphone
While Sony could be one of the first manufacturers to launch a device with a 4K UHD display, it really has no benefit to the device other than marketing tactics. After all, the human eye can only see so much detail on a smaller screen.
Secondly, it’s not likely that there will be much content available for a 4K display on your smartphone. It’s still a fairly new technology, and if you plan on streaming 4K content, chances are, the average person doesn’t have the bandwidth to support the ungodly amounts of data 4K content will chew through.
Keep in mind that this is merely a rumor. It’s highly unlikely to happen, given the cost of 4K technology. It’s also hard to believe that Sony will bring a 4K display to the rumored Z5 Plus considering that the Z4 didn’t even feature a 2K display. It would be quite a leap as far as technology goes, and most consumers would no doubt be able to afford that, especially with the risks that come with the Snapdragon 810 chipset.
Besides, Sony has said in the past that 2K is useless, so why would they have a 4K option in development? It doesn’t add up.
In other words, this is just another useless clickbait rumor making its rounds.
source: Xperia Blog
Come comment on this article: Why Sony’s rumored Xperia Z5 Plus won’t feature a 4K display
UK PS4 owners will soon pay more for online multiplayer
Some PlayStation Plus subscriptions are getting a little more expensive in the UK. From September 1st, Sony’s 30-day option will cost £5.99 instead of £5.49, and the 12 week plan is rising to £14.99, up from £11.99. The annual subscription is staying locked at £39.99, however, so if you haven’t taken the plunge just yet — now might be a good time to reconsider. Sony says the changes are “in line with market conditions” and all part of its push to deliver “an unparalleled experience, featuring the best quality games and features.” If you need a reminder, PS Plus nets you some “free” games on PS4, PS3 and PS Vita every month, and is also required to play PS4 games online. Maybe, just maybe this extra cash can be used to stop PSN from going down so often too? We’re crossing our fingers.
[Image Credit: FIFA via Getty Images]
Via:
VG247, PushSquare
Tags: playstation3, playstation4, playstationplus, price, PriceIncrease, ps3, ps4, PsPlus, psvita, sony
Sony Xperia M5 to cost TWD 12,900 ($410) in Taiwan
Earlier today, Sony’s latest mid-range smartphone, the Xperia M5, emerged in a leaked listing on a Taiwan-based independent retailer’s website, revealing the cost of the handset. The dual-SIM variant will be available in a variety of different colors, including black, white, blue and red with a TWD 12,900 ($410) price tag attached.
The M5 packs a 5-inch Full HD display, a 2GHz MediaTek MT6795 octa-core processor, a PowerVR G6200 GPU, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable internal storage, a 21.5-megapixel rear-facing camera, a 13-megapixel selfie shooter, 4G LTE compatibility and a 2,600mAh Li-Ion battery.
So there it is, folks. Some solid information with regards to pricing of the Xperia M5. Will you be picking one up when it launches in your home country? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Source: ePrice
Come comment on this article: Sony Xperia M5 to cost TWD 12,900 ($410) in Taiwan
Android Authority this week – August 9, 2015
Android fans, this week brought us more reports about the upcoming Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, rumors about the next Nexus phones surfaced, Sony launched the new Xperia C5 and Xperia M5, OnePlus was in the news thanks to its notorious invite system, Xiaomi teased the release of a new version of MIUI, Asus introduced the 5,000 mAh Zenfone Max, and we all discussed the latest – and biggest – Android security scare yet.
Inside AA HQ
Android Authority this week is where you can get all your essential Android news and keep up with your favorite (we hope) Android bloggers, but if you’re more of a video guy or gal, we now have a weekly post where we highlight the best videos from the AA YouTube channel and more. Check out this week’s installment here.
There’s been a lot of talk this week about how secure (or how insecure, depending on whom you ask) Android really is. You can learn about Stagefright and what you can do to protect yourself as much as you can, but it’s important not to fall prey to doomsayer tendencies. Is the problem serious? Yes, by all means. Is it an impeding catastrophe? Probably not – there’s usually a big gap between the theoretical reach of a vulnerability and its practical impact. In other words, do follow basic precautions. Do not freak out (just yet.)
Yes, the OnePlus 2 is controversial. But is it a great phone? You bet! This week we’re giving away a OnePlus 2 to one lucky AA reader. Head over here to get your ticket, and good luck!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- How to: Time to dump that iPhone. Here’s how you can switch to Android with minimal hassle
- First impressions: Matt looks at the Galaxy A8 and brings you his first impressions
- Review: How does the Galaxy S6 Edge hold up in time? Nirave answers
- Opinion: Is Google Plus dying? Probably not, but it’s definitely changing
- Review: Bailey reviews the popular Lenovo K3 Note
- Opinion: How Motorola transcends Android without actually changing it
- Review: The long anticipated new Moto G is here, and this is our review
- First impressions: Josh unboxes the OnePlus 2 – does it hold up to they hype?
Top news of the week
Galaxy Note 5 & Edge Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 leaks yet again, showing off new Air Command menu
- Samsung begins teasing its upcoming Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung teases Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, and what could be a new tablet
- Exposed: the Galaxy Note 5 is leaked in-full, packaging and all
New Xperia phones
- Xperia C5 Ultra offers two 13MP cameras and a “near borderless” 6-inch display
- ‘Super Mid-Range’ Sony Xperia M5 announced
OnePlus 2
- OnePlus Carl Pei: another phone by Christmas & NFC is overblown
- 30,000 OnePlus 2 handsets sold in 64 seconds in China
- (Update 2: Hacked yet again) How one user ‘hacked’ the OnePlus 2 invite system
- OnePlus is auctioning OnePlus 2 invites for charity
- OnePlus 2 on sale through OppoMart for $459, no invite required
Xiaomi teasers
- Xiaomi to launch MIUI 7 alongside a new product on August 13th
- Xiaomi may unveil Redmi Note 2 alongside MIUI 7 next week
Stagefright, oh my
- How is Google fixing the Stagefright vulnerability that affects 95% of all Android phones?
- (Update: multiple Samsung devices, too!) Stagefright patch now rolling out to the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 as build LMY48I
- Samsung to release monthly security updates to its Android devices in wake of Stagefright exploit
- Google to roll out security-focused updates to Nexus devices on a monthly basis
- Worried about Stagefright? Here’s what you can do for now
New Asus Zenfones
- Asus announces the Zenfone Max with 5000 mAh battery
- ASUS launches the ZenFone 2 Laser, ZenFone 2 Deluxe and ZenFone Selfie in India
Nexus rumors
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
The best mirrorless camera for beginners
This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a list of the best technology to buy. Read the full article here.
After 60 hours of research and 25 hours of testing, we found the $600 Sony a5100 is the best mirrorless camera for beginners. It stands out from the dozens of competitors we considered by delivering superior photo quality while being easier to use right out of the box thanks to simple menus and controls. Plus, it offers enough flexibility to keep up with a new photographer’s developing skills.
How we decided
Our top contenders we found worth field testing were the Panasonic GF7, the Olympus E-PL7 and the Sony a5100.
We looked over the entire range of mirrorless cameras currently available for less than $600 and narrowed the field down to four final candidates for hands-on testing: the $550 Olympus E-PL7, Samsung’s $400 NX3000, the $500 Panasonic GF7 and the Sony a5100. We toted them around everywhere to see how they performed in the situations most novice shooters find challenging, putting each camera’s autofocus, low light and flash capabilities to the test.
Our pick
The Sony a5100 packs a punch of excellent features in a compact size that’s easy to use right out of the box.
The Sony a5100 is the best mirrorless camera for new users because it offers a careful balance of impressive capability with easy usability at a great value—currently priced at $600 on Amazon.
We loved the a5100’s compact size, fast shooting speeds, impressive low light capabilities, high resolution and highly responsive touchscreen, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, video performance, and wide selection of lenses. Boasting many of the same specs as the higher end model in Sony’s Alpha series—including a large 24 megapixel APS-C sensor, powerful processor and “class-leading” hybrid autofocus system—but priced significantly less, the a5100 delivers high performance for good value. Most importantly, it captures clean, high quality images.
The a5100 uniquely targets newbie photographers and smartphone shooters ready to step up their game with an In-Camera Guide aimed at helping novices get to know the camera. It soars where even the best smartphone tends to fail—low light, flash photography, fast-moving subjects like a small child—while still providing the portability, simple user interface and selfie capabilities we’ve come to expect in a camera.
The runner-up
If our main pick sells out or becomes unavailable, our previous recommendation, 2013’s Sony NEX-5T, is now available for a very affordable $350. It, too, has a large sensor for detailed photos, fast shooting speeds, Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, and Sony’s wide body of lenses.
Of course, technology improved in the year between the NEX-5T’s release and the a5100’s debut, and the a5100 offers superior auto focusing abilities—especially key if your primary subject moves quickly, like a small child.
In closing
We found the Sony a5100 performed well in low-light situations with minimal noise even at higher ISOs, as in this example taken at ISO 1600.
With excellent picture quality and easy usability, the Sony a5100 is our pick for an entry-level mirrorless camera priced under $600. As simple to shoot with as a camera phone, the a5100 outshines any smartphone with images as good as you’ll see from a DSLR, an easy to use interface, a capable zoom lens, effective on-camera flash, impressive autofocusing and low light performance.
This guide may have been updated by The Wirecutter. To see the current recommendation, please go here.
Tags: a5100, ilc, MirrorlessCamera, MirrorlessCameras, NEX-5t, partner, sony, sonya5100, SonyNex-5t, syndicated, thewirecutter, wirecutter
PlayStation’s streaming TV service rolls out to Dallas and Miami
Looking to stream Sony’s TV service to your PS3 or PS4? Living in Fort Worth and Fort Lauderdale? If that particularly specific Venn diagram has you smack in the middle, then good news: PlayStation Vue launched there, today. While it won’t be on your iPad or Vita just right now, expect compatibility to roll out as soon as Sony deems it ready — then that Venn diagram overlap will get at least a little bigger.
Filed under:
Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD, Sony
Source:
PlayStation
Tags: dallas, hdpostcross, miami, playstationvue, psvue, sony, streaming, tv, vue
Confirmed pictures of the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact?
The Sony Xperia Z4 has not done very well and I’m sure Sony is trying to forget all about it so they can get the Z5 out. Today we have some possibly leaked images of the Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Compact from @ViziLeaks.
According to them the image above are confirmed images of the Z5 (left) and Z5 Compact (right). The phones look basically the same as they always have from Sony, but notably leave out a USB Type-C connection. Google said that they will be pushing USB Type-C on all future Android phones. However, it should not be a shock they left it out since Sony have already stated their next phones will not feature it.
The next two images show the phones with fingerprint reader screens open next to an iPhone. The fingerprint reader is said to be embedded into the power button. As you can see the way to add a fingerprint looks similar to how Apple and Samsung do it.
Will Sony announce them next month at IFA in Brazil?
Source: Vizileaks (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Confirmed pictures of the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Compact?
Researchers can take complete control of Android phones
The wave of security issues with devices, cars and even skateboards continues as Check Point researchers presented a vulnerability at the Black Hat conference that could potentially open millions of Android up to hackers. Dubbed Certifi-gate, the researchers say that vulnerabilities in the OEM (manufacturers of Android devices like Samsung, LG and Sony) implementation of Remote Support allows a third party app’s plugins to access a device’s screens and actions using an OEMs own signed certificates.
That means a nefarious individual could see what you’re doing and control your phone or tablet. And according to the researchers, there’s no reasonable way to revoke the certificates as an end user. Check Point noted that the devices that could suffer from Certifi-gate are from LG, Samsung, HTC and ZTE and that these OEMs have released updates to mitigate the issue. Both Check Point and Google have noted that Nexus devices are not prone to the vulnerability.
Check Point’s Technology Leader of Mobile Threat Detection, Avi Bashan told Engadget that the vulnerability stems from an issue in Android’s security architecture and that OEMs created flawed implementations of the remote support tools to get round the Android issue. The companies jsut didn;t do a very good job at it. Bashan also noted that for many, the vulnerability may not go away any time soon because of the long update time associated with Android devices.
Concerning the vulnerability Samsung issued the following statement: “At Samsung, we understand that our success depends on consumers’ trust in us, and the products and services that we provide. We are aware of Check Point’s alleged claims, and Samsung has addressed this issue. Samsung encourages users not to execute unsecure apps.”
A Google spokesperson told Engadget: “We want to thank the researcher for identifying the issue and flagging it for us. The issue they’ve detailed pertains to customizations OEMs make to Android devices and they are providing updates which resolve the issue.”
Like Samsung, Google urged Android users to get their apps from the trusted sources, “in order for a user to be affected, they’d need to install a potentially harmful application which we continually monitor for with VerifyApps and SafetyNet. We strongly encourage users to install applications from a trusted source, such as Google Play.”
Bashan said that it’s possible for an app that exploits the vulnerability to get through the Google Play verification service because the app can look perfectly legit while its associated plugin could lead to the device being compromised. Either way, until your phone gets the update, it’s probably a good idea to skip side-loading apps.
Check Point has made the full report of their findings available online and has created a free app that scans for apps that use the Certifi-gate vulnerability.
Filed under:
Misc, Internet, Sony, HTC, Google, LG
Source:
Check Point
Tags: Android, BlackHat, CheckPoint, google, htc, lg, Security, sony
AIVAnet 