Sony Xperia C4 arrives in the US via Amazon
Back near the beginning of June, Sony began shipping out its new Xperia C4 smartphone to various countries around the world, but the US was sadly left off of the launch scheduled. Fortunately, the international version of the handset just has shown up on Amazon US.
Much like the HTC One E9 and M9+ just last week, third party retailers have set-up shop at Amazon to import the Xperia C4 into the US. The smartphone can be purchased for $379 in your choice of white or black.
The Sony Xperia C4 features quite reasonable specifications, including a 5.5-inch 1080p display, octa-core MT6752 SoC, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory with microSD support, and a 2,600mAh battery. The smartphone is touted as the “world best selfie phone” and comes with a 5 MP front camera with a wide-angle lens and soft LED flash, alongside a more standard 13 MP main camera on the back. There’s also Android Lollipop on board by default.
Again though, the big drawback is that these imported smartphones won’t work with 4G LTE in the US, regardless of the carrier, because of the modem. The C4 should still work just fine on GSM networks in the US, including as AT&T and T-Mobile, but it would be best to double check your carrier against the bands below.
- 2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- 3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
Is anyone out there planning to pick one up, or is the lack of LTE support a deal breaker?
Sony 4K Android TV models get pricing and launch details
Sony Electronics just let the wraps off part of their 2015 4K TV lineup, consisting of two new models (out of six said for the year). These new TV’s come in Sony fashion, being impossibly thin, at just under 0.2 inches, and very little bezel.
The first model we have is the X900C, which will come in two sizes and prices: the 55″ model is targeted at $2,499, with the 65″ at $3,999. The even larger model is the X910C, with 75″ of beauty and a set-back of $5,499.
The thinking behind making a TV so thin is that it will appear flush with your wall, if you decide to mount it. Both of these models pack all those 4K number of pixels you desire, with content powered by Sony’s X1 processor. For inferior HD content, the X-Reality engine will upscale it up to 4K. Sony’s usual display enhancements are also present with Triluminos.
Another big attraction is that both models are run by Android TV. So if you’ve been meaning to pair Android TV’s app accessibility and streaming capabilities with Sony’s TV mastery, I hope you’ve been saving up.
Pre-sale of the X900C has begun, with availability in July. The more pricey X910C is just said to be available this summer. Are Sony’s offering right up your alley or are you taken too far back by the pricing?
The post Sony 4K Android TV models get pricing and launch details appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Android M developer preview now available for 12 Sony Xperia devices
Unless you own a Nexus 5, 6, 9 or Player, you most likely haven’t been able to try out the new Android M developer preview that was just recently announced. However, if you own a somewhat recent Xperia device, you’ll now have the opportunity to test out the preview software for yourself. Sony has just released a new Android M dev preview build for 12 various Xperia devices as part of the company’s Open Device program.
The list of supported devices includes the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia E3, Xperia M2, Xperia T2 Ultra and Xperia T3. Much like flashing Android M on a Nexus device, this process seems to be pretty simple. All of the necessary instructions and files are available on Sony’s website and through the company’s easy-to-follow guide.
Just remember that while flashing the most recent build of Android may be enticing, this is intended for developer use and not necessarily for for use on one’s daily driver. This build is only available for devices with unlocked bootloaders. Sony also notes that the modem and camera have not been implemented for this version of the preview.
If you’re interested in checking it out, Sony has released a short video with the M preview running on an Xperia Z3:
Be sure to head to the source link below for more information.
Sony releases Android M AOSP Developer Preview images
Sony has just released the Android M AOSP Developer Preview images for many of its Xperia smartphones and tablets. Originally, the Developer Preview was exclusively available on the Nexus 5, 6, and 9.
Keep in mind that the Android M AOSP Developer Preview are AOSP images, so you won’t be getting exactly a pure stock Android experience, as many of the Google apps and services will be missing. If you absolutely want them, there’s always the option of retrieving them after flashing Android M. Either way, you still get all of the excellent flavours Android M is bringing to smartphones and tablets.
The eligible devices are as follows:
- Sony Xperia Z3
- Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
- Sony Xperia Z2
- Sony Xperia Z1
- Sony Xperia Z Ultra
- Sony Xperia Z
- Sony Xperia ZL
- Sony Xperia E3
- Sony Xperia M2
- Sony Xperia T2 Ultra
- Sony Xperia T3
- Sony Xperia L
- Sony Xperia S
- Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
- Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
- Sony Xperia Tablet Z
These devices are all a part of the Open Device program.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Another thing to watch out for is that this Developer Preview is by no means ready to be a daily driver. Sony warns that “the modem and the camera are not implemented.” Either way, if you’re ready to take Android M for a spin on something other than the Nexus lineup, hit the source link below.
Hopefully we’ll begin to see other manufactures offer something like this, although I’m not too hopeful. Then again, LG might, considering that they’ve recently started supporting developers via its bootloader program.
Anyone flashing Android M on their Xperia device?
source: Sony Developer World
Come comment on this article: Sony releases Android M AOSP Developer Preview images
Sony makes Android M Developer Preview available for select devices
Traditionally, Google’s AOSP Developer Previews are only available for Nexus devices. However, thanks to Sony’s awesome development team, those who wish to try out Android M, are now able to do so. Of course, this is provided if you are using one of the following devices:
- Sony Xperia Z3
- Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
- Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
- Sony Xperia Z2
- Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
- Sony Xperia Z1
- Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
- Sony Xperia Z1 Ultra
Now there are some instructions to follow, which can be found on Sony’s Open Device Program page. It’s not as cut and dry to run the Android M Developer Preview on these Sony devices as it for Google’s Nexus devices, but the fact that it has been made possible, is pretty awesome.
As a disclaimer, please be sure to follow the instructions provided by Sony to T, and as always, make a backup of your device, or at least backup all of your pertinent and important files.
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Sony launches its range of Ultra Thin, 4K televisions with Android TV baked-in, starting from $2,499
While 4K content might be a little thin on the ground at the moment, Ultra HD televisions with Smart services are gaining in popularity as consumers attempt to future-proof their purchases. Sony is hoping this continues to be the case, avoiding the false dawn that was 3D. Today, the Japanese company is finally launching its range of ultra thin 4K Ultra HD TV’s with Android TV baked in that first appeared back at CES in January of this year.
The two models on offer are the X900C and X910C, both of which feature 4K resolution and Android TV. Where they differ is in size, with the X900C being available in both 55- and 65-inches, and the X910C a massive 75-inches. You can see from the image above how thin the X900C and X910C Ultra HD televisions are, just .19-inch thick (5.08mm).
Other than being ultra thin and offering Triluminos displays with 4K resolution, the range of television’s other claim to fame is Android TV which brings access to content from the usual suspects. Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Pandora, SlingTV, CBS Sports and over 600 other providers are on tap, with games available to download and play on the TV. And if that isn’t enough, Android TV brings GoogleCast with it, meaning you can stream content such as HBO Go from your smartphones, tablets or computers straight to the television.
Because 4K content isn’t exactly widespread at the moment (other than Netflix and Amazon Instant Video), the televisions are able to upscale HD content to 4K quality thanks to Sony’s 4K X-Reality Pro up-scaling technology.
Finally, as you would expect from Sony, you can stream your PlayStation 3 games directly to the X900C and X910C televisions.
You are probably wondering what the damage is for Sony’s latest 4K televisions. As you might expect, you wallet is going to cry a little. The 55-inch X900C is priced at $2,499, the 65-inch version is a bit more at $3,999 and the 75-inch is going for $5,499. The TV’s are set to become available from June 21st, with full availability from Sony Stores, Amazon and Best Buy scheduled by the beginning of July.
What do you think? Are you racing out the door to buy one? Is having Android TV baked in the TV set something that would appeal to you or would you prefer a separate set-top box that you can upgrade as and when you want to?
Full Press Release:
WHAT: As part of its 2015 4K Ultra HDTV lineup, which includes six new series, Sony Electronics announced today pricing and availability for the X900C and X910C series 4K Ultra HD TVs.
- X900C 4K Ultra HD TV – [$2,499, $3,999] 55” class (54.6” diag) , 65” class (64.5” diag)
- X910C 4K Ultra HD TV – [$5,499] 75” class (74.5” diag)
WHEN: Pre-sales on the X900C begin Sunday, June 21, 2015, with full purchase availability beginning July 2015. The X910C will be available this summer. Reseller price may vary.
WHERE: Sony stores and online at store.sony.com, Best Buy stores and bestbuy.com/SonyExperience and Amazon.com/Sony.
About the X900C and X910C 4K UHD TVs:
The X900C combines 4K clarity and brilliant color with an incredibly thin design. At just under 0.2 inches thin, the X900C model is thinner than a smartphone and is Sony’s thinnest TV yet, and the X910C is the thinnest TV of its size ever made. The ultra-thin profile is virtually frameless and mounts flush to your wall, leaving only a stunning 4K picture for an unparalleled viewing experience.
Powered by the X1 processor engine, the X900C and X910C feature maximized contrast, color and clarity in both HD and 4K content. The X-Reality™ PRO Picture Engine upscales all existing HD content to super clear 4K quality, and colors come alive on the screen in the widest range ever thanks to TRILUMINOS™ display technology.
Lastly, the X900C and X910C are powered by Android TV. Android TV delivers great content, streaming apps and Android games to the TV to provide a personalized and easy-to-use entertainment experience. It allows users to easily access content from favorite apps like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, Hulu, CBS News, CBS Sports, Crackle, NBA Game Time, Pandora and SlingTV and over 600 other apps or access a huge selection of games and additional content from the Google Play™ store right on the TV. With Google Cast™, users can cast their favorite entertainment apps such as HBO GO from their Android or iOS device, Mac or Windows computer or Chromebook to the TV. The voice search feature helps users find content or a wide variety of information quickly and easily, and the Android TV home screen provides personalized content recommendations from Google Play, YouTube and supported apps.
This summer, gamers can also bring the immersive world of PlayStation® direct to the TV with PlayStation® Now. PlayStation® 3 games can be streamed to the TV and played with a DUALSHOCK® 4 controller.
Come comment on this article: Sony launches its range of Ultra Thin, 4K televisions with Android TV baked-in, starting from $2,499
Sony’s 1TB PS4 is official
Sony and Microsoft had a ton of games to show off at E3 this year, so we didn’t see much in terms of hardware announcements. Microsoft had already unveiled a 1TB Xbox One and today, we’re finally seeing the same move from Sony. On its European blog, the company revealed that its new “Ultimate Player Edition” PS4 with double storage will debut across Europe on July 15th. There’s no word on a wider release just yet, but given it’s already popped up in an FCC filing, a US announcement seems almost inevitable.
A new 1TB console isn’t the only announcement to come out of Sonyland this morning though. The company has also updated its not-so-hot PlayStation app for iOS and Android with a couple of nifty features. The first is the ability to enter PSN gift cards and promotional codes, so you no longer have to power on your PS4 to redeem them. The second is the ability to display comments on your phone or tablet while you’re broadcasting from the console — perhaps a simpler way to keep your streaming setup neat and tidy.
Nice update for PlayStation app on iOS and Android improves PlayStation Store browsing experience and more. Give it a shot!
– PlayStation (@PlayStation) June 22, 2015
Source: PlayStation Blog
Sony’s amazingly thin Android TV sets to be released in July
If any manufacturer has stood by Google for their smart TV endeavors, we have to say it is definitely Sony. They were leading the Google TV race back in the day, and this year they have invested all their smart TV efforts on Android TV. It’s awesome to see such an important TV maker back our favorite platform, but it’s even more exciting when we see they are bringing us some of the most stunning televisions around.
Yes, we are talking about those amazingly thin 4K TV sets we checked out at CES 2015. That thing was only 4.9 mm at its thinnest point (which is pretty much most of the panel). It’s truly insane when you witness such thinness in person. Just to put it in perspective, most modern smartphones can’t get that thin. The only one I can think of that is as thin as these TVs is the Oppo R5.
We were all going nuts after learning these TV sets would arrive in May, but that month came and went with no news about these TV sets. Today we are glad to tell you we are finally learning about price and availability. Though they did miss their launch goal, Sony managed to get the X900C 4K Ultra HD TV all ready for a July 2015 release, while the X910C version will be hitting store shelves “this summer”.
The X900C will come in two iterations, with size being the only differentiation. One will measure 55 inches, while the larger one will have a 65-inch display. These will cost $2,499 and $3999, accordingly. Meanwhile the massive 75-inch X910C 4K Ultra HD TV will cost a whopping $5499. Retailers like Sony, Amazon and Best Buy will be the first to carry them, and pre-sales are said to begin today.
So there you have it, guys! I can almost see myself marveling over these TVs at the store, because I am not spending that much on a TV. They are pricey, but they offer one hell of an experience. Not to mention, these things are gorgeous. It will definitely take your living room to a whole other level. Are any of you buying one?
Sony’s wafer-thin, Android-powered 4K TVs will start at $2,499
Spring has come and gone without any sign of Sony’s promised X900C and X910C TVs, but those super-thin 4K sets are finally on their way… well, almost. The slimmest of the bunch, the 0.19-inch thick X900C series, is now slated to arrive in July at hefty prices of $2,499 for a 55-inch model, and $3,999 for its 65-inch counterpart. Determined to go bigger? You’ll have to wait longer, and pay a pretty penny. The lone X910C model, a 75-incher, is poised to launch sometime this summer for $5,499. Thankfully, screen size is the only major difference here. All of these units pack Android TV, Triluminos displays and an X1 processor that should make the most of your 4K video. The real question is whether or not you need this eye-catching design in the first place — it’s great if you’re aiming for a near-invisible wall mount, but you might otherwise be fine ‘settling’ for a thicker TV.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony
Source: Sony
This is E3 2015 in motion
A picture paints a thousand words. A video does even more again. A gif… well, somewhere in the middle. So let’s join the cosplayers, tour some of the elaborate booths and dodge around the people-in-suits-that-didn’t-want-to-be there. E3 2015 is all about The Business, but it also has to be fun.
AIVAnet 