Sony’s Xperia Z4 Tablet is delayed, again
Sony first unveiled its Xperia Z4 Tablet at the beginning of March during the Mobile World Congress (MWC), with it scheduled to become available at the end of May. It’s main claims to fame its use of the Snapdragon 810 CPU and being only 6.1mm thick while maintaining Sony’s trend of making its flagship devices waterproof.
We are now in the second week of June and still waiting, with the release of the Z4 Tablet having been delayed until June 29th unless something causes a further delay. No explanation has been given by Sony, but one has to wonder if the Snapdragon 810’s well-known overheating issues are behind the delay. Being only 6.1mm thick, the Xperia Z4 Tablet may well prove too hot to handle if the CPU’s heat isn’t dispersed well enough. Despite using v2.1 of the Snapdragon 810 in the Z4 Tablet (as well as the Xperia Z3+), it would seem that the overheating issues are still present. June 29th is still a little while away, so hopefully Sony can resolve whatever issues there are and get the Xperia Z4 Tablet released by its self-imposed deadline.
Source: XperiaBlog
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Sony’s Xperia Z3+ and Z4 Tablet to use v2.1 of the Snapdragon 810, overheating issues remain
It’s getting closer to June 15th, the international launch of the Xperia Z3+ (Z4 in Japan), and it seems like its Qualcomm processor is still suffering from the overheating issues that have plagued the Snapdragon 810 chip since release. This is despite Qualcomm developing a v2.1 of the processor, incorporating a revised design with improved thermal management.
The Snapdragon 810 v2.1 is believed to be the silicon of choice for both the Xperia Z3+ smartphone and the delayed Xperia Z4 Tablet. It’s existence was found after Sony released its kernel source code (V28.0.A4.8) which refers to “msm8994-v2.1″. MSM8994 is the Snapdragon 810’s model number, and the v2.1 would indicate that it was version two-point-one of the CPU.
Just what sort of overheating issues has the Snapdragon 810 been experiencing? One symptom is the processor throttling down when it gets too hot, which means the CPU slows down in an attempt to cool off before damage is inflicted on it from the excessive heat. Another symptom is receiving a message that the camera will shut down due to high temperatures. All things you don’t want to be seeing in your brand new smartphone or tablet, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Here’s hoping that between them, Sony and Qualcomm can solve the overheating issues once and for all for the Snapdragon 810 chip.
Source: AndroPlus
Via: XperiaBlog
Come comment on this article: Sony’s Xperia Z3+ and Z4 Tablet to use v2.1 of the Snapdragon 810, overheating issues remain
The Sony Xperia Z3+ touchscreen works amazingly well when wet
Sony’s recently-announced Xperia Z3+ may not be a worthy upgrade from the Z3 proper when it comes to the spec sheet, but perhaps there is one notable improvement that Sony made to its most recent smartphone. In a new video from GSMArena, the Xperia Z3+ and Z3 proper go head to head to see which device performs better when wet.
If you’ve ever used a smartphone when a small drop of water lands on the touchscreen, you’ve probably witnessed the user interface slightly jerk around. But after watching the video (attached below), you’ll see that the Z3+ performs significantly better than the Z3 when drenched in water. Sony accomplishes this by using a new touchscreen driver in its most recent handset that helps the device perform much better in wet conditions by using improved finger tracking technology.
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In the video, you’ll quickly see that the Z3 incorrectly registers panning, zooming, multi-touch events, or no touches at all. The Z3+ on the other hand appears to have little to no problems in this scenario.
Since the Z3 is waterproof, one would expect the device to work properly when covered in water. But although the problem persists on the Z3, at least Sony made some notable improvements on the Z3+. Be sure to head to the source link below for more information on the test.
Showtime’s cord-cutter service will come to Roku and Sony devices
We already know that Showtime’s internet-only service is coming to Apple TV, but that’s not the only home entertainment platform that’s been invited to the party. The company has revealed that if you own a Roku device, one of the TVs with the hardware built in or Sony’s PlayStation Vue, then you’re all good, and it will launch for all three on the same day. The outfit also mentions that Showtime (yes, that’s what it’s called) will be the only “premium” offering that broadcasts its live East and West Coast feeds to its users, just like its Anytime apps on various platforms. No matter what device you use, you’ll be asked to cough up $10.99 a month for the privilege of catching the forthcoming Twin Peaks revival. The system is due to launch “early July,” although given that the new seasons of Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex premiere on July 12th, we’re gonna say July 11th is a good guess.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony
Source: CBS
NTT Docomo will launch the Xperia Z4 this Wednesday, June 10
Japanese operator NTT Docomo has just announced that it will launch the Xperia Z4 on Wednesday, June 10, and it will set you back 93,312 Yen ($750). The device will be available to purchase in all four colorways — Black, White, Aqua Green and Copper — from the network’s online portal and its bricks-and-mortar stores.
For those unaware, the Xperia Z4 is a Japan exclusive smartphone. European markets will, however, be receiving an upgraded model of the Xperia Z3, dubbed the Z3+, which will pack identical specifications to the Z4 — a 5.2-inch Full HD display, a Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM and a 20.7-megapixel rear-facing camera.
Are you excited for the launch of Sony’s next-generation smartphone? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Source: XperiaBlog
Come comment on this article: NTT Docomo will launch the Xperia Z4 this Wednesday, June 10
Sony Music chief says Apple’s streaming service arrives ‘tomorrow’
In case there was any doubt that Apple is unveiling its self-branded streaming music service at the Worldwide Developer Conference this week, one loose-lipped executive just let the cat out of the bag. Sony Music CEO Doug Morris told guests at the Midem Music Industry Festival that Apple’s announcement of the Beats-based service is “happening tomorrow” (that is, at the WWDC keynote). He didn’t confirm any rumors surrounding features or pricing, but he believed that Apple’s offering would represent a “tipping point” where streaming hits the mainstream. However popular Spotify may be, it generally doesn’t advertise because it’s “never been profitable,” Morris said — Apple has both the cash to market its service and hundreds of millions of potential subscribers. Whether the exec is realistic or looking through rose-tinted glasses, you’ll know the truth in a matter of hours.
[Image credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images for Apple]
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Apple, Sony
Via: Recode
Source: VentureBeat
Sony UK isn’t shipping your Xperia Z4 Tablet today, new delivery date is the 17th
In a last second change, and we mean that almost literally, Sony has update their product page for the Xperia Z4 Tablet, in short, UK buyers that were hoping to see their new tablet ship out starting today, sorry, not going to happen.
Sony announced their latest flagship Xperia tablet at MWC earlier this year. We all liked the look of the device, touting the latest and greatest of specs and features to come out of the Sony camp. We enjoyed our time with the device as well, dunking it in the supplied water tanks to show off its IP certification and more.
The 10.1-inch tablet is no slouch on the spec sheets either, rocking the Snapdragon 810 SoC, 2K display, 3GB of RAM with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD slot. A 8MP rear shooter is a solid camera sensor for a tablet, and the 5MP front shooter should satisfy your video conferencing needs.
Be sure to check out our first look, hands-on overview of the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet from MWC back in March. Then, hit the Sony product page for the Xperia Z4 Tablet itself.
Back to our point today, Sony previously had this Android powered tablet scheduled for deliveries starting today, June 6th, but, for un-announced reasons, have updated that to a June 17th delivery date. They also boldly use the word ‘expected,’ which I totally understand, but when a last moment update like this occurs once, we wonder the validity of the new date. Hopefully they’ve bought themselves extra time and will start shipping sooner.
Just a reminder, at this time you can only order the 32GB LTE equipped model, which includes the detachable keyboard. And you can only get it in black, the white version is currently not showing as an option. This setup will run you £579.00 and the tablet may be yours by the end of the month.
What do you say, are you eager to drop this kind of cash on Sony’s latest tablet?
This article originally appeared on our partner site TabTimes.
Sony SmartBand 2 SWR12 companion app quickly pulled from Play Store
The SmartBand 2 SWR12 could become available soon, as the companion application for it is was put on the Google Play Store, and as expected, quickly pulled shortly after.
While the new SmartBand is only rumored to have a heart rate sensor with it, the preview pictures of the companion app confirm that one will come along with the new wearable. Further confirmation comes in the form of app screenshots, one saying that the “SmartBand measures your pulse at even rate throughout the day,” right below a BPM monitor.
Interestingly, it seems like the new SmartBand won’t be very compatible with other smartphones but Sony’s Xperia line. The app touts that “functionality may not be optimal when using SmartBand 2 with other smartphones.” In other words, it may work on other smartphones, but performance might be less than optimal. But, when there’s even a question of that, you begin to question the accuracy of statistics displayed. So, it might not even be worth trying on other devices.
The app pushed to the Google Play Store showed version version 1.0.129.
There’s no telling if the SmartBand 2 SWR12 will launch soon or not. This could have been just a minor hiccup, considering that it was promptly pulled from the Play Store. Hopefully we’ll hear some official news on the wearable soon.
source: Xperia Blog
Come comment on this article: Sony SmartBand 2 SWR12 companion app quickly pulled from Play Store
Poke monster heads and solve puzzles in VR with ‘GNOG’ on PS4
GNOG is a weird game from a strange studio, which is probably why it’s attracted the attention of both Sony and Double Fine, the company behind Broken Age and other big-name indie games. GNOG is a colorful, quirky game that turns giant monster heads into puzzle boxes, and it’s coming to PlayStation 4 and the accompanying Morpheus virtual reality headset in 2016, Director Saleem Dabbous announced today. The game is part of Double Fine Presents, an indie support program that includes Gang Beasts, Escape Goat 2 and Last Life, and it’s getting help from Sony’s Pub Fund program, which helps finance games for Sony platforms.
“It’s something we’re incredibly excited to be able to realize, thanks to the Sony Pub Fund program, and we think it’s a game that you’ll really lose yourself in if you’re a fan of puzzles, adventures, cool art and chill music,” Dabbous writes. “We’re also super honored to be part of the Double Fine Presents label and to have the good folks at DF helping us with production support and design feedback.”
GNOG isn’t a one-trick monster-pony: It’s also still heading to Steam (PC, Mac and Linux) and iOS after the PS4 launch. But of course, with Morpheus on PS4, it’s going to be an actual head-turner.
Source: PlayStation Blog
Sony releases SmartBand 2 companion app to the Play Store ahead of official unveiling
Sony’s first generation SmartBand activity tracker was pretty popular amongst the fitness-minded community, so it only makes sense that the company would make a second generation device. Although the new device hasn’t been officially announced, it seems as though we’re getting an early look at the company’s SmartBand 2, thanks to the official companion app launching in the Play Store earlier today.
The Play Store listing has since been taken down, but luckily the folks over at Xperia Blog grabbed a few screenshots while the page was still live. According to the images from the Play Store, the SmartBand 2 SWR12 will come with a heart rate monitor on the underside of the wearable, a feature that was notably missing from the first generation band. One of the screenshots even reads “The SmartBand measures your pulse at an even rate throughout the day”, which further confirms the existence of a heart rate sensor. There’s also a Smart Wake Up mode that will help to wake you up smoothly, rather than jolting you awake like with an alarm clock.
The application also tells us that the SmartBand 2 is optimized for Xperia devices, and that “functionality may not be optimal when using SmartBand 2 with other smartphones”. We still have yet to hear anything official from Sony, but we can’t imagine that the launch is too far off. We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything else regarding the new SmartBand 2.
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