Sony confirms Android Lollipop update will be released only for Xperia Z series smartphones

Users of Sony's Xperia Z series smartphones are in for a treat, as the Japan-based technology giant has revealed that the Android 5.0 (Lollipop) update will be released only for that series.

Replying to a query posted by an Xperia smartphone user, Sony tweeted that the Android Lollipop will be officially rolled out only for the Xperia Z series handsets, and not for other Sony smartphones.

The smartphone maker also apologised to other Sony smartphones users, notably the Xperia E and Xperia M series, as these users would not receive the Android Lollipop update.

Sony's latest update adds meat to earlier reports that indicated an impending Android Lollipop launch for the entire Xperia Z smartphone family.

Read more...

Sony Xperia Z4 release date in March; Specs include 5.5 inch screen display

The release date for Sony Xperia Z4 is speculated to happen in March and the device will be introduced at the Mobile World Congress.

Next year's tech event will be held on March 2 to 5, 2015. The company will most likely follow its previous release date timeline. Sony launched the Xperia Z2 at this year's MWC. The Sony Xperia Z3 was released just last September. Sony is notorious for updating its Xperia Z line every six months.

However, new reports claimed that the Japanese manufacturer realized that there is no need to update the smartphone in a very short span as it makes the consumers anticipate less for the newest smartphones thinking that they can always get the new smartphone in six months.

Read more...

Sony offers Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact with £30 off and a free case in the UK

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact has not even hit the shelves, yet you can already snag one with a sweet discount. Sony UK is already offering the IP68 certified compact slate on pre-order with £30 off and a case for 1p in the United Kingdom.

The promo brings the price of the entry-level Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact with 16GB of built-in memory below £300. The slate and the original case with a kickstand cost £299.01.

Read more...

E3 2014: Live updates as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo reveal big new games in LA

By far the most hilarious announcement from the Xbox conference was this, from Capcom.

It's a new downloadable add-on for Dead Rising 3 bringing classic Capcom costumes and arcade style gameplay to the already delightful zombie splatterfest.

Of course in an homage to the ridiculous titles afforded to Street Fighter games over the years, it's called Super Ultra Dead Rising 3 Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX plus Alpha.

Boom-shaka-likey.

The big surprise at the end of Sony's press conference on Tuesday morning was a trailer for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End.

The cinematic trailer didn't give much away, but developers Naughty Dog have revealed a few details about the game's story.

They said: "The next generation of Nathan Drake will explore what it means when Drake is forced back into the world of thieves. He will embark on a globe-trotting journey in pursuit of a historical conspiracy behind a fabled pirate treasure. It’s his greatest adventure yet and will test his physical limits, his resolve, and ultimately what he’s willing to sacrifice to save the ones he loves.

Read more...

Sony Brings Wireless Charging to Xperia Z2 Flagship With New Kit

While Sony did not announce the wireless charging feature while launching the Xperia Z2 smartphone at MWC, it has now unveiled the wireless charging solution for it.

Sony's wireless charging kit includes two components, namely Sony Wireless Charging Cover WCR12 and Sony Wireless Charging Plate WCH10. While the Wireless Charging Cover WCR12 is a Qi certified cover case for the smartphone, the Wireless Charging Plate WCH10 acts as the base on which the Xperia Z2 (Review | Pictures) with the cover can be kept and charged.

Read more...

Sony: A Walkman in an iPad age

Sony's latest bid to halt years of losses and resuscitate its brand has provoked snorts of derision among analysts who say it falls a long way short. 

The criticism came after Sony president Kazuo Hirai on Thursday pledged to drag the electronics giant out of a painful restructuring in the current fiscal year and pointed to ultra-high-definition technology as a possible saviour for its money-losing TV unit.

Hirai, appointed in 2012 to revive a company mired in losses, has centred his attention on shaking up a troubled consumer electronics business, including the television unit, which alone has lost about 790 billion yen (252 billion baht) over the past decade.

Read more...

Sony Xperia Z2 now available at Bell for $179.95

Sony’s latest flagship has been unleashed on the world today, or at least on Canadians, as a carrier exclusive at Bell. The device, which sports a 5.2-inch 1080p display and a 2.3Ghz quad-core Snapdragon 801 SoC, has been hailed for its tremendous build quality, waterproof capabilities and excellent camera, much of which we agreed with in our review.

As a Bell exclusive (until it is available, unlocked and unsubsidized, in Sony Stores early next month), customers get access to a number of services including Bell TV and an upcoming mobile wallet feature, as well as many Sony bonuses like eight PS Mobile games, six free movies and a download of Michael Jackson’s new album, XSCAPE.

Read more...

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Sony Xperia Z2 vs HTC One M8

Over the last few weeks Samsung has launched its Galaxy S5, Sony has revealed its Xperia Z2, and HTC has released the One M8. Each of these top flight handsets has its own plus points, and the uniting factor is that they are all vying for your attention if you want to be at the cutting edge right now.

Of course, that will change soon enough. We’re hearing about a possible HTC Prime, and Sony has recently started launching a second flagship handset in the latter part of the year. And other makers will come along with new top of the range phones, too. But for now, those who are after the very best phone they can get have a three way choice. So, is there an obvious best or an obvious worst phone among this trio? Let’s find out.

Read more...

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs new HTC One (M8) vs Sony Xperia Z2 comparison review: what is the best new Android smartphone of 2014?

HTC, Samsung and Sony have each unveiled their flagship smartphones for 2014 in the One M8, Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z2 respectively. With three brand-new and very stylish Android handsets on the market, which should you buy? We compare the Samsung Galaxy S5, New HTC One (M8) 2014 and Sony Xperia Z2 spec for spec to find out. See HTC One M7 vs new HTC One M8 smartphone comparison review.

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs new HTC One (M8) vs Sony Xperia Z2: Pricing and UK availability

All three phones are set to become available in April, with the Samsung Galaxy S5 launching on 11 April and the Sony Xperia Z2 on 14 April. When HTC announced its One M8 on 25 March it simply said it would be available "shortly after". Right now you can pre-order the Sony Xperia Z2 for £599, and Amazon UK is listing the Samsung Galaxy S5 at £548 (but with an RRP of £599 matching that of the Z2). Our money is on the HTC One M8 costing around the same price at launch, but no doubt all three smartphones will come down some £50- to £100 within a couple of months, and you'll be able to pick them up much more cheaply (relatively speaking) on a contract. See also: 18 best smartphones: The best phone you can buy in 2014.

Read more...

Sony Santa Monica hit with layoffs

Sony Computer Entertainment Santa Monica Studio, the developer behind the God of War franchise, was hit with layoffs today, a representative from Sony Computer Entertainment America confirmed to Polygon.

"SCEA can confirm that we have completed a reduction in workforce at Santa Monica Studio," an SCEA statement reads. "This is a result of a cycle of resource re-alignment against priority growth areas within SCE [Worldwide Studios]. We do not take these decisions lightly. However, sometimes it is necessary to make changes to better serve the future projects of the studio. We have offered outplacement services and severance packages to ease transition for those impacted."

SCE Santa Monica is part of Sony's global network of development studios, which also includes SCE Japan Studio, SCE London Studio as well as Uncharted and The Last of Us developer Naughty Dog and LittleBigPlanet and Tearawaydeveloper Media Molecule.

Read more...

Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review

The size of smartphones has been following an inexorable upward curve in recent times, but Sony is bucking the trend with the Xperia Z1 Compact. It's a smartphone with top spec components, but squeezed into a smaller chassis with a 4.3in display.

It's certainly easier to slide into a tight jeans pocket than, say, a Samsung Galaxy S4 or Nexus 5, but it isn't quite as light or thin as you might expect. It weighs a rather porky 134g, and measures 9.6mm from front to back, which makes it a good deal chunkier than the super svelte Apple iPhone 5s.

 Read more...

Sony Xperia Z2 tablet tipped to sport a 10.1-inch display, 6.4mm thin, run KitKat

Sony came out blazing in 2011 and joined many other manufacturers by launching a couple of tablets. The Xperia S and Xperia P hit the market with a teardrop design only to be left with minimal appreciation. Sony went back to the drawing board and shifted their tablet design to mirror its smartphones. The impressively thin Xperia Tablet Z was available to Canadians last year and added some improved specs and class.

Read more...

Update Your Sony Xperia Z with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Owners of Sony Xperia Z can now update their devices to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. According to KYMI, users can now enjoy the features of Android 4.3 should they install the firmware. Xperia Z owners need to fulfill several requirements and follow specific instructions to make sure everything goes smoothly. 

Sony has begun rolling out the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update to its newer set of devices including the Xperia Z1 flagship and the Xperia Z ultra phablet. According to experts, with the news of Sony rolling out the update to its flagship devices, it should be just a matter of time before Xperia Z users can upgrade their devices. 

Updating the Xperia Z smartphone to Android 4.3 is easy. The process requires a number of steps that users must stick to. The update should be ready for the device OTA. Once users have access to such, they can begin the process. It is advised to check notifications from time to time.

Read more...

Android v4.3 Jelly Bean Update Released to Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z

Japanese consumer electronics giant, Sony has begun the rolling out theAndroid v4.3 Jelly Bean OS update to a handful of Xperia devices globally, including India.

Sony on its official blog site said: "The next Sony software rollout for Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z officially starts right about now*..."

The new Android v4.3 OS (build number: 10.4.B.0.569) update has been made available via OTA (Over-The-Air).Users can manually download firmware through PC using Sony suite - PC Companion (for Windows users) and Bridge(for Apple Mac users)

Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z owners can check-out their devices for OTA update (Wi-Fi connection recommended):

Read more...

Canadians covet Sony’s PlayStation 4 over Microsoft’s Xbox One: IDC

As the battle for supremacy among next generation game consoles kicks into high gear, holiday shoppers in Canada appear to be more interested in purchasing Sony’s new PlayStation 4 than Microsoft’s competing Xbox One, according to new IDC Canada research published today.

Roughly 6% of Canadians sampled say they “definitely” plan to buy a PlayStation 4 for Christmas, according to Krista Napier, the firm’s research manager for mobility & consumer products, versus 4% who said they plan on buying the the Xbox One.

However, that gap is much larger among males aged 18-29, with 13% “definitely” planning to buy a PlayStation, while only 3% have put the Xbox One on their shopping lists.

Read more...

Sony offers keen PS4 players early access

JAPANESE ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY Sony is offering some people who might want to stay up late, and go to its Playstation 4 (PS4) lounge the chance to buy a console a little early.

Sony cautioned that pre-orders are selling out, and added that its PS4 Lounge in London might be the best place on launch night to ensure your hands hit hardware.

The firm will appear along with high street retailer Game in Covent Garden this Thursday, 28 November with a supply of PS4 games consoles.

It said that all launch day pre-orders are sold out and have been since August, and if people still want one then they have one final option. The London based PS4s will be available on a first come first served basis, so perhaps you might be wise to get there early.

Read more...

Sony issues PSN password reset notice following 'irregular activity'

Sony has issued a password reset message today for PlayStation Network accounts after reports of suspicious activity, according to a moderator post on the PlayStation Community forums.

"We routinely monitor for irregular activity, and if such activity is detected, we may sometimes reset passwords of affected SEN accounts to protect consumers and their account information," the post states.

Read more...

Sony Support Pages Point to Android 4.4 Update for Xperia SP

It’s been almost a month since Google first released Android 4.4 KitKat and manufacturers are slowly revealing which devices will be getting the updates, and unfortunately which ones will be left to chug along on older versions of Android. Earlier this month, Sony revealed the‘first raft’ of devices scheduled for Android 4.4 updates and now the company’s support pages have confirmed that the Xperia SP is also in line for an update.

Sony’s support pages state the Xperia SP will get Android 4.4 in a ‘future update.’ The Xperia SP launched in Canada this past summer on Rogers, Fido and Virgin (and later Bell) with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Jelly Bean was already a year old when the SP launched but the phone still hasn’t seen 4.2 or 4.3. Sony’s support pages suggest the Xperia SP will get 4.3 this year and 4.4 next year.

Read more...

Sony to remain PGA Tour title sponsor in Hawaii for 4 more years

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Sony Corp. has extended its title sponsorship of the PGA Tour event on Oahu for another four years.

The new agreement starts after the Sony Open is completed Jan. 12 at Waialae Country Club. Sony's commitment through 2018 will mark 20 years of sponsorship.

Read more...

Sony Xperia Z1, Z Ultra, Tablet Z free games, movies offer

There’s good news today for owners of the Sony Xperia Z1, Z Ultra or Tablet Z as Sony has launched a promotion offering free PlayStation mobile games and also movies. However, the devices concerned vary according to region so read on for more.

If you are in the US this offer applies for the Sony Xperia Z1 and Xperia Tablet Z. However, if you are in the UK, Australia, Canada France, Germany, Italy or Spain the offer concerns both of the above devices as well as the Sony Xperia Z Ultra.

Read more...