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Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: winter 2014 edition
The tablet landscape is changing rapidly. It's now relatively trivial to find a cheap, full-featured Windows slate, and we've seen a number of smaller models that still manage to pack plenty of power. In light of those shifts, our tablet buyer's guide looks very different this winter. Dell and Nokia are on the list for the first time, and Windows tablets sit shoulder-to-shoulder with their mobile OS rivals. We've even brought back an older Nook that's received a new lease on life thanks to updated software and a significant price cut. Whether you're looking for a productivity machine or just something to watch movies on, we've got a tablet that should fit the bill.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z2 leaks hint at KitKat and an even thinner design (update: more shots)
Sony's Xperia Tablet Z may be too old to justify buying for some of you out there, but don't worry -- it looks like a replacement could be just around the corner. Frequent tipster @evleaks has posted both an image and specs of what's reported to be the Xperia Tablet Z2. The 10.1-inch slate would preserve the waterproof design, 6,000mAh battery and cameras of its 2013 ancestor, but with a much faster 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM and an even thinner 6.4mm (0.25in) body. It would also ship with Android 4.4 KitKat, so you may not be pining for an OS upgrade as soon as you open the box. There's no mention of a ship date in the rumors, but Mobile World Congress is just a week away; we wouldn't be shocked if Sony unveils the Z2 in sunny Barcelona. Update: We've since been tipped off to a series of additional leaked images from @gadgetleaks that show a Z2 variant with a white back. We've included one of the pictures below.
Sony starts rolling out Android 4.3 to the Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z
Sony started delivering Android 4.3 updates to the shiny new Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra last week, and today it's rolling out those improvements to (slightly) older devices. The Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z are all getting both Google's not-quite-newest OS as well as a host of improved Sony apps, including Smart Social Camera and Walkman software. Xperia Tablet Z owners may appreciate the update most of all -- they can implement restricted profiles that give users private settings and storage. Sony hasn't said how long the upgrade will take, but don't be surprised if your Xperia gets a gift of its own this holiday.
Refresh Roundup: week of September 30th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Sony launches Xperia Tablet Z: Kitchen Edition for $650... wait, what?
The Xperia Tablet Z already boasts strong water resistance credentials, but Sony's decided that there's an under-served market of chefs that needs exploiting. That's why the company has launched a "Kitchen Edition" of the slate, aimed at nerds who know what a ramekin is. Unlike the regular version, this bork-tastic device comes with a book-style stand, pre-loaded recipes from Saveur magazine and an iGrill digital wireless meat thermometer. Priced at $650 with 32GB storage, there's no word on if the hardware will double as a chopping board, but given how sturdy Sony's hardware normally is...
Sony ships LTE-equipped Xperia Tablet Z to the US for $629
Sony may be focused on Europe right now, but it still has some news for Americans: the company just launched a variant of the Xperia Tablet Z with unlocked LTE for both AT&T and T-Mobile. The Android device doesn't offer any other advantages over the 16GB WiFi version, although that's not necessarily a bad thing in our books. If you're interested in the 4G model, you can buy it today for $629.
Refresh Roundup: week of August 26th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Refresh Roundup: week of August 5th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: summer 2013 edition
Tablets are virtually tailor-made for our summer vacations, whether we're checking email at the hotel or watching movies during an airport layover. The manufacturers must know this, as there's a surge of new slates set to arrive while the weather's still scorching. Our 2013 summer tablet buyer's guide will help you decide which of these models is worth space in your travel bag. There are also several veteran tablets we recommend, although some of them could be obsolete soon -- we'll let you know when newer devices loom ahead. Whether or not you want the latest hardware, though, our guide should have the tablet you need.
This week on gdgt: MOGA Pro, Xbox One, Xperia Tablet Z
Each week, our friends at gdgt go through the latest gadgets and score them to help you decide which ones to buy. Here are some of their most recent picks. Want more? Visit gdgt anytime to catch up on the latest, and subscribe to gdgt's newsletter to get a weekly roundup in your inbox.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z review: the company's best Android tablet yet
It wasn't all that long ago that every month offered up yet another Android tablet for review. While Samsung is still producing plenty, the output of Google-powered slabs has generally slowed, replaced by a steady stream of Windows 8 / RT hardware often from the very same manufacturers that were once all about Android. Sony continues to be pretty discriminating with its launches, however: until now it's released only three Google-powered tablets. The first was the Tablet S, followed by the clamshell Tablet P and the Xperia Tablet S, which improved on the original with a thinner build and improved specifications. More Info Sony Xperia Tablet Z announced Sony Xperia Tablet Z preview Sony Xperia Z review Then there's this, the Xperia Tablet Z. It arrives with a completely new design, although it should be familiar to anyone who's already seen Sony's Xperia Z smartphone. It features the same "OmniBalance" look, uniform thickness and straight edges. The display's resolution has been bumped up to 1,920 x 1,200, while the tablet runs Android 4.1.2 on a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro, with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage -- all the while weighing in below 18 ounces (1.13 pounds). Like the Sony Xperia Z smartphone, there's also water and dust protection, which makes it a relatively unique property in the tablet market. But priced at $499 and up against the iPad and the pin-sharp Nexus 10, is there enough here to protect itself against the tablet competition? Join us after the break to find out.%Gallery-189465%
Refresh Roundup: week of May 20th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Sony brings Android Open Source Project to Xperia Tablet Z (video)
Sony gifted its flagship Xperia Z smartphone with an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) build just last month, and now the stock operating system has made its way to the device's tablet counterpart, too. AOSP is now available for the Xperia Tablet Z -- it'll live on GitHub, along with instructions and other resources. Community Manager Marcus Hansson dropped by YouTube to demo AOSP. You'll find that Jelly Bean (4.2.2) walkthrough posted after the break, along with a warning to non devs: "The software is not intended for everyday use, and therefore does not include all apps and services usually expected in ordinary software." That could always change in the future, but if you're expecting a seamless stock experience for personal use, you probably won't find it here.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z now up for pre-order, scheduled to ship May 24th (video)
If you've been waiting for the least burdensome tablet you could find, Sony's 17.5 ounce, 6.9mm thick Xperia Tablet Z is now up for pre-order in the US. On top of being the lightest, slimmest 10-inch slate on the market, it's not exactly slumming spec-wise either: there's a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, 2GB RAM, an 8.1-megapixel Exmor R camera, NFC, LTE, S-Force virtual surround sound, 32GB storage and a 10.1-inch 1,920 x 1,200 display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 tech. To round it off, the tab is dust- and water-resistant, and Sony's pre-loaded its TV SideView app, which uses the built-in IR to let you change your TV's channel and get scheduling, recommendations, voice search and IMDB-like info. The downside? We noted that the ambitiously thin design made the device a bit bendy and creaky. You can pre-order at the source ($500 for the 32GB model and $600 for 64GB), or check the video after the break to see how a three-legged dog might use the slate while taking a bath. No, you didn't just misread that.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z passes through the FCC in WiFi trim
Sure, we've seen Sony dissect the Xperia Tablet Z to show its inner workings, but that doesn't get the slate any closer to its spring launch. An FCC approval will, however. The tablet has swung through the US agency in its regular WiFi form, with photos and a user manual removing any doubts as to its nature. While there are no surprises here -- not unless you really, really wanted to know the exact location of the WiFi antenna -- the move should leave just a few formalities between Americans and Sony's extra-thin design.
Sony ruthlessly guts an Xperia Tablet Z for your viewing pleasure (video)
It's not unusual to see products helplessly dismantled by the likes of iFixit and the FCC, but on rare occasions, companies sacrifice their own creations for our twisted enjoyment. This particular teardown is one of those instances, as Sony employed the skills of one "badass engineer" to reduce an Xperia Tablet Z to nothing but parts. There isn't much to learn from the accompanying gadget snuff movie aside from the cold speed at which said badass accomplishes the task -- inside the slate is a bundle of known components held together by a mixture of screws, tape and glue. The clip's narrator specifies the Tablet Z will be available sometime in May, but check out the video below if you'd like to get thoroughly acquainted beforehand. And don't worry about the poor unit's fate. Sony is just as adept at putting things back together.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z with LTE to hit NTT DoCoMo on March 22nd
Sony's major Mobile World Congress product reveal turned out to be the very same slate it had already taken the wraps off of this past January in Japan: the Xperia Tablet Z. Now that the 10-inch Android tablet's been officially announced for global availability, it's time for it to start trickling out to market and (surprise, surprise) Japan's getting first dibs. Starting March 9th, NTT DoCoMo will begin accepting pre-orders for the LTE-enabled tablet (in black or white) with a general launch date set for March 22nd. There doesn't seem to be any indication of pricing as of yet, but we've seen figures that indicate this region-specific Xperia Tablet Z could retail for around ¥85,470 (about $900 USD). If you like what Sony's done with this waterproof, Jelly Bean tablet and you live in the Land of the Rising Sun, well then you know what to do. For everyone else around the globe, there's always the vague promise of a Q2 launch to cling to.
The Engadget Interview: Sony product marketing manager Stephen Sneeden at MWC 2013
After wowing us at CES with the Xperia Z, Sony enticed us at Mobile World Congress with the Xperia Tablet Z. Both devices combine top-notch specs with beautiful industrial design -- pure rectangular forms with a mirror-like finish packaged in thin, light and water-resistant shells. We sat down with product marketing manager Stephen Sneeden in Barcelona to talk about these iconic products. We discussed the "omni-balance" design and the common user experience shared by both devices, which was spearheaded when Kuni Suzuki became Sony Mobile's president and CEO. He explained that some of these design elements will likely be incorporated into future (non-mobile) products and that the both the Xperia Z and Tablet Z are premium, aspirational devices which will become reference points for more affordable models. We then chatted about the Tablet Z's specs, in particular its impressive thickness (6.9mm / 0.27 inches) and best-in-class weight (495g / 0.99lbs). Mr. Sneeden mentioned the TV SideView app, an electronic programming guide with voice activation that's available from the Play Store and takes advantage of the Tablet Z's built-in IR blaster -- he also pointed out that Sony's Music Unlimited and Walkman Player apps will be fully integrated by summer. We touched upon a few other topics, including the Xperia Play and PlayStation Certified program for phones. Check out the full video interview after the break.
Sony Xperia Tablet Z launching globally: 6.9mm thin, quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro and 1,920 x 1,200 display (updated)
Sony's newest tablet, known as the Xperia Tablet Z, launched in Japan last month, but it still hasn't been seen outside of the Far East. Mobile World Congress is the perfect venue to show it off to the entire world, it seems, as it's now expanding to other parts of the globe. As we had hoped, the super-thin Tablet Z doesn't wander off from Japan's variant spec-wise, though this model will offer your choice of 16 or 32GB internal storage, rather than simply the latter. (Sony also announced that a WiFi-only version with 64GB space will come to the US.) Otherwise, it still boasts Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, a quad-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro CPU, 2GB RAM, a 6,000mAh battery, 8.1MP rear camera and 2MP front-facing cam, NFC, PlayStation Certified, four speakers and a 1,920 x 1,200 display. Also, the MWC launch gives us a peek at a few minor details we didn't get in the first go-round: the slate includes MHL, up to 64GB of microSD expansion and DLNA, but oddly we haven't seen any specifics on battery size. And just like its cousin, the Z will come with Jelly Bean installed but Sony promises that 4.2 is on its way, though no ETA was given for the update. Finally, we won't hold back on the pricing and availability, even if we kept you in suspense until the end: the black model will be sold in Sony stores and authorized sellers this May in Q2 2013, and the white model (which only comes in a 32GB flavor) will be exclusive to official company outlets. A 16GB will put you back $499 and 32GB will be $599. If you're up for a deeper look into the tablet, our hands-on is a great place to get started. Update: Sony has changed their tune on the Xperia Z tablet launch date and is only saying now that it's coming in Q2 2013. Show full PR text Sony's New Xperia™ Tablet Z Packs Powerful Specifications into a Slim and Sleek Design The Premium Android™-powered device features the best of Sony technology, entertainment, design and connectivity in the world's thinnest 10.1" tablet SAN DIEGO, February 25, 2013 (12:00 AM PST) – At Mobile World Congress, Sony announced today the launch of the Xperia Tablet Z, a premium 10.1" Android tablet that is also the world's thinnest.* The new device joins Sony's flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z, in offering consumers premium specifications with the best of Sony technology, entertainment, design and connectivity. Premium Tablet Design Xperia Tablet Z is the most premium, high performance 10.1" Android tablet available. Built from quality materials and featuring the same stunning OmniBalance design as the Xperia Z smartphone, Xperia Tablet Z is also the slimmest 10.1" tablet in the world at 6.9 mm* and lightweight at 495 grams. It is the first tablet to run on the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S4 Pro asynchronous quad core processor and has the highest levels of water resistance (IP55 & IP57) ever seen in a tablet, making it immersible in up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. "Xperia Tablet Z sets new standards in entertainment by matching premium specifications and Sony technology with cross-device connectivity and a consistent user-experience," said Kaz Tajima, corporate vice president, head of UX creative design and planning, at Sony Mobile Communications. "Xperia Tablet Z reinforces our intention to be a leading player in the premium Android device market, by building on the principles established by Xperia Z and perfectly optimizing them for the tablet form factor." Integrated Sony Technology Xperia Tablet Z includes the very best of Sony technology. With a 10.1" full-HD Reality Display, powered by Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 2, it delivers enhanced color reproduction for a brilliant TV-like viewing experience. By offering the widest spectrum of color on any tablet, the Xperia Tablet Z provides a vivid, life-like display. It also draws upon Sony's camera expertise with an 8MP HD rear camera featuring the Exmor® R for Mobile image sensor and a 2 MP HD front-facing camera for capturing the best images in any condition, including low light. Sony's S-Force Front Surround 3D provides superior audio performance while Sony's Clear Audio+ mode and the innovative use of two built-in speakers with four 'speaker halls' on the left and right corners help the tablet deliver amazing sound no matter how it is held. Xperia Tablet Z also includes Battery STAMINA mode, Sony's unique battery management technology that can improve standby time. The Xperia Tablet Z also offers a microSD card slot for up to 64GB of expandable storage. Seamless One-touch Connectivity Xperia Tablet Z is available in a WiFi version in the US and includes more connectivity options than any other tablet, placing it at the heart of the connected home experience. It includes Sony's Near Field Communication (NFC) One-Touch functions which allow users to transfer content among compatible devices, including audio, video and images, seamlessly from tablet to TV, tablet to speaker or phone to tablet just by touching them together. One-Touch functions are a key component of Sony's device range this year and no other consumer electronics company today is bringing as many NFC-enabled products to market. The tablet's Universal IR Remote allows users to control their TV and other Sony devices - as well as products from other manufacturers - directly from the tablet. Additionally, TV SideView is a new application, available from the Google Play store, that gives users an entirely new way to interact with the TV: Discover content via the interactive and visual TV guide, change channels, share with your social networks and cross-search other TV application listings like Netflix®, Video Unlimited™ and YouTube™ in your home network for additional content. "The living room continues to be the number one location for tablet usage in the US. Consumers are using their tablet as a second-screen companion while watching TV, which is why we packed the Xperia Tablet Z with more connectivity options than any other tablet on the market," said Phil Lubell, vice president of networked technologies and services at Sony Electronics. "The Xperia Tablet Z makes it easier than ever to connect, share and discover content across all your devices in the home." Sony's Media Applications Sony's signature media applications - Walkman®, Movies and Album - allow users to enjoy, control and view content. The Sony Entertainment Network ecosystem is also integrated into the application experience and includes Music Unlimited™ which provides subscribers with access to 18 million songs and Facebook® social integration, Video Unlimited™ with access to over 100,000 movies and TV series and PlayStation® Mobile. Xperia Tablet Z Accessories Xperia Tablet Z will launch with a number of accessories including a Cradle, an LCD Screen Protector and a Leather Carrying Cover that comes in Black, White or Red. These will be available from Sony stores and registered retailers. Xperia Tablet Z will launch on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and is upgradable to 4.2 after launch for the latest Android user experience. Key features for Xperia Tablet Z 10.1-inch Full HD 1920 x 1200p Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 The world's thinnest 10.1-inch tablet at 6.9mm and lightweight at 495 grams Dust and water resistant (IP55 & IP57) with a durable glass front display Built-in universal IR remote control can control Sony and other manufacturers' consumer electronic devices Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 1.5 GHz asynchronous quad-core CPU and 2 GB RAM One-Touch connectivity with Near Field Communication (NFC) A unique OmniBalance design with subtly rounded edges and smooth reflective surfaces 8 MP rear camera featuring Exmor R for Mobile and Superior Auto plus 2MP HD front camera Battery STAMINA mode further improves the standby time S-Force Front Surround 3D provides realistic surround sound using two speakers Availability and Pricing The Xperia Tablet Z is available in black in a 16 GB and 32 GB version and will be sold at Sony Stores, including online, and other authorized dealers nationwide for about $499 and $599 respectively this Spring. A white 32 GB version will be available exclusively at Sony Stores, including online.
The Daily Roundup for 01.21.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
