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We'll be live from Sony's MWC 2014 press event tomorrow at 2AM EST!
If history is any indication, then we have a sneaking suspicion Sony could be using this year's Mobile World Congress as a showcase for its next, great Xperia Tablet. More specifically, it could be this fella right here, the Xperia Tablet Z2 -- a minor spec update to its waterproof, "omnibalanced" Android slate. But that might not be the only Xperia flagship waiting in the wings here in Barcelona. Recent leaks have us fairly convinced Sony's planning yet another Zed Part Deux debut, but this time it's for the company's rumored Xperia Z2 smartphone. Lucky you, we'll be live at Sony's MWC press event to report on the news as it unfolds and count how many times Kaz says, "Wow!" So make sure to tune in here tomorrow at 2AM EST / 8AM CET to catch your (Xperia) Zzzs. February 24, 2014 2:30:00 AM EST
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.
Leak looks like the Xperia G, Sony's newest midrange phone
Sony's not really been his bag before, but ViziLeaks appears to have gotten hands on with one of the company's phones before its official debut at Mobile World Congress. Two photos are claimed to show portions of the Xperia G, and were tweeted out along with some nebulous specs: LTE, 8GB of storage, an 8-megapixel camera and a gig of RAM, plus a 4.8-inch screen. Those internals, if accurate (we've asked for screenshots to confirm them) would position the G as a mid-range handset with a slightly smaller size and similar design as the Xperia Z1S laying on top of it. Unfortunately, the pictures themselves are less than helpful in telling us much else about the device, though astute readers will note the different camera and power button placement between the sibling handsets. For those who aren't familiar with ViziLeaks' work, it was proven prophetic in the summer of 2013 on multiple occasions. Those leaks, of course, were all about Nokia's Lumia 1020, but with MWC 2014 set to start in a week, we'll know soon enough if Vizileaks is just as prescient about the Xperia G.
Sony to close Reader store and move users to Kobo's e-book platform in 'late March'
With its eye firmly fixed on a return to profitability, Sony's been making extensive cuts to its business arms in recent days (bye bye, VAIO!). So it's no surprise the company would train that cost-cutting eye onto another underperforming unit -- its e-reader business. Sony announced today that it'll be shuttering its Reader store in the US and Canada come "late March" and that all Reader accounts (including library content) would be moved to Kobo's platform during that time. Existing users shouldn't have much to worry about though, as Sony claims the "migration process" should be painless and that it'll issue a how-to email to walk users through it. The deal will also see Kobo's app pre-installed on select Xperia devices, which should give Kobo a significant boost in audience reach. That's assuming consumers start buying Xperias in bulk. Update: Sony contacted us to clarify that the Kobo app will only come pre-loaded on select Xperia devices.
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact review: a good thing in a small(ish) package
Last year, Sony finally reached the end of the alphabet with its Xperia Z. It wasn't just that the company ran out of letters, though: With the Xperia Z, we saw Sony streamline its scattered phone strategy, piping all its attention into a single high-end device. Then, it followed up with the Z1, which brought a massive 20.7-megapixel camera. Today, we once again have a new phone to talk about, except it's perhaps not the device you might have been expecting. Nope, this isn't a Z2, and no it doesn't bring an even higher-resolution camera. Instead, Sony's joining the small-flagship club, with the Xperia Z1 Compact. Interestingly, unlike some of its rivals, Sony is promising that you won't have to compromise on features for the sake of a more pocket-friendly handset. At £440 SIM-free in the UK, that apparently includes a no-compromise price, too. By the looks of it, though, Sony has worked hard to stick with the same specs as the original -- bar, of course, the screen size. So, is this finally proof that "mini" doesn't have to mean mediocre? We put it to the test to find out.
Sony's Xperia Z Ultra gets WiFi-only 'tablet' option, launches in Japan this week
Dropping its radios for cell service and turning itself into a tablet... The 6.4-inch Xperia Z Ultra may be big enough to pull it off, but are you willing to pay just under $500 (52,000 yen) for the pleasure? Sony hopes you will. It's a Japan-only deal for now (neatly tying in with KDDI's own 4G-capable Z Ultra, also announced today), but we could imagine it filling tablets shelves at your nearest electronics store. If Sony tells us anything more, we'll let you know.
Leaked software suggests Sony's next flagship phone will record 4K video
With shots of a new Sony smartphone surfacing ahead of a possible reveal at next month's Mobile World Congress, we guessed it wouldn't be long until we laid eyes on the software powering it. XperiaBlog got its hands on an Android 4.4.2 KitKat build for the Xperia D6503 (rumored codename Sirius), providing us with an overview of the new UI and a list of possible features coming to Sony's next Android flagship. The headline-grabbing tweaks include options to record 4K and high frame-rate video, utilize Smart backlight controls (similar to Samsung's Smart stay feature), two home launchers for better accessibility, advanced call handling options and a new built-in answering machine. Head over to XperiaBlog for the complete lowdown on the KitKat-centric features expected to make their debut in Sony's Z1 successor and possibly other high-end handsets in the Xperia range.
Sony grows its Xperia line by two with the 6-inch T2 Ultra and Walkman-centric E1
You'd think a company that very recently announced two new flagship smartphones at CES would slow its roll and hold off on the product announcements for a bit. But no, Sony's introducing two more handsets to the mix with the Xperia T2 Ultra and Xperia E1, albeit for very specific markets. Neither the T2 Ultra, which gains its 'Ultra' distinction by virtue of a 6-inch, 720p display, nor the diminutive 4-inch E1, with its 100Db speaker and focus on music, are going after the early adopter crowd. Instead, Sony's crafted these devices for those with less champagne tastes; the T2 Ultra's aimed at "emerging markets", while the E1's a mid-tier take on Sony's Walkman legacy. And both arrive with dual SIM variants.
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Sony Xperia Z1S: a waterproof flagship exclusive to T-Mobile (hands-on)
For the past two years, Sony Mobile could be counted on to introduce new Xperia smartphone lines at CES -- the S and Z, specifically. Not so this year, as the company's instead offering twists on previously announced hardware, which, for the US market, results in the Xperia Z1S for T-Mobile. If you followed our IFA coverage from last summer, you'll be familiar with what Sony and exclusive US partner T-Mobile have to offer. The Xperia Z1S, set for release January 22nd at $528 outright or $22/mo, retains much of its Z1 counterpart's spec load -- 5-inch, 1080p Triluminos display, Snapdragon 800, 3,000mAh battery and 20.7-megapixel camera -- albeit with some notable upgrades.
Sony Xperia Z1 comes to China Mobile with more memory and minor hardware changes
Three months after the launch of the Sony Xperia Z1, the flagship smartphone is coming to China Mobile -- but the handset as we currently know it isn't making the trip. This particular device (shown above) boasts nearly all of the same features and specs -- 5-inch 1080p Triluminous display, 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800, 2GB RAM, 20MP camera and 3,000mAh battery, for starters -- but the new model, also referred to as the L39t, has been bumped up to 32GB internal storage (up from 16GB in the international model) and now offers TD-LTE and TD-SCDMA/GSM support for carrier compatibility. Additionally, the sides are now reportedly made of plastic instead of metal and the headphone jack is centered. These are minor differences, but the new Z1 looks very similar to the T-Mobile version first leaked by @evleaks in October, which means it's quite possible we'll see more of this design in Vegas next month. If the T39t is right up your alley, get ready to pay up: it's 4,499 yuan ($724).
Jimmy Kimmel gives a 5-year-old a Sony tablet and the result is adorable
Arden Hayes is 5 years old. This past July he made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's show to show off his incredible knowledge of the US presidents. He's adorable and precocious, so naturally they had him on the show again. After showing off all the things his recently learned about world geography, Kimmel gifted the lad a globe and a tablet... namely the Sony Xperia. Arden's response was golden. Kids say the darnedest things, regardless of what the sponsors want.
Future Sony smartphones could recharge wirelessly in just an hour
Yes, it's futuristic, but that ponderous trickle of energy from base station to device isn't great for impatient types. Sony, however, thinks that it's solved the problem of slow wireless charging with its latest invention. The new unit, based on a forthcoming version of the Qi standard, promises to pump 10 to 15 watts of energy into your device -- theoretically cutting charging times down to just an hour. While so much power would normally cause your smartphone to overheat and combust, chip and power company Rohm promises that its new control chips can handle the temperature issues. Unfortunately, we won't be seeing this hardware turn up in Xperia phones until the second half of 2014, but at least that means we've got some time to recycle all of our cables.
Engadget UK Giveaway: win a Sony Xperia Z1 courtesy of Expansys
You know what's better than the latest Sony Xperia Z1? A free Sony Xperia Z1, and that could be exactly what one of you lucky readers in the UK will be receiving -- courtesy of Expansys. What do you have to do to stand a chance of bagging the photo-friendly waterproof phone for yourself? Simply head to the competition widget past the break and take your pick of entry options.
This could be Sony's Xperia Z1 'mini': a 20.7-megapixel camera and Snapdragon 800 in a 4.3-inch package
Now this is what we'd call bucking the trend: a leaked document obtained by Xperia Blog, allegedly pertaining to Japanese operator NTT DoCoMo, outs a new Sony device that looks to be a mini Xperia Z1. That Sony would be quick to jump on the mobile industry's popular 'mini' craze is unsurprising, but what does seem peculiar is how the company's approaching the specifications of this 4.3-inch Xperia Z1 f. Instead of just retaining the name and shrinking the Triluminos display down (here, it's 720p) while lessening the spec load, it appears Sony's porting over both the 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor and the 20.7-megapixel camera of the Z1. If true, that would explain the Z1 f's increased thickness, making this Honami mini a near-equal to its flagship namesake. Its more pocketable screen size could also help attract customers (especially those with smaller hands) that would otherwise shun a 5-inch device. What's more, the Z1 f looks to be taking a page out of the industry's prized color book (see: Apple, Nokia) and could be available in bright pink and neon yellow, in addition to the traditional black and white. Of course, colorful phones are nothing out of the ordinary for Sony's home market and it's possible this variant could be Japan-only. Only time will tell if the Z1 f is more than a clever work of digital smoke and mirrors, but based on what we're seeing, we sure hope it isn't.
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's Xperia M out now and unlocked for $250
If you've been waiting with bated breath to buy Sony's Xperia M, it's time to exhale. An unlocked handset in black or white will set you back $250 from Newegg and the Sony Store, though the latter also has a yellow option. However, you're out of luck if you had your hopes up for a purple smartphone -- it's only available directly from Sony, and Xperia Blog noticed it's temporarily out of stock. Worried you might go extinct before the Barney-hued phone is available? Samsung has something aubergine to tempt you away.
Daily Roundup: LG G2 review, Lumia 625 review, Sony's new PS Vita, and more!
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.
Daily Roundup: hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 3, the Sony Xperia Z1, and more!
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.
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.
Sony Xperia Z1 smartphone announced: 20.7-megapixel camera in a unibody aluminum shell
Sony's Xperia Z1, the phone formerly known as Honami, has finally been revealed to the world here at IFA 2013. As expected, the phone is fully focused on imaging capabilities, with a G lens, 20.7-megapixel camera nestled in the back of a one piece aluminum frame and waterproof tempered glass on the front. That camera is more than just the sum of its megapixels, however, as it also has some software to improve picture-taking. First, there's an Info-Eye feature that gives users contextual information about what you're shooting using augmented reality. There's also a Time Shift Burst mode that can shoot up to 61 images in just two seconds. And, all that imaging output is automatically sorted, categorized and kept in the cloud through PlayMemories Online -- and storage is unlimited for folks in the US and most of Europe. Beneath that tempered glass is a 5-inch 1080p Triluminous display, and the whole phone is powered by a Snapdragon 800 SoC. Additionally, mobile photogs have the option of adding on the QX10 and QX100 external lenses to give the Z1 some serious optical zoom. The phone itself is set to launch this month, and those buying in Germany will get around 100 euros of content for free with the phone, and every device will come with a pass to see the movie Elysium, too. Of course, we still don't know how much the Z1 or its lens attachments will cost, but you can check out our hands-on to find out just how much you'd be willing to spend on one. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
