Sony Xperia Z3, Z2, Z1 already running Android 5.0 ASOP version

Google’s Android 5.0 Lollipop is freshly out and many manufacturers are preparing to update it on their handsets. Sony plans to make its Android L upgrade available to all the members of its Xperia Z series from early 2015. Sony has now announced that the Android 5.0 Lollipop’s ASOP (Android Open Source Project) version is already running on its Xperia Z3, Z2 and Z1 handsets.

The company has informed this on its Twitter account:

Open Source Project for Android 5.0; Lollipop now running for #XperiaZ1, #XperiaZ2 & #XperiaZ3: http://t.co/CW8dL8UjQx

— Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) November 7, 2014

 

The ASOP version is not intended for daily use by the users but it is for developers who can use it as a base to develop their own custom version of Android. Sony has released a video in which we can see the Android 5.0 ASOP ROMs running on Xperia Z3, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z1 devices. Sony will soon provide the necessary Android 5.0 binary files to developers so that they can make their own Android 5.0 ROMs for their unlocked Xperia devices. AOSP device configurations are already available for Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z2 on  Sonyxperiadev GitHub, and will be provided “soon” for Xperia Z3.  

You can see the video of Android 5.0 lollipop ASOP running on all the three Xperia flagship devices:

 

 

Sony is also giving an opportunity to some users of Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact to test their Android 5.0 Lollipop Beta version. The pilot program 3Beta is currently available in Sweden with the carrier “3”. The company wants to get feedback from users before they begin to commercially roll out Android Lollipop next year.      

AOSP’ing & beta testing #Android Lollipop; 5.0… http://t.co/7aPhWTSPjF pic.twitter.com/eGB7nuXWUO — Sony Xperia News (@SonyMobileNews) November 6, 2014

 

Source: Sony Blog, Sony Developer Blog

Sony Xperia Z3, Z2, Z1 already running Android 5.0 ASOP version

Sony Xperia Z3 Specs: TENNA Reveals All

As for the latest Sony Xperia Z3 news, TENAA has certified the upcoming Sony phone and now we have all the specifications of it in our hands. Still, there are not much upgraded specs over the previous Xperia Z2.

The Sony Xperia Z3 will have 5.2″ IPS LCD with the resolution of 1080p. The phone is although smaller marginally. The current Xperia model, that is Z2, measures 146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm whereas the upcoming Sony phone is 146.5 x 72.4 x 7.4 mm. The new phone has 158g whereas the older one weighs 163g and bezels remain same.

The chipset has received an important change and got the AC version of Snapdragon 801 with 2.5GHz CPU; the previous phone has 2.3GHz. RAM of the phone is also same that is 3GB. The storage of the phone is 16GB and for additional storage, it has microSD card slot.

The 20.7MP camera of Sony is repeated again for the third time in this phone. The front camera is of 2-megapixel with 1080p.

As the replacement of Purple, Amber has been introduced as the new color. No new design can be seen as shown in the photos.

TENAA specs don’t show the IP rating. The Xperia Z2 has IP58, and the best Sony can do is to take it to the IP68 so there is not much to improve in it.

The new Sony Xperia Z3 features will be announced on IFA presentation of the company which will take place on September 3.

Sony Xperia Z3 Specs: TENNA Reveals All

Latest Update On Sony Xperia Z3, Leaks Confirm Z2 Matching Specs

The Sony’s Xperia Z3 is an ongoing hot topic with several leaks and updates relating its design and specs in the past. It is already confirmed that Sony will be presenting its latest flagship in September at the annual IFA expo, like it has done previously.

The latest addition to the news about Sony D6603 or its respective name Xperia Z3 put light on the specifications of the phone.

It was confirmed from an entry in the GFXBench benchmark database, not only the score Xperia Z3 achieved, but also its specifications.

What was found out from the database was that Xperia Z3 resembled very much with Xperia Z2 when compared with the hardware. It may have 5.1-inch 1080p screen, Snapdragon 801 chipset, 3GB of RAM and 20 megapixel rear camera.

Still a lot is not known about the device like what new features will it come with and what makes it different from the previous phone.

Previously it was reported from various sources about the design of the Xperia Z3. While the source are not confirmed to be correct, regardless of that, the photos leaked on a website showed that Xperia Z3 is designed with a metal frame with PVD coating. With that one can predict that Z3 will come with more resistance against accidental damage. The new phone also rumored to be thinner than the previous models.

While the design is one important factor of the phone, people are also curious to know about the price of the phone. Whatever the question the customers may have, we have to wait until the launch of the phone to end the rumor section.

Latest Update On Sony Xperia Z3, Leaks Confirm Z2 Matching Specs

A bunch of alleged Sony Xperia Z3 photos leaked again!

Romors and leaks about Sony Xperia Z3 keep surfacing time and again. With the IFA 2014 approaching, their frequency has increased. This time more photos alleged to be those of Xperia Z3 have leaked showing its front and back panels, its sides and the flaps covering various slots and ports as well as its rear camera.

It is interesting to note that some of these pics have already been leaked but were said to be those of the Xperia Z3 Compact. However, there were doubts even then as they were different from the earlier leaked photos of the Xperia Z3 Compact. So it is more probable that the new leaked photos are really those of Sony’s upcoming flagship Xperia Z3. Only time will tell.

Anyways, let’s have a look at Sony Xperia Z3’s latest leaked pics:

 

The Xperia Z3 looks similar to the Xperia Z2 in outward appearance. A flap covers the USB port and another flap covers the microSD card slot and the SIM card slot. There are Pogo pins for charging. The pics show stereo speakers at the front and a camera at the back. The camera has a G Lens and an LED flash. There is a label showing XX.X MP, so the camera might be 20.7 MP which the leaked Xperia Z3 specs also say. This is only a partial photo of the device so the position of the power button cannot be seen. Also, no dimensions are mentioned so the screen size cannot be ascertained.

Sony has organized a press event on 3rd September regarding IFA 2014 to be held in Berlin and the company will most likely unveil its next flagship smartphone the Xperia Z3 at the time. The suspense will be out then and all the speculations will be put to rest.

A bunch of alleged Sony Xperia Z3 photos leaked again!

Sony Xperia Z2 gets firmware update with improved voice call quality and performance

Sony has rolled out a software update for its flagship smartphone, the Xperia Z2. This update is available globally for all models of Xperia Z2 with the Android 4.4 Kitkat version. The update has the firmware build number 17.1.2.A.0.314 and it is being rolled out in a phased manner.

The update contains many improvements and most important among these is the better voice call quality. Other upgrades include enhanced performance in various functions such as efficient charging of low battery, better touch function and some bug fixes.  Xperia Z2 users seem happy with the updates especially the ‘double tap to wake’, ‘hearing the call more clearly’, ‘more responsiveness’ etc.

The list of improvements given by Sony is as under:

• Enhanced voice call quality


• Improved touch function and performance


• Charging improved when battery is low


• Overall performance and stability improved


• And all of the latest bug fixes and improvements

 

The updates are being released in stages depending on the operator and country. Sony has not given any specific date as to when the update will become available for any particular device.

However, if you want to install the updates you can do so directly via PC by connecting your Xperia Z2 to it by a USB data cable and downloading it through Sony’s PC Companion.

Sony Xperia Z2 gets firmware update with improved voice call quality and performance

New images of Sony Xperia Z3 leaked, give a detailed view from all sides

A series of Sony Xperia Z3 images have been leaked. The photos give a clearer picture about what the Xperia Z3 would be like when it finally emerges. The pics give us the front view, the back view and the side views of the upcoming handset very clearly. As such the Sony Xperia Z3 seems be somewhat similar in design to its predecessor, the Xperia Z2.

The leaked pictures of XperiaZ3 have been taken from many different angles and the handset appears a little curved at the sides. Perhaps Sony has taken cognizance of user complaints that the existing Xperia Z1 and Z2 handsets which have a flat design, do not fit comfortably in the hand. There are certain other minor changes like the position of the speaker which has been moved towards the left side. Stereo speakers like the ones in Z2 cannot be seen in these Xperia Z3 images indicating that they might be absent in this device.

On the left and right sides of the device are the magnetic connector, micro SD, micro SIM and micro USB ports with flaps. The top of the device has an open 3.5mm headphone jack and a camera button. The camera on board is the 20.7 MP with Exmor RS sensor and G-lens.

Can’t really say whether these leaks are genuine. What do you think? Let us know. Anyways, the picture will be clear in a couple of months at the most within which time the Sony Xperia Z3 is expected to be unveiled.

Following are the images taken from the Digi-Wo, the source of the leaks:

New images of Sony Xperia Z3 leaked, give a detailed view from all sides

Alleged images of Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact leaked

Leaked images of Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact have surfaced online. They first appeared on the Chinese website Digi-wo which is a reliable leaker of Sony smartphones. These seem to be the photos of the front panels of the Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact.

We have seen that Sony is in the habit of introducing one flagship smartphone from the Xperia family every half year. It introduced its Xperia Z in the first half of 2013 (January), the Xperia Z1 in the second half of 2013 (September) and finally the Xperia Z2 in the first half of 2014 (February). Now everyone is waiting for Sony to announce its next Xperia flagship at the IFA in September this year or somewhere around that time.

The above image allegedly shows the photo of a white Sony Xperia Z3 and lying alongside it is the black Xperia Z3 Compact. The frames seem to be made of metal and have thinner side bezels giving them a sleeker appearance. However, the top and bottom portions are broader. Nothing much else is known about the appearance of both the phones.

As for specs, the Xperia Z3 is rumored to have a 1080p resolution touch screen, a Snapdragon 805 processor, 3 GB RAM and a 20.7 MP camera. However, another rumor suggests that Sony will go with the existing Snapdragon 801 this time.

Anyways, the Sony Xperia Z3 will be the successor to the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 Compact will be the successor to Xperia Z1 Compact. And if Sony is really planning to unveil both at the IFA in Berlin, the event is just a couple of months away. Till then, the rumors and leaks will continue to appear building up the excitement up to the time of their actual release.

So folks stay with us, we’ll continue to update you regarding any new developments.

Alleged images of Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact leaked

Sony launches Live on YouTube app to stream videos directly from Xperia Z2

Sony mobile has introduced a new Xperia camera app exclusively for its Xperia Z2 users. The app is called “Live on YouTube – by Xperia” through which the users can stream live video of an event directly to YouTube from their Xperia Z2 handset.

Xperia Z2 owners can share their live moments like a wedding or a party with their near and dear ones. Even amateur reporters or directors who want to try their hand at reporting or directing can record a short video of up to maximum 15 minutes through the Xperia Z2 camera and stream it directly to YouTube at the click of a button. There is an option to share the live video publicly with everyone or privately with family and friends.

To use this Live on YouTube camera app, users need to have a verified YouTube account with good standing. Also, users are warned not to stream any inappropriate or copyrighted content. The “live broadcast feature” in the YouTube account must be turned on before live streaming can be done. The feature can be turned on from https://www.youtube.com/features.

Interested users can download this app directly to their Xperia Z2 handsets from Google Play or they can download the apk file from here. The Live on YouTube app is not available in some countries including Germany where live streaming from YouTube is not enabled. Sony has not clarified whether the app will be available for its other Xperia models.

Sony launches Live on YouTube app to stream videos directly from Xperia Z2

Xperia Z2 is the official smartphone of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2014 is about to kick off soon in Brazil and Sony Xperia Z2 has been declared as the official smartphone of the World Cup. Not surprising really because Sony is one of the biggest sponsors of the upcoming World Cup.

Sony has released a promotional video about Xperia Z2 being the official partner, with the tagline “Feel every detail wherever you are with the Sony Xperia Z2”. The video highlights the passion of football fans for their country’s colors and sporting them on the field. You can see the promo video for yourself here:

Sony has also launched the “Sony Football Challenge” ahead of the World Cup. Participants have to predict the scores correctly for all the 64 matches and can also challenge their friends via Facebook. After the World Cup is over, top 100 participants with the most accurate scores will be declared winners and their names will appear on the leaderboard of the Xperia Lounge app. Participants have to enter the contest through the Xperia Lounge app and through their Facebook account. The app also provides integration with Sony SmartWatch 2 and Sony SmartBand so that you can get regular updates while on the move.

Sony is offering big prizes for the winners including a VIP trip for two persons for the FIFA Club World Cup Final to be held in Morocco and lots of Sony products such as PlayStation 4, Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia Z2, Sony SmartWatch 2 and much more. Interested in trying out your luck?

Xperia Z2 is the official smartphone of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Sony Xperia Z2 gets two wireless charging accessories

No more cumbersome entangling wire for your Xperia Z2. Japanese giant Sony has come out with two wireless accessories for charging it. The Sony Xperia Z2 can now be charged easily, wirelessly. Both of them use Sony’s latest Qi technology which basically uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power from the transmission pad to the receiver.

The two wireless charging accessories are:

• Wireless Charging Cover WCR12 and


• Wireless Charging Plate WCH10

Wireless Charging Cover WCR12

It is a protective cover that serves a three-in-one purpose. It protects your Xperia Z2 from damage caused by other objects around it, say in your pocket or purse. Secondly, the case acts as a stand that can be kept on a table. Your phone can be set on it at a comfortable angle landscape-style while watching movies or videos or during net browsing. Then, the cover is also Qi compatible so that it allows you to charge the Xperia Z2. Just fit your phone into the case and keep it on the charging plate or on any other Qi compatible charger for that matter. Your device will get charged. No need to connect the wire and all.

Wireless Charging Plate WCH10

The Plate also uses Qi technology to charge the phone. It generates 5W power which re-charges your Xperia Z2 battery or other Qi compatible devices. Charging can be done by just placing the Qi compatible device on the Charging Plate. With no wires connecting to your smartphone, the charging can be done wherever you are, at home, office or anywhere else. It saves you the hassle of connecting the wire to the phone and finding a port to plug it in.

The Sony mobile website mentions both the wireless charging accessories but does not mention the date of availability or the price. However, retailer  clove.co.uk will be offering them for purchase from June onward.

Sony Xperia Z2 gets two wireless charging accessories

Connecting Sony PS3 DualShock controller to Xperia Z2 and other compatible Xperia devices

Mobile gaming has become quite popular as people are increasingly playing games on their smartphones and tablets. Last year, Sony had provided PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 support to Xperia smartphones and Xperia Tablets. The PlayStation 3 controller provides a much superior gaming experience.

There are many apps that enable Android phones to pair with DualShock 3 but they involve rooting the phone which is complicated. But now since Sony has integrated this functionality into its Xperia devices, it becomes easy as no rooting is required. Sony’s flagship Xperia Z2 and other Xperia devices such as Xperia Z, ZL, Z Ultra, Z1, and Tablet Z support the PS3 DualShock controller.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to connect the PS3 DualShock controller to Xperia Z2 and other compatible Xperia devices:

• Before beginning the process, you need to keep 2 things on hand- A USB OTG on-the-go adapter and the charging USB cable provided with the PS3 controller. The USB OTG cable is used to connect the controller to the Xperia Z2 and is not very expensive.


• On your Xperia Z2, open the ‘Settings’ menu and select ‘Xperia Connectivity’. In this, choose the option ‘DualShock 3 wireless controller’. When this menu is opened for the first time, you get a tutorial. If not, you can directly select ‘How to connect a controller’.


• Now, connect the charging USB cable to the PS3 controller and connect its other end to the USB OTG cable. Now plug the free end of the USB OTG cable into the Xperia Z2 smartphone. Once the connection is set up, the wizard takes you to the next step.


• Select ‘Next’. This will activate the Bluetooth in the Xperia Z2 and the smartphone will now communicate with the PS3 controller through Bluetooth.


• Click ‘Finish’, exit and disconnect the connecting cables.

You can now use the PS3 DualShock controller to play games in your Xperia Z2.

Android games supporting the PS3 controller:

All Android games are not supported by the PS3 controller. Some of the games that can be played are: Vice City, Dead Trigger, Zombie Gunship, Max Payne, Raiden Legacy, AirAttack HD etc.

You can check the games description to see if it is ‘Controller Supported’. If it is, then you can play it on your Sony Xperia Z2. The games can be downloaded from Google Play or Play Store Mobile.

Connecting Sony PS3 DualShock controller to Xperia Z2 and other compatible Xperia devices

Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet getting new firmware update

Sony is rolling out new firmware updates for its flagship model Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet. Earlier in the month, a new firmware with build 17.1.1.A.0.402 had been certified for the two devices to follow the current build 17.1.A.2.69 existing in them.

The Android 4.4.2 KitKat based new 17.1.1.A.0.402 firmware brings various improvements in performance including touchscreen sensitivity according to some preliminary reports. However there is no exact information about it since no changelog has been provided by Sony. It is also not known if the 4K recording performance of the Xperia Z2 has been improved upon to overcome the forced shutdown problem.

The firmware update is available for the Xperia Z2 D6502 (HSPA+) and D6503 (LTE) models. In case of Xperia Z2 Tablet, they are available for SGP521 (LTE) as well as SGP511/SGP512 Wi-Fi models. The update is downloadable through Sony PC Companion suite and is available in Germany, Russia, the Nordic region and other countries.

Some screenshots showing the updates for Android 4.4.2 build number 17.1.1.A.0.402 are given below:

Update for Sony Xperia Z2 model number D6503-

Update for Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet  -

Update for Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet model number SGP511 -

Update for Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet model number SGP521 -

Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet getting new firmware update

First Sony Xperia Z3 leak appears, suspected metal frame photos, specs and more

A new Sony smartphone in the Xperia Z series seems to be in the offing. It has been only a few months since the Xperia Z2 was launched and the new Sony Xperia Z3 is already on its way, if rumors are to be believed. Some metal frame photos supposed to be those of the upcoming Sony Xperia Z3 have been leaked. The Chinese website IT168 has displayed images of these metal frames.

The metal frame appears to be very thin and is coated by using PVD coating technology that is used for watch and aircraft surfaces. PVD coating is an environmental friendly process that provides improved hardness, wear resistance and oxidation resistance to the surface. PVD coating offers improved performance and a long life to the coated surface. Although Xperia Z3 will have a metal frame, its body design is likely to be similar to the Xperia Z series mobile design. Alternatively, the company might make some changes in the design for Z3.

About specifications, IT168 says that the new Sony Xperia Z3 will have a touch screen with 1080p resolution, a Snapdragon (Xiaolong in Chinese) 805 processor, 3 GB RAM and a 20.7 MP camera. Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 chipset uses the Krait 450 quad-core processor clocked up to 2.7GHz and an Adreno 420 GPU, improving the device performance significantly.

Sony Xperia Z2 was introduced by the company in February this year, just about 6 months after its Xperia Z1. According to the source, Sony’s marketing strategy is to launch a flagship model every 6 months. Xperia Z2 was the flagship model for the first half of 2014. So it is possible that Sony will launch the new Xperia Z3 after 6 months of the introduction of Z2 i.e.in August 2014, which will be its flagship model for the second half of 2014.

First Sony Xperia Z3 leak appears, suspected metal frame photos, specs and more

Xperia Z2 now officially available through Sony Online Stores across Europe

Sony Xperia Z2 has been officially launched in Europe. All the Sony Mobile’s eshops across Europe are showing the Xperia Z2 smartphone ‘in stock’.

Readers will recall that pre-orders for Sony Xperia Z2 had started in the beginning of April and their shipment began around mid-April. Official launch of the handset was pushed back to May 1 owing to stock shortages. Well, now everything seems to be fine and the Sony Xperia Z2 is now available and ready for shipment in the Japanese giant’s European online stores.

Sony Xperia Z2 is available in UK for £599, in France for €699, in Germany for €679, in Italy for €699, in Sweden for SEK 5,995, in Spain for €689 and in Poland for PLN 2,799. The device is available in all the 3 colors – Black, White and Purple. However, stocks of some colors are already getting exhausted at certain places, although they are likely to be replenished soon.

So now the European fans of Sony Xperia Z2 will finally be able to get the masterpiece in their hands.

Xperia Z2 now officially available through Sony Online Stores across Europe

Xperia Z2 Verizon photo pops up on Sony’s Google+ Page, gets promptly deleted

A photo of Sony’s Xperia Z2 for Verizon was posted on its Google+ page. The photo had a Verizon logo printed on the top of the device. The post did not mention Verizon but as reported by Droid Life, there was a statement,”Be prepared for every adventure in the great outdoors with the waterproof and dust-resistant Xperia Z2.”

However, the image was promptly removed and Sony representatives gave the following statement with respect to the leaked photo on Google+ :

“A mock-up image was mistakenly posted to the Sony Mobile Google+ page. The image has since been removed and we apologize for any confusion this may have caused. For our U.S. customers eager to find out more information about the availability of Xperia Z2, we are excited to share that the device will be coming to the U.S. unlocked this summer.”

The good news for the US fans is that the unlocked Sony Xperia Z2 will be available to them soon this summer through the company’s online store. At present, T-mobile is the only US carrier that sells Sony smartphone brand, the Xperia Z1.

 So it is just wait and watch.

Xperia Z2 Verizon photo pops up on Sony’s Google+ Page, gets promptly deleted

Sony’s flagship Xperia Z2 to be sold in US only via its online store

A few days back Sony had confirmed that its newest flagship Xperia Z2 smartphone would be released in the US ‘this summer’. Sony has now announced that in the near future, neither of the two phones Xperia Z2 or Xperia Z1 Compact would be made available through US Stores. However, the unlocked Xperia Z2 phone would be available in the US only through the company’s online store.

So folks, if you were planning to buy the device in person or hoping to get it at a lesser price through a contract, hard luck this time. US fans who were eagerly waiting for the arrival of Sony Xperia Z1 Compact will have to get it from some other sources.

Those of you in the US who want to own the Xperia Z2 Tablet can rejoice….it is going to be available there in a couple of days.

Sony’s flagship Xperia Z2 to be sold in US only via its online store