Sony seeking beta testers in Sweden to evaluate its new Concept Android Software

Sony has developed new concept Android software for its Xperia devices and the company wants its users to try out this new software. According to Sony, the new Android software version offers a “fresh take on the Sony user experience” and invites users to “Contribute to shape the future of Sony’s software Input into making our processes, products and services better”.

Sony seems to have totally revamped its Xperia UI and wants users to test and evaluate the new concept Android software build for Xperia Z3. The company is inviting Sony Xperia Z3 users in Sweden to join a select group to use this new software and give feedback. This will help the company to get a “better understanding of how the software can be improved”.

Sony Mobile Sweden has done similar trials before for testing new Android updates on their flagship smartphones, like they did the beta testing for Android Lollipop for Xperia Z3 last year. But this time it is the trial of a whole new concept Android version, so maybe Sony is preparing to bring out a totally fresh Xperia UI for its new flagship, say Xperia Z5.

The beta testing activity will begin on July 27 and last up till September 13 and is open for Xperia Z3 owners (not the compact Xperia Z3 model) living in Sweden. They can restore their current Xperia software once the trial period is over. So if you fit the above criteria and want to be a part of it, head over to this link to sign up.

Sony seeking beta testers in Sweden to evaluate its new Concept Android Software

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop rollout begins for Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact

Sony has announced that they have officially started rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade for Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact smartphones. Users in the Nordic and Baltic regions are getting the firmware build number 23.1.A.0.690 and Kernel version of version Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. 3.4.0. The other markets will also gradually get these upgrades.

Samsung, LG and HTC have already updated their premium smartphones with the Android 5.0 Lollipop but Sony seemed to lag behind. However, Sony has now joined the bandwagon with the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop upgrade to its high-end devices, Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact.

The upgrade includes the following new features:

* Fresh and streamlined user interface which is based on Google’s material design, but Sony has retained its     “minimalistic approach to interface and application design”.

* New notifications and lock screen with customizable settings so that you get only the information that you need.

* Multi-user profiles and guest mode that allow family members and friends to use your phone. You can also create dual environments if you want, for example for work and play.

* The Android Xperia smartphone can also be used for work as it is waterproof and has a long battery life.

* Better storage control with the option to easily move apps from internal memory to SD card.

Check out the images below:

          

           

           

           

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop rollout begins for Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact

Sony Xperia Z4 3D renderings surface giving us a glimpse of Sony’s new flagship

Many Sony fans were disappointed when the company didn’t unveil its much awaited flagship Xperia Z4 at the MWC early this month. The handset is expected to be announced later this year probably before September 2015. All are curious to know how the Sony Xperia Z4 will look like and till then, the leaks and rumors will be having a field day.

Speaking of leaks, the French website Nowhereelse has come up with some new renderings of Sony Xperia Z4 that show the device from all sides. These images are not final and are being used by Sony internally only.  However, the final product should be somewhat similar and these images give us an idea about the new flagship’s design and appearance.

From the looks of it, the new Sony Xperia Z4 appears to be much like its predecessor, the Xperia Z3, maintaining the OmniBalance design but making some subtle changes here and there.  For example, the position of SIM card slot has changed and the microSD slot cannot be seen. The microUSB slot appears to have been shifted to the bottom of the device and has no flap covering it. This is not a finished product though and some changes could still be made to it.

Sony Xperia Z4 is rumored to have the dimensions of 146.3 x 71.9 x 7.2 mm, almost the same size as the Xperia Z3 which measures 146 x 72 x 7.3 mm. It would sport a 5.2-inch with a QHD or FHD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipset, 3GB or 4GB of RAM and a 20.7MP rear camera. Sony new flagship would run Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box.

Well, we will know for sure when the Xperia Z4 launches possibly sometime between June and September this year.

Have a look at the images:

Sony Xperia Z4 3D renderings surface giving us a glimpse of Sony’s new flagship

Sony teases Android Soft Keys that will be introduced with Android 5.0 Lollipop

Sony has already confirmed that it will be releasing the new Android 5.0 Lollipop update for its latest flagship Xperia Z3 next month. Now it looks like the Japanese electronics giant is also going to release some new Android on-screen soft keys too.

Sony has been using the same custom soft keys on its devices for some time now but these keys are set to get an update with the Lollipop. Sony recently released an update to its Movie Creator app for Xperia smartphones. The company teased these new Android soft keys in the screenshots showing features of the newly updated Movie Creator app. Looking at the screenshots, it can be seen that Sony has not adopted Google’s Android soft keys totally. The back button and the recent app button have been retained but Sony has tweaked the Home button. The original round outline of the home button has been changed to the outline of a home. Well, now no one can mistake what it stands for!

          

Since Sony will begin pushing the Android 5.0 Lillipop updates to its Xperia Z3 family in February, those having Xperia Z3 devices will soon see these soft keys on their handsets along with a multitude of other new features and performance enhancements that come with the new Android version.

What do you think of Sony’s new soft keys?

Source Xperia Blog

Sony teases Android Soft Keys that will be introduced with Android 5.0 Lollipop

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

Unlocking Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact bootloader adversely affects camera performance

Unlocking the bootloader of your Android smartphone has many advantages such as rooting and installing custom ROM, although it does void your phone’s warranty. Sometimes there may be problems in functionality too as users of the Sony’s new Xperia Z3 Compact found out. Those who unlocked the bootloader of the Xperia Z3 Compact found to their surprise that the performance of its camera in low light deteriorated.

Sony has now officially acknowledged this problem saying that it can affect its high-end smartphones running recent software versions, including the Xperia Z3. The reason for this is the DRM that protects certain advanced camera algorithms of Sony’s devices running the latest software. Unlocking the bootloader causes the device to lose some DRM security keys which affects the performance of the camera during low-light photography. Such photos may be poorly balanced and have more noise.

In its official unlock bootloader site, Sony warns, “Certain pre-loaded content on your device may also be inaccessible due to the removal of DRM security keys. For high-end devices running recent software versions, for instance Xperia Z3, the removal of DRM security keys may affect advanced camera functionality.”

“For example, noise reduction algorithms might be removed, and performance when taking photos in low-light conditions might be affected. The secure user data partition may also become inaccessible, and you will not be able to get any more official software upgrades if you unlock the boot loader.”

Since camera is a major USP of the Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact phones, it is better to think twice before unlocking the bootloader.

Via

Unlocking Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact bootloader adversely affects camera performance

Sony to hold its “Demand Great” media event in US on October 9

Soon after launching its Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact phones in India, Sony is now holding a media event on October 9 in New York City, US. The invite has been sent to select media members and has the words “DEMAND GREAT” written on it in bold. However Sony has not declared what it plans to announce at the event.

Sony had unveiled its new flagship Xperia Z3 along with Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact at the IFA 2014 in Berlin. Since then, the company has been promoting these devices on Twitter with hashtag #DemandGreat. It is therefore a possibility that the Japanese tech giant will be announcing one or more members of its new Sony Xperia Z3 family in the US.

T-Mobile of the US has already confirmed that it will be carrying Sony’s new Xperia Z3 flagship smartphone. Sonymobile’s official US website lists the Xperia Z3 as “coming Soon”, the Xperia Z3 Compact as “New” and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact as also “coming soon”. Customers can pre-register for all the three devices on the Sonymobile’s website.

Sony’s October 9 “Demand Great” event will be held between 1.30 – 3.00 PM eastern time. We will have to wait and see what Sony announces then. It is interesting to note that HTC is holding its press event just a day before, i.e. on October 8 to unveil its new Action Camera in New York City itself.

Source: SlashGear

Sony to hold its “Demand Great” media event in US on October 9

Sony discloses additional features of the Xperia Z3 Series

Sony had unveiled its Xperia Z3 series devices namely the Xperia Z3, the Xperia Z3 Compact and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact at the recently concluded IFA 2014. Sony says that it had not revealed “everything” about the devices during the launch and is now sharing their additional features with us in an article published in its blog.

The title of the article says “3+3+3 things you didn’t know the Xperia Z3 Series could do…” and tells us about 9 features of the Xperia Z3 devices that most of us might not be aware of.

1. 
   NFC for Contactless Payments: Sony has the NFC technology in its smartphones since 2012 right from Xperia S onward for making payment “with a simple touch”. Sony proudly says “We were NFC before it was cool” (probably as a taunt to Apple).


2. 
   Select the Sony headphone you are using in the Xperia Z3 device to optimize the sound quality: To choose the Sony headphone that you are using, click the Settings > Sound > Audio Settings > Headphones and get the “best possible quality” of sound.


3. 
   Pause while recording a video: The Xperia Z3 Series devices have a new pause button that enables you to pause the recording when you want to and then un-pause when you want to record the next clip. All the clips will be recorded back-to-back in the same file. You won’t have to hit stop and record every time and end up getting several clips of one event.


4. 
   Record your on-screen activity: In the Xperia Z3 Series, there is a feature that allows you to record your on-screen activity. Long-press the power button and select “Record Sreen”. Your handset will begin to record what you do on your screen.


5. 
   Personalized settings for quick access: You can drag and drop the settings you want into the tray at the bottom and then long-press each one to load it into the settings app. This will make the settings easy and quicker to use.


6. 
   Ultra Stamina Mode available: We know that Sony’s STAMINA mode makes the battery last longer by turning off some of the functions during standby. The Xperia X3 has an “Ultra STAMINA Mode” which gives even more usage although limiting several phone functions and allowing only the basic ones. According to Sony, the Xperia Z3 lasts for over a week in the Ultra STAMINA Mode on a full charge.


7. 
   Smart screen rotation: This feature automatically detects how the device is being held and rotates the screen accordingly. This prevents unwanted screen rotations for example when one is using the phone while lying on a sofa or bed.


8. 
   Use of gestures: Wake up the phone with double tap. To silence the ring of an incoming call, turnover your Xperia Z3 or Z3 Compact phone face down or take it to your ear to answer the call. The screen stays lit when you are holding it in your hand due to the smart backlight control so that when you are reading something or looking at a photo on the screen, it will stay lit. But when you keep down the phone, the display will turn off according to your sleep setting.


9. 
   Unlock with Sony Smartwear or Sony Bluetooth accessory: You can set up your Sony Smartwear such as SmartWatch, SmartBand, or Bluetooth accessories and headphones to unlock the Xperia Z3 Series devices. Click the Settings > Security > Screen lock > Bluetooth unlock , then select the device and click ‘continue and press the power key. The device will be unlocked when the accessory is close by.

Take a look at the promo video below:

Sony discloses additional features of the Xperia Z3 Series

A chance to win Sony Xperia Z3 Series and SmartBand Talk from Sony

Sony is offering a chance win the entire Sony Xperia Z3 Series with a SmartBand thrown in. The company has announced this contest on its Facebook page and one lucky winner is going to win everything – the newly introduced Xperia Z3, the Xperia Z3 Compact and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact as well as Sony’s new wearable, the SmartBand Talk.

Entering in the contest is easy and won’t take much of your time. If you want to enter this contest, just go to Sony’s Facebook  page or its Google+ page. You will find the phrase “Enter here to win” and a clickable link. Just click the link and you will be taken to a page having a promo video about new Sony devices unveiled this week at the IFA 2014 in Berlin.

Answer the two questions below the video pertaining to it and follow other instructions. The competition is open globally up to 11 September, except for a few countries including Puerto Rico, Turkey and Quebec. If you are wondering whether the contest is available at your location, just open the Facebook contest page. If you can access it, you can take part.

Winning all the three devices from the Xperia Z3 Series plus the SmartBand Talk would be like winning a big lottery. Wonder who will be the lucky one? Have you entered the contest?

A chance to win Sony Xperia Z3 Series and SmartBand Talk from Sony

Sony Xperia E3 Will Also Be Announced at IFA 2014

Everyone is expecting Sony to present Z3 Compact Tablet, Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 at IFA 2014 this week. But this year in Berlin, Sony has one more surprise for all and it wasn’t known before that the company will announce one more Smartphone in September. As reported by the 9to5Google, the Z3 line will not be alone at IFA and Xperia E3 will also be presented in the company’s press event.

Xperia E3 is expected to be an affordable handset and this phone will be the successor of two Sony’s phones: Xperia E and Xperia E1. The reported features of this upcoming smartphone are:

• 4.8-inch display with 720 x 1280 pixels

• Quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor of 1.2 GHz

• RAM could be 1.5 GB or 2 GB

• Operating System: Android 4.4 KitKat (highly expected OS for this phone)

It has been reported that the Xperia E3 will cost somewhere between $200 and $300. All the upcoming Z3 devices will be water resistant but the Xperia E3 will not have this feature.

This is not all; Sony will be presenting much more devices on IFA than these. Along with the new tablets and smartphones, Sony is expected to present SmartBand Talk and SmartWatch 3 also at IFA.

There is not much time to wait now as Sony’s IFA 2014 press event will take place today i.e. on September 3. So all the Sony fans, just wait few hours to know what the company is going to offer this year.

Sony Xperia E3 Will Also Be Announced at IFA 2014

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

Sony sends out press invitations for the IFA 2014 that hint at new smartphone, lens camera and 4K TV

Sony is sending out invitations for a press conference it is holding just before the IFA 2014 in Berlin. The event is scheduled for Wednesday 3rd September, at 16.15 at Messe Berlin. Well, the invitation has found its way on the net. It contains photos about what Sony is going to showcase at the IFA such as a smartphone, a camera and a TV.

There is a side view of a smartphone which might be the eagerly awaited Xperia Z3. Sony might unveil the Xperia Z3 Compact also at the event as both the smartphones are rumored to be available in the stores in September. The Camera would be having the new plug-in lens in Sony’s QX series. There is also the image of a TV or monitor.

The Japanese company is coming out with its new curved TV with 4K resolution, which it is expected to unveil at the IFA. Sony had launched the 65-inch LCD TV last year but it has a resolution of only 1080p.

It’s less than a month left for the IFA and the excitement is building!

Sony sends out press invitations for the IFA 2014 that hint at new smartphone, lens camera and 4K TV

Samsung confirm the unveiling of its Galaxy Note 4 this September 3rd

Well, the month of September is going to bring out some big announcements with major tech giants like Samsung and Apple planning to come with its much awaited flagships. The Galaxy Note 4 has been the talk of the town with much rumors for the device rolling out since days from different sources. Previous rumors have shown the device was likely to be announced at the IFA 2014 event that is to be held in September next month and guess what, the Korean giant has come out with a news that the company is coming out with its new Galaxy Note (i.e. the Note 4 mostly) on the 3^rd of September.

As you can see in the above image which asks are you READY? And closely observed, we could see the September 3^rd date below it along with the name of three big cities-Berlin, Beijing and New York where a simultaneous roll-out is expected. The image also shows the Air Command menu specially made for the S-Pen feature of the Galaxy Note 3 and is expected to come along with the Note 4 as well!

According to the previous rumors, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 would host a5.7inch QHD display with 1440×2560 pixel resolution with two different chipset version of the Snapdragon 805 processor or the company’s own Exynos 5433 processor based on the regional markets. The device will host a powerful 16MP primary camera with OIS and a 3GB of powerful RAM memory as well. The handset is also believed to be water-resistant. Moreover, previous rumors have also said the device could come in two versions of which one will have a flexible display.

If rumors are to believed, we have yet another premium flagship from the Sony camp which the much rumored Xperia Z3 which too is expected to be unfolded on the same day (Sept 3^rd).

source: Samsung

Samsung confirm the unveiling of its Galaxy Note 4 this September 3rd

Sony D6603 speculated to be the Xperia Z3, spotted at FCC

Last month we saw Sony smartphone model number PM-0800-BV (D6603) get the TÜV Rheinland certification along with some other models. Now, the model PM-0800 has surfaced again, this time at the Federal Communications Commission, US. According to reports, Sony’s Xperia smartphone with ID PM-0800 has passed through FCC just a couple of days ago. This number corresponds to model D6603 and is supposed to be Sony’s much awaited smartphone Xperia Z3.

The FCC document shows that the Sony smartphone having FCC ID PY7PM-0800 supports LTE bands B2, B4, B5, B7 and B13/B17 as well as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, GPS and NFC. The build numbers tested are 23.0.D.0.100 and 23.0.A.0.204.

This is about all the information available so far. The image below shows the label – FCC ID: PY7PM-0800 and label location in the device.

It is seen that Sony usually releases its new smartphones in other international markets first and then later in the US. However, FCC certification of the Xperia Z3 suggests that Sony is preparing to release its next flagship smartphone in US and other markets simultaneously. Sony Xperia Z3 is expected to be announced at the IFA 2014 Show to be held in Berlin in the beginning of September. Till then, we expect more rumors and leaks about the smartphone to make the rounds . We’ll keep you informed in case we hear anything more about it.

Sony D6603 speculated to be the Xperia Z3, spotted at FCC

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

Sony Xperia Z3 About screen leak reveals Snapdragon 801 processor and more

Just a few days back we saw the ‘About Phone’ screen shot supposedly belonging to the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. Now a similar ‘About Phone’ screen image alleged to be that of Sony’s upcoming and eagerly awaited flagship smartphone the Xperia Z3, has appeared on the net.

The ‘About’ screen image purportedly to be that of the Sony Xperia Z3 has been posted by Xperiablog. The image is that of model no. D6653. Readers may recall that this D6653 model no. has been certified by TÜV Rheinland for Sony last month and was speculated to belong to next Sony flagship Xperia Z3.

The screen image shows the processor to be Qualcomm MSM8974PRO-AC Snapdragon 801 which might be a little disappointing to Sony fans as most are expecting the Japanese giant to use Snapdragon 805 in its next Xperia device. The upcoming handset will run Android 4.4.4 Kitkat version.

The smartphone has baseband version beginning with 8974-…. Kernel version starting with 3.4.0-perf-…  and Build number starting with 23.1….. The source says that the resolution of the screenshot is 1080p which means that the Xperia Z3 will have the full HD display and not the Quad HD one as expected. So the only interesting change in the upcoming Xperia Z3 seems to be its 7mm slim body.

That’s about all the info available this time round. Information/speculations/leaks about the upcoming Xperia Z3 keep trickling in now and then, building up the excitement. We’ll probably find out what the real Xperia Z3 is going to be like during the IFA 2014 to be held in September, when the handset is expected to be launched.

Sony Xperia Z3 About screen leak reveals Snapdragon 801 processor and more

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’s three new smartphones codenamed Leo, Aries and Pegasus leaked

Looks like Japanese mobile maker Sony is working on new smartphones and is getting ready to unveil three new models in the Xperia series soon. Code names of these three new smartphones have surfaced on a couple of Chinese social websites Weibo and Digi-Wo.

It’s been a while since Sony’s flagship Xperia Z2 was introduced and Sony seems to be developing three new smartphones for release in the second half of 2014. Rumor has it that the code names of these three upcoming devices are based on names of constellations. They are: Leo, Aries and Pegasus. There is no other information available but Leo is allegedly going to be the Xperia Z3, while Aries will be the Xperia Z3 Compact. It is not known which model Pegasus is going to be but it may possibly be some variant of Xperia Z3.

Since Xperia Z3 is supposed to be launching in September this year at the IFA 2014 in Berlin, Germany, it can be assumed that the other two variants will also be released around that time. Sony had launched its Xperia Z1 there last year. It is expected that Sony will use Qualcomm Snapdragon 305 processor in the new models as many companies are adopting it now.

The source websites of the leak have a good track record for leaks pertaining to Sony so we can assume that this information from them may be quite accurate. However, there is no official word from Sony about the three new smartphones Leo, Aries and Pegasus. Hopefully, more news will be out soon since IFA is just 2 months away. We will of course relay any new information we come across about them. So stay tuned for more.

Sony’s three new smartphones codenamed Leo, Aries and Pegasus leaked

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