Sony Mobile has published the AOSP build instructions for Android 9.0 Pie. This means that if you have a supported device, and are a developer, you will be able to use these instructions to help create your own custom ROMS. There is a full list of compatible devices below.
Step-by-step instructions to build and flash AOSP to your device can be found here. Remember you will need to unlock your bootloader before you go through these steps, which will wipe your DRM keys. [read more…]
For owners of the budget Xperia L1 handset, you’ll be glad to hear that the firmware has been updated to 43.0.A.7.70 (from version 43.0.A.7.55). Unfortunately there is no movement in the Android version (it still remains on Android 7.0), but at least the security patches have been update to 5 August 2018. If you’ve downloaded the update, let us know how you’re getting on in the comments below. [read more…]
The Sony Xperia Touch has finally been updated to Android 8.0.0 Oreo in a new firmware build (44.3.A.0.87) that started to roll recently. As well as the new Android version, Sony has also introduced new remote controller gestures. This gives owners new ways to control music/video content simply by using your hand. For this to work, you need to be between 1 to 4 metres from the device at 50 degrees from the camera. You can see a video of it in action below. If you own the Xperia Touch, let us know your impressions in the comments below. [read more…]
Sony Mobile will launch new Xperia hardware at the IFA tradeshow at the end of this month, that much is likely. We could be looking at least two new device launches judging by UAProfs (user-agent profiles) that have been unveiled, highlighting new model numbers. The first is the H84XX (H8416) and the second is the H94XX (H9436, H9493).
The Xperia XZ2 Premium had model number H81XX, the Xperia XZ2 had H82XX, and the Xperia XZ2 Compact had H83XX. So the H84XX is likely to be another flagship device to sit alongside these models – perhaps the Xperia XZ3. For the second device, we have never seen an Xperia model number starting with 9XXXX before, so it’s difficult to judge what this could be. Both devices will support FHD+ resolution (2160 x 1080 pixels), but little else is revealed by the UAProfs. We’ll bring you more news as we have it. [read more…]
Sony Mobile has released the first firmware update for the Xperia XZ2 Premium, moving it to build number 51.1.A.12.27. The update finally brings new camera options for Sony’s first dual-camera Xperia, including Bokeh and Monochrome modes. You will find these new modes by launching the camera and pressing the function key just below the shutter button. The Monochrome mode is supported by both photo and video.
Sony has also updated the handset to 1 August 2018 security patches. Overall, a great update for Xperia XZ2 Premium owners. If you’ve updated let us know how you are getting on with the new camera modes in the comments below. [read more…]
Sony Mobile has updated the Xperia XZ2 moving the build number from 51.1.A.4.265 to version 51.1.A.11.26. This latest update includes the 1 August 2018 Android security patches. The Xperia XZ2 Compact has not been updated at the time of writing, but it should follow shortly. If you have updated do let us know of your impressions in the comments below. [read more…]
Sony Mobile is rolling a new firmware update for the Xperia XZ Premium and Xperia XZ1 moving the build number from 47.1.A.12.235 to version 47.1.A.12.270, and adding the 1 August 2018 security patches in the process. So far, the update for the Xperia XZ1 Compact is not live, but it should be following shortly. We haven’t noticed any other changes, but if you’ve updated, please let us know your impressions in the comments below. [read more…]
Google has unveiled that Android 9 ‘P’ stands for ‘Pie’ – so who guessed right? Today marks the public release of Android 9 Pie, and it is currently rolling to Google Pixel devices, as well as the Essential Phone (kudos to the Essential team for getting Pie released on the same day as Pixel phones).
Now we can formally start to speculate when Android 9 will hit Xperia devices. The Xperia XZ2 has been on the beta program to receive Android 9, and Google confirmed that all devices participating in the beta program will receive the public release by the “end of this fall”. We’ll bring you news once we know which Xperia devices will be updated to Android 9 Pie, and when. In the meantime, feel free to speculate about the update plan for your device below. [read more…]
If you own the Xperia XA2 or the Xperia XA2 Ultra then you’ll be glad to hear that there is a new firmware released moving the build number from 50.1.A.10.40 to version 50.1.A.10.51. The latest update includes the 1 July 2018 Android security patch. Some users reported Bluetooth problems on the last update, but initial indications are these are not resolved with this firmware. If you have downloaded the update, let us know your impressions in the comments below. [read more…]
Sony Mobile has always had difficulties cracking the US market, particularly since its Xperia phones have mostly been sold unlocked, rather than via carriers. Sony’s smartphones will largely work on AT&T and T-Mobile (although that doesn’t necessarily mean VoLTE is supported), but if you are Verizon then you have typically been out of luck.
However, earlier this year, we saw the Xperia XZ2 Compact certified for use with Verizon (not the normal XZ2 mind), and Sony has followed this up with its 2018 mid-ranger. Sony confirmed that the Xperia XA2 is now certified to use on Verizon too – hopefully we will see a wider range of Xperia phones certified on Verizon going forward. [read more…]
by XB on 31st July 2018
in News
Sony reported its fiscal first quarter results for FY2019 earlier today (3 months to 30 June 2018), and unfortunately for us Xperia fans, prospects aren’t looking great for its mobile division. Sony Mobile only shipped 2.0 million phones during the quarter, versus 3.4 million in the same period last year.
This the lowest number ever for Sony Xperia smartphones – it did ship 2.0 million phones back in the same quarter in 2010, but it only kick-started its Android journey part way through that quarter. In addition, Sony was only looking to ship 10 million phones this year, and it has now lowered the forecast to 9 million phones due to “severe competition” in Europe and Japan. [read more…]
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