The North American Xperia Z (C6606, C6616) has seen a bunch of firmware builds certified recently, without release. We first had 10.4.C.0.793, then 10.4.C.0.797 and now a couple of new firmware builds have been certified including builds 10.4.C.0.800 and 10.4.C.0.808. Given the change in version number, each appears to be incremental updates over its predecessor, so perhaps Sony is finessing the firmware before release. We’ll let you know if/when the update lands. [read more…]
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T-Mobile US Xperia Z1s customers are still awaiting the Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware update, despite the fact that the global Xperia Z1 has already received the update. Well judging by the latest PTCRB certification for the C6916 model number, it looks like it may roll in a matter of weeks. Firmware build 14.3.D.0.183 has been certified, which follows on from the last certified version with build 14.2.C.0.159 i.e. a move from 14.2.C.0.XXX to 14.3.D.0.XXX. If this new update does start to roll, we’ll keep you posted. [read more…]
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Since the update to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, some Sony Xperia SP owners have been reporting on a flickering backlight display problem with their handsets. We have attached some videos highlighting the issue, which shows light flickering of the backlight, which we imagine can prove to be quite distracting when trying to read content or view media on your phone.
This appears to be an Android 4.3 bug, as the users did not notice it whilst on the previous Android 4.1.2 firmware. We have only seen reports on this with users on firmware builds 12.1.A.0.266 and 12.1.A.1.201 only. The problem could be related to the kernel as some users on different custom ROMs also report the same issue. Let us know if this is something you have noticed on your Xperia SP since updating to the latest firmware builds. [read more…]
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A new screenshot which supposedly shows the ‘About’ screen of the Sony D6603 has leaked. The build and kernel information has been masked, but the screenshot does show the D6603 model number and Android version 4.4.2 KitKat.
Previous benchmark leaks pointed to the Sony D6603 offering very similar specifications to the Xperia Z2 (D650X). This includes the Qualcomm MSM8974AB chipset with 2.3GHz quad-core processor and Adreno 330 graphics, a 1080p display, 20.7MP rear camera, 16GB internal storage and 2GB RAM. [read more…]
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OnePlus is a new start-up company formed late last year by Pete Lau (who used to run Oppo’s Blu-ray division). Lau’s mantra is to shake up the mobile industry: “Looking at the smartphone market right now, I see a lot of wannabes but few truly outstanding products fit for the demanding consumer. That’s what I want to address with OnePlus.”
The OnePlus One is Lau’s response to that dream and whilst the formal launch is not taking place until Wednesday 23 April 2014, the company has been teasing specs for a while. Yesterday, OnePlus put up a spec comparison against the Xperia Z2 highlighting that, on the face of it at least, the OnePlus One offers similar specs for only half the price of the Xperia Z2. [read more…]
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One of the common complaints we are hearing from early adopters of the Xperia Z2 is that the ringtone volume for incoming calls is very low. However, there is perhaps a simple reason for this – Sony has only activated the bottom speaker for incoming ringtones rather than using the top speaker too according to reports.
This also appears to be the case for calls conducted via speakerphone too. Sounds like an odd decision to only enable one speaker, when arguably you want your phone to be as loud as possible when receiving calls. Hopefully this is a simple firmware fix for Sony though.
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A new firmware update for Sony’s QX10/QX100 Lens-Style cameras has been released moving it from version 2.00 to 3.00. Improvements include the ability to half-press the shutter to focus and a reduction in NFC one-touch connection times.
Another change is the ability to use your Sony Xperia’s camera key for the shutter release. Download instructions can be found below, do not that you will need PlayMemories Mobile app version 4.2 or later for this to work. [read more…]
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The 6-inch Sony Xperia T2 Ultra will shortly be coming to Australia according to Cnet. The handset will be available from Sony Centres, Sony Kiosks and online for AU$499, although we couldn’t see the phone listed on the official website just yet. Cnet says that you’ll be able to buy it from third-party stores (no names mentioned) for AU$549, which includes a Bluetooth headset priced at AU$79.
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Sony Mobile has reopened pre-orders for the Xperia Z2 across a number of its European websites including the UK, France, Spain and Poland. The same pre-order promotions that were live previously remain, so for example in the UK you will get the Sony SRS-BTX300 NFC speaker free of charge when you pre-order the handset for £599.99.
Giving further insight into delivery dates, Sony says it expects delivery of the SIM free models “to start at beginning of May”. We expect deliveries from Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U, Vodafone and EE to commence over the week ahead. [read more…]
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A quick heads-up to let out Malaysian readers know that the Xperia Z2 Tablet is now available to order in your region. The 16GB Wi-Fi version is priced at RM 1,999 and is available in black only, whilst the 16GB LTE version comes in at RM 2,299 and is available in black/white colours. The 32GB model is not being sold. For further details click here. [read more…]
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The Xperia Z is the phone that started Sony’s mission in earnest to grab both mind and market share. The pace at which the market moves means that it is hard to believe that this hugely popular handset is only just over a year old. It has since been superseded by the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z2.
The Xperia Z suffered the same criticisms over the display as the Z1 after it. We have seen plenty of display comparisons looking at the Xperia Z2 versus the Xperia Z1, but not any looking at how the Z2 display has evolved from the Xperia Z. [read more…]
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