The Sony Xperia XZs was launched in India back in April this year for Rs. 49,990. And now it has a massive price cut of Rs. 13,600 on Amazon India. With the price cut applied the Xperia XZs is available for Rs. 36,399 on Amazon India. Note that this price cut is for the Black color variant. The Ice Blue and Warm Silver Xperia XZs are priced at Rs. 37,740 and Rs. 37,495 respectively. Having said that the Xperia XZs was originally launched as a Flipkart exclusive, and currently, the Indian e-commerce giant is offering all the color variants of Xperia XZs at Rs. 39,990. The Sony Xperia XZs was the world's first smartphone to boast Motion Eye camera, which offer super slow motion video and Predictive Capture. The Motion Eye camera is capable of shooting 960fps video slow motion video, which allows slowing time 4x slower than the current camera phones standard. The Motion camera is built around the 19MP f/2.0 camera featuring predictive auto-focus, Laser auto-focus, and an RGBC-IR sensor for true to life colors. The main camera is also capable of recording 4K video and includes SteadyShot-5 axis digital stabilization for shake free videos. For capturing selfies, it gets a 13MP 22mm wide-angle f/2.0 front camera with Exmor RS mobile image sensor. Coming to the other specs, the Xperia XZs features 5.2-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS display, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage and 2900mAh battery. Other notable features are dedicated slot for microSD card & dual-SIMs, IP65/IP68 water & dust resistance, 4G VoLTE, USB type-C, fast charging and fingerprint scanner. It boots Android Nougat, but Oreo is already ready to be installed. Source
Sony Mobile has rolled out a new security update to the Xperia XA1 family: Xperia XA1, Xperia XA1 Ultra and Xperia XA1 Plus. The update brings the latest December 2017 Android security patches to these devices. The update carry firmware versions 40.0.A.6.175 for the Xperia XA1, 48.0.A.1.117 for the XA1 Plus and 42.0.A.4.153 for Xperia XA1 Ultra. The patches are dated December 5 2017. These phones still run Android Nougat, and are expected to receive Oreo update soon. The update is rolling out over-the-air in phases globally, so it will take some time to reach all Xperia XA1 units. If the December security update is available for your unit, you'll be notified to download it and install. You can also check for it manually, by going to Settings > About phone > System updates. Complete list of Sony devices that have received Android December security patch Xperia X Xperia X Compact Xperia XZ, Xperia XZs Xperia XZ Performance Xperia XZ1 Xperia XZ1 Compact Xperia XZ Premium Xperia XA1Xperia XA1 Ultra Xperia XA1 Plus Source
December Android security update is hitting a couple of more devices from Sony (left) and Nokia (right). Starting with Sony, the new update arrives as build number 47.1.A.8.49 for the Xperia XZ1, Xperia XZ1 Compact and Xperia XZ Premium. And as mentioned earlier includes December 2017 Android security patches. All these devices run the latest Android Oreo. Moving on to the Nokia 8, the phone picked up the Oreo update last month along with November security patch. But now it is also receiving the December Android security update. The update weighs at 87MB, and is currently rolling out for models TA-1052 and TA-1012. If you happen to own any of the aforementioned device, you will be notified to download the update and install it, or you can check for it manually, by going to Settings > About phone > System updates. List of Sony and Nokia devices that have already received December Security patch are listed below:
HMD Global: Nokia 3, Nokia 5 (Oreo beta build units), Nokia 6 and Nokia 8
Sony is extending its home audio line-up in India by launching two multimedia speakers: SA-D40 priced at Rs. 7,990 and SD-D20 priced at Rs. 6,990. These speakers are designed for both television and smartphone usage to offer powerful sound with strong bass and enhanced connectivity. The SA-D40 is a 4.1 channel speaker (four speakers and one sub-woofer) with 80W power output and the SA-D20 is a 2.1-channel speaker (two speakers and one sub-woofer) with 60W power output. They are embedded with a big size sub-woofer to reproduce massive deep bass. For high quality audio, the SA-D40 especially offers a wider peak frequency range providing a holistic audio treat for the consumers. Both speaker have support for wireless streaming over Bluetooth, and houses USB port, so you can plug in a pen drive and directly play music. The speaker can remember up to eight Bluetooth devices at once for easy connection. There's also an AUX connectivity as well. The speakers also come bundled with a remote for controlling the speakers as well as a single cable for connecting to the TV. The Sony SA-D40 and SA-D2- speakers will be available in Black color, starting December 13 across all Sony Centre outlets and other major electronic store partners in the country.
Sony Mobiles and HMD Global (parent company of Nokia) have been regularly pushing the latest security update for their devices. HMD recently rolled out December security patch for Nokia 3, while Sony also rolled out the December security update to Xperia X and Xperia X Compact. Now more devices are joining the list. Sony is now rolling out a new update to Xperia XZ, XZs and X Performance. The update carries build number 41.3.A.2.24 and includes November Android security patch. All these phones are running on the latest Android Oreo. HMD Global on the other hand, has also rolled out December security update for the mid-range Nokia 6. The update arrives as build number 00CN_3_31G and weighs at 111MB. It is currently available for the TA-1000 and TA-1003 models. The phone currently runs on Android 7.1.2 Nougat, and will soon receive Oreo beta. If you happen to own any of the aforementioned device, you will be notified to download the update and install it, or you can check for it manually, by going to Settings > About phone > System updates. Via
Sony Mobile has rolled out updates to Xperia X, Xperia X Compact and Xperia L1, which brings security patches to fix vulnerabilities to make the devices secure. The update for Xperia X and Xperia X Compact arrives as build number 34.3.A.0.252 weighing at 296MB in size, and includes 1 December 2017 Android security patch. Both still runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat and should get an update to Oreo soon. For the Xperia L1, Sony is rolling out the update with build number 43.0.A.49, and bumps the security patch level from August 2017 to November 2017. The Android build remains on version 7.0 and Sony is yet to confirm if this device will be upgraded to Oreo or not. The security update for these devices is rolling out over-the-air globally so it can take from a day to a week to reach you. If the update notification doesn't appear on your device, you can check for it manually by heading over to Settings > About phone > System updates. Source 1 | 2
While most of the smartphone brands have launched their version of bezel-less smartphones, Sony is yet to utilize the technology. The company has been using what it calls 'OmniBalance' design with thick bezels ever since the launch of Xperia Z five years ago. Having said that, Sony has already confirmed that it plans to completely redesign its next smartphone hinting at a bezel-less form factor. And now details about this device has hit the interweb. A screenshot showing the specs of the phone carrying model number H8541 surfaced in China. The Sony H8541 appears to be the company's 2018 flagship offering and successor of Xperia XZ Premium because it sports 5.7-inch display bearing 4K HDR resolution and is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. To recap, the Xperia XZ Premium 5.5-inch display and its dimensions were 156 x 77 x 7.99. However, even with a bigger 5.7 display, the Sony H8541 has a footprint of 149 x 74 x 7.5mm, making it slimmer and smaller than Xperia XZ Premium. This could only mean that the H8541 will have slim bezels, and the 5.7-inch screen will get 18:9 aspect ratio. As for the other specification, according to the source, Sony's next flagship will ship with Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage and 3420mAh battery. It will run Android Oreo out-of-the box and also includes Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C and IP68 water and dust resistance. Sadly, the camera details are not known yet. Do note that, there's no way to confirm the authenticity of the screenshot, so take this report with a pinch of salt. If the phone does exist, it is most likely to break cover at MWC 2018. Via
Over the weekend, Sony released Android Oreo for Xperia XZ and Xperia XZs. Now the Oreo update has been rolled out for Xperia X Performance as well, according to Xperia Blog. Since this is a major software update, the download package will be over 1GB and is rolling out over-the-air in phases, so if the update is not available for your unit yet, don't worry, it will arrive in the coming days. You can check for it manually by heading to Settings>About Phone>System Update. The update brings Oreo native goodies such as Picture-in-Picture (PiP), notification channels, adaptive icons, notification dots, smart text selection, Autofill API and more. It also includes November Android security patch. In addition Sony has added few of its own functions such as Xperia Reminders and Xperia Actions. Xperia Reminders offers prompts for unfinished tasks such as emails in drafts and messages, while Xperia Actions intelligently suggests actions based on your usage with all new games and community features. Apart from Xperia XZ, Xperia XZs and Xperia X Performance, Sony has promised Oreo update ofr Xperia X, Xperia X Compact, Xperia A1, Xperia A1 Ultra, Xperia XA1 Plus and Xperia Touch. The Xperia XZ Premium was the first Sony smartphone to received Android Oreo update last month. Source | Via
Last month Sony begun the process of rolling out Android Oreo starting with Xperia XZ Premium. Now it has rolled out Oreo update for the Xperia XZ and Xperia XZs.
The Oreo update arrives with the build number 41.3.A.0.401 and weighs at around 1232MB. The same build number is said to hit the Xperia X Performance shortly. The update brings Oreo native goodies such as Picture-in-Picture (PiP), notification channels, adaptive icons, notification dots, smart text selection, Autofill API and more. It also includes November Android security patch. In addition Sony has added few of its own functions such as Xperia Reminders and Xperia Actions. Xperia Reminders offers prompts for unfinished tasks such as emails in drafts and messages, while Xperia Actions intelligently suggests actions based on your usage with all new games and community features. The Oreo update for Xperia XZ and XZs is rolling out in phases, so it will take some time to reach all units. You'll be notified if the update is available for your phone, or else, you can check for it manually by heading to Settings>About Phone>System Update. Source
Sony is expanding its noise cancellation headphone line-up in India with the launch of four new wireless headphones: WH-1000XM2 (headband style), WF-1000X (truly wireless earbuds), WI-1000X (behind-the-neck style) and WH-H900N (h.ear on2 wireless). The Sony WH-1000MXM2 and W1-1000X headphones are equipped with personal and atmospheric pressure optimizing features. This feature analyses the atmospheric pressure of the surrounding area and optimize noise cancellation performance to deliver an immersive hearing experience. The Sony WH-1000XM2, WF-1000X and WI-1000X headphones comes with an Adaptive Sound Control called Sense Engine to offer a personalized experience for every sound. This feature recognize the user’s actions and automatically switch the noise cancellation feature on or off, in accordance with the usage situation. The WH-1000XM2 and WH-H900N headphones feature Quick Attention Mode, which offers a smart way to control listening experience on the go. As for the battery life, the WH-1000XM2 delivers 38 hours of battery life with an audio cable or 30 hours wirelessly. It supports Quick Charge function and promises 70 minutes of battery life in 10 minutes of charging. The Sony WI-1000X headphones deliver up to 10 hours of battery life with wireless noise cancelling enabled, and up to 13 hours with the option disabled. The Sony WF-1000X earbuds comes in a charging case for up to nine hours of usage. Lastly, the WH-H900N headphones offers promises 28 hours of battery life, and thanks to Quick Charge integration, you can get 65 minutes of battery life with just 10 minutes of charge. There's also a companion app called Headphones Connect app, that lets you fine-tune sound as per your preference. Coming to the pricing, the Sony WF-1000X earbuds and W1-1000X behind-the-neck headphones are priced at Rs. 14,990 and Rs. 21,990. They are now available at all Sony Centers and electronics stores across the country. The Sony WH-1000MX2 and WH-H900N are priced at Rs. 29,990 and 18,990 respectively and will hit the market on December 10.
Sony is reportedly working on its 2018 Xperia line up. Last week a new Sony handset codenamed H3213 Avenger with dual-selfie camera was spotted on GFXbench platform. Now, another Sony device with model number H4133 has shown up on the same benchmark platform. This is also a mid-range phone. As per GFXBench listing, the Sony H4133 will have 5.2-inch Full HD display and powered by Snapdragon 630 octa-core processor clocked at 2.2GHz, and is coupled with Adreno 508 GPU. It is expected to have 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, which can expanded via microSD card. For photography, it gets 21MP main camera and 8MP front shooter. The main came will boast LED flash, auto-focus, face detection and 4K video recording capabilities. It will run the latest Android Oreo out of the box and support NFC. That's all GFXBench listing reveals. Other Sony smartphones spotted on GFX Bench include H3213 Avenger and H4233. As mentioned above, the H3213 Avenger was spotted most recently. It is expected to feature 6-inch Full HD display, 4GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, 21MP rear camera and 16MP+8MP dual-cameras at the front. It will boot Android Oreo. The Sony H4233, on the other hand, will have the same features as H3213, but come with 64GB internal storage and a single 16MP camera. These three Sony smartphone are most likely to be unveiled at MWC 2018. Via 1 | 2
Sony has pushed out an update for the Xperia XA1 series of phones, which include Xperia XA1, Xperia XA1 Plus and Xperia XA1 Ultra. Sadly, it is not the highly anticipated Oreo update, instead it's a minor firmware update, that adds 6 November 2017 Android secruity patch. Post the update, the 5-inch Xperia XA1's build number will up from 40.0.A.6.135 to version 40.0.A.6.162. For the Xperia XA1 Plus, the build version will move from 48.0.A.1.66 to 48.0.A.1.99, while for the 6-inch Xperia XA1 Ultra build number from 42.0.A.4.101 to 42.0.A.4.133. The software stays on Nougat, and it is not known if they will get Android 7.1.1 or updated straight to Android Oreo. In related news, Sony recently released an update for the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 compact that included fix for the image distortion issue and November security patch (Link). It also released November security update for Xperia XZ Premium as well, which currently runs on the new Android Oreo (Link 1 | 2). Source
Last month, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium tasted Android Oreo update, which also included a fix that corrects image distortion. As a reminder, the Sony Xperia XZ Premium, XZ1, XZ1 Compact and XZs ships with a Motion Eye camera which has a wider lens compared to other phones. And several users complained of camera distortion effects when taking photos, using the wide-angle lens. As mentioned earlier, the Xperia XZ Premium already got the fix with the Oreo update, and now Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact are also getting the fix. Sony has rolled out a new firmware update for the Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact carrying build number 47.1.A.5.51. The update weighs at 396.2MB in size and adds a new option in the camera setting, in the form of toggle "Correction for image distortion", and enabling it will minimize the distortion effect. Additionally the update also brings 1 November Android security patch as well. Note that the update is being pushed in phases, so it will be released across all regions over the coming days, however, timing will vary by region. As for the Xperia XZs, it is likely to get the camera distortion fix with the upcoming Android Oreo update. Source
Sony is reportedly working on a budget smartphone featuring dual selfie camera. A new Sony model codenamed H3213 Avenger has been spotted on GFXBench, and if the specs revealed are true, it will be Sony's first phone to boast dual-cameras. As per the listing, the Sony H3213 Avenger will sport 16MP+8MP dual front cameras for selfie, capable of recording 4K video. At the rear, the phone will have a single 21MP camera, that can also record 4K videos. The listing further reveals that, the device will be equipped with 6-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 630 chipset, 4GB, 32GB internal storage and run Android Oreo out of the box. Since the phone has a 6-inch screen, it is likely to be a Ultra model belonging to the Xperia XA line for 2018. Apart from dual-camera phone, Sony is also said to be working on bezel-less phones as well with 18:9 screens. As for the release, Sony's Xperia X line up for 2018 is most likely to break cover at MWC 2018. Via
Sony has been pretty consistent when pushing updates to its devices. It was the first OEM to push Android Oreo for its flagship Xperia XZ Premium. And now continuing the good work, Sony has rolled out updates for Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia X and Xperia X Compact. For the Xperia XZ Premium, the update bumps the build number from 47.1.A.3.254 to version 47.1.A.5.51, and brings the latest November 2017 Android security patch, and a fix for the camera sensor issues. According to XperiaBlog, Xperia XZ Premium Dual-SIM unit's RGBC-IR and ToF (Laser Auto-Focus) sensors were not working as they should. Speaking of Xperia X and X Compact, they are also getting an update with build number 34.3.A.0.244, only picking up the latest 1 November 2017 Android Security patch. The new update for Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia X and Xperia X Compact is live across a number of regions. You might get a notification for the update soon. Source 1 | 2
Indian telecom operator Idea Cellular has teamed up with Sony India to offer additional 4G data benefits for those purchasing Xperia R1 and Xperia R1 Plus. The phones will be hitting the shelves tomorrow, November 10 and will be available both online and offline stores. Under the offer, customers purchasing Xperia R1 and Xperia R1 Plus, will ge an additional 10GB 4G data with every recharge of Rs. 300 and above for first six recharges. So, this makes up for total 60GB additional data during the six-month period. This means if your recharge the Xperia R1/R1 Plus with Idea's Rs. 357 plan, you will plan benefits of 1GB data per day, unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS for 28 days, plus 10GB additional data. That said, there is no FUP on the usage of 10GB data during the month. To recap, the Sony launched the Xperia R1 and Xperia R1 Plus in India targeted at mid-range segment. They are priced at Rs. 12,990 and Rs. 14,990 respectively, and feature 5.2-inch HD display, Snapdragon 430 processor, 13MP/8MP camera and 2620mAh battery. The difference between the two models is in the RAM and storage department. The Xperia R1 comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage, whereas, the Xperia R1 Plus has 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. Both also include dedicated slot for microSD card and dual-SIM, 4G VoLTE support, USB Type-C port, Bluetooth and WiFi. They run Android Nougat out of the box, but Sony has promised an upgrade to Oreo, when it's ready. Color options include Black and Silver.
Japanese tech giant Sony has announced "aibo", the evolution of its autonomous entertainment robot pet brand for the family. aibo is a robotic dog, and now has a more adorable appearance when compared to its predecessor, as well as vibrant movements, and is also responsive. Designed for home use aibo is capable for forming an emotional bond with members of the household, while providing them with low, affection and the joy of nurturing and raising a companion. It can develop its own unique personality through everyday interaction as it grows closer and closer to its owners, thanks to the integration of AI technology. The
robot can detect words of praise, smiles, head and back scratches,
petting and more, allowing it to learn and remember what actions make
its owners happy. As it interacts with more people, aibo's behavior slowly changes, and it will be able to respond to its owner's affection in kind, in return, it will display event more love and affection, when it feels loved.
As for the fucnctions, aibo's eyes utilize two OLEDs to allow for diverse, nuanced expression. It can also express emotions via body language using a combination of eye, ear and tail movements, as well as different voice sounds. For natural movements, the robot uses ultracompact 1- and 2-axis actuators, that gives it body the freedom to move along a total of 22 axes.
As it gains confidence, aibo will become more aware of its surrounding, and learn to walk around an increasingly wider area. For this purpose it has deep learning technology in the form on inbuilt sensor, that can detect and analyze sounds and images. aibo also comes with fish-eye camera that utilize simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM) technology. aibo weighs 2.2kg, and Sony claims, it can last for up to two hours on a single charge, and can recharge fully within three hours. The owner can interact with the robot using the dedicated app. The new aibo pet robot dog has been priced at 198,000 yen 9$1739 | Rs. 1,12,000), and will be up for pre-order from November 1. It will be limited to Japan, and go on sale on January 11, 2018.
Sony's $1700 Xperia Touch projector was launched running Android Nougat, and is confirmed to get Oreo. But before that is to happen, Sony has rolled out Android 7.1.1 Nougat for the the projector, which brings a handful of new features. The new update brings gestures controls, keystone settings, portrait mode, support for ALAC file format & CleraAudio+ and addition of table mode to presence function.
Gesture control – When projecting Xperia Touch onto a vertical wall (while watching Netflix for example), you’ll now be able to control the interface using physical gestures, so you don’t need to stand up and touch to select something. Just raise your hand and Xperia Touch will understand you’re about to use Gesture control. From there you can manipulate the interface; navigate menus, control video or music – all via simple swipes and finger “clicks”. You can even toggle mute on / off by holding your finger to your lips (shhhh…).
Projection settings – The new Keystone setting can help deal with any potential distortion. In addition to the auto-focus, Sony has added a new manual Focus setting to keep your projections sharp and clear.
Presence sensor – Used to work in wall mode, now works in table mode as well. Xperia Touch will wake automatically when you approach, without having to push the power button.
Audio – Xperia Touch now supports the ALAC file format (in addition to FLAC), and Sony's ClearAudio+ feature for auto-optimisation of sound settings.
Portrait mode – You’ll now have the ability to choose left or right orientation for Android apps that display in portrait mode.
The Sony Xperia Touch will receive Android 7.1.1 update firmware over-the-air. Sony notes that "software rollouts are a phased process – timing and availability will vary by market and/or operator." For those unaware, Sony's Xperia Touch is an Android Projector with multi-touch support and can turn any flat surface into a 23-inch HD touch screen. It is capable of beaming images vertically and horizontally. The home screen is designed to work in dark conditions, and provides real-time weather information, a memo board for doodles or video notes, calendar access and Skype video chat. Source
Sony is expanding its Xperia line with the launch of two new mid-range India exclusive models: Xperia R1 and Xperia R1 Plus. These phones are meant to compete with popular mid-range devices like Redmi Note 4, Mi A1, Moto G5/G5s and others. The Sony Xperia R1 features 5.2-inch HD display with 2.5D curved glass on top, and is powered by octa-core Snapdragon 430 processor, further aided by Adreno 505 GPU and 2GB RAM. It comes with 16GB internal storage, which can be expanded via microSD card slot. For photography, it gets 13MP rear camera with LED flash, Exmor Sensor, Predictive Hybrid Autofus, while the front facing unit houses 8MP sensor and also supports Predictive Hybrid Autofocus. In terms of connectivity, there's dual-SIM, 4G VoLTE, WiFI 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS and USB Type-C. It's worth noting that the handset has separate slots for dual-SIM and microSD card. It runs Android Nougat and is fueled by 2620mAh battery. Sony has also promised Android Oreo. The Sony Xperia R1 Plus, one the other hand, has the same specs sheet as the Xperia R1, but comes with 3GB RAM and 16GB internal storage. As for the pricing, the Xperia R1 has been priced at Rs. 12,990, and the Xperia R1 Plus will cost Rs. 14,990. They will be available via online and offline stores across the country from November 10 in Black and Silver colors.
The Sony Xperia XZ Premium and Xperia XZs, which launched earlier this year, comes with a new lens that are bit wider compared to other smartphones. The same type of camera lenses are also used on the Xperia XZ1 and Xperia Z1 Compact. That said, several users around the globe have been issues related to camera distortion effects when taking photos. However the issue is not is not with the camera, but while snapping photos using the wide-angle lens. Now Sony has issued a fix for distortion effect. The Sony Xperia XZ Premium is the first to receive the fix, as part of Android Oreo firmware update. Sony has added a new option in the camera setting, in the form toggle "Correction for image distortion", and enabling it will minimize the distortion effect. According to Sony Mobile "Our models featuring our new Motion Eye Camera, including XZ Premium, XZs, XZ1 and XZ1 Compact, feature a wide-angle lens. This lens enables an immersive experience by providing the ability to capture more scenery in the shot, however, it may also yield perspective distortion when shooting photos." Sony has also confirmed that the option will arrive on Xperia XZs, as part of Android Oreo update, while the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact that already runs Oreo will get the fix via a new firmware update at the end of November 2017. Via
