Alleged Sony Xperia Z4 Spotted in Geekbench Running Android 5.0.2

We first heard that the Sony Xperia Z4 could be unveiled at CES in January, and then it was rumored that the flagship might arrive at Mobile World Congress in March. The latest reports are indicating that the Sony Xperia Z4 release date will not be at MWC. But we aren’t hearing to talk about the Smartphone’s launch, but about its latest cameo.

A Sony-made smartphone codenamed 78YB16RC98PW62B1 has been spotted by the folks at blogofmobile.com in Geekbench database. Even though the codename is unusual for a Sony smartphone, all clues point that it’s the yet-unannounced Xperia Z4.

According to the Geekbench entry, the smartphone is running Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, while being underpinned by a Qualcomm processor. The motherboard is marked as “msm8994″ which checks out with the code of the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 chipset. I remind you that the SoC is based on quad-core ARM Cortex A57 and quad-core A53 with 64-bit support and an Adreno 430 GPU. The latest leak also revealed that the smartphone will integrate 3 GB of RAM.

If the rumors prove true, then the Xperia Z4 should have the same screen size and resolution as its predecessor, the Xperia Z3. Design-wise, the new flagship should be similar to the last three members of the Xperia Z tribe.

Unfortunately, there is no way to verify the veracity of the report; therefore we are recommending you to take it with a pinch of salt. After all, nothing is official until Sony says so.

Sony Xperia T3 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update Rolling Out Now

Sony has released the official Android 4.4.4 KitKat OTA Update for select Xperia T3 models worldwide. Check your phone’s notification panel starting today in order to find out if there are new KitKat builds available for installation.

The new OTA Update is being released in phases for multiple variants of the Sony Xperia T3 phone. Android 4.4.4 KitKat is the version of this release and it has been released for the T3 LTE D5103 and D5106 models, D5102 3G model. Up until now all these devices were running the Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware and all the Sony Xperia T3 users were thinking that the next update will be to Android 5.0 Lollipop. Now they will have to wait a while longer before Sony drops the Lollipop firmware upgrade.

Since this Android 4.4.4 KitKat update has been released for different Sony Xperia T3 models, then there are two different firmware version: 18.1.A.2.25 build for the T3 LTE D5103 and D5106 models, and the 18.1.A.2.32 build for the D5102 3G HSPA+ Xperia T3 device. There is no official changelog listed by Sony, but we can speculate that Android 4.4.4 KitKat brings bug fixes and stability improvements, so that all the Xperia T3 users will now run improved software.

This will most probably be the final Android 4.4.4 KitKat build that we will see released for the Xperia T3. Now, Sony will begin work on testing the Android 5.0 Lollipop firmware and, hopefully, we will see the future OS upgrade getting released sometime in Spring.

Android 4.4.4 KitKat OTA Update, 18.1.A.2.25 and 18.1.A.2.32 firmware builds, is currently being pushed out only for stock Sony Xperia T3 LTE and 3G models all over the world. The update is rolling out in phases, which means that not all users will be getting the new KitKat 4.4.4 firmware at the same time. The update is rolled out only for Xperia T3 devices that are running 100% stock OS. Tell us in comments if you’ve received any new firmware upgrades. If you did, then feel free to test all the new features and post below if there are any new major features that were added to your Sony Xperia T3 by the Android 4.4.4 KitKat update.

Sony Xperia 12-inch Tablet Rumored to Arrive by 1H 2015

A new report on Digitimes claims that Sony Mobile is looking at launching a new 12-inch tablet device in the first half of next year. This isn’t the first time that we are hearing rumors about a 12-inch Xperia tablet as around a few days back the rumor mills were buzzing about a Sony Xperia Z4 Ultra tablet with mind-boggling specs. Back then, we weren’t quite sure if the rumor could be trusted as the spec-sheet sounded too good to be true, but this new report from Digitimes does further strengthen the previous rumors about the ‘Xperia Z4 Tablet Ultra’.

The report claims that Sony will be starting mass production of the 12-inch tablet soon and launch it by the first half of 2015. The tablet is said to come with a 12.9-inch 3840 x 2400 resolution display, Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 8MP camera, and a body that’s around 8.6mm thin. Surprisingly, supply chain sources have told Digitimes that the tablet is likely to be priced in excess of $1000, which will make it one of the most expensive tablets in the market. Now, we’re not sure if there really is a market out there for a $1000 Android tablet. Especially when you consider the fact that the most expensive iPad model is on sale for $699 currently. It’s not just Sony that will be jumping into the 12-inch tablet market, Digitimes also claims Apple and other vendors are also all set to enter the premium 12-inch tablet market. This is likely to impact demand for notebook computers next year, although it does remain to be seen if the 12-inch tablets will really be able to affect notebook sales if they are going to be priced much higher than most 10-inch tablets in the market currently.

The earlier rumors about the Xperia Z4 Tablet Ultra claim that the device will sport a 4K resolution 12.9-inch TRILUMINOS IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipset, 6GB RAM, 8MP 1/2.3” Exmor RS rear camera with Carl Zeiss f1.8 lens, HDMI 1.4 Input, PlayStation 4 Remote Play, 64GB onboard memory, S-Force Front Surround speakers, Hi-Res Audio support, DSEE HX, Digital Noise Cancellation, 12100mAh battery and a design similar to the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact.

Xperia Z3 PlayStation 4 Remote Play Feature Now Available For All Android 4.4+ Devices

One of the main highlights of Sony’s latest Xperia Z3 flagship smartphone is the PlayStation 4 Remote Play functionality. The feature initially debuted with the Xperia Z3 family of devices – Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, and Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, but was also released for the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet devices as part of a software update recently. Sony initially claimed that the feature will not be able to be ported to other devices as it has included some specific hardware tweaks on the Xperia Z3 family of devices to minimize the input lag on supported devices. However, due to the open nature of the Android platform, it was only a matter of time before an Android developer ported the feature to other devices. That has actually happened finally as XDA developer TheScriptKitty has managed to port the Sony PlayStation 4 Remote Play feature to all Android devices running Android 2.2 or later versions.

The port seems to be quite successful as all the features are currently working except for DualShock 4 controller. However, you can still get the DualShock 4 controller to work with the feature by following two workaround methods that have been detailed by the developer. Surprisingly, the port doesn’t require root access either, so those of you with a completely stock Android smartphone can also try the feature on your device, provided you have a Sony PlayStation 4 at home. The developer has also disabled the root access check and connection speed checks for the app, so you should be able to get the app working even f you have a connection that is slower than what Sony recommends for an optimum experience when using the feature.

A large number of devices are supported currently and many more are expected to be added to the list in the near future. Almost all the Google Nexus devices including the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 7 2013, Nexus 9, and Nexus 10 are supported. A number of Samsung Galaxy devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, Note 2, Note 3, Note 4, Mega 6.3, S2, S3, S4, S5, Tab Pro 8.4, Tab Pro 12.2, Tab S 8.4 LTE, Tab S 10.5, Tab 10.1, Tab 2 7.0, Tab 2 10.1, Tab 3 7.0, and Tab 3 10.1 are included as well. LG smartphones that are compatible with the port are the latest G3, G2, GPad 8.3, Optimus F6 and the G Flex. The only Motorola device that seems to be compatible with the port is the Moto X 2013. Other supported devices are the HTC One M8, One M7, Nvidia Tegra Note 7, OnePlus One, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, Note 2, Note 3, Note 4, Mega 6.4, S2, S3, S4, S5, Tab Pro 8.4, Tab Pro 12.2, ZTE Nubia Z7 Mini and other recent Sony Xperia smartphones such as the Xperia Z, Xperia M, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z1 Compact, and the Xperia Z Ultra.

To install the Remote Play Feature on your Android smartphone or tablet, download and install the Remote Play port APK file and install it on your device. For most devices this should get the feature up and running. If somehow it doesn’t, then you will need to download the DualShock Manager apk file and move it into /system/app/ directory and change permissions to RW-R-R and reboot your device.

Sony Mobile to Sacrifice Volume For Profits As It Struggles With Smartphone Business

Sony has had it tough in the smartphone business. The company decided to go solo in the smartphone network by acquiring Ericsson’s stake in Sony Ericsson in the year 2011 and renamed the company to Sony Mobile. Soon after the formation of the new company, Sony aimed to become the third largest smartphone vendor in the world. Unfortunately the goal was a bit too optimistic and the company has actually been finding it tough to maintain its sales in the past few quarters. To turn things around, the new Sony Mobile CEO Hiroki Totoki has decided that the company will shrink its smartphone portfolio in the coming year and target profit instead of chasing market share like it was doing so far.

The company is bracing itself for volumes in the smartphone business shrinking by as much as 30% in the near future. The aim going forward is to remain profitable and just maintain presence in the smartphone market instead of targeting market share or increasing unit sales of smartphones. Sony had already announced plans earlier this year of cutting down on its mid-range smartphone portfolio and focusing only on the high-end segment. In the coming year, the number of entry-level and mid-range Xperia models could be limited to just a few.

In its previous announcement, Sony revealed that the Xperia business was the main reason behind its losses and it was not expecting to make any profits from the mobile business this year and would be happy if it could get the business to break even this financial year. It has also lowered its full year smartphone sales forecast twice this year. As part of its turnaround plan the company will focus on the gaming and image sensor business to get the company back into profit.

Sony’s hopes of becoming the third largest smartphone OEM were never going to come true unless the company focused on the two key smartphone markets – China and USA. Sony has had limited presence in both markets. Sony did try launching a few exclusive Xperia handsets for the Chinese market but it couldn’t win much market share and has decided to move away from the Chinese market owing to the stiff competition there. As far as the US market goes, Sony has never had a good presence in the market and hasn’t been able to strike a deal with all the major US carriers. Its Xperia smartphones have so far been available only through AT&T and T-Mobile. The relationship with AT&T didn’t last long and while it continues to sell Xperia flagships through T-Mobile, which alone isn’t enough to make an impact in the American market as T-Mobile has the smallest market share among the major US carriers. The lack of extensive marketing has also been a factor behind the slowing sales of Xperia smartphones. Even though the company now spends a lot more on marketing its latest smartphones, initially Sony had ignored the need to properly market its smartphones to the global consumers.

Sony Xperia Z4 Specs and Photos Leaked Online

Early this year, at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the folks at Sony claimed that, in order to survive and become relevant on the already overcrowded smartphone market, one company should release two flagships a year. And this is how the Japanese phone maker released their flagships over the past couple of years. In 2013 they unveiled the Xperia Z and the Xperia Z1, while in 2014 they brought us the Xperia Z2 and the Xperia Z3. Sticking to that pattern, Sony should release the Xperia Z4 at CES 2015 in January, followed by the Xperia Z5 at IFA 2015 in September.

Even though it was previously rumored that Sony would squeeze a Snapdragon 801 chipset under the hood of the Xperia Z4, Phone Arena writes, quoting an anonymous tipster, that the Japanese company is sticking to a quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor. Even though Sony bashed the Android OEMs making the jump to Quad HD screens, saying there’s not much of a difference between a QHD display and a Full HD one, their next-gen flagship smartphone will reportedly arrive with a 5.4-inch Quad HD display. The same report also indicates that Z4 might also integrate 4 GB of RAM while running Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box.

According to the same anonymous tipster who provided information for Phone Arena, Sony will also introduce a 5.9-inch Xperia Z4 Ultra phablet at CES 2015. It seems that, aside from the display, Xperia Z4 Ultra might share many of the technical specifications of the Z4, being underpinned by the same Snapdragon 805 and 4 GB of RAM team. If the rumors prove true, the Z4 Ultra will be insanely thin, with a profile of only 5.7 mm.

Camera-wise, Sony will allegedly stick a 20.7 MP sensor. Anyway, it looks like we might be dealing with a new generation sensor called IMX2130. According to Phone Arena’s source the new sensor comes with image plane detection auto-focus technology and 192-point auto-focus. It seems though that the Xperia Z4 Ultra might not be equipped with the same main shooter. The Japanese company is reportedly working on a 16 MP sensor for the new phablet.

As usual, we are advising you to take the rumors with a pinch of salt, as there’s no way to verify the veracity of the information. After all, nothing is official until Sony says so.

Sony Xperia Z4 Rumored Launch Date

Sony Xperia Z4 just couldn’t seem to stay away from the headlines. Las Vegas is set to be the host of a very big event on January 5th 2015, the Consumer Electronics Show. The event is going to showcase some big news for the tech industry, but above all, there have been some allegations saying that the Sony Xperia Z4 will make an appearance at the show.

Sony’s Xperia Z4 is still quite a mysterious device, but its existence has already been confirmed. The device is the next in Sony’s flagship line, and will pack some serious hardware. Sony is keeping up its promise of releasing a new flagship every six months, which is actually highly impressive considering the amount of time it takes a tech company to produce a new device. Obviously, the capacity to release new devices in short amounts of time doesn’t dictate quality, but it does prove competence.

Sony announced the next flagship, the Xperia Z3, at the 2014 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February of this year, and they continued to discuss the Z4 at IFA in September at Berlin. Obviously, the tech giant is likely to show off other devices at CES 2015 besides the Xperia Z4. Other candidates include the Xperia Z4 Compact, Xperia Z4 Tablet, and an alleged “Ultra” device, but this is highly unlikely.

Xperia Z4 leaked tech specs

According to current information, Sony’s Xperia Z4 is going to sport a quad HD screen, and 8-core 64-bit Qualcomm 810 pocessor clocked at 2.8GHz, and 4GB of RAM. It'll also feature an upgraded camera compared to its predecessor's already amazing camera. The tech specifications look solid, and this may just be one of their best devices released so far.Obviously, the tech specifications aren't set in stone, and are merely estimates based on rumors and allegations, so you should take them all with a pinch of salt. Sony will most likely give out some more bits of information before too long.

New Sony Xperia Z1s Android 4.4.4 Update Is Now Being Pushed to T-Mobile Users

If you happen to own a Sony Xperia Z1s from T-Mobile you should keep an eye on the notifications bar. T-Mobile has officially announced that a new Sony Xperia Z1s Android 4.4.4 update is now being pushed to the users over-the-air.

According to the Sony Xperia Z1 Android 4.4.4 update changelog posted on T-Mobile’s support page, the new update arrives with Wi-Fi-calling enhancements, better system stability, along with Camera and Bluetooth improvements. Besides all these enhancements, the new update also adds a new feature: T-Mobile Free Inflight Texting support.

As usual, the new Android 4.4.4 update for T-Mobile Sony Xperia Z1s is being rolled out in phases, which means that some of you might not be able to download and install it right away. Once your smartphone becomes eligible to receive the new firmware, you should be able to notice a system update message in the notifications bar. Tap on it then follow the on-screen instructions. In case the system update notification failed to appear, you would also want to perform a manual check under All apps > Update Center > System > Check for updates. Alternatively you can grab the USB cable, connect your Z1s to the PC and check for the update via the Sony PC Companion app.

It’s also worth noting that the new firmware will update your system version to 14.4.B.0.56. Because we are dealing with a minor system update, the update file shouldn’t be too big. Anyway, we are recommending you to use a Wi-Fi network while downloading the update in order to avoid unwanted data charges.

Sony Xperia Z3 Android 5.0 Lollipop Update to Roll out Early 2015, Z3 Compact and Z3 Tablet Compact to Follow Soon After

Android 5.0 Lollipop is on everyone’s lips lately and the folks at Sony have revealed their plans to bring the new update to their Xperia Z line-up. According to them, the Sony Xperia Z3 Android 5.0 Lollipop update will be rolled out “at beginning of 2015.”

As you may know, the Android 5.0 Lollipop update will be first rolled out for the members of the Nexus tribe early November, followed soon after by the Google Play Edition devices. It looks though that Sony will take their time with releasing the update to their high-end devices, since both Samsung and HTC will reportedly bring the new firmware to their flagship devices by the end of the year.

Besides rolling out the Sony Xperia Z3 Android 5.0 Lollipop update, the Japan-based company also promised to bring the new Android version to Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z3v, and other devices.

Android 5.0 Lollipop is the most major update Android has received since its debut. It brings a new design philosophy called Material Design, dynamic status bar, redesigned Notifications Panel and Quick Settings menu, lock screen notifications, battery saver mode, support for 64-bit processor, ART runtime, and more.

As you may know, once your device will become eligible to receive the new firmware update, you should be able to see a system update message in the notifications bar. Tap on it, then follow the on-screen instructions. In case the system update notification fails to appear, you would also want to perform a manual check under Settings > About device > Software updates > Check now. Its also worth mentioning that the Android 5.0 Lollipop update will be rolled out in phases, with unlocked terminals being the first in-line to get the new update.

Sony Xperia Z3: US Launch Date and Pricing Revealed for T-Mobile

Sony Xperia Z3’s launch date and price tag have been under a lot of speculation for a while, but these details are now clear regarding the American carrier, T-Mobile. Sony’s device is set to launch on October 29th.

T-Mobile Xperia Z3 Pricing

As it currently stands, pricing for the T-Mobile Sony Xperia Z3 starts at $0 for 24 months of payment ($26.25 per month – $630.00 in total). If you’re eager to get your hands on this amazing device, pre-orders start from October 15th at 12:00 a.m. PDT. Many tech enthusiasts are already lining up to get their hands on Sony’s flagship as soon as possible.

To understand why this device is so popular, you’ll have to check out its amazing tech specifications. Sony Xperia Z3 features a 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080 TRILUMINOS display, a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage, expandable use an external microSD slot up to 128GB. The device also features 4G LTE connectivity and a very impressive 20.7MP rear camera with an Exmor RS sensor. It packs really impressive hardware, for a modest price tag.

This collaboration between Sony and T-Mobile is not a first. They worked together on the release of the Sony Xperia Z and Sony Xperia Z1. It’s good to see Sony focusing on individual carriers to reach out to as many customers as possible. Their devices are often innovative and cheap, so it’s a win-win. T-Mobile is definitely going to end this quarter on a profit due to this release, as well as many other offers.

Sony Xperia Z3 US Availability: Coming to T-Mobile with 32GB Storage

Sony Xperia Z3 has only recently been announced on T-Mobile and the company’s already surprised us. Reports currently show the carrier has created a 32GB internal storage variant of the Sony Xperia Z3, compared to the 16GB version other carriers are selling.

Sony’s Xperia Z3 handset is impressive and has caused a large amount of hype amongst tech enthusiasts due to its tech specifications and elegant design. Although available for double the amount of internal storage other carriers are offering, AT&T customers have a small disadvantage – the device only comes in black, compared to variations on other carriers: copper, silver green, and white.

What’s great is that, even though there are currently two options of internal memory for the Sony Xperia Z3, both can be further expanded by an external microSD card.

Sony Xperia Z3 release date

The release date of the Sony Xperia Z3 is currently under speculation, with no solid data on that so far. We need mention, though, that Sony is set to hold a press event in New York on October 9th – so our eyes are peeled, hoping they’ll share new details regarding the 32GB Sony Xperia Z3 on AT&T.

For those who might not know why Sony’s gadget is so popular, here’s why. It sports a 5.2-inch 1080 x 1920 pixel IPS LCD display, a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. It also features an impressive 20.7MP primary shooter, 3GB of RAM, and a 3100mAh battery, which is bound to result in a great battery life.

Sony Xperia Z3 Launcher And Widgets Ported For All Android Devices Running 4.2+

Sony Xperia Z3 Launcher And Widgets Ported For All Android Devices Running 4.2+

Xperia Z3 was one of the biggest announcements at IFA this Wednesday and its system dump was already been made available on XDA developers website the very next day. Developers have now successfully ported the device’s home launcher and widgets to all Android devices running Android 4.2 JellyBean or later versions. The ports have been developed by senior XDA member Sahaab.

The system dump of the Xperia Z3 was shared by XDA member IanM RS, who shared it on XDA forums on 5th September. The dump included everything from the launcher to apps and wallpapers. The build number of the firmware shared was 23.0.A.2.93. That most likely wouldn’t be the final firmware that would ship with the Xperia Z3 once It starts shipping to retailers by the end of the month.

The port works for both rooted as well as non-rooted devices, so everyone can install the Z3 launcher on their devices and get a feel of the updated Sony Xperia UI. No framework changes are required too, you simply need to remove the previous home.apk from the system/app folder on your phone. Once you’ve done that you can install it as any other apk file. Sony’s Android launcher has been very light right from the Sony Ericsson era, unlike the Samsung and LG launchers. So even if you’re not a fan of Sony’s devices, you should definitely give it a go and try the Z3 launcher.

The Xperia Z3 does not come with vastly different software from the Xperia Z2, but there are some minor differences that have been made. Since the device is not shipping right now and not available for demo either at retail stores, this is probably the only thing you can do while you wait for the smartphone to be available on online as well as brick and mortar stores near you.

IFA 2014: Sony announces its New Xperia Z3 Flagship Smartphone With 2 Day Battery Stamina and Improved Camera

IFA 2014: Sony announces its New Xperia Z3 Flagship Smartphone With 2 Day Battery Stamina and Improved Camera

The wait is finally over! Sony has finally launched their new flagship smartphone – Xperia Z3. The rumors over the past few months suggested it to be quite a boring device but it is actually a pretty interesting smartphone.

Let’s talk about the hardware specifications first. It comes with the same 5.2 inch 1920 x 1080 resolution IPS display with Sony’s Triluminos Display for mobile and X-Reality image enhancement technology. Powering the smartphone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, clocked at 2.5GHz. There is 3GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable by a microSD, 20.7MP Exmor RS rear camera, 2.2MP front camera, 3100mAh battery, IP65/68 certified dust and water-resistant, LTE Cat.4 support for up to 150 Mbps download speeds, and Android 4.4.4 KitKat out of the box. The dimensions of the device are 146 x 72 x 7.3mm.

These specs might not sound very different from the Xperia Z2 but actually there are a lot more differences than these specs suggest. The most promising change has to do with the battery life. Sony claims that they have been able to tune all the components of the smartphone to be as efficient as possible to extract the maximum possible battery life. The result of that is said to be a 2 day battery life. That’s right! Sony claims that you can use the Xperia Z3 for two continuous days without having to look for your charger. Even though battery capacity is down by 100mAh over the Xperia Z2, the battery life is said to be quite a lot better. There is also an ultra-stamina mode on board that limits your phone to core functions only like calls and messaging to extract the most out of your battery.

Another area where Sony seems to have concentrated is the camera. You might remember that even though the Xperia Z2 came with a 20.7MP camera, it underperformed as far as the image quality went. Its rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the LG G3 delivered better results even though they have lower resolution cameras. The Xperia Z3 camera sees some major improvements. The maximum ISO has seen a big jump to ISO12800 now, the highest sensitivity in any smartphone to date. The G Lens has also been upgraded and is now 25mm wide lens (27mm on Z2) that allows you to capture wider shots than before. The camcorder also features a new Intelligent Active Mode which analyzes your movements when shooting a video and minimizes blur and shake from videos. The list of camera apps has also been extended, with more to follow soon.

Even though the display packs the same enhancement technologies and resolution as the Z2, the panel itself is said to be brand new and offers the highest brightness of any Xperia yet according to Sony, A contrast enhancement technology has also been adopted to improve sunlight legibility.

Playstation Remote Play is also a big feature on the Xperia Z3. Sony claims the Xperia Z3 (along with other Z3 products) is the only smartphone in the market that allows you to access your PlayStation 4 games from anywhere in your home using a Wi-Fi network. A separate attachment accessory will help connect the PS4 controller to your Xperia Z3 so you can continue playing your game on it and move around the house.

Audio is another area where Sony has achieved some significant improvements. The noise cancellation feature from the Xperia Z2 is retained but you now get DSEE HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) from Sony Walkman devices that allows you to enjoy all your music in the highest possible quality. It also comes with Hi-Res Audio supports, letting you enjoy listening to lossless audio files on the go.

Sony has always been the master of good-looking industrial designs, and the Z series line has been testament to that. The Xperia Z3 looks like an evolution of the Xperia Z2 design with much of the same philosophy but with clever new touches being added to make it a more ergonomic smartphone. The bezels have been trimmed and the side bezels are now said to be just 0.2 mm thin. This has allowed the Xperia Z3 to be slightly less wide than its predecessor and at the same time the thickness has reduced from 8.2mm to 7.2mm. Weight has also reduced to 152 grams from 163 grams on the Z2. The materials used are the same though, with double tempered glass and an aluminum frame. The dust and water resistance capabilities have also seen an improvement with the Z3 being IP65/68 certified, it is now water proof up to a depth of 1.5 meters in fresh water.

All Xperia Z3 models appear to be 4G LTE compatible and the handset supports Nano SIM cards. The Xperia Z3 will be available globally this Autumn with pricing details to be revealed at a later stage. Four color options will be offered depending on the market – Black, White, Copper, and Silver Green.

IFA 2014: Sony Launches Xperia Z3 Compact, The Most Powerful Mini Flagship Yet

IFA 2014: Sony Launches Xperia Z3 Compact, The Most Powerful Mini Flagship Yet

Along with the Xperia Z3, Sony also announced the Xperia Z3 Compact today. It is the Mini version of the Xperia Z3 and unlike the Minis from other manufacturers, it retains almost all the features of its bigger brother.

The Xperia Z3 compact comes with a 4.6 inch 1280 x 720 HD resolution IPS display with TRILUMINOS and Live Color LED, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz CPU with Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage (expandable up to 128GB by microSD cards), 20.7MP f2.0 aperture rear camera with 4K video recording, 2600mAh battery, IP65/68 certified dust and water-resistant, LTE Cat.4 connectivity, and runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

Sony really seems to have concentrated on the “compact” bit with the Xperia Z3 Compact. Despite packing a bigger display than its predecessor the Xperia Z1 Compact, it has nearly the same dimensions at 127 x 64.9 x 8.6mm. This has been possible mainly by reducing the bezels all around the display. Sony has also been able to fit a larger 2600mAh in a body that is thinner by 0.9mm. Truly impressive.

As we mentioned earlier in the post, Sony has retained most of the big features from the Xperia Z3 on the Z3 compact. The same 2 day battery life is available on the Z3 compact despite the smaller sized battery. It also features the ultra-stamina mode that lets you maximize battery life when you wish to squeeze the maximum out of what little battery life you have remaining by allowing only the core functionalities like making calls and sending text messages. The screen makes use of the same intuitive contrast enhancement technology for sharp viewing in bright sunlight along with an ultra-bright panel.

The camera improvements are all there too. The Z3 Compact also makes use of the new 25mm wide-angle Sony G Lens. The low light sensitivity has been boosted to ISO12800 and there’s a new Intelligent Active Mode to improve stabilization during video recording by analyzing your movements and reducing shake and blur accordingly. Sony’s legendary Walkman prowess has also made its way into the Xperia Z3 Compact with Hi-Res Audio support and DSEE HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) to deliver great audio quality. There is also noise cancellation tech built-in that works with compatible Sony noise cancelling earphones. PlayStation 4 Remote Play function lets you play PS4 games on the Z3 Compact’s screen by connecting the PS4 DualShock controller to the phone using an attachment accessory. This is an exclusive feature that is currently available only for the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact.

The Xperia Z3 will launch in autumn this year in four color options – Black, White, Orange and Green. Like the Z3, Z3 Compact will also come in LTE variants only. There won’t be any HSDPA models this time from what we are seeing on the device’s official whitepaper. There is no information on the pricing yet, but we do expect it to be on the higher side initially. But the fact remains that the Z3 Compact is the only sub 5 inch smartphone that can boast of flagship level specifications and a compact size that fits perfectly in the hand.

Android 5.0 L Update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10: Speculated Release

Android 5.0 L Update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10: Speculated Release

It’s no longer a mystery that the folks at Google will be releasing the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 later this year. Even though the Mountain View-based giant didn’t reveal when the new Android update will be released for the public, we strongly believe we can make a fairly accurate estimation of its release date based on the company’s previous launches

I guess that most of you know that, so far, Google had the habit of releasing two major Android updates per year: one in the summer, about a month after their annual Google I/O tech conference, and the other one mid-to-late fall. Even though it was rumored that everybody will get to enjoy a new Android update this summer, the search engine giant decided it’s time to change their approach regarding their Android releases. As far as it looks, Google will do the Android L launch Apple-style.

Why Apple-style? Because the Cupertino-based company is usually introducing new iOS versions in the summer, during WWDC, makes them available for beta testing for a few months, then releases them in the fall, when a new iPhone is launched. As you may know, Google previewed Android L at Google I/O back in June, made it available for download as Developer Preview for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 for testing purposes and they will probably release it late-October or early-November, synchronized with the debut of new Nexus hardware.

It was reported a couple of months ago that Google is reading a new program called Android Silver that will replace the Nexus family of devices. Many believed that this will be the end of the Nexus line-up, but a Google employee recently dismissed the rumors. Soon after, rumors of new Nexus hardware started to hit the web. First, we’ve heard of a new 8.9-inch Nexus tablet. The device is reportedly manufactured by HTC and it’s known internally as Volantis. If the reports are to be believed the new Nexus 9 will sport 64-bit processor, 3 GB RAM, 8 MP primary shooter, and aluminum zero-gap construction. The rumor mill also talks about a new Nexus Smartphone, unofficially dubbed Nexus 6. The handset codenamed Shamu is made by Motorola and its technical specifications include a 5.2-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) display, quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor, 3 GB RAM, and 13 MP rear-facing shooter with OIS. There’s no doubt that both the Nexus 9 and the Nexus 6 will run Android 5.0 L out of the box.

As you may know, Google introduced the new release as Android L, but this will definitely not be the final name. Each major Android release has a unique version number and a dessert-inspired nick name. Given the high amount of changes it brings (the update is even bigger than the jump from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich), Android L will surely have version number 5.0. Regarding the dessert name, so far we’ve heard about Lollipop or Licorice. There are even some reports of Lemon Meringue Pie.

The first thing you’ll notice about Android 5.0 L is the new Material Design philosophy. The interface is more colorful and more animated, while the system as a whole is more intuitive courtesy of 3D effects and shadows. The performance will also get a boost and the introduction of ART runtime (replaces Dalvik) and support for 64-bit processors will definitely help. Furthermore, many of the users who got to install Android L Developer Preview on their smartphones and tablets are reporting battery life improvements.

The Android 5.0 L lock screen and the notification bar received noteworthy improvements, as well. The former one now displays notifications and allows you to interact with them. Furthermore, the lock screen notifications are prioritized based on the frequency you interact with them. The notifications bar looks and behaves different in Android 5.0 L. Besides receiving a new color scheme, the notifications bar has also ditched the Quick Settings button. The Quick Settings menu itself is still there, but you will access it differently. In order to get to the Quick Settings toggles you will have to swipe down once to open the notifications bar, then swipe once more. Once there, you will find toggles for Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, Sound, Location, Do Not Disturb, and Rotation Lock. As you can see, the Do Not Disturb and Rotation Lock toggles are completely new. The Adaptive Brightness replaces Auto Brightness and the Brightness button is now a slider. In the main Settings menu you will be able to enjoy the new search bar that allows you to easily find certain options.

The Android 5.0 L update also brings changes to the status bar. Even though you won’t be able to notice the changes in the home and lock screens, where the status bar is still transparent, you will be able to see that it changes color when you open an app. The status bar is capable of matching the color of the action bar of the app running on the screen in order to bring a unified visual experience. Of course, the devs will have to update their apps in order to take advantage of the new feature.

On the other hand, the multitasking has received a makeover. The recents are now displayed as cards, in a way similar to how Chrome’s recents tabs are displayed. Furthermore, certain apps can show multiple cards in the multitasking menu. Chrome is one of them, being capable of showing a different card for each opened tab.

The Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be the first one to be publicly released. The Google Play Edition devices will also be among the first to receive the new firmware update, along with Motorola’s supported devices. HTC was one of the first Android OEMs to promise they will be bringing the Android 5.0 L update on their flagships. According to them, both One M7 and One M8 will get the update within 90 days after Google releases the final code. The other big Android Smartphone makers, Samsung, Sony, and LG, will probably release Android 5.0 L for their supported devices sometimes late 2014 or early 2015.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Specs Leaked Before IFA Event [EXCLUSIVE]

The Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact’s IFA release is pretty much set in stone at this point, and even though the company has been trying its best to keep all the details a secret ’til the final reveal, some details are bound to get leaked. Today, we bring you a detailed spec sheet of the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact shared with us by a tipster.

Sony has traditionally been a not-so-serious player in the tablet market. They haven’t really had an offering that really set the market on fire. The company’s latest tablet – the Xperia Tablet Z2 – has also not been very well received as far as sales go. Quite surprising, as the device was very well received by the tech community and reviews on the tablet have been largely positive.

Now, it looks like Sony wants to concentrate on the tablet market yet again and get a piece of the pie in the lucrative 7-8 inch mini-tablet segment where Apple’s iPad Mini Retina is the current champion. We’ve received some internal info from a tipster who claims to have solid information on the Xperia Tablet Z3 Compact.

Snapdragon 801 to mark its presence in the Z3 Tablet Compact

According to the tipster, the Z3 Tablet Compact will feature a 1920 x 1080 px Full HD IPS screen measuring about 8 inches diagonally. Sony’s TRILUMINOS tech and X-Reality picture processing engine will also be on board with additional anti-reflection coating on top.

Sony doesn’t seem to be interested in the Snapdragon 805 chipset and will continue to use Snapdragon 801 chipsets in its devices for fall 2014. The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact is said to use the same Snapdragon 801 chipset as the Xperia Z2 Tablet, but the higher-clocked MSM8974AC variant. The Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact are also expected to use the very same chip inside. This will be complemented by 3GB of RAM, and internal storage will remain at 16GB as with the Z2 Tablet.

8MP Exmor RS camera

As is usually the case with most Sony high-end devices, the Z3 Tablet Compact will be dust and water resistant. The rest of the specs will also be pretty similar to the Xperia Z2 tablet, including an 8.0 megapixel Exmor RS rear camera, LTE connectivity, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and a battery rated at about 4500-5000mAh. There will also be some interesting accessories and productivity features on board apparently.

Though this information comes from a very trusted source who has a very good history with leaks related to Sony devices, we have to warn you to take all of the above information with a pinch of salt. With just under 2 weeks left until Sony’s IFA press conference, we don’t have to wait very long to find out if our tipster was right or not.

The Z3 Tablet Compact will have to face off against the new iPad Mini that’s due in October. Do you think it has what it takes to challenge Apple’s offering?