Sony Xperia Z
Sony Commits to Android 4.3 Updates
Sony today promised to update several of its devices to Android 4.3, though it didn't say when the update might become available. Sony said it is already making good progress with updating the Xperia Z and ZL from Android 4.1 to Android 4.2. Down the road, it will update both the Z and ZL, as well as the Xperia ZR, SP, Z Ultra, and Tablet Z to Android 4.3. Sony also said that it might update a few phones from Android 4.1 directly to Android 4.3, but it didn't name those devices. The timing for the updates will vary by region, carrier, and device.
Sony Xperia Z Hits T-Mobile Stores July 17 for $99 Down
T-Mobile today announced that the Sony Xperia Z will go on sale at T-Mobile stores beginning July 17. It will require a $99 down payment followed by 24 payments of $20. The device is already available directly from Sony.
Sony Launching Lost-Phone Service Globally
Sony this week announced the global launch of its "my Xperia" service for locating and/or securing lost and stolen Sony phones. The service is similar to Apple's Find my iPhone, including the ability to remotely sound an alert, display a message on the screen, lock the phone, locate the phone on a map, or erase all data, including a removable memory card. The service has been in testing in Nordic countries in recent months. It will be launched globally "in the next few weeks", while "timing and availability may vary by model, market & carrier."
T-Mobile USA to Sell the Sony Xperia Z
T-Mobile USA today announced that it will sell the Xperia Z smartphone in the coming weeks. The Z, which was revealed by Sony earlier this year, has a 5-inch 1080p HD display, 13-megapixel camera, and is water resistant. It will be sold in black and a limited edition purple. The Z will support T-Mobile's forthcoming LTE 4G network. Exact availability and pricing were not announced.
Sony Xperia Z Now Available from Sony's Web Store
Sony recently made the Xperia Z available for sale in the U.S. from its online store. The Xperia Z being offered by Sony supports HSPA+, but not LTE 4G networks. The full retail price of the Z is $629.99. The FCC recently approved a version of the Xperia Z that includes support for T-Mobile USA's LTE network, but Sony is not selling that variant yet. Additionally, Sony dropped the price of the Xperia ZL, also available from its web store, from $759.99 to $629.99. Both the Xperia Z and ZL are being sold unlocked and without carrier contracts.
FCC Documents Suggest T-Mobile Will Sell Sony Xperia Z
Documents seen on the Federal Communications Commission web site reveal a version of the Sony Xperia Z that support's T-Mobile's unique LTE spectrum band. Further, the draft user manual includes references to T-Mobile USA. Sony announced the Xperia Z earlier this year, but so far neither Sony nor T-Mobile has said the device will be sold in the U.S. The Xperia Z includes a 5-inch 1080p HD display with Sony's Bravia Engine 2. It has a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel EXMOR camera sensor with Fast Capture technology, and improved power efficiency through what Sony calls STAMINA. These features are packed into a form factor that is water and dust resistant, and measures 7.9mm thick.
Hands On with the Sony Xperia Z and ZL
Sony today announced the Xperia Z, he company's new flagship for 2013, and its little brother, the ZL. Read on for our first impressions of these top-end phones.
Sony's Xperia Z Features 5-Inch 1080p HD Display
Sony today announced the Xperia Z, its flagship Android smartphone headed into the first half of 2013. The Xperia Z includes a 5-inch display with 1920 x 1080 pixels, making it a full HD screen. It uses Sony's Bravia Engine 2 for improved clarity. The Xperia Z has a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM, keeping it motivated. The Xperia Z features a 13-megapixel EXMOR camera sensor with Fast Capture technology. The camera can shoot 1080p HDR (high dynamic range) HD video, as well. According to Sony, the Xperia Z has improved power efficiency through the use of something it calls STAMINA. This feature shuts off certain running applications whenever the screen is turned off. The apps then resume instantly when the screen is turned back on. All of these features are packed into a form factor that is water and dust resistant, and measures just 7.9mm thick. The Xperia Z (and a smaller version called the Xperia ZL) will ship during the first quarter of 2013. It will run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean at launch, with an update to Android 4.2 to follow quickly after initial retail availability. Pricing has not yet been disclosed.
