They are a bit behind schedule, but as promised, Sony has begun updating its not-so-latest Xperia T, Xperia TX, Xperia V and Xperia SP smartphones to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The Xperia SP has been getting the update in some regions since last week, and now the final iteration of Jelly Bean is beginning to make its way to the other three devices. (more…)
Sony’s list of Android 4.3-eligible devices is quite long, but users of the company’s old and not-so-powerful handsets have been waiting for some word on when these devices will start reaping the benefits of Android 4.3. Well, the Japanese manufacturer has offered some details in that regard for the Xperia SP, T, TX and V: Sony Mobile News tweeted today that the rollout will begin from the end of January / in early February. Of course, you’ll need to keep in mind that the update’s reach will expand gradually over the course of a few weeks, especially for those with carrier-locked versions of the aforementioned devices, though it’s still nice to see the company offer a concrete time frame.
The update, once it arrives, will bring various improvements, such as faster performance, Bluetooth LE (low-energy) and OpenGL 3.0 support, improved accessibility, among others. Sony’s own additions on top of what Google offers in the new version of Android will be in attendance as well, including improved and updated versions of apps like Messaging, MyXperia, TrackID, Small Apps, WALKMAN etc., custom theme interface called “Xperia Themes” with the option to download custom UI packs (an extension of the themes option in Sony’s custom skin).
Sony has been relatively slow in updating its smartphones, especially the ones from 2012 and early 2013. Two such smartphones, the Xperia T (2012) and the Xperia SP (2013) have had to wait quite a while now for a word on the Android 4.3 update. But it seems like the wait is almost over as a few leaked screenshots have revealed the imminent arrival of the update. Sony recently finished the rollout of Android 4.3 for its flagship devices.
Surprisingly, these two smartphones are making the jump from Android 4.1, thus saving Sony the trouble of updating to Android 4.2 and then to 4.3. The changes can be observed in the screenshots above and users can expect a more refined UI with some new features added to the mix as well. Sony should make the update official in a few days from now depending on specific regions, so make sure you’re on the lookout for an update notification. Head over to the Flickr link below to find a whole bunch of Android 4.3 screenshots taken from the Xperia T.
Source: DooMLoRD – Flickr
Via: Cult of Android
Sony has a wide series of mid-range and low end smartphones in the market much like any major manufacturer. Prominent among these are handsets like the Xperia T and the Xperia V which has now been certified to receive the Android 4.3 update. This means the users can expect an update to hit their smartphones in the coming weeks. Although it’s very late in the day to be getting the Android 4.3 update, customers won’t mind the delay as Sony is living up to its promise of software updates for the entirety of its 2013 smartphones.
But going by this, one can imagine the kind of delay the customers will have to endure before receiving the Android 4.4 update. The PTCRB pages reveal the firmware version 9.2.A.0.276 for both the smartphones (LT25i and LT30p) with this new update. The best part about an update is the array of changes that it brings to the table, and these devices are no exception to that. Users can expect a slightly refined user interface and performance related improvements with the update.
Via: Phone Arena
The Sony Xperia T, has been released for a couple weeks now, but consumers wanting to get their hands on a white variant of the device in the United Kingdom are going to have to see O2 about that.
If you have been itching to get a white variant of the Xperia T, Clove Technology will have the white version of the handset in stock next week. Of course, SIM-free devices usually cost you a bit more, so you’ll be shelling out a good £378 on the device. Although, that’s actually a pretty good price for what the device brings to the table, in my opinion.
The Sony Xperia T offers some superb specifications, which you can check out below:
Clove Technology is taking pre-orders for the device right now. You can head on over to their website via the source link below to get pre-order information and etc.
source: Clove
via: Android Central
Sony has been one of the few manufacturers that promised an Ice Cream Sandwich roll out to all of its smartphones in December last year. And it lived up to the promise quite well to the surprise of the customers. However, we live in the Jelly Bean era now and anything short of Android 4.1 just won’t cut it. But Sony begs to differ with the new Android 4.0.4 update for the Xperia T (a.k.a the Bond Phone) and the Xperia TX. This update, besides being a bump to the Android version, also offers plenty of other functionalities, some of which Sony detailed in its official press release.
First up is the Screen Mirroring functionality which brings the ability to mirror your phone’s display via Wi-Fi Miracast on a compatible TV. This feature requires a TV with Wi-Fi or a Wi-Fi dongle, so it might not be used by a lot of users, but is still a good feature to have in a smartphone. Also on board with the update is the new Extended Standby mode. This basically boosts the battery standby time drastically, helping the phone save juice for long periods of time. Sony claims that the standby time is extended by over four times with this new feature. All the unnecessary apps running in the background, data connection and other functions are turned off after the phone is in sleep mode for a few minutes and that’s when the function kicks in. The user will still be able to receive calls and texts, so it’s only a partial standby.
With this update, Sony has also introduced something known as HD Voice, which promises clearer and crisper voice while on calls. According to Sony, HD Voice is “the most significant voice quality upgrade in mobile history; transmitting a broader spectrum of the human voice resulting in a more natural sound filtering out distracting background noise. It’s now easier to recognize voices, and to hear and understand what the person at the other end is saying, even in noisy environments.” HD Voice has been developed and tested by Nokia along with a few carriers in the UK before. Social networking app Viber recently announced support for HD Voice calls exclusively for Nokia Lumia smartphones. But it’s good news that Sony is bringing this feature to Android, finally. This feature is only limited to the Xperia T, the Xperia TX does not support HD Voice as of now.
Other changes making its way with the update are mostly pertaining to media apps. The Walkman app has been slightly revamped with a new appealing look and feel. The Album app now apparently makes use of the Sony Mobile Bravia Engine, which means it will deliver crisper colors and better contrast. So if you own an Xperia T or TX, there’s enough reason to be excited. While some of the features are limited to the Xperia T, the overall change in functionality is very welcome.
Source: Sony
Via: Phone Arena
Miracast, the newest competitor in the video streaming market, was announced earlier this year, but information surrounding it has been pretty vague (requirements, compatibility and etc). In fact, the feature has been around for a while, but the Android platform has had to play catch up with it. To refresh your memory, Miracast is very similar to Samsung’s DLNA feature along with a more recent feature announced on the Nexus 4 coupled with Android 4.2, which will allow the user of the device to mirror images straight from a phone or tablet to display over a Wi-Fi connection. This week a software update is starting to roll out in Europe and Asia for the Xperia T which will include this streaming functionality on the device. The only catch to this is that your network and monitor is going to need to be compatible with Miracast.
An additional feature added to Miracast is going to appeal to those that are conscious about their battery usage, it’s a feature that will allow users to enable an extended standby function. The feature will disable the data connections after a set allotment of time has ran out. However, the way this is different from other similar features is that it will continue to allow data for texts and calls to come through as it normally would. Sony claims an extension of standby time by four-fold when the user opts in with this specific option. Other changes included with this firmware update are some changes to the Movie and Walkman apps.
It is also important to note that the Xperia TX will not be receiving HD Voice.
source: Talk Android
UPDATE: Xperia T will be offered by AT&T as Sony Xperia TL that will be featured during the premier of the upcoming James Bond movie, Skyfall.
After its successful roll out in the United Kingdom and Europe, Sony Xperia T finally reaches the US shores bearing a price tag of $599.99 for unlocked or SIM-free version. It is apparently a mid-range device with a dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Reviews show it offers what it promised to give but many believe it is priced just a little over its range.
Many providers in the UK, Germany and the rest of Europe added Sony Xperia T to their portfolio and subsidized it. In the US, however, there’s no information whether major carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile would pick it up and offer it at a lower price with bundled plans and a 2-year contract. Now, let’s try to look a little closer and see what this device is made of.
Processor. Sony Xperia T sports Qualcomm MSM8260A Snapdragon chipset with a dual-core Krait clocked at 1.5GHz and packed with Adreno 225 GPU. Majority of Sony mid-range Android smartphones use this Qualcomm chip.
Memory. With 1GB RAM to complement its CPU, Xperia T would definitely offer good performance and stability like other Xperia devices available in the market today. It comes with only one capacity variant, 16GB internal memory, but for those who think it’s not enough, there’s a microSD card slot that supports the typical 32GB external memory.
Display. It uses the typical TFT capacitive touchscreen, which majority of Xperia devices also use, but offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. It has approximately 323ppi pixel density after being stretched on a 4.55-inch screen. It also features Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA engine.
Camera. Being a company with good reputation on photography, Sony never fails to give its smartphones decent camera specs. This handset has 13 megapixels primary camera with an L.E.D. flash featuring Multi Angle shot and geotagging. It is capable of recording 1080p @ 30fps videos with stereo sound and continuous autofocus. The secondary has 1.3MP but capable of recording videos of 720p @ 30fps.
Battery. Looking into other Sony devices, we couldn’t really expect to get massive battery pack like other manufacturers. Xperia T packs a Li-Ion battery with maximum power of 1850mAh that could last up to 7 hours of straight talk time over a 2G network. On a rough estimate, this battery pack can power this device for 4.5 hours (or less) of straight gaming and browsing using 3G Mobile service.
Apparently, Sony Xperia T is a good smartphone with decent specs and performance. It doesn’t support 4G LTE but capable of Near Field Communication (NFC) services.
For now, Sony Xperia T is available at Sony Stores and other Sony partners nationwide.
Source: GSM Arena
AT&T today released a press release announcing the arrival of the new Sony Xperia smartphone to their network under the name Xperia TL. We also learn that this is the same phone that will be featured in Skyfall, James Bond’s upcoming film. Finally, we can brag that James Bond, the tech detective popular in the global movie scene is an Android man.
This 4.6 incher Android which passes as Sony’s most preferred Android gadget at the moment sports a powerful 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and the best feature of all – a 13 Megapixel rear camera with capability to record 1080p high definition videos. Sony fans may be disappointed though to know that the phone comes with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and not Jelly Bean as it had been rumored earlier. The press release does mention that there will be an update to Jelly Bean soon after launch though.
Movie lovers will be treated to an assortment of Skyfall themes and extras including Skyfall wallpapers and ringtones. Another feature that AT&T put a lot of emphasis on is the phone’s NFC (Near Field Communication) feature dubbed ‘One Touch Sharing’ that not so many phones have but is growing to become a dominant feature in mobile phone data sharing. Although the phone comes with an impressive 13 Megapixels camera, it will only have 16GB of onboard memory which to me is not enough to store all the HD pictures and movies the camera will be taking.
The Xperia TL comes pre-loaded with 3 Sony Media apps – Movies, Album and Walkman, Sony’s revolutionary music and media player. Buyers who go for the Xperia TL will also find a free SmartTag in the box. A SmartTag is a small gadget that allows the storage of device preferences to use the phone for different functions such as a remote controller. Besides these, the phone sports the standard high end smartphone features including GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, 4G LTE capability and MHL Connectivity.
AT&T did not mention the exact date the Xperia TL will be available nor the price and plans it will be available for. Since the phone is already released in Europe, we know that it will be soon.
Core Specs Overview
Processor: 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8260A S4 Krait with Adreno 225 GPU (Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine)
Operating System: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, upgradable to 4.1 Jelly Bean soon
Memory: 1 GB RAM, 16 GB onboard memory with microSD card slot
Display: 4.55 inche 720 x 1280 pixels ~323 ppi upto 4 finger multi-touch. Comes with scratch-resistant and shatter proof glass and Timescape UI
Cameras: 13 Megapixels 4128×3096 pixels rear with autofocus, LED flash, face detection, touch focus, Geo-tagging, image stabilization. 1080p @30fps continuous autofocus video recording; 1.3 Megapixels front camera, 720p @30fps video recording capability
Connectivity: GPS with A-GPS support and GLONASS, HSDPA,, HSUPA, WiFi, WiFi Direct, DLNA, Bluetooth v3.1, NFC, MicroUSB 2.0
Battery: 1850 mAh
Others: Comes in Black; Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Sony Xperia V, which was officially announced in August, is rumored to debut in December. A Swedish retailer, which has a reputation of being accurate with the release dates it has published on its website, inadvertently revealed the device’s shipping date through its most recent listing.
Dustin.de published a page to promote Sony Xperia V LT25I on Tuesday. While Sony hasn’t revealed the official release date when this handset starts shipment, the retailer suggests shipping would start on December 3rd, at least, in Sweden and Europe. As of now, there is no information if the company has plans in bringing this device to the U.S. and whether or not it will tie up with US providers to subsidize Xperia V and make it more affordable for everyone who is willing to sign a contract.
Sony Xperia V is a water- and dust-proof Android smartphone that comes packed with Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon chipset with a dual-core Krait clocked at 1.5GHz and integrated Adreno 225 graphics processor. Like Xperia Acro S, this is a solid mid-ranger and it offers 4G LTE connectivity. This feature alone would tell us Xperia V, if released in the US, would head straight to a carrier offering LTE bundles.
Sony also gave this handset a full 1GB RAM to complement its fast processor and 8GB internal memory with a complementary microSD card slot that supports up to 32GB external memory.
Aside from typical connectivity peripherals, Xperia V has all hardware necessary for Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. This is in line with Google’s campaign to promote its Google Wallet mobile payment system. Devices released with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS are most likely to feature NFC.
Its display is not really impressive but decent. It makes use of Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 allowing a resolution of up to 720 x 1280 pixels or around 342ppi density. While it uses a typical TFT touchscreen, it supports up to 10 fingers multitouch.
Its battery provides 1750mAh but since it comes with a more stable version of Android ICS and power-saving display technology, it can be used up to 7 hours of straight talk time. Xperia Acro S has 1910mAh battery but it reaches only 6 hours of straight use because of its LED-backlit LCD screen.
Sony is yet to confirm if the rumored shipping date posted on Dustin.de is real. Moreover, the company needs to provide more information to the media about this device. The pricing is yet unknown to everyone but the Swedish retailer offers it for 4,299 Kroner or around $655 USD.
Source: Dustin.de | GSM Arena | Xperia Blog
The Sony Xperia T is a tad ahead of schedule. The new international flagship device i snow available for purchase in the United Kingdom. Phones4U and the Carphone Warehouse is offering this handset on-contract through their own websites. Both of the retailers are currently selling the Xperia T with O2, Vodafone and Orange contracts that start at £26 per month. That will get you 200 minutes, unlimited texts and 750MB of data on Orange through CPW, but if you don’t mind throwing down an extra £2.50 a month, P4U will offer you a bit of a better deal. Boasting of 1GB of data, 600 minutes and 3000 texts, P4U looks to be the main competitor here.
As of right now, there is no way to purchase an unlocked Xperia T online through any of these retailers, and independent online stores aren’t expecting to get any stock until October, which isn’t very far out, but will cause you to wait a bit longer. Whatever the case, Android Central called around some of the Phones4U stores, and have come to the conclusion that the company is very willing to sell consumers a SIM-free Xperia T when it arrives in stores this Thursday. This is very good news for those in the UK. The Carphone Warehouse stores that Android Central contacted weren’t sure when there stock of Xperia T’s would arrive, or even if they were allowed to sell SIM-free Xperia T’s. Both Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U were able to give out pricing details.
In the mean time, the XperiaBlog has reported that they have spotted Xperia T’s selling in Germany, where the handset is available through O2. There, you’ll find the Xperia T priced at on €449 Pay As You Go.
source: android central
When the Sony Xperia T finally become available in the United Kingdom, consumers are going to have the choice to grab a very unique version of the new smartphone. It’s been dubbed “The Bond Phone,” and U.K carrier O2 has announced that they will be the exclusive carrier for the Skyfall-branded Sony Xperia T. Already named the official phone for the next Bond film, this move is going to take Sony’s advertising and marketing of the device to the next level as many fans across the world prepare for the release of the 007 thriller.
The Skyfall inspired Xperia T will actually come with various pre-loaded 007 content including ringtones, screensavers, themes, geo-tagged images from various locations that appear in the upcoming film, and some exclusive James Bond packaging. Along with this content on the official Bond Phone,buyers will be able to get the new 007 Legends game for Xbox, PC and PS3 for free.
In addition to this special Bond phone, there are reports from various sources that are surfacing saying that Sony will be producing a white variant of the Xperia T handset. It’s very unclear at this point as to whether this will be connected to any of the Skyfall promotions. There should be more Skyfall promotions coming up in the next few weeks as we get closer to the opening of the movie, so it is very possible that the white variant of the Xperia T could be included in the promotions, but we don’t know for sure yet. Hopefully some of these handsets will be appearing in the United States too, but as of now, information is still pretty scarce.
It would be pretty awesome to have a James Bond themed handset, but with O2 saying that they would be exclusively carrying the handset in the United Kingdom, I have some pretty high doubts that we’ll be seeing it in the United States at all.
source: talk android
Three UK isn’t the only carrier getting some sexy new Sony phone as Vodafone UK seems to be joining in the party. The company has announced that the Xperia T and Xperia J will be “launched over the coming months.” Vodafone refused to confirm the £415 SIM-free price tag for the Xperia T or the £140 for the Xperia J, I think we can expect both rumored prices to be accurate though. We recently heard that the Xperia J would be coming out this month, and with all of these announcements surfacing, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing a few official announcements in the days (maybe weeks?). Here’s some of the specs can expect to see on the upcoming handsets:
Xperia T:
Xperia J:
Anyone interested in getting one of these handsets? The Xperia T looks awful nice with that 13 mega pixel camera and 1.5GHz processor (I currently use a 1.0GHz processor). We’ll have to see how well they do when they release. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
source: android central
British Network Three is the absolute first carrier to announce that they will be carrying the Sony Xperia T. Three did not give any release dates for the device, but there has been a report from Sony that we should be expecting a release in late September or early October, with September 28th being singled out as a possible release date. Again, no exact dates were given, just time frames and possibilities.
The Xperia T is Sony’s late 2012 flagship phone for the international markets. it’s packed with a 1.5GHz dual core Snapdragon S4 processor, a 4.6 inch HD Reality Display, a 13 mega pixel camera and 16 gigs of internal storage. Sony’s Xperia T is going to have a lot of competition from rival manufacturer as devices continue to roll out this fall, with Samsung, HTC, Nokia and Apple being notable ones.
Is anyone excited to see the Xperia T coming on Three’s network? The Xperia T should really be an amazing device for tech enthusiasts and really just anyone who loves big screens and beautiful displays. Will you be getting one when it launches on Three’s network in the next couple of months or are you happy with your current handset? Let us know in the comments below!
source: android central