Archive for March 20th, 2012

New Android smartphones: Sony Xperia S, P, U, and sola

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony has showcased its latest NXT series of Xperia smartphones in Singapore. All are on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) at launch but will be upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) in the second quarter of 2012.

Update: Price & Availability here.

Sony Xperia U - stylish, compact but powerful.

Sony Xperia U - stylish, compact but powerful.

The Xperia S is already available (S$898 without contract) while the Xperia P, U and sola will be available in Q2 of 2012.

Sony Xperia S - avail now at S$898 without contract.

Sony Xperia S - avail now at S$898 without contract.

The Xperia S was first unveiled during CES 2012 as the first smartphone in the new Xperia NXT series after Sony bought over Ericsson’s 50% stake in the former Sony-Ericsson joint venture.

The slew of Xperia smartphones will be able to share content with other electronics devices from Sony – such as tablets, notebooks and smart TVs.

Sony is hoping the ability to leverage Sony’s extensive range of IT and lifestyle devices will be a selling point to attract consumers to the Xperia smartphones sold by the wholly owned Sony Mobile Communications (former Sony Ericsson).

Here are the key characteristic of each model:

  • Xperia S offers a HD experience boasting a brilliant screen for superior viewing.
  • Xperia P delivers outstanding screen brightness using Sony “WhiteMagic” display technology.
  • Xperia U packs powerful Sony entertainment in a stylish and compact design.
  • Xperia sola allows easy access to apps and quick launch of actions with NFC and Xperia SmartTags.
Sony Xperia P - brighter display with "WhiteMagic".

Sony Xperia P - brighter display with "WhiteMagic".

All the Xperia NXT smartphones are designed with an interesting “transparent element” encircling the base of the phone which illuminates when receiving calls, texts and notifications.

The colour of the element is based on whatever is displayed on the screen so that the entire colour scheme is always in harmony.

Paul Mah, a friend who blogs with CIO.com initially thought the colour was based on the mood of the caller. Now that would be something innovative! Stay away when the phone is glowing red.

A new album, video player and music player will deliver compelling entertainment experiences and the new UI design also allows consumers to access their favourite application direct from the lock-screen.

Xperia SmartTags – Switch your smartphone settings with a single Swipe
`Sony Xperia sola

Sony Xperia sola

The Xperia S, Xperia P and the Xperia sola are NFC enabled.

The Xperia S and Xperia P and come with two NFC Xperia SmartTags in the box, while the Xperia sola comes with four.

Simply swipe the phones on a SmartTag and the pre-configured profile will be launched automatically.

These profiles can be easily personalised to reflect any taste, designed to save consumers’ time and make their lives easier.

Below are the key features for each of the models.

(more…)

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Posted in Android, Events, Gadgets, Internet, Launch, Phones, Prices, Sony, Specifications, Xperia | 2 Comments »

New smart TVs: Sony Bravia HX, NX, and EX series

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony has launched its new Bravia TVs in Singapore. First unveiled during CES 2012 in January, the models range from the flagship HX to the mid-range NX and entry-level EX.

The Bravia HX855, HX750, EX650 will be available in Asia Pacific from May 2012 and the NX650 from the third quarter of 2012.

Sony has launched the new HX, NX, and EX series Bravia TVs in Singapore.

Sony has launched the new HX, NX, and EX series Bravia TVs in Singapore.

Picture quality of these new TVs is enhanced by Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors.

X-Reality, Motionflow XR technology, as well as Internet connectivity via DNLA or Wi-Fi.

X-Reality, Motionflow XR technology, as well as Internet connectivity via DNLA or Wi-Fi.

The dual-chip X-Reality PRO picture engine optimises video sources by utilising a vast database of signal patterns and comparing incoming signals with ideal scenes to display greater detail and impressive colour.

The single-chip X-Reality engine separates incoming video into its constituent parts of outline, texture and colour/contrast, and then applies image enhancements to deliver its outstanding picture.

Bravia HX855 series is Sony's flagship LED LCD HDTV.

Bravia HX855 series is Sony's flagship LED LCD HDTV.

Sony’s newest version of Motionflow XR technology reduces blur caused by quick camera movements, enhancing sharpness and creating a smoother viewing experience for fast-paced sports and movie programming, as well as gaming.

Select models incorporate Dynamic Edge LED with local dimming and deliver a brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture with increased brightness and outstanding contrast, particularly in best-in-class deep blacks.

Bravia NX650 series LED LCD HDTV.

Bravia NX650 series LED LCD HDTV.

Sony’s OptiContrast panel elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV and creates a dark background for rich, vibrant, high contrast pictures even in well-lit rooms.

All the new models enjoy one-touch access to additional content on the Sony Entertainment Network, as well as Internet content from YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

They are also Skype-ready, although you’ll need to connect an additional camera and microphone.

Below are the key features for the new models.

(more…)

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Posted in Bravia, Events, Gadgets, Internet, Launch, Sony, TV | 1 Comment »

Lifestyle concept demo by Sony

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

Sony hosted a concept demonstration of how their slew of electronic products can connect easily and seamlessly together to cater to the digital lifestyle needs of the modern consumer.

New Bravia TVs and Xperia smartphones were also launched at the event.

Sony connectivity demo at ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa.

Sony connectivity demo at ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa.

At ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa, tablets, VAIO notebooks, Xperia smartphones and Bravia TVs were interconnected with each other to The Xperia smartphones under Sony Mobile Communications (former Sony Ericsson) return to the Sony stable.demonstrate how media and content can be seamlessly networked and shared between the various devices.

The event is also an apt welcome of Sony Mobile Communications back to the fold of Sony Electronics.

Sony had recently acquired the other 50% of Sony Ericsson and the connectivity event serves to remind consumers of the connectivity and ecosystem that Xperia customers can expect to enjoy with other Sony devices.

The showcased Xperia smartphones are the first range of devices under Sony Mobile Communications.

Sony's pre-release Google TV set-top box with remote control.

Sony's pre-release Google TV set-top box with remote control.

The new range of Bravia TVs that were first unveiled during CES 2012 in January, as well as a whole range of Xperia smartphones were also showcased.

The three new series of Bravia TVs include the flagship HX, high-end NX and the entry-to-mid-level EX.

Xperia smartphones that were exhibited included the Xperia S, P, U, and sola.

Sony media box

The 2-sided remote control reminds one of in-flight entertainment controllers.

The 2-sided remote control reminds one of in-flight entertainment controllers.

There was a sneak preview of an upcoming set-top box for the second generation Sony Google TV, that was also unveiled during CES 2012.

Sony did not dwell on this set-top box though, which was connected to the Google Play store.

The remote control for the media box comprised a keyboard on one side, with additional controls (D-pad, Menu, Home, Back buttons and a trackpad) on the other side.

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Posted in Events, Exhibition, Gadgets, Launch, Notebooks, Sony, Tablets, TV | 2 Comments »