Posts Tagged ‘Sony’

Sony announces two new cameras and a camcorder

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Sony has announced three new digital imaging products: the SLT-A37, NEX-F3 and HDR-GW77. All three will be available from June 2012 onwards, although prices are yet to be announced.

From left: NEX-F3, SLT-A37, HDR-GW77

From left: NEX-F3, SLT-A37, HDR-GW77

The new SLT-A37 is Sony’s latest addition to its “Single Lens Translucent” line of “DSLRs” while the NEX-F3 adds to its line of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

The HDR-GW77 keeps with the trend of ruggedised and water-proof gadgets for the growing segment of out-going and adventurous shooters.

Below are more details:

SLT-A37

Sony SLT-A37 "DSLR"

  • Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 2.7″ tilt-angle LCD screen
  • 7fps in burst mode shooting
  • 3-cross 15-point phase detection autofocus
  • AVCHD (50i/25p) video
  • ISO 100-16000
The new SLT-A37 helps craft portraits by making use of the Auto Portrait Framing mode.

The camera identifies the sitter’s position and trims the scene to create beautifully composed, high resolution portraits.

The SLT-A37 also comes with a 2x Clear Image Zoom that doubles the effective magnification of your lens, promising users higher-quality close-ups.

A new A-mount 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 telephoto zoom lens will be available in July 2012.

NEX-F3

Sony NEX-F3 MIL

  • APS HD CMOS sensor
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • Full HD (50i/25p) video
  • Built-in pop-up flash
  • 180° tiltable LCD screen
The new pocket-sized NEX-F3 offers “Big-camera” picture quality.

A 180° tiltable LCD screen on the NEX-F3 makes self-shooting much easier.

A new SEL18200LE E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 telephoto zoom lens will be available in the Asia Pacific from June 2012.

HDR-GW77

Sony HDR-GW77 camcorder

  • EXMOR R CMOS sensor
  • Video: 1920×1080/50p
  • Photos: 20.4 megapixels
  • Wide angle 29.8mm Sony G Lens
  • 10x optical zoom
  • 3.0″ LCD swivel touch screen
  • Swing Panorama function
The HDR-GW77 takes Full HD video into the great outdoors.

The camcorder is waterproof (to a depth of up to five metres), dust resistant and shockproof against falls of up to 1.5m.

Its swivel 3.0” LCD screen allows for self-shooting, making it the perfect companion to take on road trips and holidays.

New mobile music player: Sony Walkman Z Series

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

Sony has launched its new mobile entertainment player. The Walkman NWZ-Z1050 series is powered by Android, and is targeted at audiophiles looking for exceptional sound quality in their music.

The Sony Walkman Z1050 Mobile Entertainment Player has a 16GB capacity and will be available for S$429 from this month.

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1050 Music Player, 16 GB, Black, S$429.

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1050 Music Player, 16 GB, Black, S$429.

The Walkman Z1050 is the Android equivalent of the iPod Touch, but with a bigger anti-reflective 4.3” multi-touch LCD screen. It is powered by a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor.

With the form factor of a smartphone, this Walkman allows you to enjoy great music, watch videos, play games, use Android apps and surf the Web using WiFi.

I was at the launch of the new Walkman in Singapore, and got to play with the device and listen to the music quality. It did not disappoint. Audio was crisp and clear despite the loud background music inside the Helipad, and MP3 music sounded almost as good as CD-quality tracks.

There’s no 3G connection so you can only make calls through VOIP when there’s a WiFi connection. There’s no camera but you can upload, edit, view and share photos on the gadget.

From the makers of the original Walkman

Available in May 2012

Available in May 2012

But true to its tradition, it’s a music player made for music lovers by music lovers.

The new S-Master MX digital amplifier greatly reduces noise and distortion level in your music, even if you’re listening to MP3 quality audio files.

This is one of 5 Clear Audio Technologies – S-Master MX, Clear Bass, Clear Stereo, DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), and EX headphones – which promises quality audio on-the-move.

A new W.BUTTON launches the W.Control app, which allows you to explore your music collection by flicking through the cover art viewing on-screen visualisations while the music plays.

SensMe sorts your music collection into 14 mood-themed channels to suit the time of day or the way you feel.

4.3-inch display, Android 2.3 OS.

4.3-inch display, Android 2.3 OS.

The xLOUD speaker system of the Z1050 to offers a high level of clear sound reproduction from its built-in speaker – you can now listen in to your favourite tunes with friends and loved ones without a speaker dock.

The Walkman Z Series allows you to share your content at home and on the move wirelessly via Wi-Fi and connects to other DLNA-enabled devices.

Simply ‘throw’ your music, pictures and videos from your Walkman screen by ‘flicking’ them directly to compatible TVs, PCs, or home audio system to stream your media.

Connect the Walkman directly to your TV via the micro HDMI to enjoy your videos, photos and games on big screen.

Or connect via Bluetooth to compatible speakers, headphones, hi-fi systems or car stereos effortlessly with no wire clutter.

Below are the main technical specifications of the new Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1050.

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“Spec Ops: The Line” free playable demo and launch

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

A FREE playable demo of the third-person military shooter game is now available. The game will be launched on June 29, 2012 for Windows PC ($59.90), PlayStation ($79.90), and Xbox 360 ($69.90).

Spec Ops: The Line is rated M18 for Mature by the MDA in Singapore.

Spec Ops: The Line is rated M18 for Mature by the MDA in Singapore.

2K Games has announced that a free playable demo of “Spec Ops: The Line” is now available for gamers who are Gold members on the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network.

The demo will become available for all Xbox LIVE members on May 15, 2012 and May 17, 2012 on the PlayStation Network for the PlayStation3 computer entertainment system.

The single-player narrative unfolds within Dubai after a series of cataclysmic sandstorms cut the city off from the rest of the world.

Playing as Captain Martin Walker, gamers add to the city’s destruction by engaging in action-packed firefights as they search for Colonel John Konrad and his missing battalion,
The Damned 33rd.

Spec Ops: The Line will be launched on June 29, 2012 for Windows PC ($59.90), PlayStation ($79.90), and Xbox 360 ($69.90). In search of answers and survivors, players who experience the demo will tear through portions of two early chapters of Spec Ops: The Line.

The squad-based action in Spec Ops: The Line is highlighted by an intelligent squad command system that allows players to tactfully take out insurgents as they advance into the heart of Dubai.

Gamers will blast their way through sandstorms with a variety of weapons and explosives, even using sand as a weapon to strategically bury enemies in their path.

Spec Ops: The Line features an expansive, class-based multiplayer experience

Spec Ops: The Line features an expansive, class-based multiplayer experience

In addition to the single-player campaign, Spec Ops: The Line features an expansive, class-based multiplayer experience for both casual and hard core gamers.

The game will be launched on June 29, 2012 for Windows PC ($59.90), PlayStation ($79.90), and Xbox 360 ($69.90).The multiplayer mode features squad-based games where players are encouraged to use their sand-filled surroundings to thwart their enemies.

However, the environment can quickly turn from advantageous to treacherous with the onset of sandstorms – which impact visibility, team communication and weapon handling.

New smartphone headphones: Sony XBA-1VP and XBA-2VP

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Sony has introduced today two new Balanced Armature (BA) headphones with remote control for smartphones. The XBA-1VP and XBA-2VP headphones will be available in Asia Pacific from May 2012. Prices will be released later.

Sony XBA-2VP headphones with woofer and magnesium inner housing.

Sony XBA-2VP headphones with woofer and magnesium inner housing.

The two new headphones are the latest additions to the popular XBA series that was launched in September last year.

Sony XBA headphones will be available in May 2012.The two new headphones, XBA-1VP and XBA-2VP, feature micro-sized BA units that produce crystal clear sound reproduction and quality across the range of frequencies, giving audiophiles a more enjoyable listening experience while not compromising on comfort and mobility.

Sony XBA-1VP headphones uses Liquid Crystal Polymer.

Sony XBA-1VP headphones uses Liquid Crystal Polymer.

The XBA-1VP contains one full range driver unit, whereas the XBA-2VP has a woofer added into the mix to deliver high sensitive accurate frequencies with a rich bass, making vocals clearer for the discerning listener.

Both headphones were designed to block off acoustic sound to reduce ambient noise and sound leakage by utilising a doubled layered housing casing.

The XBA-1VP uses Liquid Crystal Polymer and the XBA-2VP possesses a magnesium inner housing to ensure a smooth surround sound with a clear and distinct mid-high range.

The special ABS material used for the outer housing in both headphones prevents any unwanted distortions and vibrations.

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.

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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.

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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.

IT Show 2012 promotions: Sony

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Sony will be at the IT Show 2012 in Suntec Singapore almost every which way you look and on nearly every level of Suntec.

Check out Sony's promotions and deals at the IT Show 2011.

Check out Sony's promotions and deals at the IT Show 2011.

Lookout for deals and promotions for their Bravia TVs, digital photo frames, Home Entertainment Systems, personal music products like the Walkman, video and still cameras, tablets and Vaio notebooks and accessories such as power supplies, batteries and memory cards.

Digital photo frames and compact cameras

Digital photo frames and compact cameras

Videocams, DSLRs and MIL cameras

Videocams, DSLRs and MIL cameras

Tablets and Vaio notebooks

Tablets and Vaio notebooks

Personal music products

Personal music products

Bravia TVs and Home Theatre Systems

Bravia TVs and Home Theatre Systems

Power supply and memory cards

Power supply and memory cards

Click on the thumbnails above to view or download Sony’s promotion flyers for their different categories of products.

CES 2012 roundup: Sony gadgets for 2012

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

Here is a round-up of Sony’s electronic gadgets for 2012, as released during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 in Nevada, Las Vegas, USA.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

Sony's line-up for 2012 as announced during CES 2012.

The CES is a chance for consumers to get a glimpse of the gadgets lining up to hit the market in the near to mid-term future.

Sony’s line-up for 2012 includes the new Handycam range; the Cyber-shot W-Series and S-Series; the NWZ-Z1000 series (Sony’s first ever Walkman powered by Android); and a new line-up of BRAVIA  televisions.

Here’s a list of these new products.

Handycam

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

Sony HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder
  1. HDR-TD20VE Double Full HD 3D Flash Memory camcorder
  2. HDR-PJ760VE Full HD Flash Memory camcorder

New camcorder accessories

  • RDP-CA1 Portable Speaker
  • HVL-LE1 Battery Video Light
  • VCT-MP1 ‘Multipod’
  • 22MB/s SDHC Class 10 media cards
  • World’s first Balanced Optical SteadyShot for even more stable images while walking/zooming (HDR-PJ760VE)
  • Increased built-in projector models led by the HDR-PJ760VE capable of displaying 100-inch screen size (diagonal)
  • The world’s smallest and lightest 3D Handycam® (HDR-TD20VE)
  • Clearer dialogue with Auto Wind Noise Reduction and Closer Voice (both models)
  • By Pixel Super Resolution processing for high-resolution still images and Extended Zoom (both models

Cyber-shot

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras

Cyber-shot compact digital cameras
1. W-Series

  • W670
  • W650
  • W630
  • W620
  • W610

2. S-Series

  • S5000
  • All-round images with new 360 Sweep Panorama
  • SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer handheld shots
  • Intelligent Auto mode recognises up to 33 scene settings for great results automatically
  • Picture Effect modes for easy in-camera effects

Walkman

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series

Sony Walkman NWZ-Z1000 series
NWZ-Z1000 series
  • First ever Walkman® powered by Android™
  • Unique ergonomic body design
  • Features the new S-Master MX digital amplifier which greatly reduces noise and distortion level in your music
  • A new distinctive W.BUTTON allows one to launch the unique W.Control app; allowing one to explore their music collection in an intuitive manner
  • Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities

BRAVIA

Sony BRAVIA TV

SonyBRAVIA EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  1. HX855-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  2. HX750-series LED LCD HDTV with 3D
  3. EX650-series LED LCD HDTV
  • Two distinct series –the flagship HX and the mid-level EX
  • Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with Dynamic Edge LED backlight
  • Picture qualities further enhanced with Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors
  • They are Skype™ embedded, where users can enjoy free widescreen Skype-to-Skype video calls. Users can also make voice calls while simultaneously watching TV.
  • Sony’s HX855 carries forward Sony’s distinctive Monolithic design incorporating Gorilla® Glass by Corning®, allowing for thinner, lighter and stronger screen material.
  • Complete with X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 960, the HX850 is a fully Internet-connected television with built-in 3D, delivering a premium viewing experience when on, and a stunning addition to home décor even when off.

CES 2012 roundup: Smartphones

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

Here’s a quick round-up of smartphones announced prior to the four-day CES 2012 (10-13 January 2012) being held in Nevada, Las Vegas. Offerings from LG, Huawei, Nokia and Sony.

Sony Xperia S with 4.3-inch 720p screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 12-megapixel camera.

Sony Xperia S with 4.3-inch 720p screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 12-megapixel camera.

LG from Korea has unveiled the Spectrum, which runs on Android 2.3 (upgradeable to 4.0) and has a 4.5” full HD display, a 1.5 Ghz processor and an 8-megapixel camera.

Huawei from China has announced the Android 4.0 Ascend P1 and Ascend P1 S, which will be available in Asia Pacific in April 2012.

Ascend P1 S, the world's slimmest smartphone from Huawei, measuring just 6.68mm at the slimmest.

Ascend P1 S, the world's slimmest smartphone from Huawei, measuring just 6.68mm at the slimmest.

The Huawei Ascend P1 S is the slimmest smartphone in the world in the 4.3” smartphone class, measuring just 6.68mm at its slimmest point; while the Huawei Ascend P1 measures at 7.69mm thin.

Both have Super AMOLED screen with Corning Gorilla Glass.

Sony from Japan has announced Xperia S, its first next generation smartphone from the new Xperia NXT series, after it bought over Ericsson’s 50% stake in the former Sony-Ericsson joint venture.

The Xperia S has a 4.3-inch 1280×720 screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 12-megapixel camera.

It will be available globally from Q1 2012 with Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in Q2 2012.

Nokia from Finland has announced the Lumia 900 for the US market. It will basically be another Lumia 800 but with a bigger screen and battery, as well as LTE.

That’s all for now, will add on as more smartphones are unveiled in CES 2012 over the next few days.