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Sony Releases Binary Files Required For AOSP Project

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by Ed Caggiani on
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Google’s experimental AOSP project was announced last month, which promises to bring the latest open source Android to the Sony Xperia S. Sony seems to be following through on their part by releasing their closed-source binaries, which are required for this project to be viable. These binary files are essentially closed boxes of proprietary code (custom drivers, graphics firmware, etc.) which drive the Sony hardware specifically. Without these files, it would be nearly impossible to get an AOSP build working properly.

Sony has also stated their commitment to the innovation that open source brings, and says that these binaries should allow an AOSP build of Android to boot to the home screen. Of course, these files won’t be useful to the casual custom ROM fan until developers manage to make stable builds from them, but this is the first important step to getting a full-fledged AOSP build of Android running on the Xperia S.

Hit the source for the downloads.

source: sony

Sony Xperia S and AOSP – a Google experiment

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by Jeff Causey on
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Earlier this week, Jean-Baptiste Queru, Google’s Technical Lead on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), announced a new experiment he was starting up. Up to now, the AOSP has focused on Nexus class devices. As Queru explains, AOSP was setup so that in theory it would be possible to plug in files for additional hardware targets. Thus far though, the theory has not translated into practice. Queru hopes this new experiment may change that and help identify and eliminate hurdles present in the theory as it moves to practice.

The target of the experiment is Sony’s Xperia S model. Queru selected the LT26 as it is a fairly powerful device currently on the market, has an unlockable bootloader, and a manufacturer that is friendly toward open source projects and philosophy.

If you are interested in helping out with the effort, check out the source link. Otherwise, keep an eye on this experiment as it may yield positive results not only for the Xperia S, but for other devices as well.

source: Google Groups
via: The Verge

Sony Xperia S Is Next In Line To Get Ice Cream Sandwich Treatment

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Sure it’s been a while since Ice Cream Sandwich has been out, but at least more and more devices are (finally) being updated to the latest Android 4.0.4 software. Sony announced through its blog that its Xperia S smartphone is next in line to get the software makeover. It will gradually roll out the software starting today and promises to bring a host of goodies for Xperia S owners. On the ICS side, users will be treated to items such as an improved lock screen (which includes Facial unlock) and resizable widgets. On the Sony software side— users will be treated to things like the WALKMAN app, which blends Sony’s audio technology with social intergration (think Facebook or Twitter) and the Movies app— which allows users of the device to have the ability to take advantage of the phone’s screen and hardware to stream movies in high quality audio/video.

The update is pretty hefty— coming in at around 200MB or so. But hey, the end result will make everything worth it… believe us. Keep in mind if you’re on a carrier-branded version of the Xperia S, you may need to wait a while before you see that long-awaited upgrade notification on your phone.

» Read the rest

Sony Confirms ICS Update Will Arrive For Xperia S Smartphone By Early June

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Sony’s Xperia S has been an awesome phone except for well, its lack of Ice Cream Sandwich. While it’s questionable to launch a device of that nature with Gingerbread 2.3 in a world of Android 4.0, Sony has taken the time to finally give us what we have been waiting for— a concrete date for when the Android 4.0 update will arrive on the smartphone. The update is very much real and on its way as it is all set to arrive by late May or early June at the latest.

Keep in mind while the approximate release date of the update is set, the actual push of the updates will vary among the variations of the device. It’s expected the first to receive the update will be the unlocked or unbranded versions which will roll out in phases. The carrier-branded versions will follow suit but as you know unfortunately— it’s up carriers to decide if or when the devices can get the update. Here’s hoping we see the update sooner than later, especially for those of us planning on buying that Xperia Ion.

source: Sony Mobile Thread
via: Unwired View

Sony Xperia S available now for $99 on contract in Canada

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by Tony Rosario on
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Earlier this year at CES, we test drove Sony Mobile’s latest high-end Android offering to be named the Sony Xperia S. This HSPA+ device is already currently available in other areas of the globe and has finally made its way to Sony Mobile Stores on Canadian soil. Sony has only provided our neighbors with a limited supply for the phone’s initial launch in an attempt to create high demand and popularity. Fast acting and interested buyers can pick one up for $99 on contract for Rogers service or shell out $499 sans contract renewal. The Sony Xperia S will have a 4.3 inch Reality Display with 1280 x 720 resolution, 12 MP camera that is capable of shooting 1080p HD videos, 1.5 dual-core processor, 32 GB of internal storage, NFC and will have Android 2.3 Gingerbread on board. Let’s not forget that the Xperia S will also come with PlayStation Certification, allowing users to enjoy PlayStation games modified for mobile performance as well as other PS content offered through their PlayStation Suite. Despite the fact that it’s not coming with Ice Cream Sandwich, though slated for it later this year, the custom UI is extremely smooth and very different from anything else that is currently available on the market. Are there any Canadians planning on snatching up one of these at their local Sony Store?

source: mobilesyrup

Sony Starts ICS Upgrades For Scandinavian Xperia Users

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by Ed Caggiani on
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Looks like Sony is starting its Ice Cream Sandwich updates… if you’re in Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, or Norway. If you are, and you own an Xperia Arc S, Xperia Neo V, or Xperia Ray, get ready to start tasting some sweetness as the updates roll out over the next four to six weeks. These will NOT be over the air updates, so you will need a Mac or PC to install (which is pretty lame in my opinion).

Scandinavian Xperia users, hit the source link below to get started.

source: sonymobile blog

 

Sony Xperia S Coming To Canadian Sony Stores April 17th

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by Ed Caggiani on
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We saw Sony’s Xperia S at CES this year, and even heard it would be arriving in Canada at some point. Well, in a press release today, Sony announced that “a limited number of Xperia S smartphones will be available exclusively at Sony Stores across Canada, beginning April 17th.” This is a page right out of the Apple handbook: release a phone in your retail stores first, then give it to the carriers. This type of staggered availability certainly helps increase the hype and demand for a device since everyone wants what is hard to get. It also helps perpetuate the illusion of high demand when the news covers the lines that form outside retail locations. With smartphones, retail locations make sense since most people want to feel what a phone is like in their own hands before making a buying decision. Even Samsung is toying with the concept of a store within a store. Is this a trend?

As for carriers, Sony says the Xperia S is “compatible with the Rogers wireless network” but doesn’t mention it’s exclusive. This could mean that the device is unlocked and could be compatible with other networks, but we don’t know that for sure yet.

The Xperia S will ship with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but is slated for an update to Ice Cream Sandwich later this year. It sports a 4.3-inch Reality Display at 1280 x 720, a whopping 12MP camera that can take 1080p HD video, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 32GB of internal storage, NFC, and HDMI. All this can apparently be had for $99.99 on a 3-year plan with Rogers.

Check out the full press release after the break.

» Read the rest

Sony Xperia P Arrives At The FCC

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by Ed Caggiani on
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We already knew that wireless distributor Brightstar announced they were bringing the Sony Xperia P, U, and S phones to the U.S. Now it looks as if the first of those, the Xperia P, has made it to the FCC to begin its paperwork journey to approval. From the FCC’s report, we know the phone will support the following:

  • Quadband GSM (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900)
  • HSPA capability
  • Wi-Fi b/g/n
  • GPS
  • RFID (NFC)

Nothing specific about which carrier will pick it up. Now we have to see if the Xperia U and S follow suit.

source: fcc
via: engadget

HTC One X Smartphone Camera Goes Head On Against The Sony Xperia S And Samsung Galaxy Nexus

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Ok— the HTC One X is an awesome phone, we get it. After seeing it get unboxed recently, HTC went ahead and highlighted the device’s limitless possibilities with its camera and ImageSense software. You do remember ImageSense is a big part of the phone, right? Although we had seen some lackluster photos taken from the device recently, a clever video has been revealed which more than makes up for the HTC One X’s perceived shortcomings with its camera and software. The video highlights the One X going toe to toe with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Sony Xperia S smartphones. While one could interpret the tests as being slightly subjective— you will note how quickly the HTC takes photos in comparison to the Xperia S and Galaxy Nexus, while the One X destroys both devices when the camera is in burst mode (burst mode takes for 4 photos per second). Very impressive indeed.

Talk about raising the bar for cameras on our Androids. What do you all think? You folks impressed with the phone’s camera software yet?

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Playstation Store Games Officially Available For Sony Xperia S Smartphone

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Playstation certification for the newly launched Sony Xperia S in Europe (and it’s Japanese Xperia Acro HD cousin) was a given, it was just a matter of when. It looks like the time has come for the smartphone to finally receive that coveted Playstation certification. The gang at Android Central reports the placeholder link on the app drawer in the device will now take you to you guessed it– the Playstation Store where the PS Pocket app can be downloaded. As with any 3rd party app store, you’ll simply need to enable Non-Market applications by going to your Settings and then Applications in order to get started. Then you go to the “Let’s Start PS Store” in the app tray. After that, it’s just a matter of downloading a few more apps which let you buy and play games and bam– you’re all set to enjoy all of that Playstation goodness on your phone.

Keep in mind, you’ll need a PS Network or Sony Entertainment Network account in order to access Sony’s library of games, which is currently limited to a dozen or so games. And even then, some of the available games are still limited to the Xperia Play, so that number really shrinks a bit more. Still, Xperia S (and Acro HD) owners will now have yet another reason to waste time thanks to the newfound availability of awesome Playstation games.

source: Android Central

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