When Sony released their Lifelog app earlier this month it was limited to only working on Sony smartphones like the Sony Xperia Z2. That has changed today as Sony has released an update to the app enabling it to work on some non-Sony devices. Users will have to log in with a Google account on non-Sony devices while those with Xperia handsets have to login through the Sony Entertainment Network.
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Today Sony released a new version of their background defocus app to the Google Play Store. The app is available to Sony Xperia phones running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean or later.
The app, as the name suggests, allows users to be able to defocus the background of their photos, adding depth of field to their photos. According to Sony, to get the best results users should focus on an object that is 15-45cm away, with a background at least 5 meters away from the subject. Hit the break for the Play Store download link!
Last month we learned Sony was working on rolling out an update that would include improvements first seen at MWC 2014. Sony has announced that they have started to roll out the update. The Sony SmartWatch 2 device which is currently supported by about 400 apps is also being updated with a couple new editions for buyers to choose. Sony has partnered to get the SmartWatch 2 to be the official accessory of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and in recognition of that has released a special “Brazil” edition of the smartwatch. Sony has also launched a “Business” edition.
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In the market for a new tablet? Listen up. Sony’s Xperia Z2 Tablet has finally been made available for pre-order through the company’s online store. The price tag reads $499 for 16GB of storage or $599 when opting for 32GB.
While it may seem expensive, the Xperia Z2 Tablet does pack some punch. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor paired with 3GB of RAM sits inside and the display, which is 10-1 inches, features Sony’s TRILUMINOS technology. Also, it is water and dust resistant and ships with Android 4.4 right out of the box. Not bad when you are getting all of that.
Do you plan on purchasing the Xperia Z2 tablet? If not, what tablet do you have your eyes on?
Source: Sony
The Xperia Z2, Sony’s flagship smartphone for this half of 2014, is receiving a small over-the-air update. It is still Android 4.4.2 KitKat, but the build has gone from 17.1.A.2.55 to 17.1.A.2.69 with this OTA update. There are some reports that Sony has shipped this build with some Xperia Z2 handsets and those without it will be getting it now. There are not major changes made with this update. It seems like Sony is just using it for bug fixes and performance improvements.
Source: Xperia Blog
Sony is keeping up the trend of OEMs adding their stock apps to the Play Store to be updated individually. The latest to hit Google’s servers is the keyboard application for Xperia devices. So far, it doesn’t look like they’ve done too much beyond just throwing the app up for download, but in the future, they’ll be able to quickly and efficiently push out updates for devices.
The keyboard is what you’ll find on Sony’s Xperia devices, completely with emoji key and swipe typing. It’s not the most featured keyboard in the world, but some people like the stock options.
If you own an Xperia device, keep an eye out for updates to your keyboard. If you’re tired of waiting for any updates from Sony, you may want to check out our updated keyboard guide to keep you busy in the meantime.
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In the past we have seen some instances where phone manufacturers dropped the ball on being ready to meet demand for new flagship devices. A new report from DigiTimes indicates the most recent launches by the major companies have been successful with one exception, the Sony Xperia Z2. According to analysts, Sony is being impacted by a shortage of some parts, which is expected to result in a delay of five to seven months in some markets, including the U.S., the U.K., and Hong Kong. It will be interesting to see how this delay may impact Sony’s strategy for the release of their next flagship device.
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On the camera side of things, the Oppo Find 7 and Find 7a are exactly the same. So the video put together by YouTube user Danny Winget is representative of both devices. While the cameras have 13MP, video recording can be done in Ultra High Definition (UHD) thanks to some Sony components.
The results of UHD video recording are quite stunning and you can watch Winget’s video after the break.
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Today Sony announced the release of their new Lifelog app, initially for their Smartband to connect with the Xperia Z2 and other Xperia devices running Android 4.4 Kitkat. In the coming weeks the app will become compatible with other devices.
Lifelog is at the heart of Sony’s new “SmartWear Experience”, which is their new category for wearable tech. According to Sony, the app will help users to be able to “make the best of life”. Hit the break to watch a video on how it all works!
Sony’s Xperia Z1 which was announced late last year, has been available for sale for quite some time now, however you had to sign a contract to get your hands on it. Sony has now released the unlocked Xperia Z1 with support for US LTE on T-Mobile and AT&T’s networks as well as on Canadian LTE network. This means that you can now get a SIM free Xperia Z1 without having to sign a contract.
Everything put aside, the unlocked Xperia Z1 would cost you a whopping $620. Considering that it was released last year in September, the price is quite high.
Source: Sony
