We have been waiting to hear news about the U.S. arrival of the Sony Xperia Z since CES, where we spent some hands-on time with and generally came ahead with positive thoughts. Unfortunately, today’s news is that Sony’s newest flagship is going to be a T-Mobile exclusive when it finally launches. We weren’t given an exact time, but sign-ups for the launch in “the coming weeks” are live right now. 

The Xperia Z is no slouch when it comes to specs, including a 5″ 1080p Reality Display and 2GB of RAM. It has the Snapdragon S4 Pro processor powering it and features a huge 13MP camera on the back as well. It’s a phone that could certainly catch people’s eye and change the perception of the Xperia line of phones, but unfortunately exclusives are all the rage these days so only T-Mobile customers will get a chance to purchase this device. If you are one of those customers however, sign-ups are at the link below.

Via: T-Mobile

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sony Xperia Z Finally Coming to The States Exclusive to T-Mobile, Sign-Ups Live Now is a post from: Droid Life

If you are a fan of tech as a general subject, then today is a day to pay attention. There may not be many Android-related bits, but as most of you know, there will be plenty from its number one competitor. Today kicks off WWDC, Apple’s developer conference, where they have already essentially confirmed that they will unveil their next version of iOS. But outside of Apple, E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) starts this morning with Microsoft on stage to discuss all things XBOX One. And actually, the event runs simultaneously with Apple’s WWDC keynote, so juggling news out of both should be entertaining to say the least. Finally, later this evening, Sony will finish up day 1 at E3 to talk PlayStation 4. 

In terms of Apple news, we’d be lying if we said that we weren’t going to be paying attention to their every move this morning. The WWDC keynote will be streamed here, so all of you can watch as they reinvent all sorts of things. But truthfully, as a member of the tech media I’m at least interested to see what they can do. The new iOS7 is supposed to be a drastic change in terms of design, meaning they’ll be leaving behind those atrocious icons and textures that mimic leather bound notebooks and casino gaming tables. We’re fans of good design and competitors pushing the industry forward – something Apple has done a time or two.

Also, we love seeing how many new features they introduce that have been on Android from 2010. There will be reactions, more than likely. Stay tuned for those.

Things with Apple kick off at 10AM Pacific. You’ll need Safari, a Mac, or an iOS device to watch it.

At E3, the two heavyweights in the console game will both shed more light on everything they had not previously mentioned during their console unveilings of the XBOX One and PlayStation 4. We have already seen the XBOX One, so this may be more of a gaming showcase rather than hardware speak for Microsoft. Sony, on the other hand, failed to produce hardware at their PS4 announcement, so we at least have that to look forward to from them.

Microsoft’s live show at E3 runs from 9AM Pacific to 11:40AM, EA and Ubisoft will dominate the middle portion of the day, and Sony gets the last word starting at 5:20PM Pacific.

All E3 keynotes can be watched here.

Anything happening today that you are least a little excited or interested to see?

A Big Day in Tech: Apple’s WWDC 2013 Keynote, Microsoft and Sony at E3 is a post from: Droid Life

Check your calendars, is it April Fools? It’s not? Well, what else could explain this mystery. Pictured above is a kitten, balancing on supposedly the upcoming Sony mega device titled, the Togari. The Togari, which we have seen pictured once before, is reported to feature a whopping 6.44-inch Triluminous 1080p display, a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 processor and other high-end specifications. 

According to the site that released the above photo, the device measures in at 6.5mm thin, which looks about right if we compare it to the size of that small kitten. As much as this photo offers up, it really only leaves us with more questions.

No details are currently out on the cat’s specs.

Via: VR-Zone | Phone Arena

Confirmed: Cats Hate Balancing on Alleged Sony Phablets is a post from: Droid Life

Is Sony preparing to launch their flagship Xperia Z as a “Nexus experience” device through Google Play along with HTC and Samsung? According to two reports this week, that is indeed the case. Both reports claim that it will arrive this summer, though one mentioned July as a possibility. Like the “Nexus experience” devices from Samsung and HTC, the Xperia Z will also be sold through Google Play, run stock Android, receive updates in a timely manner just like both of those devices, and will run on AT&T and T-Mobile networks here in the U.S. 

For those who had forgotten about the Xperia Z, the device still sports high-end specs even though it has fallen off of U.S. radar thanks to a lack of a presence on any major carrier here. With its Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor, Adreno 320 GPU, 2GB RAM, 5-inch 1080p display, 13MP camera, microSD slot for expandable storage, water-resistant body, and LTE capabilities, it’s no slouch.

Also, keep in mind that the Xperia Z is the only device of the three “Nexus experience” phones that has on-screen navigation buttons, so it’ll give you the closest thing to a Nexus experience than any of them. We’re talking quick Google Now access with a swipe up from home, and the traditional Back, Home and Task Switcher navigation setup. This video demonstrates what the experience will potentially be like.

Click here to view the embedded video.

No word yet on pricing, but since the phone is slightly older than the others, I would love to see it drop in under $500. I doubt that’ll happen though.

Anyone interested in the Xperia Z as a “Nexus experience” device?

Via:  Android Geeks | Android Central

Cheers LiterofCola!

Sony Xperia Z Will Offer the Closest Thing to a True “Nexus Experience” Should It Launch is a post from: Droid Life

The above picture surfaced earlier today on Twitter, showing off some very interesting devices. Up first is the HTC M4 aka One Mini, a device that was leaked around the beginning of this month. This is the first time we are seeing it in person and the subtle differences between this phone and the larger One make it look like a very classy device. It has a white border around its edge, as well as having the smaller BoomSound grills. 

From the info that was leaked previously, it supposedly rocks a 4.3″ 720p display, 2GB of RAM, a dual-core Snapdragon processor and runs Android 4.2+.

Next up is that huge Sony device. Being labeled as the rumored Togari device, this thing (pictured below the Galaxy Note 2) looks insanely large. It is rumored to feature a 6.44″ 1080p display and that is all that is currently known.

Any thoughts on this Togari device or the One Mini?

Via: @Dahny El Perro | Engadget

HTC M4 Spotted Alongside Massive Sony Togari Device is a post from: Droid Life

According to industry sources who spoke with The Verge and the New York Times, Google will unveil a new streaming music service tomorrow at Google I/O. After inking deals with both Universal and Sony, the service finally has the go-ahead to compete with the likes of Spotify and get the jump on Apple who has been taking its sweet time launching a similar service. 

Sources told NYT that there wouldn’t be a free tier for the service, so that could put us anywhere from a couple of dollars a month to $10 or $15. This new streaming service is said to be more like Spotify with on-demand music rather than the radio-esque approach that Pandora has taken.

Should this service launch tomorrow, expect a Google I/O that may be the biggest one yet. We could see a new unified chat service, Gmail update, Android 4.3, gaming center, and this new music services amongst other things.

Stick with us all day tomorrow – we’ll be covering it all.

Via:  The Verge | NY Times

Cheers Inquizitor!

Report: Google to Launch Streaming Music Service Tomorrow at I/O is a post from: Droid Life

Sony announced the Xperia ZR this morning, a waterproof phone that can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, so that you can shoot 1080p video and capture amazing stills under water. You know, because you do such a thing so often. No? Well, it also has a 4.6″ 720p display, 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB RAM, and 13MP camera that should help you power through most smartphone tasks that do not involve water.

The ZR will come in black, white, pink and mint, and be available in random markets that you probably do not live in, some time starting in Q2. I say that because that’s how all of Sony’s launches work. Even if the phone looks amazing, like the ZL, they can’t get it anywhere near the states except in an unlocked capacity that will run you $700+.

Oh, in terms of being waterproof, the ZR is IP55 and IP58 compliant. That’s really all there is to say about this phone. Now, go watch the neat promo videos below. 

Gallery

Video

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sony Announces Fully-waterproof Xperia ZR, Shoots Cool Underwater Promo Clip to Go With It is a post from: Droid Life

The DualShock controller design is one of the most iconic pieces of hardware in video game history. Playstation fans will be excited to hear the news that Sony has found a way for their Xperia mobile devices to work natively with their Playstation 3 DualShock 3 controllers over Bluetooth. 

Sony has developed a wizard that allows the DualShock and Xperia device to connect via USB and once paired, the controller can be used to control games wirelessly. This means you can use your phone on your big screen via HDMI and sit on your couch with the controller to enjoy your game. There’s no timetable on the rollout of this feature, but you can expect Sony to push this as a big feature for their devices once they get it 100% working.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: Xperia Blog

Sony Adding Native DualShock 3 Bluetooth Controller Support to Xperia Devices is a post from: Droid Life

This morning’s Facebook event was not just a one-time event if Zuckerberg has his way. Within the press conference there was the announcement of the Facebook Home Program that Facebook has created to sign on with different partners to possible bring more Home devices to the masses. HTC, Samsung, Sony, Qualcomm, AT&T, Huawei and ZTE were some of the names on the list. 

It has already been mentioned that the Galaxy S3 and S4, Galaxy Note 2 and the upcoming HTC One will have Home coming for them, which makes sense seeing that the manufacturers are already in the Home Program. It isn’t clear what being a partner of this program entails, but seeing Samsung and Sony’s take on a Facebook phone would throw some choice into the mix.

If you wanted a Home device, would you care which company made it?

Facebook Home Program Signs Up Big Manufacturers, HTC, Samsung and Others is a post from: Droid Life

After being shown off at CES this past January, we have been patiently awaiting details on when the Xperia ZL (hands-on video here) from Sony would make its way to the States. It has finally been announced that the ZL will come to the U.S. unlocked, in both an HSPA+ and 4G LTE versions. Since it is not being launched through a carrier, you will be looking to spend quite a bit, with the LTE variant costing you $760. If you are only needing HSPA, then take off $40 from that. 

Both the Xperia Z and ZL have been the first two smartphones from Sony that both Kellen and myself have been actually impressed with, at least in terms of design, custom OEM skin, and specifications. While that price tag is something to possibly lose sleep over, we have discussed before the benefits of leaving carrier subsidies in the dust.

Thinking about picking one up?

Via: Sony

Sony Announces Xperia ZL U.S. Pricing and Availability, Will Come Unlocked is a post from: Droid Life

Add another good looking Sony device to the list of phones that Verizon will never see according to a new listing on Sony’s web store. The Xperia ZL has been confirmed by Sony to be hitting our shores sometime in the near future, the only problem is that it will be SIM-unlocked. This means that AT&T and T-Mobile customers can pick up this 5″ full-HD device and swap out their SIM cards if they wish. 

Sony didn’t come out and announce a price or a release date for this phone, but Xperia Blog has reason to believe that we could see it going on sale before the end of this month. The phone comes unlocked, but supports LTE bands 1, 2, 4, 5 and 17, not Band 13 which Verizon uses. In addition to black and white, customers will even be able to buy a red version of the device that has been hard to find up until this point. We’ll be keeping an eye out for this device as it makes its way to our shores.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via: Xperia Blog

Xperia ZL Confirmed By Sony for US Launch, Elusive Red Version Coming Soon is a post from: Droid Life

Details concerning the Xperia Tablet Z have finally surfaced from Sony. We have officially known about this tablet for a month, so it’s good of Sony to give us some news, but it looks like it’s just going to be more of a waiting game now. According to Sony, the tablets will launch sometime in Q2 of this year, but the price is also going to push some away. Here in the States, the Tablet Z will be available in both white and black, 16GB and 32GB storage options, priced at $500 and $600 dollars for WiFi only. There will also be an LTE version, but so far, that has only been confirmed for Europe. 

The Xperia Tablet Z features a gorgeous 1920 x 1200 display, 8MP rear camera, Android 4.1 (upgradable to 4.2 after launch), and runs the popular Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. Oh, and did we mention it’s waterproof?

The tablet sure does look nice, but with a high price and so many other options already available, will anyone be waiting for this one?

Via: Sony

Sony Xperia Tablet Z Launch Details and Pricing Released is a post from: Droid Life

Making a quick stop off at the FCC is Sony’s new entry-level Xperia E, and immediately we have visions of the OG DROID resurrecting and doing the “Thriller” dance. Crazy enough, the Xperia E almost has the same specs as the original DROID with 512MB of RAM, a smaller 3.5″ display (OG had a 3.7″), 4GB of storage, and a single core Qualcomm processor.

We know no one will be upgrading to this device anytime soon, but it’s nice to see that Sony has a knack for taking us back to the good ol’ days.

Via: Wireless Goodness

Sony Looks to Bring the OG DROID Back From the Dead, Dubbed Xperia E is a post from: Droid Life

Click here to view the embedded video.

Earlier in the week, Sony announced their brand new take on a tablet, the Xperia Tablet Z. With similar design language to the Xperia Z smartphone, they look a lot alike only this is obviously, much bigger. Shortly after its unveiling, media in Japan was able to get its hands on the tablet and do a couple of walk-throughs and give it the hands-on treatment. I think it’s safe to say that Sony has another beautifully designed product on its hands to match-up with their announcements from CES. 

On a spec front, the Xperia Tablet Z (what a name) measures in at just 6.9mm thick, supports a 10.1″ 1,920 x 1,200 display, and is powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm quad-core processor. Inside the device, you will also find NFC, 32GB of storage, micro-SD card slot, 2GB of RAM, and a super fancy 8.1 Exmor R camera on its backside.

Other than the Nexus 7 and 10, this is the first time in a while that I’ve looked at a tablet and said, “Wow, that’s a beautiful piece of technology that I wouldn’t mind owning.” I said something similar for the Xperia ZL phone from Sony, so who knows, maybe Sony is on the verge of turning it all around.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via:  Ameblo

Sony Xperia Tablet Z Makes First Hands-on Appearance in Video is a post from: Droid Life

This morning, Sony made the Xperia Tablet Z official in Japan. The tablet, whose design mimics that of the Xperia smartphone lineup, packs a serious punch in about every category. For starters, the Tablet Z measures in at just 6.9mm thick, supports a gorgeous 10.1″ 1,920 x 1,200 display, and is powered by a 1.5GHz Qualcomm quad-core processor. 

Other specs include NFC, 32GB of storage, micro-SD card slot, 2GB of RAM, and a super fancy 8.1 Exmor R camera on its backside.

As for availability, all that we know now is that it should hit Japanese shores (enter Godzilla reference) sometime in the Spring of this year. For now, there is no word on a U.S. launch date.

Thoughts on this tablet?

Via: Sony Mobile

Sony Xperia Tablet Z Announced For Japan – 1.5GHz Quad-Core, 2GB RAM, HD Display is a post from: Droid Life