Sony Mobile announced various new products and accessories at CES 2014 today, which includes the highlights, Xperia Z1 Compact and the SmartBand.
The Xperia Z1 Compact aims to be a smaller, more fitting phone for your hand with a 4.3 inch TRILUMINOS HD display, while still retaining the flagship features like the G Lens, Exmor RS and BIONZ for mobile. Xperia Z1 will be available globally in February 2014.
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The SmartBand is part of the SmartWear range of wearable technologies which is compatible with the Sony Core tracker and it logs your daily activities in Sony’s Lifelog app. SmartBand will be available in Spring 2014.
Sony also introduced another addition to their NFC-enabled accessories, the SBH-80, which is a ‘one-touch’ pairing Bluetooth neckband headset. It supports HD voice, aptX and has convenient controls which allows easy hands-free calls. The SBH-80 will be available in March 2014.
Not forgetting the SmartWatch 2 that was launched recently in October last year, Sony announced various updates and over 300 apps for the SmartWatch 2.
Here are the press releases for more information.
Press release for Xperia Z1 Compact
Press release for new product introductions
Press Release
Sony introduces Xperia Z1 Compact – the world’s best premium compact smartphone
7th January 2014, Singapore – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today redefines the premium smartphone market with the introduction of Xperia Z1 Compact, offering the very best of Sony technologies from its flagship Xperia Z1, in a stylish new compact size.
“With the addition of Xperia Z1 Compact our global range of premium products is now broader than ever and offers our customers a wider choice,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, President and CEO, Sony Mobile Communications. “Xperia Z1 is a no-compromise feature-packed smartphone with a beautiful yet durable design. With Xperia Z1 Compact, we bring all of these premium features and performance, into a smaller size to give you the ultimate compact smartphone.”
The world’s best camera in a compact smartphone
Xperia Z1 Compact sets a new standard in premium smartphones. It features Sony’s proven camera technologies to deliver the same level of performance and quality that you would find in a conventional compact digital camera – all in a beautifully crafted compact smartphone. The 20.7 megapixel camera phone is matched with 1/2.3-type CMOS image sensor Exmor RS for mobile, Sony’s award-winning G Lens and intelligent BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine resulting in superb photo quality.
Thanks to this unique combination of technologies, you can capture beautifully sharp and bright images even in lowlight conditions when a flash won’t do. High shutter speeds and 3x clear image zoom prevent shots from being blurred while allowing you to capture from a distance, so that you never miss the moment. Superior Auto helps you shoot perfectly, with intelligent scene recognition technology to capture incredible images in an instant with no complicated settings. And because it’s both waterproof and dust-resistant, this durable and versatile smartphone fits neatly into your life, so you can use it anytime, anywhere.
Unique social camera apps to enhance your camera experience
The Xperia Z1 Compact comes pre-loaded with a suite of innovative Xperia Camera Apps to take your photography experience to a new level:
- Timeshift burst: Captures an impressive 61 frames in just two seconds so you get the perfect shot first time, every time.
- Info-eye™: An innovative visual search using your camera to provide information on landmarks, books and wine amongst others.
- Social live: Broadcast your videos live via Facebook and get your friends’ comments right on your screen for the ultimate interactive sharing experience.
- AR effect: Have some creative fun with your pictures with SmartARTM augmented reality animations
In addition to these great pre-installed social camera apps, there’s a whole range of extra apps for you to enjoy including Wikitude Places, Evernote, VI Sports and more. Simply go into your camera viewfinder, turn on Superior Auto and then click on ‘+Apps’ to see all the latest apps to enhance your smartphone experience.
Beautiful and durable design
Xperia Z1 Compact includes all of the features of the acclaimed Xperia Z1, but offered in perfectly palm-sized proportions. Featuring Sony’s stunning OmniBalance design, this dust-resistant and waterproof (IP55 & IP58) beauty is both sleek and durable from every angle. And with the dedicated camera button, you can even take photos or videos underwater. The Xperia Z1 Compact takes the style stakes a step further offering a choice of vibrant colour finishes including white, black, lime and pink to suit your individual taste. A clever design refinement is the new Glove Mode4 that lets you use your Xperia Z1 Compact even while wearing gloves, making it even easier to use your phone, no matter what the weather.
World’s best battery performance in a premium compact smartphone5
Xperia Z1 Compact offers ultra-fast performance and breathtaking graphics, thanks to the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad-core CPU and 4G LTE for amazing speed. The Xperia Z1 Compact also includes a 2300 mAh battery which provides outstanding, class-leading battery performance, despite its compact size.
Sony’s Battery STAMINA Mode helps you stay connected for longer, as it automatically turns off functions to save power when you don’t need them and restarts them when you do. So now you can leave the charger at home and never have to worry running out of power when you need it most – the Z1 Compact takes everyday demands in its stride.
Enjoy the best colour and sharpness
Built with Sony’s latest BRAVIA® TV technologies optimized for mobile, the Xperia Z1 Compact incorporates a 4.3” TRILUMINOS™ HD Display for mobile, for a wider palette of rich, natural colours. Sony’s exclusive X-Reality™ for mobile is an intelligent super resolution technology that finds and reproduces any lacking pixels, so you’ll always be able to enjoy the clearest and sharpest videos.
Sony’s media applications
Xperia Z1 Compact offers seamless access to both online and offline entertainment with these integrated Sony’s media apps:
- PlayMemories Online6 – a cloud-based image and video service that is integrated into the Album application. A new ‘All Sync’ feature enables users to instantly auto-upload all of their photos without storage limitation7.
- “WALKMAN” and Movies applications provide access to more than 22 million songs on the “WALKMAN” app through Music Unlimited8 and more than 150K movies and TV series on the Movies app through Video Unlimited8 from Sony Entertainment Network.
- TrackIDTM TV9– enhances your TV-viewing experience as it lets you search, share and explore information from broadcasted TV shows such as cast & crew, biographies, filmography or show related Tweets.
Switching to Xperia has never been easier
Xperia™ Transfer Mobile makes it easier than ever to switch from your existing Android or iOS handset to Xperia. It’s the simple and easy way to seamlessly transfer your contacts, photos, bookmarks, apps, messages and much more from your old smartphone, swiftly and securely. And better still, no PC is required – simply transfer directly from phone-to-phone using NFC or the supplied cable10.
Unrivalled ecosystem of companion products and smart accessories
Sony offers the most comprehensive range of innovative companion products and accessories to give you new ways to use and enjoy your smartphone. With 132 NFC enabled one-touch connected products – including TVs, headphones, audio speakers, tablets, and more – it has never been easier to connect and enjoy your content across multiple devices.
Key smartphone accessories to enhance your Xperia Z1 Compact experience include:
- QX100: High-performance ‘lens-style’ cameras designed for mounting on smartphones and operated through the smartphone screen.
- SmartWatch 2: Use as a second screen for Xperia Z1 Compact. Read messages, handle calls, easily access notifications – all from your wrist. Trigger the Xperia Z1 Compact camera shutter.
- DK32: Magnet charging cradle that offers a perfect viewing angle as you talk, watch and listen whilst charging your smartphone.
- SBH-80: Stereo Bluetooth Headset in a unique neckband-style design crafted from premium materials and supporting NFC, HD Voice and aptX.
The Xperia Z1 Compact will launch globally from February 2014.
For the full list of Xperia Z1 Compact specifications, please click here.
Press Release
Sony Mobile innovates with new product introductions and unique user experiences at CES
7th January 2014, Singapore – Sony Mobile Communications (Sony Mobile) today announced a series of new products and innovations that build on the strong momentum gained with Xperia smartphones throughout 2013, and set the stage for a transformative year in 2014.
“Last year we made a breakthrough in bringing consumers the best of Sony in our premium products,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, president and CEO of Sony Mobile. “These demonstrate our commitment to excellence in Sony’s unique user experience. Our thirst for innovation and desire to challenge conventional boundaries will deliver groundbreaking products that truly enhance consumers’ lifestyles.”
Xperia Z1 Compact – the world’s best camera in a compact smartphone1
Xperia Z1 Compact takes the power and premium features of Sony’s flagship smartphone, Xperia Z1, and packs it into a compact form that fits neatly in the palm of your hand. Designed for those who want a ‘mini’ size but without compromising on the flagship features including: Sony’s leading camera technologies G Lens, Exmor RS for mobile and BIONZ for mobile; a high quality 4.3 inch TRILUMINOS™ HD display and X-Reality™ for mobile; premium dust-resistant and waterproof2 (IP55/IP58) design; the fastest processor; and a wide range of ‘one-touch’ accessories.
Available in a range of vibrant colours including lime and pink, within a solid aluminium frame, this compact powerhouse is as beautiful as it is durable. For those wishing to escape from other operating systems – or just to ensure their content, apps and contacts are seamlessly moved to their new device – Xperia Transfer Mobile provides simple phone-to-phone synchronisation.
Xperia Z1S – flagship waterproof2 smartphone with leading camera technology launching exclusively with T-Mobile in U.S.
Building on the successful launch of Xperia Z, Sony announced today its latest U.S. flagship smartphone Xperia Z1ˢ as an exclusive to T-Mobile. Beginning today, consumers can pre-register to be amongst the first to order the device, with an online pre-sale kicking off 13th January and nationwide availability in T-Mobile stores starting 22nd January.
The Xperia Z1ˢ delivers the world’s best camera in a sleek waterproof smartphone with a unique and durable design. The device is complete with the best of Sony’s market leading technologies including the award-winning G Lens, 20.7 MP Exmor RS for mobile CMOS image sensor and BIONZ for mobile image processing engine. Pushing the boundaries of what a camera can do, Xperia Z1ˢ is the first U.S. flagship smartphone to come preloaded with a suite of applications called Xperia® Camera Apps with the latest app to debut on Xperia Z1ˢ called Background defocus.
The Xperia Z1ˢ brings an entertainment experience that only Sony can offer including integration of Sony media apps with Sony entertainment services as well as free content. As the first smartphone to come preloaded with the PlayStation®App, an application which enables smartphones to interact with PlayStation®4 (PS4™), Xperia Z1ˢ is the gamer’s ultimate handheld companion. Additionally, every Xperia Z1ˢ comes with a unique entertainment offer. You get six great movies to download from Video Unlimited including Sony Pictures’ latest blockbuster hit, Captain Phillips, on the day of its digital release, 10 handpicked PlayStation®Mobile games, and a 60-day free trial of Music Unlimited.
An exciting vision for smart, wearable user experience
Sony also underlined its commitment to the rapidly evolving wearable technology market. In addition to smartphones, Sony is outlining its new SmartWear Experience vision – an upcoming range of SmartWear products, with Xperia smartphones, and a new Lifelog application.
Standing for flexibility, the first product in the range is “SmartBand”. It offers life empowerment by logging daily activities and representing them visually in Sony’s Lifelog application: users can reminisce at the past, make the best of the present and plan for the future.
Life is more than the number of steps you take – the SmartWear Experience is about emotion as well as motion. Entertainment and information; how you feel as well as what you do. It’s about moving, and most importantly, being moved.
And, with open software and hardware, Sony is forging new in-market partnerships, to offer consumers more choice. Further details will follow in the coming weeks.
Sony is already a category leader in wearable technology, with the recently launched SmartWatch 2, a sleek and capable companion device that works with Android smartphones from all manufacturers, already selling beyond expectations. Today Sony announced updates and additional applications for SmartWatch 2 – bringing the total to over 300 compatible applications, with many more in the pipeline thanks to a vibrant developer community using the open development platform supporting the device.
Sony also announces an addition to the family of 132 NFC-enabled accessories with the new ‘one-touch’ pairing Stereo Bluetooth headset in a stylish and splash proof neckband-style design. The SBH-80 supports NFC, HD Voice and aptX, and features convenient controls for enjoying music as well as hands-free call handling.