Sony takes fitness technology to scary new levels with 'The Core'

Fitted into your life - and your future

Sony's finally getting on board with the wave of fitness technology – but taking it to an all new level.

The Core is a small chip, able to be worn in a variety of ways, that is tiny enough to slip into the Smartband that Sony is launching to carry it around initially.

Instead of just tracking your daily steps, this new technology will be able to tell you how long you were walking, running, sleeping and travelling.

But on top of that, the new LifeLog application will give information on when you took pictures, where you took them, what music you were listening to and all the other entertainment you consume, meaning you can "watch your lifestyle played back to you on screen," according to Sony Mobile CEO Kuni Suzuki.

This is your future

If you think that's awesome / creepy, get ready for more: the app will use this information to "help inspire your future with ideas and recommendations". This could be as simple as 'listen to this artist that's like that one you listen to all the time', but could get as freaky as 'hey, it's Tuesday at 4PM. I've noticed multiple felines in the area – you like taking pictures of them right?'

Sony is working with developers to create 'new innovation' for an open partnership to spread out the data, as well as launching new hardware that will complement the SmartBand.

Sony clearly has some development to do on this little device, but wants to get it out in the open to show it's active in the area, with Suzuki claiming the brand will give more information in the near future – it probably already knows where you will be.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/sony-takes-fitness-technology-to-scary-new-levels-with-the-core--1212848

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Sony announces miniature flagship Xperia Z1 Compact

Sony has just announced the Xperia Z1 Compact at CES 2014. Unlike most mini flagship variants, it features a specs sheet that doesn't compromise, and has almost identical specs to the Xperia Z1 flagship.

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact images

A closer look at the specs sheet, and you'll see Sony have managed to fit in the same CPU, camera, memory, and internal storage into a size that's truly compact:

• Dimensions: 127 x 64.9 x 9.5 mm, 140g
• Display: 4.3" Triluminous IPS display of 720p resolution, 341ppi
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800; quad-core Krait 400 at 2.2GHz, Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB RAM
• OS: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (planned upgrade to 4.4 KitKat shortly after launch)
• Camera: 20.7 MP, Carl Zeiss optics, optical image stabilization, autofocus, LED flash, 2MP front-facing
• Video camera: 1080p @ 30fps video capture with both cameras
• Storage: 16GB built-in, microSD card slot with support of up to 64GB
• Connectivity: NFC, A-GPS+GLONASS, WLAN (2.4/5Ghz) a/b/g/n/ac, microUSB 2.0 (MHL), BlueTooth 4.0 LE
• Battery: 2,300 mAh
• Misc: FM Radio, built-in accelerometer, multi-touch input, proximity sensor
• Colors: Black, White, Pink, Lime, Yellow

The only thing that didn't make the cut is the display resolution, which has been cut down to 720p, and the battery, which has been reduced to 2300 mAh - the same as on the previous Xperia Z flagship.

The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is expected to hit markets next month. For more, be sure to check out our extensive first look at the Xperia Z1 Compact.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_announces_miniature_flagship_xperia_z1_compact-news-7498.php

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Sony Xperia Z1 Compact crams in flagship power with a lower price

Oh, and it also comes in four colours!

Step aside HTC One Mini and Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is here... and it's got a spec sheet which will blow your tiny circuit boards.

Following in the footsteps of other cut-down flagships, Sony has mustered up the Xperia Z1 Compact, but as well as borrowing the name from the Japanese firm's high-end handset it also sports several other key elements.

For starters there's the same 2.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 4G support and microSD slot that'll you find in the Sony Xperia Z1.

The screen is, unsurprisingly, smaller at 4.3 inches and the full HD resolution of the Z1 has been downgraded to 1280 x 720 on the Xperia Z1 Compact.

Camera credentials

There's more good news round the back of the handset, as nestled into the rear cover of the Xperia Z1 Compact is Sony's impressive 20.7MP camera with G Lens - consider its Samsung and HTC rivals don't get over 8MP (plus they're both dual-core), and you can see the spec-gulf widening..

As seems to be tradition with Sony's smartphone these days the Xperia Z1 Compact is also dust-resistant and waterproof, plus there's a dedicated shutter button on the side and the almost obligatory ability to use the touchscreen whilst wearing gloves.

The sticking point for the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact could be its price, as it's unlikely to be as cheap as the One Mini or S4 Mini - but we'll have to wait and see on that one.

Sony has confirmed that the Xperia Z1 Compact release date is set for February and the handset will be available globally.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/sony-xperia-z1-compact-crams-in-flagship-power-with-a-lower-price-1211883

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Catch the Sony CES 2014 livestream right here

CES 2014 is almost upon us, and as usual, many of the major players are set to hold their press conferences early. This year, there are hints of a mini version of their Sony Xperia Z1 flagship - dubbed the Xperia Z1S. You can see firsthand if that's the case, as well as all other expected Sony announcements right here via livestream:
Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/catch_the_sony_ces_2014_livestream_right_here-news-7492.php

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Samsung unveils Pro lines of Galaxy Note and Tab tablets

The theme of Samsung's 2014 CES presentation was tablets – the company unveiled a total of four new tablets from two new lines, the Pro versions of the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Tab tablets. Their sizes range from 8.4" to 12.2", breaking past the current barrier of 10.1" tablets.

All four tablets feature flagship specs that are very similar between themselves and the high-end Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition) tablet. Note that these tablets have Wi-Fi only versions along with a 3G/4G version (depending on the chipset). Also, all of them feature Samsung's new faux leather backs, which are pretty cool.

By the way, we also have hands-on impressions of all of them, get more details here.

Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

The Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 is an upsized Note 10.1. It features a 12.2" Super Clear LCD of WQXGA resolution (2,560 x 1,600 pixels) with support for finger touch and the S Pen stylus. The tablet features the characteristic S Pen features, including the Pen Window multitasking option.

A new Multi Window split-screen option is available allowing you to work with up to four apps simultaneously. The multitasking is powered by either a Snapdragon 800 chipset or an Exynos 5 Octa. The tablet runs Android 4.4 KitKat and has 3GB RAM.

Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 official images

Samsung went further and enabled interconnectivity with your PC too – with RemotePC you can control your computer from the Note Pro 12.2 or control the tablet through the computer. If you use the tablet, the Universal BT Keyboard and the S Action Mouse will come in handy. Other accessories include the USB LAN hub and the Book Covers.

The goodies don't stop here – you get Cisco WebEx Meetings for conferencing and Samsung e-Meetings for collaboration. The Ultimate User Content Gift Package, which Samsung values at $700, features pre-paid subscriptions for services and apps, including the Sketchbook Pro app, Dropbox and Bitcasa, Hancom Office, Evernote, other apps and a subscription for a number of news sites.

The Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 hardware is as expected – 3G for the Exynos model, Cat. 4 LTE for the Snapdragon model, 8MP camera with 1080p @ 60fps video capture (30fps for Exynos) and a bigger 9,500mAh battery. Storage is either 32GB or 64GB, but you get a microSD card slot too.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro comes in three sizes – 12.2", 10.1" and 8.4". The flagship 12.2" model is almost identical to the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 tablet, with the only difference being the lack of the S Pen stylus.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 official images

It has the same 12.2" WQXGA screen, same Snapdragon 800 or Exynos 5 Octa chipset with 3GB storage, Android 4.4 KitKat, 8MP camera with 1080p @ 60fps video capture, same 32GB/64GB storage with microSD card slot, even the same 9,500mAh battery.

Better still, the 12.2" model will get the Ultimate User Content Gift Package too.

The Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1" has a 10.1" Super Clear LCD with 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. It's smaller and lighter than the 12.2" obviously, but the only other differences in specs are 2GB RAM, 16/32GB storage (the microSD card slot is still available) and a slightly smaller battery (8,220mAh, same as Galaxy Note 10.1 2014).

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Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1 official photos

Surprisingly, the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 keeps the high 2,560 x 1,600 resolution for its smaller Super Clear LCD screen. The chipset options were cut down, but luckily it was the Exynos 5 Octa chipset that was cut – the Snapdragon 800 with LTE connectivity is the better choice anyway.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 official images

The Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 also has a smaller battery – 4,800mAh – but other than that its specs are identical to the 10.1" model.

The Samsung Galaxy Note Pro and Galaxy Tab Pro tablets will be available globally in the first three months of this year, but the company wasn’t any more specific. There's no mention of price either.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_unveils_pro_lines_of_galaxy_note_and_tab_tablets-news-7501.php

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Asus feels the 'Om,' unveiles Zenfone line of smartphones

Be one with your ZenFone

Asus is out with a trio of new mobiles, all part of the company's ZenFone line. Yes, we're in for more products that phonetically spell "phone" with an "F."

The ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6 are a family of smartphones coming in - you guessed it - 4-, 5- and 6-inch display sizes.

All machines run Android 4.3, though an upgrade to Android 4.4 should arrive later on. Each will be available in a variety of shades, and all store 1GB of RAM.

The similarities continue on with microSD (all have it) and Intel processors.

ZenFone home

The smallest of the lot, the ZenFone 4 will retail for $99. It has a 800 x 480 resolution in its display, seemingly sufficient for its 5MP rear and 0.3MP front cameras.

A 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 processor sits inside, along with a 1,170mAh battery. It will be available in black, white, red, blue and yellow.

The ZenFone 5 is a $149 offering featuring an Atom Z2580 processor clocked at 2GHz. There's an 8MP snapper on the back, which includes a backside-illumination sensor with a wide-aperture f/2.0 lens. A 2MP camera occupies the front real estate.

It will be sold in black, white, red and gold.

Finally, the ZenFone 6 will retail for $199, and the 6-inch display is backed by a 13MP camera and 2MP front-facer. It's been stocked with a 2GHz Atom Z5280 as well. Look for it in black, white, red and gold.

None were given release dates, but we'll have our hands on reviews soon enough.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/asus-feels-the-om-unveiles-zenfone-line-of-smartphones-1212762

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Watch the Samsung CES 2014 press conference live here

Samsung is about to start its press event at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The global market leader is expected to unveil a bunch of new products among different categories and you can watch all the action live here.

Among several products, Samsung will be unveiling the Galaxy Note Pro along with a new Galaxy Tab Pro line up, which includes 8.4-inch, 10.1-inch and 12.2-inch tablets.

The press event is scheduled to begin at 2 PM PST (10 PM GMT), and you can watch the things unfold right here, without having to leave your favourite site.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/watch_the_samsung_ces_2014_press_conference_live_here-news-7497.php

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