Sony has released firmware updates for its Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3 smartphones which address several relatively minor problems and requests. Both handsets will remain on Android 5.0 Lollipop, with the headlining feature being a close all button in the app switcher.

The update also brings some other minor improvements, including a change which makes the LED light independent of the sound settings. Previously, putting the device on silent also turned off the LED indicator. This was probably annoying, since the light is the exact thing you would want in place of audio. The update will now allow devices that have security policies enforced by services like Microsoft Exchange to see notification content on the lock screen, which was blocked for security in the prior version.

The lock screen also gets a bug fix, eliminating an issue where it would incorrectly state the phone had no service for a moment. Sony also made some backend changes to fix some difficulties users had in moving files between the internal and external SD cards. Ultra stamina mode was causing some issues for messaging in the previous version but that was taken care of as well.

The update will roll out for both handsets starting today, but Sony warns users that the availability may vary based on location and carrier choice.

Sony has confirmed that they have started rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop software update for the Sony Xperia Z3 (D6603) and the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. The update will first rollout to users in the Nothern Europe (Nordics and Baltics), and will continue rolling out to other markets around the world.

Sony is offering three movies for free to those who own an Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact or an Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. Unfortunately this offer is not available worldwide, but only to customers in the US, UK, France and Spain. 

The free movies include Ghostbusters, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Captain Phillips - all of them can be redeemed through the Xperia Lounge app. According to Xperia Blog, you'll be able to download the movies until January 2015. So if you expect an Xperia Z3 as a gift this holiday season, remember to redeem your free movies by the end of January.

Sony's Xperia Z3 lineup is widely available around the world offering a premium experience on Android 4.4 KitKat, with water resistant bodies. Customers in the US, can purchase either the Xperia Z3 on T-Mobile or the subsidized Xperia Z3v on Verizon and get in on the free movie deal. Meanwhile the tablet can be purchased directly through the Store Store. The Xperia Z3 lineup is expected to receive Android 5.0 Lollipop early next year.

It looks like Apple has finally gotten tired of people complaining about the small screen sizes on its iPhone, and has released two of its largest smartphones to date. The Apple iPhone 6 is a formidable device, but how will it compare against the waterproof chassis, 20 MP camera, and stereo speakers on the Sony Xperia Z3.

The iPhone 6 is more manageable in the hand and easier to fit into your pocket compared to the Xperia Z3. Its 8MP camera even manages to the outperform the 20MP camera on the Xperia Z3, especially for low-light shots. Additionally, the Apple Pay system, iOS ecosystem and the fingerprint scanners definitely add value to the iPhone.

On the other hand with the Xperia Z3 you get a waterproof device with stereo speakers, not to mention the customizable Android ecosystem and the unique PlayStation 4 Remote Playing feature. But the biggest advantage on the Xperia Z3 is its "two-day battery" life, which is the best of its flagship smartphone class. 

Samsung faces some heavy competition this year from fellow Android manufacturers. Its top device in the market is the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 which offers a Quad HD display and a Snapdragon 805 processor. Lets see how Samsung's top device compare against one of its top contenders, the Sony Xperia Z3. 

Sony's OmniBalance design language is epitomized in the most stylish Xperia to date with the Z3, while Samsung's Note 4 is still mostly made up of plastic. Samsung's handset is bigger, and comes with a 20% larger, ultra high-res screen, which sports excellent color reproduction. While Sony has made several improvements to its display over the Xperia Z2, it can't compete with Samsung's offering.

On the other hand, the more aesthetically pleasing and more compact Z3 is also waterproof, and features front facing stereo speakers. Samsung responds with a heart rate sensor, UV sensor, and a fingerprint scanner, which add to making its offering unique. In terms of camera and video quality, both smartphones are evenly matched, even though the Xperia Z3 has the better camera on paper.

When it comes down to multitasking and functionality, the Note 4 clearly takes the lead, with its large ultra high-res display, the extra stylus input, and the split-screen functionality. If productivity is not what you are looking for, you will appreciate the record battery life, and the easier pocketability and one handed use of the Xperia Z3.


source - PhoneArena

Sony's newest flagship, the Sony Xperia Z3 is headed to T-Mobile and will be available through T-Mobile stores on October 29th. However, there's an online-only pre-sale kicking off on October 15th, meaning you can get the phone shipped before it's in stores.

The Xperia Z3 features a 5.2 inch 1080p display, 32GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, a 20.7MP rear camera, a 2.2MP front camera, a 3100mAh battery and a 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor with 3GB of RAM. The device also includes IP68 certification for dust and water resistance. 

Unlike the Sony Xperia Z3v, which is a Verizon exclusive, T-Mobile's Xperia Z3 is nearly identical to the international model.

Since months after launching the Xperia Z2, Sony is once again gracing us with a new flagship in the form of the Sony Xperia Z3. The Xperia Z3 maybe just a slight upgrade over its predecessor, but the company has clearly focussed on what matters.

The Xperia Z3 comes with a screen brightness and processing power that rival or surpass those of the direct competitors, while its pretty unibody glass chassis is made even thinner, still keeping the high waterproof rating.

If you are coming from the Xperia Z1, the newest Xperia is a worthy upgrade. However as a Xperia Z2 user you will have to consider if it is worth spending so much money for a bit better outdoor visibility, and a more balanced camera.

T-Mobile USA has confirmed that it will be offering the Sony Xperia Z3 on its network. While an exact pricing or release date was not revealed, customers are told to expect Sony's newest flagship "this fall". The Xperia Z3 is expected to start launching globally in September, so we hope US customers won't have to wait too long before they can enjoy the newer device.

In terms of pricing we expect the Xperia Z3 to follow in the footsteps of the Sony Xperia Z1S with a price of around $599.99 (no contract)

The Sony Xperia Z3 features a 5.1 inch 1080p display, up to 32GB of internal storage which can be expanded through microSD, a 20.7 megapixel rear camera, a 2.2MP front camera, optional Dual SIM and a Snapdragon 801 processor with 3GB of RAM. It has a 7.3mm thin frame which is water resistant with IP65/68 certification.

T-Mobile has also posted an unboxing video of its branded version of the Xperia Z3. You can get a closer look at the device and see what kind of customization it will include in the following video.

Sony has made a recent habit of releasing a flagship smartphone every six months, in the aims of bringing the latest technology to their consumers. Now hot on the tracks of the Sony Xperia Z2 the company has announced their newest flagship at its IFA 2014 event - the Sony Xperia Z3.

The Sony Xperia Z3 comes with a new design, which the company refers to as its OmniBalance design philosophy. The new flagship comes with a rounded frame, reduced thickness (7.3 mm from 8.2 mm), and lighter weight (152 g from 162 g). The device is IP68-certified for its dust and water resistance, though Sony is adding an IP65 spec to the sheet, as well, to signify that the phone is also resistant from water shot directly at the phone. The Xperia Z3 also retains it's premium body, with a frame made out of aluminum and tempered glass used for the front and back panels.

The handset even retains its S-Force front facing stereo speakers, so you should continue to have a decent audio quality when playing your favorite tunes.

Sony made it clear that they would not be jumping onto the Quad HD band wagon just yet, which means the 5.2 inch IPS display on their new flagship comes with the standard 1080 by 1920 pixel resolution. Sony claims that they have used their brightest TRILUMINOS display for mobile with the standard Live Colour and X-Reality engines for a better image. According to the company, this is the "world's brightest display of leading premium smartphones".

Camera

The Sony Xperia Z1 was introduced with a 20.7 megapixel rear camera, and the company has improved its camera through every generation. The module on the Xperia Z3 promises to offer several improvements for even better photos.

The large 1/2.3" Exmor RS sensor, now has a new 25mm wide-angled G Lens, which should give your camera a wider field of view. Sony is also adding new features to the camera software, including Face in (shoots two videos), AR fun (scribble over images), Sound Photo, and more, and, perhaps most importantly, the company has also improved its SteadyShot digital image stabilization tech, which should now be better at compensating for hand movements during video capture.

Processor

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor is supposed to introduce several new features to smartphone cameras, among which Chroma Flash (shoot two snaps in darkness, one with flash and one without, and combines them for a more natural-looking images), Action Shot and OptiZoom (tap on an object to keep it focused as it moves; tap on object and the camera will automatically zoom into it even if keeps on moving).

Unfortunately Xperia Z3 owners won't be getting any of these features, as the new flagship comes with the same Snapdragon 801 processor found on its predecessor with the same 3GB of RAM. Still Sony has used a higher clock speed and the Snapdragon 801 should be more than capable of handling anything the user throws its way. Those who were waiting for the Snapdragon 805 which the Galaxy Note 4 offers may have to wait for the next Xperia flagship to arrive.

In terms of storage, you get a 16GB and a 32GB version, both having the option to expand storage through microSD. The battery on the Xperia Z3 has been slightly reduced to 3100mAh from 3200mAh on the Xperia Z2 to make up for the reduced thickness.

Pricing and Availability

The Sony Xperia Z3 will be available in Black, White, Copper and Silver Green, but the company failed to reveal the exact release date or pricing. However based on the available information we can expect the new flagship to arrive in the autumn of 2014 and cost €649,00 or £549 in Europe without a contract, similar to its predecessor.