Anurag Kumar

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Sony has no plans to use USB Type-C ports in Xperia devices for the time being

At a technology workshop in the Taipei recently, Sony Mobile had a discussion about using USB Type-C ports in Xperia devices, but the company has no plans for the time being to launch any such device.

Takeshi Nitta, a program manager at Sony Mobile’s Tokyo project office said “Of course we’re investigating (USB Type-C),“. Adding to his previous statement, Nitta said that the mobile industry still needs more time to switch from standard USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 to faster USB Type-C ports (basically USB 3.1).

Future of USB Type-C ports in Xperia devices

Takeshi Nitta also emphasized on reducing the thickness of camera modules and displays and achieving a thinner and lighter design by using USB Type-C ports is not the plan for the time being.

USB Type-C port is a standard connector which makes it a single port to work as a charging, video output, data transfer, charging external devices etc. USB Type-C port theoretically speaking is twice faster than USB 3.0 port (source).

Apple introduced its 2015 Macbook range with only two ports i.e. 3.5 mm headphone jack and a USB Type-C port. It is just a matter of time when other PC makers will also adapt to USB Type-C port and then we have to wait for it to come to smartphones.

For the time being Sony Mobile is using USB 2.0 port in their smartphones and as also seen in recently launched Xperia Z3+, Xperia M4 Aqua, and Xperia C4.

What’s your take on future of USB Type-C port in Xperia devices? Drop your comments below.

Source – FocusTaiwan (By Jeffrey Wu | ENDITEM/J) | via – Android Authority

Sony Xperia Lounge app 3.1.2 version updated – Can link to external Apps

Sony Xperia Lounge has been updated to newer 3.1.2 version from older 3.0.8 version. Sony Xperia Lounge app 3.1.2 update follows the same changelog of the previous version i.e. app now displays warning message when attempting to download larger files without Wi-Fi and external apps now can be linked to Xperia Lounge app.

Xperia Lounge app works on Xperia device running Android 2.3+ and it categorizes users as gold and silver members now; based on that promotional offers are displayed.

Sony Xperia Lounge App

Download Sony Xperia Lounge 3.1.2 version from Play Store.

If you are unable to download it, use the below link to download the direct apk.

Look here for latest Sony Xperia app updates.

Facing any issues with the app, let us know. Drop your comments below.

Sony introduces my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP)

Sony has introduced a new security service called “my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP)”. Well, the name must sound familiar to Xperia users as it matches with present available security feature “my Xperia” available on Xperia devices which work similar to Android Device Manager (from Google).

As we all know that if a phone is stolen and a clean wipe (like factory reset or OS removed) then security features like “Android Device Manager” or “my Xperia” becomes useless, exactly to address this issue Sony has come up with my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP).

my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP)

What is it?

my Xperia Theft Protection (MXTP) service is added to the bootloader of Xperia device therefore if the OS of the device is removed (or a factory reset has been made) then MXTP will remain active and your Xperia device will be secured.

How? Bootloader is needed to start the OS on the device but it is not the part of the OS itself so MXTP remains as it is (as it is added to the bootloader of the Xperia device).

Which Phones are supported?

For the time being MXTP is available only in three handsets and we can expect it to arrive on others in future firmware updates.

Xperia M4 Aqua.
Xperia C4.
Xperia Z4 Tablet.

How to setup MXTP?

MXTP will come as a part of the system setup guide on above-mentioned devices so you should set it up while starting the device for the first time if not done then follow the steps posted below.

Navigate to settings menu > security > tap on “Protection by my Xperia”

Tap on “Activate” in my Xperia screen > Agree to Sony’s Terms and Conditions.

After activating it, my Xperia Theft Protection service is enabled on your device.

How to Deactivate MXTP?

If you want to deactivate the MXTP then the only person who has access to your signed in Google Account on your device can deactivate.

Navigate to settings menu > security > tap on “Protection by my Xperia”

Tap on “Deactivate” button > Confirm the Deactivation > Sign in with your Google Account to deactivate the MXTP on your device.

NOTE: Failing to enter your “Google Log in” details correct within 5 attempts, your Xperia device will automatically enter in “Lockdown” stage.

What is Lockdown stage?

Lockdown stage is detected when some unauthorized user is trying to access your device via some serious methods like disabling MXTP.

What triggers Lockdown stage?

Lockdown will trigger itself it steps like mentioned below are performed on the device in any case.

Firmware repair using PC Companion or any other FlashTools.
Doing a full factory/master reset.
Deleting the Google account used for enabling MXTP on the device.
Disabling MXTP in the settings menu and providing false details of Google account.
Removing the administrator rights of MXTP or deleting it.
Triggering Lockdown using MyXperia in a web browser (with the correct login credentials).

What will happen in Lockdown stage?

Device will become completely useless unless correct Google details are entered to validate the identity of the user.

All runnings apps will be stopped.
Outgoing calls are blocked (except Emergency calls).
Incoming calls are sent to voicemail (if activated).
USB port can only be used for charging and it will not be detected by the PC or the Mac for software repair.
Notification panel can no longe rbe maximized.

Sony clearly mentioned “This also applies to a software repair or flash. Lockdown will remain in effect until the user has validated the device. Reloading software, rebooting the device or manipulating the persistent storage will not disable the service.”

How to exit Lockdown stage or How to Unlock Protected Xperia device?

Sign in with the Google account which was used at the time of enabling the MXTP.

Check out the various FQA on MXTP by Sony on the source link mentioned at the end of the post.

Sony has done a great job for users by providing this bootloader level security feature. What do you think? Let us know. Drop your comments below.

Source – Sony Mobile | Image Credits: raymond016 (XDA)

Xperia Z3+ Keyboard 6.7.A.0.10 app available for Lollipop & KitKat devices

A few days back Sony updates its keyboard app to new 6.6.A.0.30 version on Play Store which was a major update and brought new features like larger spacebar for easier typing, numeric row for the input of numbers on tablets, new language support for Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Georgian, and Tatar and Phonepad layout for Xperia Z2.

On the available system dump of Xperia Z3+ Lollipop firmware, Keyboard app 6.7.A.0.10 version was spotted and now it is available for install on all Android devices running Lollipop and KitKat.

Sony Xperia Keyboard app

Instructions:

Root Needed.
Custom Recovery (Preferred).
For only Lollipop & KitKat running Android ROMs.

For Lollipop ROMs, Download here or use the link below.

For KitKat ROMs, Download here or use the link below.

How to Install?

1st Method: Flash zip files via recovery.

Download the above posted flashable zip files.
Reboot in recovery and flash the zip files, reboot your device.
Do not forget to enable “Xperia Keyboard” as your keyboard under language & input settings.

2nd Method: Manual Installation

For Lollipop ROMs

Extract all the contents of the downloaded zip file.
Now put the “textinput-tng” folder into /system/app (with apk & lib inside it).
Set correct permissions and reboot,

For KitKat 4.4 ROMs

Extract all the contents of the downloaded zip file.
Now put the “textinput-tng” folder into /system/app
Now put the “libswiftkeysdk-java.so” into /system/lib
Give correct permissions and reboot.

Note

If you are facing any issue with installing or download language pack then look for the solution here.
Want to add a numeric keypad above the alphabetic keyboard then look for the solution here.

If it works on your device, let us know. Drop your comments below.

Source – XDA (shared by bejunk /*Great Job*/)

Sony Style Cover SCR32 priced in Europe officially for Xperia Z4 Tablet

Earlier today Sony BKB50 Keyboard for Xperia Z4 Tablet went live for sale across many regions in Europe from Sony Xperia online stores and now another Xperia Z4 Tablet official accessory, Style Cover SCR32 is available for purchase.

Sony Style Cover SCR32 is available in white and black color for Xperia Z4 Tablet from Sony Xperia online stores. It is a flip cover style case (notebook style case ) and can be used a desk stand for perfect viewing. It weighs around 220 grams and is 174 x 262 x 12 mm in dimensions.

Sony Style Cover SCR32 priced in Europe

Sony SCR32 Style Cover has smart wake up function which wakes up your tablet when flip cover is opened and puts it to sleep when closed (conserving battery without pressing power button).

Sony Style Cover SCR32 is priced at £38.99/$60 in UK.

It is now available in stock and ready for shipping across many regions.

Sony Style Cover SCR32 is priced at €59.99/$68 in France.

Sony Style Cover SCR32 is priced at €49.90/$56 in Italy.

We will keep you updated once Sony Style Cover SCR32 is available in other regions.

Are you looking to buy Sony Style Cover SCR32 for your Xperia Z4 Tablet? Let us know, drop your comments below.

Sony BKB50 Keyboard priced at £149.99/$230 in UK officially

Sony BKB50 Keyboard which was introduced for Xperia Z4 Tablet back in MWC 2015 has now been priced in Europe and is available for purchase from Sony Xperia online stores exclusively (stock is available right now and ready for shipping).

Sony BKB50 Keyboard is very similar to a keyboard of a 13″ laptop, 383 grams in weight, 254×170 mm in dimensions and comes with a touchpad for easy navigation. Sony BKB50 Keyboard has NFC, Bluetooth as connectivity option to pair it with tablet and comes with easy docking to put in your tablet.

Sony BKB50 Keyboard price in Europe

Sony BKB50 Keyboard comes with 430 mAh battery with 1 month of battery life (typing text 2 hours/day) and a micro USB port for charging.

Sony BKB50 Keyboard is priced at £149.99/$230 in UK.

Sony BKB50 Keyboard price in France – 179 €/202, only available in black color.

Check out Sony BKB50 Keyboard hands on pics here.

As the listing of Sony BKB50 Keyboard stays “in stock” so it is ready for shipping now.

Are you looking to purchase Sony BKB50 Keyboard for your Xperia Z4 Tablet? Drop your comments below.

Source – Sony Mobile

Xperia Z3+/Xperia Z4 Advanced Cover Themes for Lollipop devices

We have seen so many Xperia Z3+ apps ports so far and today we are sharing Xperia Z3+/Xperia Z4 Advanced Cover themes. You get similar color themed launcher, Xperia Home, top contacts, and dialer with the Sony stock keys.

You need Xperia device running Android 5.0.2+ to install the below-posted themes. Themes work on non-rooted handsets also, make sure you install Xperia Z3+ live wallpaper also to get the best out of them.

Xperia Z3+/Xperia Z4 Advanced Cover Themes

Aqua Green, Download theme from the below link.

Copper Brown, Download theme from the below link.

Black, Download theme from the below link.

Don’t forget to check below the exclusive Xperia Z3+ stuff.

Download Xperia Z3+ Live Wallpaper here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Boot Animation here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Official Home Wallpapers here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Home Launcher here.

Download official Xperia Z3+ Themes here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Live Wallpaper for non-rooted devices here.

Check out the full range of Xperia Themes here.

Like the themes, let us know. Drop your comments below.

Themes by Ambor (XDA)

Xperia Z3+ vs Xperia Z3 Wet Touchscreen Test Video

Sony’s new Xperia Z3+ is not only slimmer, lighter, and faster as compared to Xperia Z3 but it also have improved touchscreen drivers from Sony. Xperia Z3+ and Xperia Z3 both features same 1080p resolution FHD IPS LCD display with X-Reality Mobile.

In a wet touchscreen test done between Xperia Z3+ and Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3+ showed great improvement in terms of tracking movement on the screen.

Xperia Z3+ vs Xperia Z3 Wet Touchscreen Test

Check out the video below.

As per GsmArena’s test, Xperia Z3+ is all set to be used after taking it out of the pool without wiping the screen whereas Xperia Z3 showed some multi-touch issues.

Don’t forget to check below the exclusive Xperia Z3+ stuff.

Check out Sony Xperia Z3+ full detailed specifications here.

Xperia Z3+ vs Xperia Z3 Design Comparison in pics here.

Check out Sony Xperia Z3+ Unboxing Video here.

Check out Sony Xperia Z3+ Dual Hands On pics here.

Check out Aqua Green Xperia Z3+ Hands On pics here.

Check out Sony Xperia Z3+ vs Xperia Z3 Design Comparison Video here.

Check out Sony Xperia Z3+ vs Galaxy S6 Edge Design Comparison Video here.

Check out Sony Xperia Z3+ Hands On Video here.

Check out Sony Xperia Z3+ Unboxing Video here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Live Wallpaper here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Boot Animation here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Official Home Wallpapers here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Home Launcher here.

Download official Xperia Z3+ Themes here.

Download Xperia Z3+ Live Wallpaper for non-rooted devices here.

Are you looking to buy Xperia Z3+, let us know? Drop your comments below.

Source – GsmArena

28.0.A.6.8 firmware certified for Xperia Z3+ & Xperia Z4 Tablet

Sony recently unveiled Xperia Z3+ and Xperia Z3+ Dual and it is expected to hit markets in mid-June this year, earlier Sony launched Xperia Z4 exclusively for Japan. Now the first firmware certification for Xperia Z3+ has come.

Same 28.0.A.6.8 firmware has been certified for both Xperia Z3+ and Xperia Z4 Tablet which definitely means that Sony is gearing up for Xperia Z3+ launch in the markets.

Xperia Z3+ 28.0.A.6.8 firmware certified

Check out the 28.0.A.6.8 firmware certification for Xperia Z3+ E6553 below on PTCRB.

Xperia Z4 Tablet 28.0.A.6.8 firmware certified

Check out the 28.0.A.6.8 firmware certification for Xperia Z4 Tablet SGP771 & SGP712 below on PTCRB.

Sony has uploaded the open source archive build for 28.0.A.6.8 firmware, so developers can download it and use it for their ROMs.

We will keep you updated once Xperia Z3+ is available in the markets.

If you remember Sony has promised Android 5.1 Lollipop update rollout in July so we have to see whether Xperia Z3+ will be launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box or not.

Will you be upgrading to Xperia Z3+ from your present handset, let us know. Drop your comments below.

Sony Privilege Plus app 01.01.16 version updated

Sony Privilege Plus app has been updated to newer 01.01.16 version today from older 01.01.15 version. Sony Privilege Plus app 01.01.16 version brings some minor bugs fixing and performance enhancement in the app. This app is available only in limited regions for the time being.

With Sony Privilege Plus app, you can view TV serial episodes, movie clips/behind the scenes videos. You need to have some promotional vouchers to view the exclusive content. To get the vouchers, check your Xperia Lounge app, gold users are getting a voucher to download the Breaking Bad S01E01 now.

Sony Privilege Plus app

Download Sony Privilege Plus app, 01.01.16 version from Play Store.

Check out latest Sony Xperia app updates here.

Many users were facing a strange issue where they were not able to login via Facebook and their voucher got wasted, let us know if you are also facing the same issue. Drop your comments below.

Sony BSP60 Bluetooth Speaker promo video

Sony unveiled BSP60 Bluetooth speaker at MWC 2015 and it comes with the pretty impressive design and functions if we compare it to Sony BSP10 Bluetooth speaker but in terms of sound quality and loudness, it stands nowhere when compared to BSP10 model.

It weighs 325 grams, 100 mm in height, Bluetooth 3.0, hands-free, intelligent alarm clock, micro USB port for charging it and touch sensor buttons exclusively. Sony BSP60 has 2.5W stereo speakers.

[ VIDEO ] Sony BSP60 Bluetooth Speaker

Earlier we posted a short demo video running Sony BSP60 Bluetooth speaker from MWC2015 and now Sony has officially released a promo video for the same.

Check out the video below.

Do check out our hands on Sony BSP60 Speaker pics.

Sony BSP60 Bluetooth speaker is available for pre-order from Sony online store in UK for £220/$336 with which you get exclusive Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 worth £129.99/$199 free.

So are you looking to buy Sony BSP60 Bluetooth speaker, let us know. Drop your comments below.

Thanks for the tip, Ben!

Download Xperia Z3+ PlayStation Network App from Sony

It has been long now since Xperia Z3+ system dump was made available for download and Xperia Z3+ system apps got ported for Xperia devices running Lollipop. The latest Xperia Z3+ app which is now available is Sony PlayStation Network app for connecting to PS Music and PlayStation.

Xperia Z3+ PlayStation Network App is now available for install on non-rooted Xperia devices running Android 4.3+ Jelly Bean (we tested it on Lollipop running Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z1).

Xperia Z3+ PlayStation Network App

Download Xperia Z3+ PlayStation Network App, version 1.0.A.0.1 from the below link and install normally.

Check out other available Xperia Z3+ apps below:

Check out official Xperia Z4/Xperia Z3+ Wallpapers here.

Check out official Xperia Z4/Xperia Z3+ Boot Animation here.

Check out official Xperia Z4/Xperia Z3+ Home Launcher here.

Check out official Xperia Z4/Xperia Z4+ Live Wallpaper here.

Let us know if Xperia Z3+ PlayStation network app works on your Xperia device. Drop your comments below.

via – XDA (shared by Ben Ling)

Xperia Dark Gray Theme Multi Color collection for Lollipop devices

Today we are sharing a collection of 5 Xperia themes with dark gray themed UI and 5 color options to choose from pink, purple, green, yellow and gray. You can download themes either with “Xperia” written as home key or stock Sony keys/Android stock keys.

You need Xperia device running Android 5.0.2 Lollipop to install the below-posted themes (works on both rooted as well as non-rooted devices)