Android 9 Pie began rolling out to Sony's Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia XZ1, and Xperia XZ1 Compact over the weekend, reportedly bringing new camera enhancements and a security patch. The security patch is brought all the way up to October 1, fixing a number of critical and high-severity vulnerabilities as well as at least one moderate-severity issue. Meanwhile, Sony's camera software for the Xperia XZ1 series is getting a facelift and new features such as HDR video enhancement and the addition of FullHD 960 frames-per-second slow-motion recording options. Beyond those Sony-specific inclusions, there are also several other Android 9 Pie features, such as Adaptive Brightness and Adaptive Battery functionality that, should arrive in tandem with the update. Those are AI-powered features that will control brightness and the resources used by apps in order to save battery. Moreover, screenshot editing tools and new UI associated with that in the notification shade should be present as … [Read more...] about Android 9 Pie Is Rolling To Sony Xperia XZ1 Models Now
Sony
Sony may be working on a touchscreen-equipped PlayStation controller
Rumor mill: Replacing the PlayStation controller's touch-sensitive pad with an actual touchscreen makes a lot of sense although one has to wonder if the added expense would be a worthwhile investment. How much would a mini screen be worth to you? Sony may be looking to build a touchscreen-equipped controller for its next PlayStation console if a recent patent application continuation is any indication. The application, titled “Gaming Controller,” introduces the possibility of adding a touchscreen to Sony’s iconic PlayStation controller. Current PlayStation controllers feature a touch-enabled center button that makes it easier to navigate menus and the like but a full-on screen would be something entirely different and open up a whole host of possibilities. If it does come to fruition, it’s worth noting that Sony wouldn’t be the first to experiment with adding a touchscreen to a gamepad. Nintendo did so with its Wii U back in 2012 although the system was … [Read more...] about Sony may be working on a touchscreen-equipped PlayStation controller
Sony could be working on a screen-equipped PlayStation controller
The PlayStation 4’s DualShock 4 controller features a touchpad for controlling games, but it appears that Sony could be preparing for something a little more advanced in the future. A patent recently granted to the company strongly suggests a touchscreen-equipped controller is in the works, and its design sounds pretty familiar. Filed back in September 2017 and granted on October 16, Sony’s patent is for a controller that features an “extension” on either side of the controller’s “main body,” with a touchscreen located in the middle. The language makes it sound like it could look similar to the Nintendo Switch with Joy-Con controllers connected on either side, though it’s possible that the extensions mentioned in the patent are merely the two handles found on previous PlayStation controllers. It wouldn’t be the first time Sony took Nintendo’s lead on something. The PlayStation Classic was pretty obviously made as a response to … [Read more...] about Sony could be working on a screen-equipped PlayStation controller
Sony Xperia XZ Premium, XZ1, and XZ1 Compact get Android Pie update
Sony is updating the Xperia XZ Premium, XZ1, and XZ1 Compact smartphones to Android Pie. The 2.5GB update introduces expected Android Pie features as well as some of Sony’s own improvements. Android Pie’s gesture navigation has not been included, though. Sony is rolling out the Android Pie update to the Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia XZ1, and Xperia XZ1 Compact. The news arrived via Xperia Blog over the weekend and several users have since confirmed they’ve received the update in the comments.The update comes with build number 47.2.A.0.306 and the October 1 security patches, but it’s not clear where exactly it’s rolling out (Vietnam and Singapore have been suggested by commenters; feel free to let us know which region you’re in if you’ve received it). The download package comes in at more than 2.5GB. Editor's PickBest of Android Reader’s Choice voting: Sony XPERIA XZ3 vs. HTC U12 PlusEditor's note: skip down the page if you're looking … [Read more...] about Sony Xperia XZ Premium, XZ1, and XZ1 Compact get Android Pie update
Sony Updates PlayStation App With PS4 Features, Offers New Ways To Spend Money
The big next-generation game console releases are just days away, and Sony is getting ready with a major update to the PlayStation Android app. Just as Sony promised, the app will plug into the PS4 and all Sony's associated online services. You'll need a PS4 to take full advantage of the app, but it seems like it'll be much more useful in the PlayStation 4 era. The changelog for this update is hilariously uninformative – it only says "This application has been updated." Thanks, Sony. However, the app should have integration with Sony's chat system, PlayStation Store access (for buying stuff), pushing games to the console, and second screen features in some games and apps. So, you'll be able to buy a game, have it remotely installed on the console, and tell your friends all about it from the app. Truly, we live in the future. The UI has also been updated to fit with the PS4. Sony's console hits retail November 15th in the US and November 29th in Europe, Australia, and New … [Read more...] about Sony Updates PlayStation App With PS4 Features, Offers New Ways To Spend Money