Sony unveils Waterproof Xperia Z2 Smartphone & Tablet

A pair of exciting announcements from Sony out of Barcelona. Following in the wake of selling off their PC division, Sony is doubling down on their Xperia line up with the Z2 phone and Z2 Tablet, and happily both of these multimedia powerhouses will survive a swim.

Xperia Z2 Phone

It’s a power packed combo including all of Sony’s best gear.  A 5.2″ HD screen is powered by a Qualcomm 801 quad-core, 3GB of RAM and a phablet-sized 3200mAh battery.

For Android photogs, Sony is packing a 20.7 megapixel 1/2.3″ sensor with optical image stabilization. That puts it firmly in Nokia Icon territory for light sensitivity and achieving shallower depth of field in photos and videos. It will also be capable of shooting 4K video, making it one of the more formidable combinations of optics and tech in the Android ecosystem.

Xperia Z2 Tablet

Pushing forward with slates, the Z2 Tablet features a 10.1″ “Full HD” Live Colour LED display, also powered by a Qualcomm 801 quad-core and a 6000mAh battery. Two models will be available, WiFi only and LTE.

Sony pushing gaming and multimedia, hopefully as a tease for future Playstation Now compatibility, are bragging on DUALSHOCK3 wireless controller game play. For work, they’ll have a custom Bluetooth keyboard cover and stand available for purchase.

Both the Z2 Tablet and Phone are waterproof, feature integrated noise reduction when using Sony ear buds, and they’ll also both be eligible for a special entertainment package including six Sony Pictures films, one of which is ‘Captain Philips’, and a 30 day free trial for Music Unlimited.

Both Z2’s will launch globally this March. Full press releases are below.

Sony adds new and innovative experiences to the premium Z series with Xperia™ Z2 – our best ever display, sound, camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone

• The world’s best camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone¹ with Sony’s proven camera technologies: Award-winning “G Lens”, 20.7 MP “Exmor RS for mobile” CMOS image sensor and “BIONZ for mobile” image processing engine
• Capture video in 4K resolution with SteadyShot™, complemented by new Xperia camera apps such as Timeshift video and new AR effect
• Our brightest and most vivid viewing experience ever on 5.2” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with Live Colour LED powered by X-Reality™ for mobile
• The world’s first smartphone with digital noise-cancelling technology² for an immersive audio experience
• World’s most powerful waterproof smartphone³ with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.3 GHz quad-core Krait CPUs and 4G LTE for fast performance, 3GB RAM and high capacity 3200 mAh battery

24^th February 2014, MWC, Barcelona – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces Xperia™ Z2, Sony’s best ever premium waterproof smartphone combining its best display, sound, camera and camcorder experience as well as an exclusive entertainment offer and a growing ecosystem of companion products. Xperia Z2 is the newest addition to Sony’s premium Z series and will launch globally from March 2014.

“With Xperia Z2 we have taken our premium Z series to the next level, delivering unique experiences that only Sony can offer,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, President and CEO, Sony Mobile Communications. “We have redefined the smartphone once again through our camera. Xperia Z2 offers an innovative experience that captures memories in stunning detail through 4K video shooting, or offers new ways to use the camera with our unique Xperia camera apps. Furthermore, the Best of Sony has been delivered in the sound quality and customers are now able to listen to their music even in noisy environments without interruptions thanks to our acclaimed digital noise cancelling technology.”

The world’s best camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone¹

Capture and relive every detail with Xperia Z2’s camera and camcorder. Xperia Z2 features Sony’s proven camera technologies to deliver the unbeatable combination of the world’s best mobile camera and our most advanced camcorder ever in and 8.2 mm slim smartphone. The 20.7 megapixel camera is matched with 1/2.3-type Exmor RS for mobile CMOS image sensor, Sony’s award-winning G Lens and intelligent BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine resulting in superb photo and video quality.

These features work together to bring you sharp, vivid and beautiful photos and videos no matter what the circumstances. With new enhanced video mode, you can now capture memories in stunning detail in 4K resolution (3840×2160 pixels/30p) at four times the detail of Full HD, delivering the world’s best camcorder in a waterproof smartphone¹. Plus, SteadyShot™ image stabilisation technology ensures your footage will stay smooth even if you are walking. The new Movie Creator allows you to trim and crop your videos so that you can easily pick out what you want to share. Insert dramatic slowdown effects at one or more places on the timeline of the video, then preview the results before you save and share your video.

The best video deserves the best sound. The compact and innovative STM10 Stereo Microphone offers high quality stereo audio recording. Compact and easy to carry, it’s the perfect match for Xperia Z2’s 4K video recording.

The smartest smartphone around with a growing ecosystem of Xperia camera apps

Enhance your mobile experience with a growing range of innovative Xperia camera apps. In addition to Info-eye™, Social live and Timeshift burst, Xperia Z2 also comes pre-loaded with new Xperia camera apps for both photo and video.

• Timeshift video: To relive every moment of the action in slow motion detail, the new Timeshift video mode lets you shoot in 120 frames per second and select scenes to slow the playback speed for dramatic slow motion effects exactly where you want, even underwater.
• Creative effect: Use a range of new creative effects for your photos and videos. Available in real-time for video, these adjustments enhance your clips with a range of effects such as colours, image trails, mirror and motion effects.
• Background defocus: This new camera app simulates a shallow depth of field. Capture two photos at different focus settings and blend together the different depths, leading to a blurred out background for more professional looking photos.
• AR effect: Now available for video recording, have some fun with your photos and videos with new augmented reality animations, including sound effects for video.
• Vine⁴: Create short, beautiful, looping videos in a simple and fun way for your friends and family to see – all from your camera’s viewfinder. Plus, using the dedicated camera button, you can capture Vine videos underwater as well.

In addition to these fun and useful pre-loaded Xperia camera applications, 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, tap the camera mode icon and then click on ‘+Apps’ to see all the latest apps available on Sony Select to enhance your smartphone experience.

Our best design with our highest level of waterproofing

The Xperia Z2 Android smartphone is designed with the user in mind, drawing on Sony’s expertise in premium craftsmanship. Evolving Sony’s stunning OmniBalance design, Xperia Z2 has a slimmer, and more comfortable feel by having the glass panels encased in a single, solid aluminium frame with smoother

edges. This dust-resistant and waterproof (IP55 & IP58) powerhouse blends beauty with function. The dedicated camera button means that you’re ready to capture the action wherever you are – both in and out of the water. Plus, the stunning 5.2” display, balanced with symmetry in design, provides a natural feel when held in your hand.

Bringing the viewing experience to life in bright and vivid detail
To enjoy the latest content in stunning quality and vivid colour, Xperia Z2’s screen is built using the latest BRAVIA^® TV technologies optimised for mobile. The 5.2” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ display for mobile with Live Colour LED provides the widest palate of rich natural colours for the sharpest images and a viewing experience that is as close to reality as possible.

Natural colours true to life can be difficult to reproduce on a display. TRILUMINOS^TM Display for mobile with brand new Live Colour LED uses red & green phosphor with blue LEDs and customised colour filters to produce a brighter and more uniform light. The result is richer colours on the screen for all of your smartphone viewing without the risk of saturation.

X-Reality for mobile analyses each image to optimise colours, sharpness and contrast while also reducing noise. The super resolution function reproduces lacking pixels for spectacular clarity and detail.

Entertainment without interruption

To enjoy with the best display and a wide range of entertainment, Xperia Z2 also offers amazing sound quality with stereo speaker output and Sony’s digital noise cancelling technology.

Whether you’re on a plane or in on the bus, enjoy music on the go without the interruption of background noise. Our digital noise cancelling technology and dynamic sound in Xperia Z2 helps reduce up to 98% of ambient noise, when used with the compact in-ear MDR NC31EM Noise Cancelling Headset. Or, immerse yourself in entertainment with S-Force Front Surround™ to enjoy the latest movies, gaming and music on your Xperia Z2.

Music, movies and more – out of the box and at your fingertips

With Xperia Z2, you also get a range of entertainment right from the moment you turn your smartphone on. Xperia Z2 owners will have access to an exclusive content offer that includes six blockbuster movies from Sony Pictures, including Captain Phillips, as well as 30 days free trial of Music Unlimited⁴.

This exclusive out of the box content offer is available on Xperia Z2 through Sony’s range of integrated entertainment apps with a new and intuitive user interface:

• “What’s New” app helps you discover new and recommended movies, music, games and apps for enjoyment on your Xperia Z2 – all accessible from an informative and interactive widget on the home screen.
• “WALKMAN^®” and Movies applications provide access to a global catalogue of more than 25 million songs on the “WALKMAN^®” app through Music Unlimited⁵ and tens of thousands of movies and TV series on the Movies app through Video Unlimited⁵ from Sony Entertainment Network.
• PlayStation^® App gives you the chance to enjoy an enhanced gaming experience – keeping you connected to your gaming friends and the games you love to play.
• 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 limitation⁵ to enjoy on all your devices.
• TrackID^TM TV⁷– 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.

Enjoy ultra-fast performance with a battery you can rely on

Xperia Z2 is armed with the power to multi-task and enjoy everything from super-fast web surfing to video streaming without the wait. With the fully integrated Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ 801 processor with 2.3 GHz quad-core Krait CPUs and 4G LTE, Xperia Z2 offers ultra-fast performance for the apps and entertainment you want to enjoy, without the interruptions. The Snapdragon 801

also features the Adreno™ 330 GPU for rich graphics and gaming and a dual ISP for a seamless camera, camcorder and display experience.

Xperia Z2 also includes a large 3200 mAh battery which provides outstanding, class-leading battery performance. Plus, with Sony’s Battery STAMINA Mode, you can stay connected even longer, as it automatically turns off the functions you don’t need to save power when your display is inactive. As soon as you press the power button to wake up your screen, everything is up and running again.

Unrivalled ecosystem of companion products and smart accessories, including SmartWear

Sony offers the most comprehensive range of innovative companion products and accessories to give you new ways to use and enjoy your smartphone. With 154 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.

The SmartBand SWR10 works with Xperia Z2 to log your life in partnership with the Lifelog application, creating an automatic 24/7 diary of your activities, entertainment and memories. Plus, with SmartBand you’ll never need to worry about losing your phone or missing a call with a series of customisable smart notifications delivered straight to your wrist.

The Xperia Z2 will launch globally from March 2014.

For the full list of Xperia Z2 specifications, please click here.

¹ Xperia™ Z2 is a waterproof smartphone (in compliance with IP55/58††) featuring 4K video capture with a 20.7MP camera. Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 29th January 2014, for more information on Strategy Analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults/

² Xperia™ Z2 features digital noise cancelling technology. Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 30^th January 2014, for more information on Strategy Analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults 

³ Xperia™ Z2  is a waterproof smartphone (in compliance with IP55/58††) featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with quad-core Krait CPUs clocked at 2.3GHz, Adreno 330 GPU and 3GB RAM. Specifications 

verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 29th January 2014, for more information on Strategy Analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults/  

⁴ Subject to market availability. Movies offer available in 40 markets.

⁵ Sony Entertainment Network services are subject to availability by region. Please visit www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com for more details. The number of tracks available from this catalogue varies by country and may be fewer than stated.

⁶ If an image exceeds 1920 pixels along its longest plane (either width or height), it will automatically be resized to 1920 pixels.

⁷ TrackID™ TV is only available in United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and United States

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Sony introduces its most innovative tablet yet with Xperia™ Z2 Tablet – the world’s slimmest & lightest waterproof¹ tablet

• The world’s slimmest, lightest and only waterproof tablet for ultimate portability
• The world’s first tablet display with Live Colour LED² for the best entertainment viewing experience
• The world’s first digital noise cancelling technology built into a tablet³ for a truly immersive sound experience
• The world’s fastest processor in a tablet⁴ featuring the Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ 801 processor combined with Sony’s leading battery performance
• Unique accessories to further enhance your tablet experience for work and play

24^th February 2014, Mobile World Congress, Barcelona – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today set a new standard in tablet innovation with the Xperia Z2 Tablet – the world’s slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet with Sony’s best ever entertainment experience.

“The Xperia Z2 Tablet represents the pinnacle of tablet innovation and is a true flagship in our premium line. We have evolved our cutting-edge design to create the slimmest lightweight tablet matched with Sony’s latest technologies to deliver a unique user experience.” said Kunimasa Suzuki, President and CEO, Sony Mobile Communications. “And with our new range of dedicated accessories, you can further now enhance your tablet experience whether for work or play, at home or on the go.”

Unbeatable viewing experience

The Xperia Z2 Tablet is the world’s first tablet display with Live Colour LED display, providing bright natural colours and perfectly sharp images in any light thanks to Sony’s latest BRAVIA TV technology expertise. The 10.1” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile is matched with Sony’s new Live Colour LED technology resulting in colours that have never been so real, more natural or so true to life. Add to the Sony’s unique X-Reality™ for mobile intelligent engine that analyses each image for optimal colour, sharpness and contrast while super resolution reproduces lacking pixels to ensure you get the ultimate viewing experience every time.

Best ever sound experience

The Xperia Z2 Tablet offers the clearest sound quality with Sony’s Front Surround™ audio technology that lets you enjoy dynamic sound. And now you can enjoy uninterrupted audio when you’re on the move, even on noisy trains or planes, thanks to the world’s first digital noise cancelling technology built into a tablet that reduces ambient noise by up to 98% when paired with the MDR-NC31EM Noise Cancelling headset.

The world’s slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet

With Xperia Z2 Tablet, Sony has developed a tablet that is both beautifully sleek and portable. Using premium materials, every single detail has been carefully crafted to create the world’s slimmest (only 6.4mm) and lightest (only 426g for Wi-Fi model and 439g for LTE/3G model) waterproof tablet on the planet, making it extremely portable and comfortable to hold, even with just one hand. Sony’s acclaimed OmniBalance design creates an elegant shape that is delightfully slim yet reassuringly solid, providing balance and symmetry in all directions for a comfortable hold and beautiful look from all angles. And as you would expect from Sony, this lightweight beauty is also entirely waterproof taking every day life in its stride.

Best ever tablet entertainment

“What’s New” app helps you discover new and recommended movies, music, games and apps for enjoyment on your Xperia Z2 – all accessible from an informative and interactive widget on the home screen.

• “WALKMAN®” and Movies applications provide access to more than 25 million songs on the “WALKMAN®” app through Music Unlimited⁵ and tens of thousands of movies and TV series on the Movies app through Video Unlimited⁵ from Sony Entertainment Network.
• The Album app with PlayMemories™ Online⁶ makes it easy to securely upload, share and enjoy all of your photos and videos across your favourite Sony devices.
• Exclusive entertainment content offer⁶: Get 6 blockbuster movies from Sony Pictures including Captain Phillips and 30 days free trial from Music Unlimited.

Further enhance your entertainment experience with the latest tablet accessories. Create a Full HD TV style viewing experience with your tablet with the BSC10 Bluetooth® Speaker dock with Magnetic Charging Pad that lets you enjoy all your online and offline entertainment content with superior sound – all whilst charging. The BRH10 Bluetooth® Remote with Handset Function adds full multimedia remote control functionality to your movie and gaming experience, as well as easy call handling via IP telephony or voice calling (LTE/3G variant only). Turn your tablet into a gaming console experience with Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®3), which brings the most intuitive PlayStation® style game play entertainment straight to your tablet.

The world’s most powerful tablet³

The Xperia Z2 Tablet features the fully integrated Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ 801 processor with 2.3 GHz processor quad-core Krait CPU that delivers high performance without draining the battery. Enjoy immersive multimedia experiences with stunning visuals and 3D gaming thanks to the enhanced graphics capabilities of the latest Adreno™ 330 GPU.

Xperia Z2 Tablet can also spend less time charging with the integrated Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology, which enables devices to charge up to 75 percent

faster than devices without the fast charging technology. The large 6000mAh lithium polymer battery, together with Sony’s leading Battery STAMINA Mode, provides up to 10 hours of uninterrupted multimedia usage and more than 100 hours music playback without having to recharge your battery.

A tablet that means business

Turn your tablet into a laptop with the BKC50BT Bluetooth® Keyboard and Tablet Cover Stand that connects to your tablet for the ultimate laptop experience.

The inclusion of OfficeSuite Pro 7 means you can view, edit and share native Microsoft Office files giving you the flexibility to work where and when you need to. The robust security architecture of the Xperia Z2 Tablet safeguards both your corporate and personal data, while at the same time providing support for multiple accounts that are quick and simple to set up. And if you’re new to Xperia or simply upgrading, then Xperia Transfer is the simple and easy way to seamlessly transfer your contacts, photos, bookmarks, apps, messages and much more from your existing Android or iOS tablet, swiftly and securely.

High quality photos and videos with integrated Xperia camera apps

Capture HD photos and videos in any light condition with the Xperia Z2 Tablet’s 8.1MP camera with Exmor RS™ for mobile. Superior Auto mode combines Scene Recognition with high quality and high performance image processing technology such as HDR and noise reduction to automatically capture the moment with the optimal settings. Perfect for video calling, the 2.2MP front-facing HD chat camera is ideal for catching up with family and friends. The pre-loaded suite of Xperia camera apps adds an extra dimension of fun and creativity to the camera experience.

Xperia Z2 Tablet key features summary:

• 10.1” Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with Live Colour LED powered by X-Reality™ for mobile engine delivers a superb viewing experience
• S-Force Surround™ Sound and Digital Noise Cancelling for unrivalled audio quality
  • World’s slimmest (6.4mm) and lightest (426g for Wi-Fi / 439g for LTE/3G)  waterproof (IP55/IP58) tablet for ultimate portability
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.3 GHz quad-core Krait CPUs, 3GB RAM,  4G LTE and Battery STAMINA Mode for fast, lasting performance
  • Available in black or white colour variants

  The Xperia Z2 Tablet will launch globally from March 2014.

  For the full list of Xperia Z2 Tablet specifications, click here.

  ¹ Tablet with an 8-inch or above display size. The Xperia™ Z2 Tablet is a waterproof (in compliance with IP55/58††) tablet. Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 30^th January 2014, for more information on Strategy Analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults. In compliance with IP55 and IP58, Xperia™ Z2 Tablet is protected against the ingress of dust and is waterproof. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP 55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1.50 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP58.

   

  ² Xperia™ Z2 Tablet features a unique TRILUMINOS Display with Live Colour LED. Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 30^th January 2014, for more information on Strategy Analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults

   

  ³ Xperia™ Z2 Tablet features digital noise cancelling technology. Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 30^th January 2014, for more information on Strategy Analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults

   

  ⁴The Xperia™ Z2 Tablet features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.3GHz quad-core Krait CPU, Adreno 330 GPU and 3GB RAM. Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX service as of 30^th January 2014, for more information on Strategy Analytics results go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresult

   

  ⁵ Sony Entertainment Network services are subject to availability by region. Please visit www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com for more details. The number of tracks available from this catalogue varies by country and may be fewer than stated.

   

  ⁶ Subject to market availability. Movies offer available in 40 markets.