coming soon

BlackBerry Curve 9320 Leaked by T-Mobile U.K.

RIM’s latest attempt to keep its sinking ship above water appears to be a new addition to its low-end BlackBerry range. The Curve 9320 is due for release next month, according to T-Mobile U.K., which appears to have leaked the device accidentally with no official announcement from RIM.

As you’d expect, the Curve 9320 sports that trademark BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard, alongside a touch-sensitive optical trackpad and a 3.2-megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom. It’s expected to enter the Curve lineup priced below the Curve 9360, so a touchscreen looks unlikely.

According to TechRadar, the device will also feature a dedicated BlackBerry Messenger key, the BlackBerry 7.1 operating system, and a new radio app that has reportedly been laying dormant in a number of BlackBerry devices for years. The report suggests that the device will be aimed at younger users hoping to secure a BlackBerry with an affordable price tag.

T-Mobile leaked the device via its ‘Coming Soon’ page earlier today — alongside the Sony Xperia U — but promptly removed the listing a short while later. Now that the word is out, you can expect to hear official details from RIM sometime soon.

Remember Me Launches This Week, Last Batch of Screenshots

 

June is here! Summer is a time for minor hits and hidden gems to slowly leak out from the publishers before the busy holiday season. Capcom is getting the party started with its promising new franchise, Remember Me.

Dontnod Entertainment’s cyberpunk action game is launching in both Europe and America this week. Strangely enough, Capcom has not announced a release date on its home turf in Japan. A change in tactics, maybe?

Regardless, Capcom has released a final batch of screenshot to get games pumped. Rather than the typical fighting scenes and free-running platform sections, these atmospheric shots serve more to develop the world and its environment.

Neo-Paris is a dark and mechanical city. Wires and jagged buildings paint the skyline, and broken  platforms and garbage litter the streets. The neon-red lights also create a horrible mood of foreboding. This is not the artistic Paris we have known for years. This is not a place I want to vacation too.

Remember Me is launching tomorrow on June 4th for the PlayStation 3, PC and Xbox 360.

Call me crazy, but in recent years, these experimental and smaller games have been more exciting than the AAA blockbusters which line-up for Christmas. With games like Remember Me,The Last of Us, Killer is Dead, and Dragon’s Crown, expect a busy three months.

How a small newspaper used iPads to bend the rules of reporting

With the rapid migration of news and media onto the mobile platform, newspaper editors are finding all sorts of ways to keep up with the changeover and stay ahead of the trends. That’s why Randy Parker, managing editor of the York Daily Record put a tablet or smartphone into the hands of its top reporters. Further, as Parker explained at theAmerica East 2013 newspaper conference in Hershey, Pa. they take those tablets on the road and into the community to experiment with news ways to boost reader engagement.

Parker explained that several years ago his newspaper hired Lauren Boyer for a new position to cover business news focusing on consumer issues, but he didn’t want her to stay in the office and instead tasked her with finding new ways to tell stories for the paper. York Daily Record gave Boyer the first iPad it bought, and she used it to shoot videos and tweet. Today she still finds new apps and tools to download and use on a weekly basis.

“It was one of the best investments I could have ever made because it absolutely energized her, and it accelerated her creative thinking,” Parker said. “I noticed every time I look over at her desk, she’s not there.”

Boyer’s tactics integrated social media use and traditional reporting – allowing her to venture into the community, meet new people and still stay connected with the newsroom. Often Boyer would send out a tweet that she was going to be at a particular location and invite people to stop by and tell her what she should be covering. Parker explained that a local public relations representative from Harley Davidson who was hard to get a hold of found her that way one day and chatted with her for around 45 minutes.

The second person on staff at the York Daily Record to receive an iPad was the paper’s senior reporter who covered the courts. The judge let the reporter use the iPad in the courtroom because it doesn’t break any of the court’s rules.

“[The judge] said, ‘Well, there’s no cellphones and no laptops, but this isn’t a cellphone, and this isn’t a laptop, so, yeah, I guess you can use that in the courtroom,’” Parker said. “This was a new judge. I think he was looking to bend the rules to new technology.”

The court reporter uses Scribble Live, which lets him live-blog the proceedings and sends his updates to Twitter.

Parker said he has gradually rolled out iPads to 14 staff members. In addition, the paper has purchased six Nexus 7-inch tablets for photographers, and he predicts the paper will continue to purchase Nexus tablets instead of iPads because they’re less glitchy, fit into “boy pockets,” and they are “dirt cheap.”

The paper has tried Kindle Fires and Windows Surface tablets, but they never caught on.

York Daily Record also created a “News Vroom,” an old newspaper delivery van that goes to sporting and other local events from time to time. Workers erect tents around the van that house six laptops, six smartphones, six iPads, and a WiFi router that allows connection to up to 21 devices. The paper uses the mobile connection to showcase the newspaper’s apps at events that draw crowds: its e-edition for iPad, its iPad app designed to focus on breaking news, photo streams, and methods for sharing information like Little League game scores.

Next up for the York paper: developing a pre-fall high school football tablet e-zine and a commemorative Gettysburg anniversary edition for tablet

Sony Xperia P’s Android Ice Cream Sandwich Update Rolling Out Now

Staying true to the promise it made earlier this month, Sony is now rolling out the Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade for the Xperia P. The update brings all the benefits of Android 4.0 to the mid-range handset, including a new task switcher, resizable widgets, and updates to Google’s core applications, including Gmail, Calendar, and more.

Sony has also made improvements to its own application suite, The Verge reports. The Music app is now called Walkman after Sony’s famous personal music players, and it — along with the Movies and Gallery apps — have receiving visual improvements and more functionality.

One of the biggest “hidden” changes is the new “extended standby mode,” which Sony insists can improve the Xperia P’s battery life four-fold.

The ICS update begins its rollout today, before ”continuing over the next few weeks in markets globally.” So don’t worry if you still haven’t received yours by the weekend.

As usual, you’ll get a notification to let you know when the update’s available to download, but if you’d like to check manually, you can do so via your handset’s Settings menu. The software will be an over-their-air update, but Sony warns that some handsets may need to be connected to a Mac or PC to be upgraded.

Top Gadgets Which Is Coming Soon

After adding every possible feature in their Apple Ipod touch 4th generation including a touchscreen with a dazzling display, people thought that the Ipod had finally reached its pinnacle and could get no better. Well, they were wrong. Rumors have started circulating the web about a new soon to be released Ipod. A connection toggle switch has been added as evident by the leaked photos. This implies that the new Ipod will get 3G connectivity. This would mean unlimited text messaging at virtually no cost. The always connected status will be very useful for communication and entertainment alike. Another plus point is that this dual core A5 powered gadget can compete with the majority of smart phones in gaming as well as other apps. This would, in fact, make it a competitor of Iphone as well as Ipad. These new features are bound to push up the prices of the next Ipod Touch but that is something we will have to wait and see. It is currently at the 10th position of Top 10 most awaited gadgets.

Amazon Tablet

My sources tell me Amazon’s tablet computer will run Android but feature Intel-based innards, and not an Nvidia Tegra processor, but what beats at the heart of Jeff Bezos’ secret creation is barely half the story here. The all-but-confirmed Kindle successor should be available online before the end of this year – perhaps before Summer’s end – and while we don’t know anything official about it, most everybody and their “sources” agree that the thing will run Android. And no, really, I actually have sources. I promise. It almost has to given that Amazon’s gone and built their ownAndroid App Store already. And that’s what makes the Amazon Tablet rumor so interesting: Not only does Amazon have the name and reach to get an attractive piece of hardware into millions of hands at a competitive price, but they also have the content and retail inventories to sweeten the pot with all sorts of tie-ins. From streaming movies to music lockers in the cloud to discounts on old fashioned retail goods, Amazon can literally offer it all. I could be way off here, but it just might be that the newest challenger to Apple’s handheld kingdom comes in the form of a tablet that doubles as a gateway to daily deals on diapers and dining room sets, and not just apps and movie rentals.

 Samsung Galaxy S II

This thing is a flat-out beast. Processing horsepower, display quality, thin/light/sexy factor, and build quality: The Galaxy S II has it all, or at least the pre-production versions I’ve played with do. And get this, I actually kinda liked the newest version of Samsung’s TouchWiz UI when I saw it on the SGSII. Three million strong couldn’t wait to pre-order this Android phone before May had even arrived, and I can’t wait for a version to ship in the States.

iPad 3

I say we’ll see a new iPad – or an iPad-esque device – from Apple before the year’s out. Sean says I’m crazy. I say Apple needs a flagship product for the Christmas shopping season, and they’re too deep into this “touch-based future of computing” trip they’re on not to come on strong with another so-called magical and revolutionary product before 2012. Sean’s not writing this post, so he doesn’t get to call me crazy again. (But I am editing it, and I still say Noah is crazy. – Sean) Mentions of a 1536 x 2048 resolution display in iOS 5 beta have fueled the fires of speculation this week, and I’m siding with the kids on the ‘iPad 3 for Xmas!’ side of said fire. Though I kind of think the next iPad will be somehow different than the first two. If only I knew how

HP TouchPad

Seems like forever and a day ago that Jon R and I headed to a building in San Francisco’s Fort Mason for HP’s webOS press event. Seems like so long ago that we turned to each other and said, “Wow, TouchPad looks really cool.” Seems like a long time since HP got us all excited for the second coming of webOS, but this time with some big-time corporate muscle behind it. Okay, maybe it wasn’t that long ago, but man I want TouchPad to hit the streets already so we can all decide for ourselves if webOS still has a future. I, for one, really hope it still does. Only a few more weeks until July 1!

Sony S1 and S2 Tablets

I know their gaming and entertainment network was recently the victim of a high-profile, massively damaging hack. I know their Pictures division then suffered a smaller but similarly devastating hack. And I know that they haven’t churned out an honest-to-goodness home run of a smartphone or gadget in awhile. But PS Vita has a ton of potential, and I grew up on the Sony Walkman and cut my cell phone teeth on SE’s K- and W-series phones – so the Sony name still holds some mystique for me. What we’ve seen of Sony’s fledgling Android tablets, the S1 and S2, look interesting and unique. Here’s hoping they don’t let us down. Seriously, Sony, don’t pull an Echohere.

Headphones, Then and Now (infographic)

Did you know that headphones date back to 1919? According to this infographic from Denon(below), those old battery-powered radio headphones eventually gave way to cardboard versions in 1958, when full-spectrum sound gave the audiofile crowd a richer set of highs and lows to enjoy.

But what really juiced up the headphone market was a separate gadget — the Walkman (1979). As portable music became the rage, it seemed everyone was on the go with a compact set of cans. Fast forward to 1990, and in-ear buds and wireless options entered the fray, leading to today’s widespread selection of portable listening gear that can fill practically any audio need — whether making calls, hitting the road (or jogger’s path), tuning in or tuning out.

So the next time you dig out those earbuds or unfold your noise-canceling headset and pop them into your device of choice, take a second to marvel at them. While the package may be small, nearly 100 years of technology went into that compact wonder, just to make sure you could listen to whatever you want, wherever you want.

Coolest New Cars for 2014

2014 Ferrari Enzo

It's unlikely this supercar will be called Enzo, but this is the Ferrari built to succeed that now decade-old legend. As with the Enzo, its structure will be carbon fiber, with the mid-mounted V12 engine a stressed member. But that V12 should displace about 7.3 liters, rev to nearly 10,000 rpm and make something like 800 horsepower.

But beyond that 800 hp, the new Enzo will feature a Formula 1-style Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) that adds a battery pack and electric motor to the drivetrain. So when that 800 hp just isn't enough, the KERS components will kick in to provide an additional burst of 120 hp. You know, for when you really need 920 hp.

If you want one when it goes on sale early in 2013, don't expect much change from your $1 million bill. So bring two with you.

 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C
If Alfa is going to come back into the American market, it needs to do it with a car that's spectacular. That's two Cs in "spectacular" and this Alfa has four of them.

Think of the midengine, rear-drive 4C as the four-cylinder Ferrari that Ferrari doesn't build and you've got a solid bead on what Alfa is trying to accomplish. Shown in concept form at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, the 4C is built around a carbon-fiber center tub with front and rear aluminum crash structures bolted to it. And it's small — think Fiat 500 minus 8 inches of height — so it should weigh in at under 2,000 pounds when it enters production.

Power for the 4C comes from a 1.8-liter turbocharged-4 making around 230 hp. It will be backed by a dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The light curb weight means performance should be more scintillating than the engine's modest output suggests. Our guess is a 0-60 time under 5 seconds.

2014 Jaguar F-Type
Jaguar makes a play to save its own soul with the introduction of the all-new 2014 F-Type roadster. It's a pure two-seat sports roadster powered by a new supercharged V6 (if history matters we're guessing a 3.8-liter displacement) that should make around 380 hp. With its compact size, eight-speed ZF transmission and open cockpit, it's philosophically closer to a Porsche 911 than to a high-end exotic. So expect it to be priced like the 911, with prices starting in the $80K range.

Electronic cigarette

An electronic cigarette, also known as an e-cigarette, personal vaporiseror PV, is an electronic inhaler that vaporises a liquid solution into an aerosolmist, simulating the act of tobacco smoking. Electronic cigarettes are no longer marketed as smoking cessation aids or tobacco replacement in most countries. There may be similarities between conventional and some electronic cigarettes in the physical design and the nicotine release, which may approximate the same amount of nicotine as a conventional cigarette. There are many electronic cigarettes which do not resemble conventional cigarettes at all.

The benefits and risks of electronic cigarette use are uncertain among health organizations and researchers. Limited controlled studies are available due to its recent invention. Laws vary widely concerning the use and sale of electronic cigarettes and accompanying liquid solutions, with pending legislation and ongoing debate.

History[edit]

The earliest electronic cigarette can be traced to Herbert A. Gilbert,^[1] who in 1963 patented a device described as "a smokeless non-tobacco cigarette" that involved "replacing burning tobacco and paper with heated, moist, flavored air." This device heated the nicotine solution and produced steam. In 1967, Gilbert was approached by several companies interested in manufacturing it, but it was never commercialized and disappeared from the public record after 1967.^{[2][3][4][5][6][7]}

Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, is widely credited^[8][9][10] with the invention of the first generation electronic cigarette.^[11] In 2000, he came up with the idea of using a piezoelectric ultrasound-emitting element to vaporise a pressurized jet of liquid containing nicotine diluted in a propylene glycol solution.^[12] This design produces a smoke-like vapour that can be inhaled and provides a vehicle for nicotine delivery into the bloodstream via the lungs. He also proposed using propylene glycol to dilute nicotine and placing it in a disposable plastic cartridge which serves as a liquid reservoir and mouthpiece. These inventions are the basis of the present-day electronic cigarettes.

The device was first introduced to the Chinese domestic market in May 2004 as an aid for smoking cessation and replacement. The company that Hon Lik worked for, Golden Dragon Holdings, changed its name to Ruyan (如烟, literally "Resembling smoking"), and started exporting its products in 2005–2006^[13] before receiving its first international patent in 2007.^[14]

Cartridge[edit]

The cartridge, a small plastic, glass or metal container with openings at each end, serves as both a liquid reservoir and mouthpiece. It allows the passage of liquid into the atomizer, and vapour from the atomizer to the user's mouth, without any leakage of liquid into the mouth.

Most models utilise a plastic sponge to keep the liquid in place, but it is common to find a refillable tank that holds the liquid, with a separate tunnel connecting to the atomizer. When the liquid is depleted, users can refill it or replace with another ready filled cartridge. Some users forgo liquid reservoirs and drip liquid directly onto the atomizer in a method known as "dripping".

Atomizer

A single cartridge can have the same number of puffs as 20 cigarettes. The atomizer contains a small heating coil that vaporizes the liquid, and generally consists of a simple filament and wicking metal mesh or silica wick to draw the liquid in. It is positioned in the center of the three components that make up the entire electronic cigarette cylinder: the cartridge attaches to one end, and the power unit to the other. The atomizer's filament will lose efficiency over time due to a build-up of sediment, or it "burns out" entirely, requiring replacement. In some models, the cartridge and atomizer component are integrated into what is known as a cartomizer

Cartomizer[edit]

The term cartomizer describes the combination of atomizer and cartridge in the same unit. A cartomizer consists of a heating element surrounded by a poly-foam soaked in the liquid. This combination is mainly used in the devices that are manufactured to look like cigarettes, and is covered by Gamucci's patent.^[15]

When the cartomizer has been used it can simply be disposed of and replaced with a new one. This is much easier than having to refill your cartridge and clean and replace the atomizer every now and then.^[16]

Battery[edit]

Most portable power contain a lithium-ion rechargeable battery which makes up the largest component of an electronic cigarette. The battery may contain an electronic airflow sensor: activation is triggered simply by drawing breath through the device. Other models come with a power switch, which must be held during operation. A LED to announce activation may also be equipped in the front of the power unit casing.

How long a battery lasts will depend on its charge capacity (in mAh), which ranges from 100 mAh for smaller batteries, to over 1000 mAh for larger ones. E-cigarette performance also depends on the battery's voltage, which typically ranges from 3.2V to 4.2V. Some variable voltage devices will offer voltages as high as 7V.^[17] USB e-cigarettes do not run on a battery and instead supply a constant voltage of 5V using a computer USB port as the power source.

E-cigarette batteries can have different threading that make them compatible only with cartridges of the same threading. The most common types of threading are: KR808D-1 (E8), KR808D-2 (E9), 510, DSE103 and L88B.^[18]

Batteries are usually charged via an AC outlet, car charger socket or USB. Some manufacturers also offer a cigarette pack-like portable charging case (PCC), which contains a larger battery to charge smaller batteries of individual e-cigarettes.

Liquid[edit]

Liquid for producing vapour in electronic cigarettes, known as e-juice or e-liquid, is a solution of propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetableglycerin (VG) and/or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) mixed with concentrated flavors, and optionally, a variable percentage of a liquid nicotine concentrate.

The solution is often sold in a bottle or in disposable cartridges. Many manufacturers offer dozens of flavors which resemble the taste of regular tobacco, menthol, vanilla, coffee, cola and various fruits, but nicotine concentrations vary by manufacturer. The standard notation "mg/ml" is often used in labelling, sometimes shortened to a simple "mg" (milligram).^[19] Nicotine-free solutions are also common.

Some electronic cigarette users prefer to make their own e-juice in a form known as "DIY".^[20]

Most e-liquids do not contain beta-carboline alkaloids found in tobacco along with nicotine.

Kits[edit]

There are dozens of e-cigarette models which are sold online and in stores, all under hundreds of different brand names. Most electronic cigarette users initially purchase starter kits that contain a battery, USB charger and a selection of cartomizers (cartridges). Some kits also include a portable charging case (PCC).

Disposables[edit]

In addition to the kits, there are disposable electronic cigarettes which were first invented and bought to market by the Gamucci brand in 2008. These feature a battery, atomizer, and cartridge all in one piece. Unlike the kits, the entire electronic cigarette is discarded when the cartridge becomes empty. Disposable electronic cigarettes are typically marketed to those new to the electronic cigarette market.^{[citation needed]}

The Future of Tablet Computing - 2014 and Beyond

The Rise of the Tablet Computer

Few electronic devices have enjoyed the rapid surge in popularity and usage that tablet computers have. Many consumers consider the January 27, 2010 announcement of the launch of Apple's iPad by the late Steve Jobs as the birthdate of the tablet computer, however, tablets as we know them today have existed for over 20 years. 

According to Techradar, the first real tablet computer was the GRIDPad, launched in 1989. This basic, mono-color portable computing device had a 10-inch screen and boasted 3-hours of battery life, however, the whopping $2,400 price tag kept this early tablet out of reach for the average user. Since that time, tablet-like touchscreen devices such as PDA's gained in popularity, proving to computer companies that there was strong demand for portable computing devices. In 2007, the Amazon Kindle was launched, introducing readers to a portable, paperless way to read their favorite books.

Tablets now rank among the most popular electronic devices throughout the world. Techcruch reports that eMarketer estimates there were approximately 13 million U.S. tablet users in 2010, 33.7 million in 2011 and an estimated 54.8 million in 2012. According to this report, the number of Americans who use devices like the Microsoft Surface, Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 will grow to 90 million by 2014, meaning that about half of all American adults will own a tablet device within a few years.

What Makes Tablets So Popular?

Tablet computing has become wildly popular among a broad range of consumers, with everyone from schoolchildren to senior citizens using tablets at school, home and work. According to a June 2012 report from the Online Publishers Association (OPA), "tablet usage is exploding", with content consumption (watching movies, reading e-books, buying apps and shopping) being the most common reason why people use tablets

Just How Popular Are Tablets?

Research by the OPA revealed that tablet owners use their tablets a lot - spending an average of 14 hours every week on their devices. Most tablets are used to access information on the Internet, with checking email, game playing, social networking and media consumption also ranking among the most frequent uses of tablet computers.

Tablet computers have even become a fixture in fast food restaurants, with a Virginia Beach McDonald's offering up free Apple iPad use with their fries, burgers and shakes.

Tablets, Wi-Fi & The Cloud - A Perfect Match

While the portability and affordability and functionality of tablet devices are often cited as the main reasons why these devices have gained such widespread acceptance among all consumer groups, without Wi-Fi, tablet computing would not exist. Tablet computers rely on wireless Internet connections using either Wi-Fi or 3G/4G cellular to connect users with their favorite websites, email and work servers.

Along with Wi-Fi, the advent of cloud-based computing has helped spur on the popularity of tablets, since many of these portable devices have relatively little onboard memory. Thanks to cloud computing, tablet users can store their favorite movies, music, photos and digital files on remote servers, accessing these files on demand via the Internet. This means that tablet computers do not need to have large, bulky hard drives onboard. This helps to reduce the cost of tablets, making them lighter and more portable while extending the battery life, adding to the portability of these devices.

Are Tablets and E-Readers Replacing Books?

According to a recent infographic released by Mashable, e-readers like the Amazon Kindle are surging in popularity, with e-book readership nearly doubling between 2011 and 2012. In 2011, over 40 percent of American adults read an e-book on a tablet, smartphone or e-reader.

While some critics believe that tablets and e-readers could lead to the end of traditional paper-based books and magazines, others point to the benefits of the rise of e-reading. Mashable reports that e-book devices and tablets actually increases readership of novels, non-fiction e-books and publications, with owners of devices like the Amazon Kindle reading nearly twice as many books each year than readers of traditional-style books. Among those who use a tablet to read on, 25 percent do so to learn or gain new information, a promising statistic for the future of writers and publishers who feared obsolescence with the decline of paper-based book sales.

What's Next?

Industry watchers predict that tablet use will continue to grow, and in many households even replace traditional desktop and laptop computers. As these portable computers continue to become more powerful and affordable, tech companies will focus on building more apps and designing even more advanced devices. Tablets generally cost about the same, or in some cases, less than either desktop or laptop computers, leading many consumers to consider replacing their current computer with a tablet device.

Tablet computers such as the Apple iPad and the Microsoft Surface are leading the way among mobile devices that allow everyone to stay connected using the Internet, no matter where they work, live or play. While the traditional PC will endure in many homes, schools and businesses, consumers can expect to see tablets everywhere from their local hospital to schools, churches and libraries.

HAPIfork

From iPods to fold-able televisions, there seems to be no end to human appetite for new technology. But there are some inventions that simply leave you awestruck. We have tried to list some of the weirdest gadgets that will amaze you with their uniqueness.Keeping the growing concern for weight loss solutions in mind, HAPIlabs has come up with an amazing product called the HAPIfork that is designed on the basic principle of “Eat slowly and lose weight.” This electronic fork helps people monitor and track their eating habits. The fork is designed to alert people when they are eating too fast through indicator lights. Additionally, it also measures the total time taken in meal consumption.

The amount of fork servings per minute (the action of bringing food from your plate to your mouth using your HAPIfork) is called a fork serving. The HAPIfork uses an application to track progress in slowing down the user’s eating by uploading the calculated information via a USB to the user’s online dashboard.

Sony Xperia Z Review

Sony has launched Xperia Z, its new smartphone in India in the starting of March; it can also be a game changer for Sony. Sony is now trying its best to make its place better in the market by frequent launches and also launching its products in the trendy campaigning through stars. Sony Xperia Z is one of the high end devices available in the market and of Sony too. After HTC Butterfly, it is the second one to have full HD display. Let us find out, whether it will be able to stand out among other devices in the market or not.

Design

It has very appealing looks with a 5 inch large screen with rectangular edges. There is no metallic frame around the edges, it has very clean edges or lines which gives sophisticated and superior looks. Sony claims that they have brought the touch panel closer to the display. The bezel is very thin and there are no hardware controls. The front camera lens, sensors are placed at the top above the screen along with Sony name.

The smartphone is water and dust resistant, also all the ports are covered with a flap to protect them from dust. There is a 3.5 mm head jack at the top which is also covered with a flap. The left side carries microSD card slot and a micro USB port. On the right side there is a round aluminum power/screen lock button in the middle part and a volume rocker also made of metal.

Display

Sony Xperia Z is the second one, after HTC Butterfly to sport full HD display with resolution of 1080p. Display has TFT technology with resolution of 1080×920 pixels and pixel density of 441 ppi (pixels per inch). The screen is bright texts and pictures look crisp and fine sharp, even it’s a pleasure to see videos on it. Viewing angles could have been even better than present. To view the screen under sunlight is fine at maximum brightness.

Camera

It supports 13 megapixel rear camera with auto focus, burst mode and LED flash. The combination of the wide angle lens f/2.2 aperture and maximum ISO speed of 1600 makes it well suited for low light photography. Resolution 3920×2940 is capable of clicking sharp, fine, brilliant images with beautiful colors. Camera includes image and video stabilization. Face recognition and smile shutter functionality are also there which works as good as other high end devices. Smile detector offers three different modes Big, average and small. The face detection function automatically adjusts the focus and balances the picture.

It also offers an HDR mode for video recording which is a new thing in it and normally not seen. While video recording, 1 megapixel resolution shots can be also taken. Front camera of 2 megapixels is capable of 1080p video recording and to click good quality images.

Software/UI

It is featured with the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, which will receive the Android 4.2 update soon, as Sony has promised. They have included their own UI skin on the top of the software. Sony has included their own Xperia keyboard on the phone which is different from the stock Android keyboard and we cannot switch over to the stock keyboard. So, whether you like it or not but you have to use Xperia keyboard. There are many apps available as it is an Android based smartphone but Sony has included some of its own widgets for social networking service updates, power toggles and many more.

In addition to the gallery app they’ve included their own Walkman music player app. This app allows user to move on to the services like Facebook, Picasa to see their online pictures also. It includes a built-in photo editor. The smartphone also includes apps like Back Up and restore aap, Mc Afee security, NeoReader for reading QR codes, TrackID, Play Now, Smart Connect and more.

It includes Chrome browser for surfing internet instead of Android stock browser. It brings one disadvantage because Chrome does not support Flash Player, so phone will not be able to play flash videos.

Processor

It is loaded with 1.5 GHz Qualcomm S4 quad core processor for smooth functioning of the device. With 2 GB RAM and Adreno 320 chip for graphics, it gives a smooth and brilliant experience with all the functions. It has internal memory of 16 GB which is expandable upto 32 GB with microSD card slot. This configuration combined with Android operating system makes the device functioning seamless. There is no lagging between switching over to other aaps from one, playing games or simultaneous running apps. The call quality is also good even in low network areas.

Battery

It comes with a large 2330 mAh battery with a talk time of approx. 4-5 hours and standby 0f 12-13 hours. Sony also offers STAMINA mode for power saving, which can automatically shut down the apps which are running, if the screen is off.

Discussion

Sony Xperia Z is one of the best Android based smartphones available. It supports great features full HD display, great reliable performance. But it has come into the market almost at the same time as HTC Butterfly and Samsung Galaxy S4 is there in the market. Both these phones supports great features too, so it will be interesting to see the battle between these high brands or may be its better to say ‘Clash of Titans’.