Playstation Now, Gaikai on Xperia devices? A Brief History, and a Love Affair…

The demise of PlayStation Mobile

Last week, Sony made the decision to terminate support for PlayStation Mobile, a platform that would allow PlayStation certified tablets and smartphones to access a catalog of games developed specifically for the platform.

While it aimed to draw in gamers, it had direct competition with the wider catalog of more known titles in the Google Play Store, and the obscurity of available titles paired with the lack of wider known games eventually lead to its inevitable long overdue demise.

Sony Xperia Z2 Review

The stylish yet simple 5.2" IPS display smartphone donning stereo speakers has lately turned a fair few heads in all the right ways, and with every reason.

Equipped with a host of Sony's BRAVIA and Walkman adopted technologies, it's clear to see how the Z2 was built with entertainment in mind, but there's so much more to this multi-functional beast.

Dive into a waterproof Sony @ Gadget Show Live 2014!

Some will have seen the #DiveIntoSony hashtag on twitter over the weekend. In case you haven't, check this out...

Tweets about "#DiveIntoSony"

Meet Your Next Best Friend: Android Device Manager

Introduction

Many people ask me about one crucial bit of functionality which Android has never really handled too well in its native form. It's a sensitive subject and often only comes up at a sensitive time. "How do I locate my missing device?"

The sad truth is, locating a lost android has always been something that requires proactive thinking; installing third party software and entrusting that software with crucial remote functionality of your device such as the ability to lock or wipe your phone.

Xperia SP Hands On Review: Mid-Range But Better

Having recently acquired a new Sony Xperia SP, this review aims to answer any burning questions you might have about what to expect from the phone upon it's release and whether or not it's the right phone for you. I'll be detailing everything from hardware, software, design, exclusives and more with the aim that by the end of it all, you'll be familiar enough with the phone to be able to confidently decide whether or not the Xperia SP will be the next phone making it's way to your pocket.

Case Study: Sony TV SideView App & Plex Media Server

Over the past few years, Sony's mantra has been about 'making believe', that is, using your imagination to create a brand new experience. It's also been about the 'four screens' strategy. The concept here is that devices can work together to enhance the overall viewing experience. And to top it all off, 2012 has seen the introduction and rapid growth in interest of the 'second screen' experience. The second screen experience is a term coined for using a mobile phone, tablet or phablet to enhance the TV viewing experience.

Xperia E: Sony's First 2013 Budget Phone

The past 24 hours has seen a surge of interest in Sony's Xperia offerings with the announcement of the Xperia Z at CES 2013, quite possibly Sony's most attractive offering since entering the smart phone market and most definitely the most popular Xperia announcement at first glance since Sony's buyout of Sony Ericsson. Indeed, Sony seem to have set the standard early on for what is in store for smart phone enthusiasts across 2013.

CES 2013: Sony Xperia Z

Straight off CES 2013, Sony have today announced the Xperia Z which we previously reported under its former codename the Xperia Yuga. The device is being dubbed by Sony as the most water resistant (IPX5/7) and dustproof (IP5X) phone on the market, making it a contender not only in the personal smartphone market space, but also industrially where conditions may vary, requiring durable smartphones that are less likely to break under hazardous conditions.

Awooga for the Yuga!

There has been a lot of talk over the past month of so about the next Sony Flagship, codenamed Yuga (C660X). Today, Mobile-Review, who have previously been accurate in their early reviews, have posted about the up and coming device which is set to be a huge entry into the smart phone market.

Whilst Mobile Review have a tendancy to be on the spot, it's important to consider that until a full announcement has been made, these should all be regarded purely as speculation for now. The article is very in depth and can be found here however for the sake of keeping things short, I want to focus on some of the things that stood out to me.

Xperia T: The Best Bits

A few weeks ago I managed to get hold of an Xperia T following on from its use in the fantastic Xperia Face Off promo which ran through November over at the Sony Mobile GB Facebook page.

With all considerations of its use, prior to finding its way into my pocket, as you can imagine it is a little beaten up here and there, but I've managed to gleam a lot from it in terms of Sony's direction. So from what I've discovered over the past 5 weeks, here are my top 5 features, in no particular order, of the Sony Xperia T.

Count Them.... Xperia 2012, and What Happens Next [poll]

So as the year begins to draw to a close, Sony Asia announced a brand new Xperia phone exclusive to the China market whilst Sony as a whole are already talking about their next flagship hot off the heels of the Xperia T release.

Now, I may have missed a few out here, but off the top of my memory, here are the devices that I can recall having been released this year:

Guest Blog: Life with One Touch - An Introduction to NFC

You may be aware of my position within the Sony Mobile Test Lab, a group of regular consumers invited by Sony to participate in product trials and provide honest feedback.

I recently got talking to a fellow test-labber, Simon Tompkins, about getting him in as a guest blogger. I asked Simon if he would provide his experiences of Sony's implementation of NFC, and here is the end result. A fantastic account of one mans experiences, and I hope you'll agree.

Google Calendar Spam

If, like me, you've recently found yourself plagued with 'advertisements' and what could categorically be described as 'spam' across your Google Calendar, you may be wondering where these 'events' have come from? After all, the Google Calendar adds to Google's portfolio of products that make android an all round platform of convenience.

You may be wondering if Google have 'sold out' or if your Google account has been hacked. Fear not, the simple truth is - well, just that - simple.

10 Questions: Round 2

Back in august I ran a blog post collecting some recent questions asked by the fans of the Sony Mobile facebook page, providing some responses in an FAQ form. With the recent release of the Xperia T, the up and coming release of the Xperia J, a handful of regional variations and some kick ass accessories, I wanted to revisit the segment and answer some more recent questions.

So without further ado, let round 2 commence!

Playstation Mobile goes Live Today

Due to less fortunate events I was left without my trusted Xperia S earlier this year and am awaiting a replacement device (fingers crossed for the Xperia T!) and so have been relying on my Xperia arc S recently, however my eyes are still firmly placed on the goings on surrounding the Sony Mobile world.

Exploit Wiping Samsung Galaxy Phones

Just a quicky this time around. In an earlier post, I ran a comparison for the best browser for ICS in which Chrome came out on top. In light of an article published today on UK newspaper The Telegraph's website, I would like to re-affirm Chrome as my browser of choice now for the most important reason of all.

The article details how a small code consisting of just 11 characters can be embedded onto any website, prompting an unsuspecting Samsung Galaxy SIII to be wiped. This includes restoring the phone to factory settings whilst also deleting contacts, photographs, music, apps and "other vulnerable data". It is not clear whether this only effects local resources or if cloud storage (such as google contact sync) is affected, however at this point in time, MB assumes it is only the former.

Whilst this concern is isolated to Samsung phones, it would be worying to hear an exploit like this circulating the web targetting Xperia phones.

The recommended solution to this problem is to use Google's Chrome browser rather than the stock browser, as Chrome will prevent the scripts from running. As the scripts require no user intervention and performs the wipe in a matter of three seconds, a block such as this is the only way to to be certain not to come across this through a website without deciding to stop browsing the web completely.

The internet is not the the only way to exploit this as text messages, QR Codes and NFC tags can also make use of this script. This is of great concern, however at this point we would recommend that whilst Xperia phones are not affected, using Chrome may prevent you from finding out when such a script does begin to affect Xperia devices. Also if you are using a Samsung device, then we extend this advice to you, aswell.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/samsung/9565395/Hidden-web-code-means-hackers-can-wipe-Samsung-Galaxy-S3.html

The police want my money!!

ok, this blog post isn't necessarily anything to do with mobile phones or android, or sony, or anything that I normally blog about, however is still within the technical assistance I aim to deliver through experiences I've come across. Hopefully you'll never need this blog post, but it's here incase you do.

10 Questions from the Sony Mobile GB Facebook Group

So this is the first time I've done this, and depending on how successful it is I may look into doing this on a somewhat regular basis.

The idea is that many many people are using social networking to request more information or support on their products, much of which gets ansered, some of which that doesn't, but most importantly, a lot of these questions are shared amongst multiple members of the community. In an effort to add a further contribution to the Xperia community, I've found 10 questions on facebook and provided my own responses.

How many Xperias does it take to get online?

What an end to a very long week. Probably made so by the fact the weekend just passed was non-stop during a family BBQ to celebrate my birthday. I haven't rested in nearly two weeks and I'll be lucky to get any rest this weekend coming up.

However, the point of this blog post isn't to show you my family photos. It's to tell you about how Xperia saved the day in a modern world where internet dependency is etched within our nature.

Happy Birthday MB!

It occurred to me today this blog is now over a year old, and I never threw a party! So, over the past year I have aimed to provide blog posts favouring quality over quantity. Posts have been a bit of a mix, be it tutorials, troubleshooting, even general debate, however now I want to know what you wish to see from Making.Believe in the future.