Sony Mobile Innovates With New Product Introductions and Unique User Experiences at CES

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2014 /CNW/ -

• Xperia™ Z1 Compact - leading Sony technology and experiences in a compact size, without compromise
• Xperia™ Z1^S - Continuing the momentum of a successful partnership, new device coming to the U.S. market as an exclusive to T-Mobile
• Commitment to innovation with an exciting vision for the future of wearable technology with SmartWear Experience; a growing app ecosystem for SmartWatch 2; and innovative new headsets

Sony Mobile Communications (Sony Mobile) today announced a series of new products and innovations that build on the strong momentum gained with Xperia smartphones throughout 2013, and set the stage for a transformative year in 2014.

"Last year we made a breakthrough in bringing consumers the best of Sony in our premium products," said Kunimasa Suzuki, president and CEO of Sony Mobile. "These demonstrate our commitment to excellence in Sony's unique user experience. Our thirst for innovation and desire to challenge conventional boundaries will deliver groundbreaking products that truly enhance consumers' lifestyles."

Xperia Z1 Compact - the world's best camera in a compact smartphone^[1]

Xperia Z1 Compact takes the power and premium features of Sony's flagship smartphone, Xperia Z1, and packs it into a compact form that fits neatly in the palm of your hand. Designed for those who want a 'mini' size but without compromising on the flagship features including: Sony's leading camera technologies "G Lens", "Exmor RS for mobile" and "BIONZ for mobile"; a high quality 4.3 inch TRILUMINOS™ HD display and X-Reality™ for mobile; premium dust-resistant and waterproof^[2] (IP55/IP58) design; the fastest processor; and a wide range of 'one-touch' accessories.

Available in a range of vibrant colours including lime and pink, within a solid aluminium frame, this compact powerhouse is as beautiful as it is durable.  For those wishing to escape from other operating systems - or just to ensure their content, apps and contacts are seamlessly moved to their new device - Xperia Transfer Mobile provides simple phone-to-phone synchronisation.

Xperia Z1^S- flagship waterproof^[2] smartphone with leading camera technology launching exclusively with T-Mobile in U.S.

Building on the successful launch of Xperia Z, Sony announced today its latest U.S. flagship smartphone Xperia Z1ˢ as an exclusive to T-Mobile. Beginning today, consumers can pre-register to be amongst the first to order the device, with an online pre-sale kicking off 13^th January and nationwide availability in T-Mobile stores starting 22^nd January.

The Xperia Z1ˢ delivers the world's best camera in a sleek waterproof smartphone with a unique and durable design. The device is complete with the best of Sony's market leading technologies including the award-winning "G Lens", 20.7 MP "Exmor RS for mobile" CMOS image sensor and "BIONZ for mobile" image processing engine. Pushing the boundaries of what a camera can do, Xperia Z1ˢ is the first U.S. flagship smartphone to come preloaded with a suite of applications called Xperia® Camera Apps with the latest app to debut on Xperia Z1ˢ called Background defocus.

The Xperia Z1ˢ brings an entertainment experience that only Sony can offer including integration of Sony media apps with Sony entertainment services as well as free content. As the first smartphone to come preloaded with the PlayStation®App, an application which enables smartphones to interact with PlayStation®4(PS4™), Xperia Z1ˢ is the gamer's ultimate handheld companion. Additionally, every Xperia Z1ˢ comes with a unique entertainment offer. You get six great movies to download from Video Unlimited including Sony Pictures' latest blockbuster hit, Captain Phillips, on the day of its digital release, 10 handpicked PlayStation®Mobile games, and a 60-day free trial of Music Unlimited.

An exciting vision for smart, wearable user experience

Sony also underlined its commitment to the rapidly evolving wearable technology market. In addition to smartphones, Sony is outlining its new SmartWear Experience vision - an upcoming range of SmartWear products, with Xperia smartphones, and a new Lifelog application.

Standing for flexibility, the first product in the range is "SmartBand". It offers life empowerment by logging daily activities and representing them visually in Sony's Lifelog application: users can reminisce at the past, make the best of the present and plan for the future.

Life is more than the number of steps you take - the SmartWear Experience is about emotion as well as motion. Entertainment and information; how you feel as well as what you do. It's about moving, and most importantly, being moved.

And, with open software and hardware, Sony is forging new in-market partnerships, to offer consumers more choice. Further details will follow in the coming weeks.

Sony is already a category leader in wearable technology, with the recently launched SmartWatch 2, a sleek and capable companion device that works with Android smartphones from all manufacturers, already selling beyond expectations. Today Sony announced updates and additional applications for SmartWatch 2 - bringing the total to over 300 compatible applications, with many more in the pipeline thanks to a vibrant developer community using the open development platform supporting the device.

Sony also announces an addition to the family of 132 NFC-enabled accessories with the new 'one-touch' pairing Stereo Bluetooth headset in a stylish and splash proof neckband-style design.  The SBH-80 supports NFC, HD Voice and aptX, and features convenient controls for enjoying music as well as hands-free call handling.

^[1]Specifications verified by Strategy Analytics' SpecTRAX service as of 25^th October 2013. Compact Smartphone defined by Strategy Analytics as smartphones with a display size of less than 4.5 inches. For more information on Strategy Analytics' results go to: http://www.sonymobile.com/testresults 

^[2]In compliance with IP55 and IP58, Xperia™ Z1 Compact and Xperia™ Z1^S are 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 IP55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1.50 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP58. The phone is not designed to float or work submerged underwater outside the IP55 or IP58 classification range that may lead to your warranty will being void. Find out more http://www.sonymobile.com/testresults

About Sony Mobile Communications

Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia™ smartphone and tablet portfolio, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony's world of networked entertainment experiences. For more information: http://www.sonymobile.com

Legal

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