Sony ships Xperia advance to the US, offers unlocked ruggedness for $300 or less

Sony Mobile Communications Brings Its Water-Resistant Android Smartphone, Xperia™ advance, to the U.S.

o The highest level of dust and water resistance available on any Android smartphone*

o Stylish, sleek and durable smartphone made to withstand whatever life throws at it without compromising on design or functionality

o Reality Display for razor sharp clarity and fast capture camera to go from sleep to snap in just over a second

What: Sony Mobile Communications brings the Xperia advance to US consumers looking for a full-featured Android smartphone and beautiful design with extra durability and water resistance. Xperia advance has a scratch-resistant display with wet finger tracking to offer functionality and protection against dust and water immersion.

As Sony's most durable, water-resistant smartphone, the Xperia advance is built to handle life's unexpected moments. It has a scratch-resistant mineral glass display and meets the IP67 ratings for protection against dust and water immersion** in depths between zero to 39 inches for up to 30 minutes. Xperia advance is a fit for Xperia fans who don't want to worry about protecting their phones when caught in the rain.

With Xperia advance, consumers can watch the latest movies and TV shows in razor sharp quality and with fast performance.

This powerful device conceals its rugged nature in a slim and attractive design, and, at only .4 inches thick at its thinnest point, users can enjoy its lightweight feel and easily carry it in a pocket or bag among keys, change and other items with reduced susceptibility to marks or scratches. The Xperia advance's sleek and stylish design means durable and water-resistant smartphones no longer have to look bulky and rugged.

Xperia advance features easy connectivity through DLNA® technology to share and enjoy content on a TV. It also comes preloaded with Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited from Sony Entertainment Network***, giving access to millions of songs, Hollywood blockbusters, and TV series.

*Based on smartphones available in the US as of October 29, 2012.

** An IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 67 means the device is dust tight and is protected against the effects of immersion in water in depths between 0 to 39 inches for up to 30 minutes. Despite your device's resistance qualities, you should avoid exposing it to environments with excessive dust or moisture. Damage to your device, (even if through ordinary use) can limit or lessen resistance to dust or moisture. You should not submerge the mobile phone in water. The water resistance of the micro USB port and the headset connector is not guaranteed in all environment or conditions. All compatible accessories including batteries, chargers, hands-free devices, micro USB cables, microSD™ cards, and so on are not dust and water resistant on their own. Warranty does not cover damage or defects caused by abuse or improper use of your device.

***For Sony Unlimited services, a subscription is required and additional requirements, terms, and conditions, may apply. All apps require compatible wireless service connection and usage rates apply.

Pricing & availability:

The Xperia advance is available now at Newegg and other online retailers. For additional availability and pricing, please check with each retailer.

· MSRP $299.99 (unlocked), in tactile black, pure white, or warm yellow

Network compatibility:

Xperia advance is compatible with the network bands below.

· UMTS HSPA 850, 1900, 2100

· GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

Specs:

Size: 4.3 x 2.3 x .4 in

Weight: 3.92 ounces

Screen: 3.5" (diagonally)Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine®, 480 x 320 pixels, scratch-resistant mineral glass, wet-finger tracking

Camera: 5MP camera, 16x digital zoom, LED Flash and autofocus, 720p HD video recording

Phone Memory: Up to 512 MB RAM, up to 8 GB internal memory (up to 4 GB user accessible memory)

Operating System: Android™ 2.3, upgradeable to Android™ 4.0

Processor: 1GHz Dual Core

Connectivity: 3.5 mm audio jack, aGPS, Bluetooth™, DLNA® Certified, Wi-Fi®, USB Host

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Sony Xperia Advance comes to the US in unlocked form

Sony has surprised us with a quick announcement that the Sony Xperia Advance is now available in the United States. You’ll have to grab this thing in unlocked form from Newegg, and it’ll cost you just $250 to walk away with it without being attached to any annoying two-year contracts.

The 3.5 inch form factor of the device makes it look smallish up against today’s behemoths, but we imagine there’s still a market for this size out there somewhere.

It sports a WVGA resolution, a 1GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor that comes with a Mali-400 GPU, 512MB of RAM, a 5 megapixel camera, 8GB of internal storage (but only 4GB are open to users) and more. The device is also built to be dust proof and water resistant, but as we always say it’s best to just avoid situations where your smartphone might be vulnerable wherever possible.

This is not meant to be a stud of a device, obviously, but for $250 anyone looking for a decent off-contract option to introduce themselves into the world of smartphones shouldn’t leave the checkout screen disappointed. This will work with all GSM carriers, but you’ll be limited to 2G on T-Mobile.

You will get 3G with AT&T, but it doesn’t look like HSPA+ is an option. The shortcomings in the radio department might be a little off-putting, but if your reason for buying this is strictly based on your budget then we’re sure you’ll find a way to cope with that. You can get started over at Newegg.com, and be sure to read on for full press details.

Sony Mobile Communications Brings Its Water-Resistant Android Smartphone, Xperia™ advance, to the U.S.

o    The highest level of dust and water resistance available on any Android smartphone*

o    Stylish, sleek and durable smartphone made to withstand whatever life throws at it without compromising on design or functionality

o    Reality Display for razor sharp clarity and fast capture camera to go from sleep to snap in just over a second

What:         Sony Mobile Communications brings the Xperia advance to US consumerslooking for a full-featured Android smartphone and beautiful design with extra durability and water resistance. Xperia advance has a scratch-resistant display with wet finger tracking to offer functionality and protection against dust and water immersion.

As Sony’s most durable, water-resistant smartphone, the Xperia advance is built to handle life’s unexpected moments. It has a scratch-resistant mineral glass display and meets the IP67 ratings for protection against dust and water immersion** in depths between zero to 39 inches for up to 30 minutes. Xperia advance is a fit for Xperia fans who don’t want to worry about protecting their phones when caught in the rain.

With Xperia advance, consumers can watch the latest movies and TV shows in razor sharp quality and with fast performance.

This powerful device conceals its rugged nature in a slim and attractive design, and, at only .4 inches thick at its thinnest point, users can enjoy its lightweight feel and easily carry it in a pocket or bag among keys, change and other items with reduced susceptibility to marks or scratches. The Xperia advance’s sleek and stylish design means durable and water-resistant smartphones no longer have to look bulky and rugged.

Xperia advance features easy connectivity through DLNA® technology to share and enjoy content on a TV. It also comes preloaded with Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited from Sony Entertainment Network***, giving access to millions of songs, Hollywood blockbusters, and TV series.

*Based on smartphones available in the US as of October 29, 2012.

** An IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 67 means the device is dust tight and is protected against the effects of immersion in water in depths between 0 to 39 inches for up to 30 minutes.  Despite your device’s resistance qualities, you should avoid exposing it to environments with excessive dust or moisture. Damage to your device, (even if through ordinary use) can limit or lessen resistance to dust or moisture. You should not submerge the mobile phone in water. The water resistance of the micro USB port and the headset connector is not guaranteed in all environment or conditions. All compatible accessories including batteries, chargers, hands-free devices, micro USB cables, microSD™ cards, and so on are not dust and water resistant on their own. Warranty does not cover damage or defects caused by abuse or improper use of your device.

***For Sony Unlimited services, a subscription is required and additional requirements, terms, and conditions, may apply. All apps require compatible wireless service connection and usage rates apply.

Pricing & availability:

The Xperia advance is available now at Newegg and other online retailers. For additional availability and pricing, please check with each retailer.

·         MSRP $299.99 (unlocked), in tactile black, pure white, or warm yellow

Network compatibility:

Xperia advance is compatible with the network bands below.

·         UMTS HSPA 850, 1900, 2100·         GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

Product Resources:

Specs:

Size: 4.3 x 2.3 x .4 inWeight: 3.92 ouncesScreen: 3.5” (diagonally)Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine®, 480 x 320 pixels, scratch-resistant mineral glass, wet-finger tracking

Camera: 5MP camera, 16x digital zoom, LED Flash and autofocus, 720p HD video recording

Phone Memory: Up to 512 MB RAM, up to 8 GB internal memory (up to 4 GB user accessible memory)

Operating System: Android™ 2.3, upgradeable to Android™ 4.0

Processor: 1GHz Dual Core

Connectivity: 3.5 mm audio jack, aGPS, Bluetooth™, DLNA® Certified, Wi-Fi®, USB Host

Legal:

Features and applications described require a compatible Android phone and may require additional, compatible applications and services. Additional requirements, terms, conditions, and fees may apply.

“Sony” and “XPERIA” are registered trademark or trademarks of Sony Corporation and its subsidiaries.  “XPERIA”® is a registered trademark of Sony Mobile Communications AB. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Windows Phone 8X, Galaxy S III Mini and Xperia J available on Three UK today

Windows Phone 8X by HTC – available now on Three.

The Windows Phone 8X by HTC is now available online at www.three.co.uk and in all Three stores.

With an exclusive built-in amp and Beats Audio™ technology offering a truly authentic studio sound the 8X is sure to please even the most musical among us. The smartphone also comes with an amazing 8 megapixel camera so you'll be able to take incredibly vivid pictures and the front-facing camera with ultra-wide-angle lens captures twice the image area to fit more in every shot.

Running on the very latest Windows Phone 8 software, the 8X by HTC allows true personalisation of the home screen with real time Live Tile updates on its large 4.3" screen and the powerful 1.5 GHz dual-core processor makes browsing and switching between apps a breeze.

Sylvia Chind, Head of Devices at Three said, "The 8X by HTC is packed full of great features and is perfect for streaming HD and enjoying music while on the go. Coupled with The One Plan offering amazing value with All-you-can-eat data it's no surprise that Three carries over 40% of the UK's data traffic".

The Windows Phone 8X by HTC is available for £30 a month with an upfront cost of £29 on the Ultimate Internet 500 plan with a guarantee of no surprise out-of-bundle data charges.

The device is also available on Pay As You Go for £349.99 plus a top up. All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to all-you-can-eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers 500 minutes, 3,000 texts and all-you-can-eat data for a 30-day period.

Additionally from today get an extra special gift with Three. Purchase the 8X by HTC and get the latest Windows 8 Pro upgrade for your home PC. *

Key features:
• Beats Audio™ technology
• Amazing 8 megapixel camera
• Windows Phone 8 software
• 16GB internal memory
• 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
• DC HSDPA (42) Enabled

* Sign up for 24 months to get this deal. Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer available to Three customers who (i) already own a PC with Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista or Windows 7 and that meets the minimum system requirements of Windows 8 Pro, and (ii) who buy a HTC 8X between 09.11.12 – 21.12.12, while stocks of credit vouchers last. Eligible customers will be provided with a credit voucher which must be used to redeem the offer and download the software from the Microsoft website. Credit will expire on 31.01.13. Full terms available at Three.co.uk/terms

Sony Xperia™ J - available now on Three.

The Sony Xperia™ J is now available online at www.three.co.uk and in all Three stores.

The large and bright 4" scratch-proof display on the Sony Xperia™ J makes watching films and viewing pictures a pleasure. This viewing experience is complimented with built-in Sony audio technologies, such as the xLoud sound enhancement, which provides crystal clear stereo and bass qualities.

The smartphone is curved in design making it comfortable to hold and a smart illuminating light notifies users of incoming Facebook and Twitter messages. With 4GB of internal memory and a whopping 50GB of online storage, people can save apps, tracks and pics without having to worry about running out of space.

Sylvia Chind, Head of Devices at Three said, "The Sony Xperia™ J is ideal for style conscious social media fans and its 5 megapixel camera is perfect for Instagramming and sharing pictures on the go. With the added benefit of straightforward plans with no surprise out of bundle data charges, you'll be able to enjoy the best experience on Three".

The Sony Xperia™ J is available for £13 a month with no upfront cost on the Essential Internet 50 plan. Both the Essential Internet and Ultimate Internet plans offer a fear-free mobile internet experience with a guarantee of no surprise out-of-bundle data charges.

The smartphone is also available on Pay As You Go for £149.99 plus a top up. All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to All-You-Can-Eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers All-You-Can-Eat data, 500 minutes and 3,000 texts and for a 30-day period.

Key features

Large 4" scratch-proof display
Illumination light for social media alerts
5 megapixel camera with LED flash and video recording
4GB internal memory and 50GB online storage with Box
Sony audio technologies for crisp sound quality

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini - available now on Three.

The Samsung Galaxy S III Mini is now available in all Three stores and, from 16th November, will be available online at www.three.co.uk.

The Samsung Galaxy S III Mini is the new compact version of the Samsung Galaxy S III. Featuring a large 4.0" display, the S III Mini is great for viewing more content on one screen, reducing the need for scrolling and zooming out. Its HD Super AMOLED technology also means that videos and pictures come to life in amazingly clear, crisp colours.

This elegant but minimal smartphone comes with a fast 1GHz dual core processor that allows apps and games to load quickly, enabling people to enjoy seamless browsing, gaming, viewing and downloading. Perfect for budding Instagrammers, the Samsung Galaxy S III Mini delivers great images using a 5 megapixel camera, which also has Best Shot mode that takes a burst of photos and then cleverly selects the best one.

Sylvia Chind, Head of Devices at Three, said, "Not only is the Samsung Galaxy S III Mini a top performing phone but it's also full of innovative touches like the notification light, which can be customised to flash a different colour to alert users to new messages or calls."

The Samsung Galaxy S III Mini is available with no upfront cost on the Ultimate Internet 500 plan for £28 a month, and on The One Plan, which offers a fear-free mobile internet experience with a guarantee of no surprise out-of-bundle data charges, for £32 a month.

The smartphone is also available on Pay As You Go for £269.99 plus a top up. All in One 15 costs £15 and gives 30-day access to All-You-Can-Eat data along with 300 any-network minutes and 3,000 texts. Or All in One 25 costs £25 and offers All-You-Can-Eat data, 500 minutes and 3,000 texts and for a 30-day period.

Key features
• Large 4.0" WVGA Super AMOLED display
• Fast 1.0 GHz dual core processor
• 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash
• Notification light
• VGA front camera
• 1500mAh battery
• Up to 8GB internal memory
• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) Operating System
• NFC

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Google kicks Xperia S Android Open Source Project out of its nest, Sony takes it under its wing (video)

Reception and call quality 9.7 Display 9.8 Battery life 7.4 Camera 9.4 Ease of use 8.8 Design and form factor 9.5 Portability (size / weight) 9.4 Media support 9.4 Durability 8.8 Ecosystem (apps, accessories, etc.) 8.9

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Sony rolls out update to Xperia T and TX for Miracast mirroring, extra-long standby

Reception and call quality 10 Display 10 Battery life 8 Camera 10 Ease of use 9 Design and form factor 9 Portability (size / weight) 10 Media support 10 Durability 9 Ecosystem (apps, accessories, etc.) 9

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LG Optimus G, Sony Xperia TL now available from AT&T

The LG Optimus G and Sony Xperia TL are now available through AT&T. The devices can be found online and in stores, and pre-orders should be arriving at doorsteps today. The handsets serve as their respective manufacturer’s flagship Android devices for the second half of the year and both feature hardware that includes an HD display.

The Optimus G’s 4.7-inch screen is paired with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM. Unlike the version of the device that went on pre-order for Sprint yesterday, however, a 13MP camera has been switched out for an 8MP sensor. During testing, we found the phone to be quite impressive. The Xperia TL does feature a 13MP camera along with a 4.6-inch display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, and 1GB RAM.

Both devices ship with Ice Cream Sandwich and feature 4G LTE connectivity. The Optimus G is available for $199.99 on a new two-year contract while the Xperia TL comes in at an affordable $99.99. If you are planning on picking up either, head over to AndroidForums and join the discussion at our Optimus G and Xperia TL sections.

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