Run stop shop: All the Xperia apps and features you need to train for a marathon

Run stop shop: All the Xperia apps and features you need to train for a marathon

With lighter mornings on the horizon for many people around the world, keen runners are already taking to the streets to prepare for one of the biggest challenges in amateur sports: the marathon.

Alongside your water bottle, trainers and running gear, there’s another marathon essential you’ll need to keep you on track towards your goals… Your Xperia smartphone!

Whether you’re tracking your progress, maintaining your wellbeing or just keeping yourself safe on the road, your Xperia device has everything you need to make sure you beat your personal best.

If you have the Xperia 10 or 10 Plus, the new 21:9 display can run two apps simultaneously, meaning you can change your playlist while keeping track of your running route! Being efficient with your time has never been easier, and you can find out more here in our article on how to multi-task on the new Xperia devices.

Below we’ve collated some of our favourite apps to use while training, suitable for both beginners and marathon veterans!

For great music: Spotify
Choose Spotify for a whole gallery of music options to pick from while you run. Create playlists that suit your pace while seeing what everyone else is running to. Pair your Xperia 10 or 10 Plus with the new open-ear Bluetooth® stereo headset, SBH82D, for comfortable all-day listening. This headset is great for training as it allows the user to listen to their favourite tunes while still being able to hear your surroundings due to the open-ear design. People with a busy lifestyle can take advantage of the voice assistant functions from Google™ and Apple, as well as hands-free talk.

For the planner: MapMyRun
Discover new routes wherever you are with MapMyRun. The app allows you to build up a library of safe running roads that you can use when training. If a sense of competition helps spur you on, don’t miss out on the challenges against other members of the MapMyRun community, tracking results as you go with the chance to win prizes.

MapMyRun on Xperia

For your wellbeing: Calm
Mental fitness is just as important as physical health. Try Calm, which offers guided meditations to help reduce stress and improve your night’s sleep. Its music feature is engineered to make you feel relaxed, with original compositions and a multitude of nature sounds. You’ll soon find that when training you’re more focused than ever, even when you hit runner’s block.

For the advanced: Runcoach
Perfect for the more experienced runner, Runcoach is ideal for creating a training schedule that suits your lifestyle, setting personalised goals to work towards. The app works by calculating details such as your more recent race times and current mileage and identifying a course that works for you. Don’t sweat if you miss a workout: it will recalculate your plan to stay on track, helping you reach your running targets.

Runcoach on Xperia

For the bookworm: Audible
If you’re tired of the same playlist or just looking to mix things up, an audio book or podcast is a great way to get through training in the lead up to the big day. With Audible, perhaps opt for a thriller with twists and turns – ideal for the runner that lives on the edge. Alternatively, listen to a podcast or TED Talks to increase your motivation.

For tracking progress: MyFitnessPal
Track your progress in both nutrition and exercise with MyFitnessPal. Using the provided tools, you can map out a meal plan that works alongside your training. Additionally, it integrates with MapMyRun, so you can sync your diet and training plan together so that everything is in one place.

MyFitnessPal on Xperia

For safety: RoadID
If you’re new to running, RoadID is a great app to keep on hand in case of an emergency. It essentially works as a real-time GPS tracker and safety platform that can be set up to alert three emergency contacts if needed. The app not only factors in where you are but also holds important information such as medical details. Definitely one to keep with you when you’re running off-road.

For a charity: Fit4Change
If you’re running for a cause close to your heart, try Fit4Change for fundraising on the move. The app works by giving the user total control, listing a whole variety of charities to choose from. Whether you are a beginner or a slightly more advanced runner, the app tracks movement from the device and allocates a share of the advertising revenue to a charity of your choosing. This could be as simple as walking to the shops, or as big a challenge as a marathon.

For downtime: Netflix
After an evening run there’s nothing better than settling down in front of a film to re-charge your batteries. Take to Netflix for a truly immersive, cinema-like experience to view some of your favourite films and TV shows in 21:9 on the Xperia 10 or 10 Plus. Because 67% of Netflix originals are filmed in the 21:9 ratio, they look especially good on the new Xperia devices. The experience becomes all the more immersive when you’re watching content the way the creators intended! We’ve collated some of our favourites in a blog post here.

Let us know in the comments below if you find a particular app helpful in reaching your running goals!

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Source: Sony Mobile Blog






How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus

How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus

Doesn’t it feel great when you spring clean? Whether you’re throwing away old clothes, sorting through paperwork or getting the step ladder out to dust the corners of every room, decluttering really does instil a sense of inner harmony.

So why do we let our smartphones get so messy?

It’s a well-known fact the new Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus are packed full of Sony’s intelligent technologies. As well as having 3GB RAM combined with 64GB eMMC internal memory*, the new Sony handsets come equipped with a microSDXC port which can hold up to an extra 512GB of storage! But if you’re anything like us, you often find yourself snapping hundreds of pictures or downloading lots of apps until you can’t find the media that matters to you the most.

How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus

Luckily, we have pulled together a few simple tricks you can use to ensure your device feels as slick as it looks!

Back it up
Before you make any changes, take a few moments to back up your data so you don’t accidentally erase your favourite content. The Xperia 10 and 10 Plus are speedy handsets, but the more internal storage available the better the performance is.

When our phones get too cluttered, they can start to run a little slower and apps could be forced to close. This problem can be solved by simply transferring media files from the internal storage to an SD card or backing up your data to a Google Drive. To do this, head to your settings, tap System -> Advanced -> Back up. It’s also worth clearing your cache every month or so to free up storage space. This can be done in the History section of your web browser.

How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus

Delete unnecessary content
From the apps you used to order a takeaway just the once to videos in which you’re covering the camera lens, sifting through your media is the first logical step when it comes to decluttering your Xperia device. Take time to go through each form of media on your phone, from apps to music (and even your address book for contacts you just don’t need anymore).

To simplify the process, it might be worth tracking your phone usage to determine which apps you genuinely use. You can find data usage for both mobile and Wi-Fi in your settings. If you’re a bit of a hoarder and find yourself struggling to decide what to delete, just remember that you really don’t need all those photos of the dog you saw in the park last month!

How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus
Shot on Xperia XZ3

Customise the interface
The Android™ (Android is a trademark of Google LLC) interface is super intuitive and customisable. You can easily move your favourite applications around to a layout that suits you. We recommend keeping your Xperia home screen as clear as possible by removing all apps you don’t use on a daily basis. If you aren’t ready to delete it, try moving it to the app tray where everything is stored in alphabetical order!

As with the XZ3 before it, the Xperia 10 and 10 Plus come equipped with a handy function called Side sense.  Unfamiliar with it? This clever UI (user interface) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to give you quick access to your favourite apps based on how frequently, when and where you use them!

How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus

You can even pick the apps yourself for a truly personalised experience. To make use of Side sense, simply double tap the edge of the display to make it appear!

How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus

Create folders
For those of you who really want to keep all your apps, trying organising them by creating folders. This will allow you to group similar apps together, such as social media, food delivery and video streaming services. Simply tap and hold your finger on an app and drag it over the app you want to group it with. Not feeling the folders? Try arranging your apps by colour for an aesthetically pleasing display.

How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus

Turn off push notifications
Notifications are incredibly useful but they can clutter our phones. Think about the notifications you really need and those you could happily live without. We all love a bit of celebrity gossip but you probably don’t need to be alerted every time an A-lister sends a Tweet!

Install system updates
Your Xperia 10 and 10 Plus come preloaded with the latest and greatest Android™ 9 Pie, but it’s still important to check for software updates to ensure you’re enjoying the latest features and functions, as well as correcting possible bugs. You will receive a notification when a new software update is available but you can always manually check this in your settings.

It’s worth noting that you need at least 500 MB of free internal memory to be able to update the software on your device.

How to dust the digital cobwebs from your Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus

Have you tried turning it off and on again?
A classic but important step to ensuring your smartphone runs as smoothly as possible – make sure you restart it regularly. Never switching it off may affect both the battery life and performance. By restarting your device, you’ll clear all the temporary files in the phone’s memory, making apps run much more smoothly!

Spring clean the screen
While you’re decluttering the inside of your phone, make sure you spring clean the exterior too. Dust particles can get into the ports and may affect your device’s overall performance, and no-one likes sticky fingerprints on their camera lens!

The best way to clean your Xperia 10 and 10 Plus is to use a micro-fibre cloth. Ensure your phone is turned off and not plugged in. Wipe away dirt from the front and back of the handset. Next, gently blow into the ports for the headphone jack and charging cable to clear out any dust that might have collected there and use a small brush around the SIM and memory card slot covers.

Xperia 10 and 10 Plus family

Et voila! Your Xperia handset looks and feels as good as it should! Now, why not scour the internet for a new wallpaper to fit the Xperia 10 and 10 Plus’s crystal clear 21:9 Full HD display?

*Firmware and preloaded applications take approximately 14.79GB of internal storage, with the remainder 49.21GB for user-selected content (such as music, pictures, movies, applications and their data). Measurement made at time of product announcement and may vary per market. Software updates may change the available internal storage.

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Source: Sony Mobile Blog






Bon Appetit! How to take perfect food photography using your Xperia

Bon Appetit! How to take perfect food photography using your Xperia

Whether you’re visiting a restaurant with divine, flavoursome dishes, or you’ve cooked up something scrumptious at home, the chances are you’ll want to take a photo of what you’re about to eat.

In fact, sharing a photo with friends, family and followers on social media and watching the likes roll in is (almost) as good as eating the food itself!

So, you’ll be glad to know that with the newly launched Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus, taking incredible food photography has never been easier.

Both smartphones are able to capture images in the 21:9 ratio, meaning you have extra room to play with when it comes to capturing the perfect shot. The devices’ cameras (the Xperia 10 comes with a 13MP + 5MP while the Xperia 10 Plus boasts 12MP + 8MP) pack in many of Sony’s premium technologies, so you can be sure of outstanding results.

We created some amazing food set-ups to show you the results you can get at home, along with some top tips on how to use the cameras on our new smartphones to their best effect. As you can see here in this shot of pink toast, figs and pomegranate, the 21:9 aspect ratio allows for interesting perspectives and details for an impressive, involving shot.

Pink toast, taken using the Xperia 10 PlusXperia 10 Plus – Get the shot: 21:9 aspect ratio; ISO 64; Exposure time 1/50s

To showcase the different shots that the Xperia 10 and 10 Plus can take, we pictured the same dipped croissants in three distinct ways.

Here, we used the Bokeh effect to make the pastries at the front more prominent, while still capturing the vibrant colours of the overall setup.

Dipped croissants, taken using the Bokeh effectXperia 10 – Get the shot: 21:9 aspect ratio; ISO 191; Exposure time 1/50s

When using a standard camera, the Bokeh effect works best when there is substantial distance and depth in the shot. But when it comes to food photography, that’s not something you’re likely to have. On the Xperia 10 and 10 Plus, the in-built effect does the work for you, even at close range.

Both devices also have easy-to-use Manual settings that can mean you can alter the ISO, Exposure and White Balance. Below, you can see the effect of changing the White Balance from a cool, blue effect to a warming yellow.

An image of croissants taken using the Xperia 10Xperia 10 – Get the shot: 21:9 aspect ratio; ISO 186; Exposure time 1/50s

An image of croissants taken using the Xperia 10Xperia 10 – Get the shot: 21:9 aspect ratio; ISO 250; Exposure time 1/50s

The 21:9 display is your best friend here. Alter the settings and you’ll see instantly how the picture will look on your 21:9 Wide screen. It’s always best to alter the settings on the camera rather than trying to filter the picture afterwards.

Needless to say, the Xperia 10 and 10 Plus aren’t just standouts when it comes to photography – they also take 120fps slow-motion video.

Here, a simple video of seasoning being sprinkled on a salad is given added punch by using slow motion. Be sure to try it yourself using careful, deliberate movements to get the best result.

 

If you’ve opted for the Xperia 10 Plus, one of its key camera features is the 2X optical zoom*, allowing for closer, eye-catching detail without physically moving the camera closer to the object. Try it out to capture all the magic your meal has to offer up-close.

Regardless of which device you opt for, you’ll be able to capture more than you ever have before thanks to the 21:9 ratio. When you begin using this ratio, you’ll quickly realise you have more ‘space’ in the picture than usual… which means you can fill it with more intricate and arresting details.

A cheeseboard set-up using the Xperia 10Xperia 10 – Get the shot: 21:9 aspect ratio; ISO 400; Exposure time 1/104s

In the above image, we were able to capture not just the cheese platter, but a host of cutlery, glasses and side dishes to give a real sense of occasion. The almost panoramic nature of 21:9 means you don’t have to worry about ‘cutting off’ a beautiful table set-up.

A close-up shot of a cheeseboard, taken with the Xperia 10Xperia 10 – Get the shot: 21:9 aspect ratio; ISO 250; Exposure time 1/50s

While 21:9 is ideal for flat-lay shots, we’d also recommended getting up close to the dish for an astounding effect. In the above shot, the layers of food appear to ‘pile up’ in an interesting jumble of flavours and colours. Steady your smartphone with a phone mount or tripod if necessary.

A lemon cake, shot using the Xperia 10 Plus in 21:9Xperia 10 Plus – Get the shot: 21:9 aspect ratio; ISO 250; Exposure time 1/60s

To get the best result, you’ll need to find some natural light, but keep your set-up out of direct sunlight. Soft light filtered through clouds is ideal, and if the sun is streaming through the window you can even improvise by putting up a bedsheet!

Have you taken incredible food photography using your Xperia? Show us your pictures on social media, tagging #Xperia.

*This feature is available for still images only

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Source: Sony Mobile Blog






How to take award-winning photography using an Xperia smartphone

How to take award-winning photography using an Xperia smartphone

Xperia smartphones are renowned for their incredible cameras. The recently announced Xperia 1 comes complete with the world’s first Eye AF (auto focus) in a smartphone*, and its triple camera means you can take pro-level photos on-the-go.

But the Xperia 1 isn’t the only Xperia smartphone with great camera capabilities. The XZ2 Premium has garnered praise for its ability to capture amazing detail in low-light situations, while the newly launched Xperia 10 Plus boasts 2x optical zoom, with a host of premium Sony innovations to make your pictures pop!

Xperia fans across the world love sharing the imagery they’ve captured, and recently, one such fan even won the prestigious grand prize at the Mobile Photography Awards.

Dominika Koszowska, from Poland, captures incredible landscape shots on a variety of Xperia models, using the seasons, cityscapes and clever compositions to elevate her pictures and give them emotional depth.

We caught up with Dominika to talk about her work.

Congratulations on your award! How did you feel when you heard you’d won?
I felt very happy as I did not expect this at all! Mobile photography has been my passion for several years and I am a huge enthusiast, so it’s amazing to be the best in a global competition.

An image of winter trees taken using the XZ1

Which Xperia device did you use to capture your winning photos?
All photos were taken with an Xperia smartphone in 2018. The photo of winter trees (above) and the one with a view from the Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest (below) were captured using the Xperia XZ1, and I took all other photos with the Xperia XZ2.

A view from Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest taken using the XZ2

Do you have any favourite features on the Xperia to help take your pictures?
My favourite feature is manual mode, which allows me to have control over the settings. I became interested in photography during my childhood and I learned to photograph with analogue cameras, which meant I had to alter the settings myself, and that process has stayed with me through to today.

I like to have everything under control as I can decide on the final result of the photo myself.

A beautiful landscape taken using the XZ2

Do you find that Xperia smartphones are a helping hand when it comes to low-light photography?
I think the Xperia is great for low-light pictures. I usually use a tripod to steady the shot, the lowest possible ISO and a longer exposure time to create my preferred effect.

An image titled 'A Walk in The Clouds' by Dominika Koszowska

How do you capture and set up your shots?
First of all, I look for good light, so I usually take photos at dawn or before sunset. I try not to use artificial light for portraits, and usually a simple reflector panel is good enough for me, although sometimes it is necessary to use a light.

I look for good composition, frames, perspective, symmetry and colour contrasts. Above all, emotions play the most important part in photography. They do not necessarily involve the presence of a person. Clouds can provide emotions, or a flash of light, or even a movement. Many photos are created intuitively, you just need to know when to pull out the smartphone.

An image of a waterfall taken using the XZ2

What do you think are the advantages to using an Xperia phone over a camera to capture photos?
In 2015, I took an Xperia Z2 on holiday for the first time instead of a camera. Me and my husband love to travel around Europe by motorbike. To travel on such a trip, you have to restrict your luggage. There is only one small trunk available and you have to put all the necessary things you need for two weeks in it, so every square inch is precious and a camera and its lenses take up a lot of space.

I decided then that the only device I would bring to take pictures would be an Xperia smartphone. After returning, when I made a few prints, I was surprised by the quality of photos.

An image taken on the Xperia XZ2 by Dominika Koszowska

Since then, an Xperia has always accompanied me on my travels. I love travelling with it, because I noticed that the phone has many advantages. It is light, it does not take-up much space, and it is always to hand. I can easily blend in with the crowd while taking photos, and people do not pay attention to me in the way they would if I was taking photographs with a large camera.

A picture of two horses by Dominika Koszowska

What’s more, I can edit the photos on the go and share them with my family and friends. The Xperia smartphones I use are water and dustproof** so I do not have to worry during the trip that the device will stop working because of the rain. I tested this in Iceland, where the rain was falling constantly for several days. The Xperia coped with the difficulties and did not let me down. My Xperia XZ2 did a great job and I did not have any problems with it.

A wintry landscape by Dominika Koszowska

Do you have any top tips?
For me, taking photographs is like painting with light. During sunrise and sunset, the light is most effective – the so-called golden hour, when the sun emits a wonderful light with a golden shade. The world looks amazing then.

I also like taking pictures during the so-called blue hour (that is, a few minutes before sunrise and after sunset) when the clouds turn purple and then red, and finally yellow.

Also, like most photographers, I love fog – the world becomes unreal and fairy-like, as though hidden from our eyes, and the pictures taken in the fog become a mystery.

I usually use a 16:9 ratio for landscape photography and for other images I usually use a 3:4 aspect ratio. I always use manual functions unless I suddenly see an interesting situation and need to react immediately (and the Xperia gives me this opportunity).

A waterfall composition by Dominika Koszowska

When photographing movement (such as a bird mid-flight), I use a shorter shutter speed of 1/1000 second or 1/2000 second, and sometimes even shorter if it is quite bright.

When photographing people against the light, to create a silhouette outline, I set all the parameters so that the exposure time is, 1/12 000 second.

However, when there is not enough light, I shoot on a tripod with a longer exposure time (such as 1 second). You must remember to use a self-timer with a time delay, because when accidentally pressing the trigger or moving the phone the photo may be distorted and disturbed.

Photography is my passion. I think that you can take good photos everywhere, but I also have my favourite places. I love mountains and the sea, and also waterfalls after the trip to Iceland.

The new Xperia 10, Xperia 10 Plus and Xperia 1 can shoot imagery in 21:9. Is this something you’d like to try?
Yes, definitely! I think it will become my new favourite aspect ratio for landscape photography!

Have you captured incredible imagery on your Xperia, just like Dominika? Make sure you show them to us by uploading to social media and tagging #Xperia.

*Xperia 1’s camera features Eye AF (autofocus) capable of identifying and keeping a human eye in focus. Verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAXService against the published camera specifications for over 14,000 smartphones. Correct as of the 24th February 2019.
**The XZ2 is water resistant and protected against dust, so don’t worry if you get caught in the rain or want to wash off dirt under a tap water, but remember all ports and attached covers should be firmly closed. You should not put the device completely underwater; or expose it to seawater, salt water, chlorinated water or liquids such as drinks. Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty. The device has been tested under Ingress Protection rating IP65/68. For more info, see www.sonymobile.com/waterresistant. Note the XZ2 has a capless USB port to connect and charge. The USB port needs to be completely dry before charging.

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Source: Sony Mobile Blog






Five-star films to watch in 21:9 on your new five-star Xperia

If you’re one of our regular readers, you’ll know that Sony has just launched three new smartphones featuring immersive 21:9 displays.

The Xperia 1 – the world’s first smartphone with a 4K HDR OLED display* – the Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus all make watching movies a more immersive and cinema-like experience… and we can reveal the reason why.

The majority of new blockbusters, and indeed 67% of all Netflix Movies**, are shot in the 21:9 ratio, meaning that the new Xperia line-up offers the likes of Spider-Man: Homecoming and Birdbox the way the creators intended them to be watched.

Some might say nothing beats the cinema experience, but Xperia now brings you the action in crystal clear detail and with epic Hollywood-style audio. The Xperia 1’s Dolby Atmos® makes you feel as though you’re in the middle of the action, and the stunning Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus are both available now with High-Resolution Audio, so you can get your hands on a smartphone with a 21:9 display straightaway.

We’ve rounded up some dazzling films that use the 21:9 display to its full potential.

Spectre
Follow James Bond (Daniel Craig) in Sony Pictures’ Spectre as 007 embarks on a mission to Mexico to track down a mysterious terrorist organisation. As Bond begins to piece things together, he finds out that he might be closer to the enemy than he originally believed.

This film, with its stunning cityscapes and landscapes spanning the full width of the screen, renders its action in exquisite detail and intricately planned stunts. It’s the perfect film to watch in 21:9, the way its director intended it to be seen.

Roma
Immerse yourself in auteur Alfonso Cuarón’s latest Oscar-winning masterpiece, which follows the life of a live-in maid in a middle-class household. This beautifully cinematic black-and-white film portrays the struggles of Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) through domestic and political turmoil. Enjoy this Netflix tear-jerker as though you’re watching on the big screen.

Lord of the Rings
Great for Wizards, Hobbits, Elves and Xperia fans alike, follow Frodo (Elijah Wood) and the fellowship in Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy film. Frodo finds himself on a heroic journey to protect Middle Earth from Saruman (Christopher Lee) and the dark lord Sauron. Experience the stunning scenery in 21:9 as the action shifts from the Shire to the Misty Mountains and beyond.

Inception
Three films down, and you might be thinking this incredible new way to watch films is just a dream… but don’t worry, you’re still awake!

However, the same can’t be said of Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) in this Christopher Nolan epic. Using dream-sharing technology, thief Cobb is tasked with manipulating the thoughts of a top CEO when his mind is at its most vulnerable. Inception won an Academy Award for its incredible cinematography, and you’ll see why when you watch it in spectacular 21:9.

Avatar
In this James Cameron blockbuster – still the highest-grossing film of all-time – Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) adventures to the distant world of Pandora. After finding out that a greedy corporate figurehead wants to mine the rich woodland belonging to the blue humanoids known as Na’vi, he befriends them in an avatar body that resembles their own.

The film is filled with colourful flora and mythical fauna that deserve to be seen in rich colours with great clarity on your new Xperia.

Coco
One for the big kid in us all, Coco tells the story of Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), a young boy whose dream to become a musician is ruined by his family’s generations-old ban on music. After finding himself trapped in the vibrant Land of the Dead, Miguel begins to find out the real story behind his history. This Pixar classic is for children and big kids alike, and makes the most of Xperia smartphones’ excellent audio capabilities.

Guardians of the Galaxy
This box office smash from Marvel sees a crew of intergalactic criminals – led by the charismatic Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) saving the galaxy from a fanatical warrior. The wider universe looks incredible on the Xperia 1, Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus’s amazing 21:9 displays, and the soundtrack will have you singing along to your smartphone.

Do you have a favourite film that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below!

And remember, if you’ve purchased an Xperia 10 or 10 Plus, make sure you get your hands on a Style Cover Stand to make viewing all the easier!

*Xperia 1 features a 6.5 inch Ultra Wide 4K (1644 x 3840px) OLED High Dynamic Range (HDR) display. Verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX Service against the published display specifications for over 14,000 smartphones. Correct as of the 24th February 2019.
**Netflix content varies by region.

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Source: Sony Mobile Blog






Two birds, one phone: How to multi-task on the new Xperia devices

Two birds, one phone: How to multi-task on the new Xperia devices

We all use our smartphones for a multitude of activities every day, from texting, sharing photos and browsing social media to playing games and watching content.

So let’s be honest, there is nothing more annoying than having to pause your favourite film or quit a game when you’re about to reach your high-score, just because you’ve got a text.

Thankfully, Sony’s new 21:9 devices – the Xperia 10, Xperia 10 Plus and Xperia 1 – make this easy thanks to their 21:9 display, enabling you to multi-task on two windows.

The new multi-window feature will be your new favorite life hack, helping you to save time by no longer needing to close and re-open apps, instead allowing you to keep watching a streamed video while texting. Perfect!

There is now more than one way to open split screen on your Xperia so you can quickly switch to and from the full 21:9 display to two smaller screens.

Find the app you want to use in split-screen, long press and tap the two bars icon.

Multi-tasking on the Xperia 10

Your chosen app appears in a bar across the top of the screen.

Screenshot of multi-tasking on the Xperia 10

You can now select another app to split the screen. Here, we are checking out the best things to do in New York while figuring out how to get there.

Using two apps at once on the Xperia 10

You can also open two windows at once by using Side sense. Simply double tap on the edge of the screen and Side sense pops up. Once it has appeared, swipe up to open the multi-window option. Side sense not only knows which apps you use and when, but which ones you use at the same time with split screen so you can prioritise these in the selection menu.*

If you’re opting for the Xperia 1, you can even ask Google. Simply say: “Hey Google, open Maps and Chrome in multi-window,” and watch as the two chosen apps come up to create the perfect multi-tasking set-up.

On the new Xperia devices you truly have the space to do two things at once.

Let us know in the comments below which combination of apps you’ll be using the most.

*Available in summer 2019 with software update. Software rollouts are a phased process – timing and availability will vary by market and/or operator. Most models supported but some operator/market exceptions will apply.

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Source: Sony Mobile Blog






Buying the Xperia 10 or Xperia 10 Plus? This great bundle is available on the official store

Buying the Xperia 10 or Xperia 10 Plus? This great bundle is available on the official store

Looking to get hold of the new Xperia 10 or Xperia 10 Plus? If you want the immersive experience of watching videos and films in 21:9 on your smartphone, then you can already pick one up as both handsets are available to purchase now.

The Xperia 10's colour range

The Xperia 10 comes in four striking colours: Navy, Silver, Black and Pink. Its sleek borderless design is matched by its technical prowess, with a 13MP + 5MP dual camera, SteadyShotTM to capture blur-free photos and advanced High-Resolution Audio and LDACTM technologies.

The Xperia 10 Plus colour range

The Xperia 10 Plus, meanwhile, boasts a 12MP + 8MP dual camera, 2X optical zoom* to let you get closer to the action, and ranges in Navy, Silver, Black and Gold**.

If you’re on the hunt for where to get the best deal, then you’ve come to the right place, as there are special offers available in the UK, France, Ireland, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Customers who order the Xperia 10 or 10 Plus on the Sony eStore will receive a complimentary case, which will be automatically added to the order. When you purchase the handset, you will receive a free Style Cover Stand – a two-in-one cover and phone stand that will allow you to watch content easily, as well as protect your new device.

The offer ends on 10th March. Further offers are available in selected global markets.

*This feature is available for still images only.
**In the UK and Ireland, there is no Gold handset on the eStore for the Xperia 10 Plus.

The post Buying the Xperia 10 or Xperia 10 Plus? This great bundle is available on the official store appeared first on Sony Mobile Blog.

Source: Sony Mobile Blog