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SONY XPERIA Rumors 2014 |
Smaug
Joined: Feb 23, 2014
Posts: 48
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@Amirprog
Most people would be happy to see Sony roll out 2K screens as standard. My concern would be if Samsung, as you said, forced Sony's hand to adopt 2K at the expense of something like new camera tech or diverting resources from more moon-shot R&D. Sony doesn't have the deep finances that Samsung does; they must pick their battles. That's why VAIO was abandoned. It is difficult to be known for innovating when you're constantly playing catchup. All that does is play into Samsung's hands as they could dictate the market knowing Sony (and others) will be watching instead of playing to their own strengths. That's where minimal respect for Apple comes in: they don't listen to others (NFC?); they dance to their own tune.
Sony's oft-stated goal for 2014 seems to be focused on "wowing" the customer, as put by Kaz. A vague but reasonable strategy as it is flexible enough to accommodate changing market dynamics. If consumers think 2K screens are "wow", Sony will do it. If stunning 1080p phosphor LEDs garner a more positive reaction, Sony will invest in that instead. I was initially surprised (and disappointed) to see the Tablet Z2 unchanged with 1080p. Clearly Sony doesn't believe 2K demand is mature enough to warrant the investment and perfecting FHD is more prudent for now. Or, that 2K currently requires too much compromise (battery life, production yield etc). Expect this to change going forward.
Technological evolution, as you noted, means eventually Sony will adopt 2K and perhaps even 4K in mobile devices. Trying to stay one step ahead of rivals by investing in the wrong USP (unique selling proposition) can lead to disaster - see the demise of Japanese TV manufacturers. That's why a fast-following strategy is inherently less risky than market pioneering, and Samsung are the masters of fast-following. Playing the leader is a position they are unfamiliar with; hence the lacklustre reception for the Galaxy S5. Last year they introduced a curved screen and the world shrugged.
I'm certain Sony will delight us with the XZ3 and beyond. They may feel its time to change the design game, introduce Triluminos QD Phosphor LED 2K screens, or go bezel-less (probably not that one though).
[ This Message was edited by: Smaug on 2014-02-26 22:16 ] | |
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Away
Joined: Oct 15, 2012
Posts: > 500
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I see the discussion has turned to 2k. Please, before we begin, can we remember 2k is for the idiotic journalists to use only. For everyone else, it's 1440p or 1600p. |
Smaug
Joined: Feb 23, 2014
Posts: 48
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On 2014-02-26 19:32:40, amirprog wrote:
i read that the next big thing in smartphone cameras is dual lens like htc is going for, read this: http://www.engadget.com/2014/[....]Src=email#lf_comment=141449455
where is sony in this matter? i would expect to hear rumors on a dual lenses in development from sony as they are the leaders in camera sensors.
Indeed. As sensors go, that's Sony's playground. Note it isn't a mega cash-cow for Sony as they nominally sell for around $7-8 USD per sensor, but with large orders from customers like Apple it can add up.
Rumours from Sony Alpha forums are that Sony has some exciting camera tech in the wings that I'm sure will find their way into Xperia devices thanks to Kaz's directive. There's good reason Canon and Nikon stocks have dropped like rocks recently. However, while we can dream of A7r's FF sensor and 36MP, best to temper those expectations. Perhaps Sony could port some tech from their surprisingly good Action Cam range.
One questionmark is Samsung. Previously, Samsung flagships shared similar sensors as Sony flagships (8.1MP for S2/S4, 13.1MP for S4). Then Sony broke the gentleman's rule and developed the Z1's 20.7MP Exmor RS. So far this sensor has remained exclusive to Sony. Knowing Samsung's obsession with leading the numbers game (manipulating AnTuTu scores anyone?), I'd imagine this annoyed them royally. It's unknown if the S5's 16MP shooter is a Sony sensor. I read a while ago Samsung developed inhouse their own sensor tech they claimed was superior to the BSI Exmor RS currently employed by Sony, but this isn't really the right forum to discuss it. All we know is Sony is unlikely to rest on their laurels. |
Away
Joined: Oct 15, 2012
Posts: > 500
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Samsung are using their own because Sony kept this exclusive. It's really that good. Which means Sony's software is really that bad it makes this look just average... |
Smaug
Joined: Feb 23, 2014
Posts: 48
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On 2014-02-26 23:57:02, Away wrote:
Samsung are using their own because Sony kept this exclusive. It's really that good. Which means Sony's software is really that bad it makes this look just average...
Sony can do great software. It is the Xperia camera team that disappoints. Sony Alpha's Bionz-X is a fantastic image processor. It produces great area-specific noise reduction, detail reproduction and accurate rendering. I own a Nex-5R and its older Bionz is still a commendable image processor.
Xperia's Bionz for Mobile we know is not up to standard. It is likely a work in progress. I'm not offering an excuse for Sony, but it's like judging Google based on Google+. Sony is capable of good camera software and I'm sure the criticism stung, just as it did the poorer quality screens. The 20.7MP sensor is still relatively new and Sony may be struggling to optimise its image algorithms for this particular lens.
We may see an evolution of the Bionz for Mobile processor for the Z3, just as we saw an upgrade from the original XZ's Mobile Bravia Engine to the XZ1's X-Reality for Mobile image optimiser. |
Tizzo
Joined: Oct 16, 2012
Posts: 242
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Sony says Xperia Z2 is H1 2014 flagship; not sticking to a single design for future models
Source: http://www.xperiablog.net/201[....]ngle-design-for-future-models/ |
Wintermute
Joined: Jan 11, 2014
Posts: 86
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On 2014-02-25 20:21:12, Smaug wrote:
I've done a little more digging on the XZ2 and Tablet Z2's use of Sony's new display technology branded as Live Colour LED. Since displays have been a past criticism of Xperia phones, this warranted some curiosity. As always, I stand willing to be corrected by Esato's more informed posters.
Live Colour LED for Xperia appears to be reliant on technology called Phosphor-based LEDs. Phosphor LED technology is not new; in fact, it's been around for over a decade. However, Sony claim this is the first time a tablet has featured a phosphor-based LED display. This may be more than just a software solution (as currently employed in BRAVIA TVs).
Phosphor is a luminescent material that absorbs wavelengths of light and reemits the photons at different wavelengths. Most white LEDs are in fact blue LEDs with a phosphor coating. By coating LEDs with phosphors of different colours, you can emit a range of wavelengths. If several phosphor layers of distinct colours are applied, the emitted spectrum is broadened, raising the color rendering index (CRI) value of the LED as a result.
Sony uses red and green coated phosphors with the blue LEDs in the new XZ2 and Tablet Z2 to produce a wide CRI. They then layer a colour filter - perhaps based on the Triluminos software - to fine tune and avoid over-saturation.
The tricky part is this: phosphor-based LEDs produce excellent colour rendering but tend to have lower luminous efficacy due to the Stokes shift. Basically, they drain more power - not a tradeoff you want in a mobile device. Sony may have solved this problem, but how is a mystery. By combining multiple phosphors with different wavelengths from the original source, the luminous emittance can appear "brighter" due to the human eye's varying sensitivity to different wavelengths, but how you would incorporate this into a large panel that must display a wide range of colours is beyond me.
Reports out of MWC state the Tablet Z2 has a noticeably brighter and more vibrant display compared to the old Tablet Z, with some sites even reporting colour over-saturation. The question is what strain this places on battery life, if any. Note Sony increased the battery size for the XZ2, but the tablet remains the same. This may be offset by a more efficient S801 processor and other tweaks, but we'll have to wait for proper tests.
Here's where it gets interesting:
It's plausible that BRAVIA TVs employ hardware-based Triluminos technology using QDs, coupled with software-based Live Colour enhancements from a dedicated processing chip. For Xperia, Sony may be employing the opposite: software-based Triluminos colour enhancer, coupled with hardware-based Live Colour Phosphor LEDs.
This is just personal speculation though. It may be this is not even native to Sony, but actually developed by their panel suppliers such as JDI. Sony may just be the first to get their hands on it and brand it. Regardless, the days where Xperia displays were a point of contention among reviewers are hopefully gone.
I don't know how the new display works, but if I understand Sony's Triluminos branding correctly, here's what's happening: a regular LCD, as you said, uses blue LEDs with phosphor coating, the result being white light that is filtered by the RGB filters. I'm pretty sure Triluminos, on the other hand, refers to the fact that the display is NOT filtering regular "wide-band" white light, but instead is filtering white light composed of three very precisely defined wavelengths. Namely, the red and green colors produced by the phosphors, and the blue of the LED. In addition, the filters are tuned to the exact wavelengths of those colors. In theory, this would not only offer higher efficiency (since there's less "junk" light thrown away; if you want red, you just throw away blue and green, you don't have to throw away all the other shades of red that would be produced by a normal white LED), but also a larger gamut, since purer light would generate a larger space of colors. |
Xajel
Joined: Jun 18, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Bahrain
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Even though I don't like the two flaggy policy that Sony Mobile is doing.. but I have some hope after they sold the VAIO business which is also a sad move for me.. but I guess Sony is doing something behind the doors...
getting rid of VAIO business means more money for the mobile, Sony is pushing the Sony Mobile devision more and more, and no VAIO means more money for Marketing, Research & Development and also support all of which important for Sony Mobile in the struggling financial situation of Sony
So After all, that extra money might actually get rid of negatives of having two flaggys per year.. not all of course... the problem will be the same of us who will feel that their devices are old after only 6 months...
The problem with Sony Mobile is that they're targeting more than one competitor in the same time and each one have different flagship release timeframe... so they're releasing two flagships to target the time frame of it's competitors...
As for VAIO, I have a feeling that the contract of it includes a term that Sony can get it back anytime they want... not something I read somewhere or some sources.. it's just a feeling... VAIO is very precious for Sony and they won't let it go as easy as this...
we actually don't know the details of this contract, will VAIO brand still be there ? or well it not ? will new models comes with VAIO brand ? will it still be premium brand ?
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amirprog
Joined: Aug 22, 2013
Posts: > 500
From: Israel
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@Smaug
Agreed. i think that sony need to wow as much as they can.
they don't seem to take camera software criticism very seriously - i guess it's more important for them to put a new phone in the market every half a year and if the camera is not really mature then it's fine, at least until Z3. if they listen to criticism then actually the next highest priority improvement they need to make with Z3 is to the camera software and/or hardware. all reviewers and a lot fo consumers said that Z1 is fantastic phone but only the display and camera software really put it back. some really disliked the film which is also gone. though, i don't think it will be enough for sony just to bring major improvement to the camera, they will need something more to put a strong mark with next phone.
@Away
going for 2k is evolution. maybe you can delay it but you can't stop it.
[ This Message was edited by: amirprog on 2014-02-27 07:37 ] |
AbhiD999
Joined: Oct 28, 2012
Posts: 215
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On 2014-02-27 08:28:09, Xajel wrote:
Even though I don't like the two flaggy policy that Sony Mobile is doing.. but I have some hope after they sold the VAIO business which is also a sad move for me.. but I guess Sony is doing something behind the doors...
getting rid of VAIO business means more money for the mobile, Sony is pushing the Sony Mobile devision more and more, and no VAIO means more money for Marketing, Research & Development and also support all of which important for Sony Mobile in the struggling financial situation of Sony
So After all, that extra money might actually get rid of negatives of having two flaggys per year.. not all of course... the problem will be the same of us who will feel that their devices are old after only 6 months...
The problem with Sony Mobile is that they're targeting more than one competitor in the same time and each one have different flagship release timeframe... so they're releasing two flagships to target the time frame of it's competitors...
As for VAIO, I have a feeling that the contract of it includes a term that Sony can get it back anytime they want... not something I read somewhere or some sources.. it's just a feeling... VAIO is very precious for Sony and they won't let it go as easy as this...
we actually don't know the details of this contract, will VAIO brand still be there ? or well it not ? will new models comes with VAIO brand ? will it still be premium brand ?
The new company will sell Premium laptops under VAIO brand name in Japan.
And VAIO name is still and will remain licensed to Sony.
I too believe that Sony will buy back it's vaio division once it returns back to profit.
[ This Message was edited by: AbhiD999 on 2014-02-27 08:11 ] |
Away
Joined: Oct 15, 2012
Posts: > 500
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On 2014-02-27 08:28:35, amirprog wrote:
@Away
going for 2k is evolution. maybe you can delay it but you can't stop it.
[ This Message was edited by: amirprog on 2014-02-27 07:37 ]
Read what I wrote again.
It genuinely seems Sony take criticism seriously in mobile. The Z1 over the Z - better screen, albeit still not good enough; better camera let down only by bad software; the most competitive hardware; slightly more ergonomic.
Then from the Z1 to Z2 - cleaned up the rest. Screen with viewing angles (still see very little point from all those angles - admit it's useful sometimes though); screen with better contrast; better speakers; even 'little' things in the general public like no shatterproof film; better camera software.
They are still integrating all their technologies, it's a slow process, until we finally get to the point they are all there. The camera guys need to get there asap. |
Xajel
Joined: Jun 18, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Bahrain
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^^^
I hope the next move will be 32GB internal standard on all flag-ships.. not just US versions 
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amirprog
Joined: Aug 22, 2013
Posts: > 500
From: Israel
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@Away
Ok, i understand.
@Xajel
let's not get our hopes high. no company wants to dictate it as not much consumers criticize it, it probably saves a bit of money for manufacturing, micro sd can be always an excuse and its not a "wow" upgrade... so they do nothing.
[ This Message was edited by: amirprog on 2014-02-27 10:21 ] |
Smaug
Joined: Feb 23, 2014
Posts: 48
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@Wintermute
Do you have any knowledge on how Sony deploys Triluminos for Mobile as compared to Triluminos in BRAVIA? It's believed that Triluminos on Xperia is a software only solution, while BRAVIA uses hardware-based Quantum Dot technology licenced from QD Vision to enhance the original backlight. It is based on their Colour IQ process.
However, this is difficult to verify. It may be more "common opinion" that turned into accepted fact. Sony have not clearly distinguished differences - if any - between Xperia's Triluminos for Mobile and BRAVIA's Triluminos. I'm personally sceptical of running both this Live Colour phosphor-based LED that is then passed through a Triluminos QD layer. While technically feasible, this would not only increase your manufacturing cost and complexity but for a diminishing return as they achieve the same thing: vivid, accurate colour rendering with a very wide gamut.
Triluminos on BRAVIA, from my basic understanding, essentially splits the blue LED into narrow wavelengths of green and red by energising the QD nanocrystals. Phosphor-coated LEDs (double coated in green and red for the new XZ2/XT2) would thus require filtering of numerous wavelengths. Why go to twice the trouble when one or the other would suffice? It would be like purifying your tap water twice. Triluminos relies on blue LED light, but Live Colour LEDs would be emitting RGB. A hardware-based Triluminos for Mobile would likely require significant modification - again, for little tangible benefit.
Note Sony claim the Tablet Z2 is the world's first application of their phosphor LED tech. Since false marketing can land you in hot water, this indicates the Tablet Z used a different colour rendering process. |
itsjustJOH
Joined: Jul 23, 2012
Posts: > 500
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I do believe that the mobile Triluminos is software since Sony has not explained the hardware process like how they explained QD tech and how it is being utilized in their BRAVIAs with Triluminos. Live Colour LED is hardware, no doubt. Why they used Triluminos as software and Live Colour as hardware in the Xperias but the other way around in the BRAVIAs, we could only wonder.
EDIT: Erica Griffin made a test to see how much wider the Triluminos screen of the Z Ultra is compared to the standard white LED backlight gamut. It is wider, but not as much making the claim of software Triluminos more valid.
Xperia Z Ultra: What is Triluminos?
[ This Message was edited by: itsjustJOH on 2014-02-27 13:06 ] | |
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Posted: 2014-02-26 23:14
