At the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, Germany, scheduled to begin from Friday, September 1, Sony is set to showcase an array of its latest products, including the ZX1 smartphone, Sony's first wireless speaker with Google Assistant, and BRAVIA OLED TVs.
At the Sony press conference held on Thursday, in advance of IFA's official opening, Shigeru Kumekawa, President of Sony Europe introduced the company's newest digital imaging and audio products.
Mobile Communications Inc. then took the stage to introduce the latest products from the Xperia X smartphone series.
RX0 camera
The RX0 is a new digital camera that continues to feature the high-quality imaging capabilities that Sony has achieved over years with the RX series, while also boasting a robust and waterproof design -- all in an ultra-compact body. It also has the super slow motion recording capability to capture and replay fleeting moments of action in an impressive way (Up to 1000fps super slow motion can be recorded. Image quality approaches Full HD quality at 250fps in Quality Priority mode.)
In addition to using it as a single camera, multiple units can be combined to allow for multi-perspective shooting. Multiple-unit solutions, that stimulate creators' imaginations, can be realized using wireless or wired connectivity or wired connectivity.
The RX0 features 1.0-type stacked 15.3 MP (approximate effective megapixels) Exmor RS CMOS image sensor, and a ZEISS Tessar T 24mm F4 fixed wide-angle lens, enabling high resolution images to be captured. It is waterproof in depths of up to 10 meters, shockproof for heights up to 2.0 meters, and can withstand a 200kgf/2000N load.
RX0 will start to ship in Europe in October 2017, priced at approximately €850.
Wireless style "WF-1000X"
Sony also unveiled its latest Hi-Res wireless noise canceling stereo headphone models, succeeding the MDR-1000X, which was announced at IFA 2016.
Three new types of headphone model will be launched: the headband style WH-1000XM2, the behind-the-neck style WI-1000X, and the truly wireless WF-1000X. Each of these three 1000X series models boast noise-cancellation levels for Bluetooth headphones. They also come equipped with the world's first "Adaptive Sound Control", which recognize the user's actions and automatically switch the noise cancellation feature on or off, in accordance with the usage situation.
Users can choose one of three styles, all of which overcome the inconvenience of having to constantly remove the headphones in order to adjust the volume.
Also on display will be Sony's new h.ear headphones, which come in an array of new colors to match every lifestyle and fashion choice.
Sony also announced the launch of its new 77-inch 4K OLED BRAVIA A1 series in Europe. It uses Sony's 4K HDR processor X Extreme as well as Acoustic Surface technology that vibrates the display.
Also on display will be the LF-S50G, Sony's first wireless speaker with the Google Assistant built-in, set to make its way to markets in the United States, UK, Germany, France.
The "Gesture Control" feature allows you to adjust the volume or skip to the next track without directly touching the speaker, and simply by waving hand nearby. With JIS-compliant IPX3 splash-proof capabilities that make it suitable for use even in the kitchen, the LF-S50G reflects Sony's commitment to audio quality and ease of use.
LF-S50G is available in the UK, Germany and France from November 2017 priced at approximately €230. Pricing will vary by retailer.
Sony Mobile Communications announced three new smartphones: Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact in its flagship range, and Xperia XA1 Plus in the super mid-range. All models will be available globally from Autumn 2017.
The Xperia XZ1 incorporates premium features, including Sony's latest Motion Eye camera system, HDR 5.2" Full HD display and Hi-Res Audio.
A new breakthrough feature is 3D Creator, Sony Mobile's in-house solution for fast scanning of 3D objects. There are many playful options to enjoy with 3D Creator, such as creating an avatar for use in the camera AR effects options, setting a live wallpaper, sharing on social media with your friends as a 3D sticker, or sending to a 3D printer to make it into a memorable keepsake.
The Xperia XZ1 Compact packs the power of Xperia into a compact form with a 4.6" display and features including Motion Eye camera, Hi-Res Audio, 3D Creator, and additionally features a new super wide-angle front camera which extends the field of view to 120 degrees.
Both Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact are powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile Platforms.
The new Xperia XA1 Plus features a premium 23MP rear camera, 5.5" Full HD display and impressive audio performance. Additionally you can be confident of all day battery thanks to its large 3430mAh capacity.
Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact are available globally from September 2017, both will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo.
Key Specs
Xperia XZ1
Colours: Moonlit Blue, Venus Pink, Warm Silver, Black
Size: 148 x 73 x 7.4mm
Processor:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 64-bit
GPU Adreno 540
Weight: 156g
Sim Card: Nano SIM, Single SIM, Dual SIM
Operating System: Android O
Camera (Main)
Motion Eye
19MP 1/ 2.3" Exmor RS memory stacked image sensor
Super slow motion 960fps video capture
Predictive Capture (MOTION/SMILE)
Autofocus burst
AntI-distortion shutter
Triple image sensing technology
Predictive Hybrid Autofocus
SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode (5-axis stabilization)
4K video recording
Camera (Front)
13MP 1/3.06" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor
22mm wide angle lens
ISO 6400
F2.0
Sound
High-Resolution Audio (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD)
DSEE HX
LDAC
Digital Noise Cancelling
Clear Audio+
Stereo Speaker S-Force Surround Sound
Stereo Recording
Qualcomm aptX HD audio
Display
5.2" FHD HDR
TRILUMINOS Display for mobile
X-Reality for mobile picture engine
Dynamic Contrast Enhancement
Design
IP68
Fingerprint sensor on power button (not available in all markets)
USB Type-C
Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on front and back
Memory
4GB RAM
64GB Universal Flash Storage
Up to 265GB SD card support
Networks: LTE (4G) Cat16 with up to 1Gbps download speed
Battery
2700mAh
Smart STAMINA
Battery Care
Qnovo Adaptive Charging
Quick charging QC3.0
Xperia XZ1 Compact
Colours: White Silver, Black, Horizon Blue, Twilight Pink
Size: 129 x 65 x 9.3mm
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 64-bit
GPU Adreno 540
Weight: 143g
Sim Card: Nano SIM, Single SIM
Operating System: Android O
Camera (Main)
Motion Eye
19MP 1/ 2.3" Exmor RS memory stacked image sensor
Super slow motion 960fps video capture
Predictive Capture (MOTION/SMILE)
Autofocus burst
AntI-distortion shutter
Triple image sensing technology
Predictive Hybrid Autofocus
SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode (5-axis stabilization)
4K video recording
Camera (Front)
18MP / 18mm/ Display Flash/ Super wide-angle front camera (Field of view 120 degrees)
1/4" Exmor RS for mobile
ISO 3200
F2.4
Sound
High-Resolution Audio (LPCM, FLAC, ALAC, DSD)
DSEE HX
LDAC
Digital Noise Cancelling
Clear Audio+
Stereo Speaker S-Force Surround Sound
Stereo Recording
Qualcomm aptX HD audio
Display
4.6" HD
TRILUMINOS Display for mobile
X-Reality for mobile picture engine
Dynamic Contrast Enhancement
Design
IP68
Fingerprint sensor on power button*(not available in all markets)
USB Type-C
Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Memory
4GB RAM
32GB Universal Flash Storage
Up to 265GB SD card support
Networks: LTE (4G) Cat15 with up to 800Mbps download speed
Battery
2700mAh
Smart STAMINA
Battery Care
Qnovo Adaptive Charging
Quick charging QC3.0
Xperia XA1 Plus
Colours: White, Black, Gold
Size: 155 x 75 x 8.7mm
Processor: Mediatek helio P20 Octa Core 64bit (Quad core 2.3GHz + Quad core 1.6GHz)
GPU Mali T-880 MP2
Weight 190g
Sim Card Nano SIM, Dual SIM
Operating System Android N
Camera (Main)
23MP 1/ 2.3" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor
Hybrid Autofocus
0.6s Quick Launch and Capture
24mm wide-angle F2.0 lens
Low-light photo: ISO 6400
Low-light video: ISO 3200
5x Clear Image Zoom
HDR for photos
HDR for video
Anti-shaking
Steadyshot
Camera (Front)
8MP 1/4" Exmor R for mobile image sensor
Low-light photo up to ISO 3200
23mm wide-angle lens F2.0
HDR for photos
Anti-shaking
Gesture shutter
Steadyshot
Sound
SmartAmp
Clear Audio+
Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology, aptX/ A2DP
Display
5.5" Full HD 1080p
Image Enhance Technology
Memory
4GB RAM
Up to 32GB Universal Flash Storage
Up to 265GB SD card support
Battery
3430mAh
Qnovo Adaptive Charging
Stamina Mode
Quick charging Pump Express+ 2.0