Tag: sony

  • New Sony Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Details Leaked

    New Sony Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Details Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony is preparing to launch new audio gear, specifically the WF-C710N and WH-1000XM6 models.
    2. The WF-C710N is expected to be released before the WH-1000XM5, which is currently priced at $328 on Amazon.
    3. Updates for the WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N may be unveiled before the WH-1000XM6 launch, with retail images already published.
    4. The WH-CH720N will soon have a fourth color option, while the WH-CH520 will have six options, including a new light pink and a light yellow exclusive to the WH-CH520.
    5. The Walkman Blog provides credible information on these upcoming Sony audio devices, hinting at imminent releases.

    It’s well-known that Sony is working on new audio gear for consumers. Recently, the company has been seen preparing the WF-C710N and WH-1000XM6 models. From what we’ve learned so far, it appears the WF-C710N will be released before Sony rolls out the WH-1000XM5 (currently priced at $328 on Amazon).

    Upcoming Model Refreshes

    There’s a chance that Sony could also unveil updates for the WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N prior to the WH-1000XM6 launch. So far, there haven’t been any retail images for the WH-1000XM6. However, The Walkman Blog has published images of the unreleased WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N, which we have included throughout this article.

    Color Options Changing

    As of now, Sony offers the WH-CH720N in four colors and the WH-CH520 in three. The Walkman Blog reports that this will change soon, with the WH-CH720N getting a fourth color, while the WH-CH520 will boast six options. Notably, both will feature a new pink color that is lighter than the Smoky Pink seen in the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5 released last year.

    In addition, the WH-CH520 will get a light yellow option that won’t be available for the WH-CH720N. However, there hasn’t been any news about when these products will be launched or their pricing. Nonetheless, the appearance of credible product photos suggests that these updates are likely to be released soon, unlike the WH-1000XM6.

    Conclusion

    The Walkman Blog has been a valuable source of information regarding these new Sony audio devices. With the imminent release of the WF-C710N and potential updates to the WH-CH series, consumers can look forward to exciting new options in the near future.

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    New Sony Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Details LeakedNew Sony Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Details LeakedNew Sony Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Details LeakedNew Sony Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Details Leaked

     

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  • Sony WF-C710N: Price, Specs, and Images of New ANC Earbuds

    Sony WF-C710N: Price, Specs, and Images of New ANC Earbuds

    Key Takeaways

    1. The WF-C710N is expected to launch before the WF-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM6 later this year.
    2. Key features include active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.3, AAC and SBC codec compatibility, and an IPX4 water resistance rating.
    3. Battery life is projected to be up to 30 hours with ANC off and using the charging case.
    4. Pricing is anticipated to be between $110 and $120, with color options of black, ‘glass blue’, pink, and white.
    5. The WF-C710N is expected to be available in late May 2023.

    The Walkman Blog has recently revealed fresh information about the upcoming WF-C710N, which is likely to be released before the WF-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM6 later this year. It seems that the site has obtained what could be official product images, which usually appear just before a product’s launch and after it has passed all necessary regulatory checks.

    Features and Specifications

    The WF-C710N is expected to feature active noise cancellation (ANC) and Bluetooth 5.3, aligning with Sony’s recent earbuds. However, the earbuds will only be compatible with AAC and SBC codecs and will hold an IPX4 rating for water resistance. Additionally, The Walkman Blog suggests that Sony will promote the WF-C710N as providing up to 30 hours of battery life, but only when ANC is turned off and the charging case is included in the calculation.

    Pricing and Availability

    As per The Walkman Blog, Sony plans to price the WF-C710N between $110 and $120, with color options including black, ‘glass blue’, pink, and white. This means that the pricing of the earbuds should be similar to the WF-C700N, which is currently priced at $78 on Amazon and was launched in early 2023. The Walkman Blog anticipates that the WF-C710N will hit the shelves in ‘late May’ this year.

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    Sony WF-C710N: Price, Specs, and Images of New ANC Earbuds
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  • Sony Uses Apple iPhones in Xperia European Marketing

    Sony Uses Apple iPhones in Xperia European Marketing

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony showcased Apple iPhones at its CES 2025 booth instead of its own Xperia models, raising questions about its marketing strategy.
    2. iPhones are featured prominently on multiple Sony European websites, despite the availability of Xperia devices in the market.
    3. The images likely promote the Sony Inzone M10S Gaming Monitor, highlighting a preference for iPhones over its own products in marketing materials.
    4. Critics argue that using iPhones in promotions undermines the Xperia brand, which could benefit from more support from Sony.
    5. The decision to feature iPhones may indicate a focus on compatibility with Sony’s products rather than promoting its own smartphone line.

    Sony has once again found itself in a curious situation, opting for Apple iPhones instead of its own Xperia models. During the CES 2025 event in Las Vegas, the Japanese company showcased iPhones at its booth, even though it had premium devices like the Xperia PRO-I and Xperia 1 V available in the US market. While some argue that showcasing iPhones indicated compatibility with Sony’s own products (like cameras and vehicle processing platforms), this recent incident seems to contradict that reasoning.

    Uncovering the Evidence

    A recent post on Reddit, shared by user u/xdmt3O, highlights this puzzling trend. The original poster mentions noticing iPhones featured in Sony’s marketing materials on its official German website. Digging deeper, it becomes clear that this iPhone image is being used across several of Sony’s European websites. Currently, the image appears on the homepages of Sony’s sites in the UK, France, Portugal, Sweden, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Spain. This is quite the visibility for a product that the Sony Xperia 1 VI has to face in the market.

    Marketing Choices

    The images in question showcase the likely Apple iPhone 16 models (both regular and Plus/Max versions for that extra visibility) to promote the Sony Inzone M10S Gaming Monitor, which comes with a 12-month Fnatic Plus membership with eligible purchases. It’s reasonable to say that the Sony Xperia 1 VI, which we rated a solid 86%, would have been a far better choice for this specific marketing campaign. After all, Apple hardly requires help from its rivals to sell more iPhones, while the Xperia line could certainly use all the support it can get, especially from its parent company.

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  • Helldivers 2: Limited Time 20% Off on Steam Sale

    Helldivers 2: Limited Time 20% Off on Steam Sale

    Key Takeaways

    1. 20% Discount Promotion: Sony is offering a 20% discount on Helldivers 2 to attract new players.

    2. Player Base Decline: The game’s active player count has dropped from nearly 500,000 to around 40,000 on Steam over the past year.

    3. Sony’s Response to Issues: Sony has slowly reversed some restrictions but has only addressed 44 out of 177 affected regions.

    4. Collaboration Efforts: The CEO of Arrowhead is still seeking collaboration with Sony to improve the game experience, but little progress has been made.

    5. Engaging Gameplay: Helldivers 2 offers fun combat, a variety of content, and a humorous atmosphere, making it enjoyable, especially when played with friends.

    If you’ve been holding back from diving into Helldivers 2, Sony is now offering a tempting 20% discount to encourage you to join the action. Recently, no other game has captured the essence of the “We’re so back!” and “We’re done!” memes quite like this one.

    Surviving Against the Odds

    It’s almost astonishing that the game still persists despite Sony’s attempts to undermine it. Initially, there was a mandatory PSN requirement, which Sony later retracted, but then they removed the game from 177 regions. Along the way, various patches almost led to its demise, and now it’s hanging on with less than 10% of its original player base.

    Player Count Decline

    At present, there are around 40,000 players active on Steam, a drastic drop from almost 500,000 players just a year ago. As usual, Sony has taken its time to react, only reversing restrictions in 44 out of the 177 affected regions.

    A Glimmer of Hope

    The CEO of Arrowhead mentioned on X that they were seeking ways to collaborate with Sony last year, but not much seems to have changed since then. It’s unfortunate because Helldivers 2 is genuinely enjoyable when played with friends. The combat is engaging, there’s a wealth of content available, the battle pass known as “Warbonds” is strictly cosmetic, and the game exudes a playful humor that enhances the experience.

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  • Sony WF-1000XM6 May Not Launch with WH-1000XM6 This Year

    Sony WF-1000XM6 May Not Launch with WH-1000XM6 This Year

    Rumors have been circulating about Sony potentially launching new versions of the WF-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM6 for some time. This speculation is partly due to the fact that there has been no new WH-1000 or WF-1000 products released since May 2023, when Sony introduced the WF-1000XM5 (curr. $248 on Amazon).

    Aging Models

    On the other hand, the WH-1000XM5 is about to turn three, having been launched just under two years after the WH-1000XM4. This has led to conjectures that Sony might be gearing up to release the WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM6 this year to align the release schedules for both the WH-1000X and WF-1000X series.

    Timeline for Release

    Reports indicate that Sony is aiming to have both devices ready before July 2025. However, recent information hints that these two models may not debut at the same time, similar to the split release of the LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit last fall.

    So far, the WH-1000XM6 has been spotted with regulatory agencies, beginning with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. There have been multiple sightings of this device, which seems to be in development alongside the WF-C710N. In contrast, there have been no sightings or information about the WF-1000XM6. Hence, it appears that Sony will likely stagger the launches, with the WH-1000XM6 coming out at least a month ahead of the WF-1000XM6.

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    Sony WF-1000XM6 May Not Launch with WH-1000XM6 This YearSony WF-1000XM6 May Not Launch with WH-1000XM6 This Year
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  • Compact Sony Xperia Smartphone Rumor Surfaces, But There’s a Catch

    Compact Sony Xperia Smartphone Rumor Surfaces, But There’s a Catch

    A rumor has emerged regarding the Xperia series, shared by SumahoDigest, with the supposed original source lurking on the Chinese social media platform, Weibo. Since this topic has been speculated upon annually for several years now, it’s prudent to approach this information with caution. The elusive source suggests that a “tiny” (as translated by machines) Xperia could make a comeback in 2025; however, international enthusiasts of the brand should temper their excitement as it may only be available in Japan.

    Rumors and Expectations

    This aligns with other recent speculations about the ongoing downsizing of the Sony Xperia lineup. Currently, it is suggested that Sony may only launch one international model this year, presumably the Sony Xperia 1 VII. While the company might unveil several devices this year, it seems likely that many would be reserved for its relatively robust home market. Reports indicate that Sony commands a 3.82% share of the smartphone market in Japan, which contrasts sharply with its minuscule global presence. Therefore, launching a Sony Xperia ACE IV exclusively for the domestic market appears to be a logical move.

    The Compact Successor

    There has been ongoing speculation about a compact successor to the small 5.5-inch ACE III. At one point, there were claims that this new model would be released globally. However, it’s important to remember that rumors can often prove to be false, and global market conditions can shift unpredictably, causing companies to alter their strategies even if it results in significant losses related to research and development. In 2024, discussions on a Japanese forum suggested that the ACE IV might even be equipped with a MediaTek SoC, marking a significant shift for a brand that has traditionally relied on Snapdragon processors.

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    Compact Sony Xperia Smartphone Rumor Surfaces, But There's a Catch
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  • Sony Begins Final Android Update Rollout for Xperia 10 V

    Sony Begins Final Android Update Rollout for Xperia 10 V

    In the past, Sony has had a reputation for being one of the slowest Android manufacturers to roll out significant Android updates for its smartphones. However, this seems to have changed with their fifth-generation devices, which are now beginning to receive Android 15 globally in various forms.

    Update Timeline

    To summarize, Sony started the rollout of Android 15 for the Xperia 1 V about two weeks ago, with the build number 67.2.A.2.41. Shortly after, an equivalent version was released for the Xperia 5 V, which should have reached most units around the world. Recent reports indicate that Android 15 has also landed on the Xperia 10 V, identified by the build number 68.2.A.2.38A.

    Regional Availability

    According to XperiCheck, Sony has currently provided this update only for carrier-locked models in Europe and the UK, specifically the XQ-DC54. This means it may take some time before Android 15 is available for other models, such as the XQ-CQ54. Sadly, Android 15 marks the final update for the Xperia 10 V, which originally launched with Android 13. In comparison, the Xperia 10 VI from last year (currently priced at $359 on Amazon) is expected to continue receiving major Android updates until Android 17.

    Conclusion

    In summary, while Sony’s update pace has improved, it still exhibits some limitations, especially for certain models and regions. Users should keep an eye on their devices for further updates, as the rollout continues.

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    Sony Begins Final Android Update Rollout for Xperia 10 V

     

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  • Sony WF-C710N Earbuds Rumored with Better Battery Life and Upgrades

    Sony WF-C710N Earbuds Rumored with Better Battery Life and Upgrades

    Earlier this week, The Walkman Blog revealed new information about the WH-1000XM6, which are Sony’s highly anticipated new high-end over-ear wireless headphones. According to recent leaks, the company is planning several wireless audio product launches for 2025, including new models to replace the WF-C700N (currently priced at $119.99 on Amazon).

    Unknown Release Date

    At the moment, the launch date for the WF-C710N remains a mystery. These new earbuds have been spotted on listings as being Made for iPhone and iPad (MFi) certified, leading The Walkman Blog to speculate about a possible release timeline. Drawing from the characteristics of existing devices like the LinkBuds Fit, The Walkman Blog thinks that Sony might launch the WF-C710N in May, likely about a month after the WF-C700N turns two years old.

    Expected Features

    The WF-C710N is anticipated to come in four different colors and boast over 25% improved battery life compared to its predecessor. These mid-range earbuds might also include touch gesture support, which was absent in the WF-C700N. While active noise cancellation is expected to be featured, the effectiveness of this function is still uncertain at this juncture. It is likely that more information about the WF-C710N and the specific ways Sony has differentiated them from the WF-C700N will become available online in the coming months.

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    Sony WF-C710N Earbuds Rumored with Better Battery Life and Upgrades
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  • Sony to End Production of Recordable Blu-ray Discs in February

    Sony to End Production of Recordable Blu-ray Discs in February

    Blu-ray is fading away, and Sony just took another step towards its end.

    This week, Sony Japan released a brief announcement stating that it will stop making recordable Blu-ray discs starting in February. Alongside this, the company will also halt the production of MiniDV cassette tapes, recordable MiniDiscs, and MD-Data discs next month.

    The Future of Blu-ray

    It’s important to note that while Sony is ceasing the production of recordable Blu-ray discs, standard Blu-ray discs used by retailers for movies, games, and other media will continue to be manufactured. Thus, the format isn’t completely disappearing just yet. The major change is that consumers will no longer have the option to buy new recordable Blu-rays for personal data storage (i.e., discs for burning media or information).

    The Shift Away from Physical Media

    This decision is part of a larger trend among manufacturers moving away from physical media. LG recently announced they would stop making or selling Blu-ray players by December 2024. Although Sony still produces Blu-ray players, along with a few other companies, it appears that physical media is nearing its conclusion. Given the swift increase in media streaming and the focus on platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, which are leaning heavily into streaming, the decline of physical formats like Blu-ray isn’t really shocking.

    Consumers can still find recordable Blu-ray discs from brands like Verbatim, which offers various storage options on Amazon (such as a 50-disc spindle of 25 GB discs, currently priced at $41.90). Yet, it’s uncertain how much longer these will be available; it seems many users prefer external hard drives and similar devices (which are less vulnerable to scratches and other environmental issues) for data storage instead of optical media.

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  • Rumors About Sony Xperia 1 VII May Lower 2025 Flagship Hopes

    Rumors About Sony Xperia 1 VII May Lower 2025 Flagship Hopes

    An intriguing rumor has surfaced regarding Sony’s anticipated flagship smartphone for 2025, most likely named the Xperia 1 VII (Xperia 1 Mark 7). The source of this information comes from SumahoDigest, primarily cited from Weibo. However, it’s worth noting that the user referenced doesn’t seem to exist, so it’s wise to approach this news with some skepticism. Nonetheless, the assertions about the Xperia 1 VII appear plausible.

    Evolution of the Xperia Line

    There doesn’t seem to be anything particularly groundbreaking in the evolution of Sony’s next high-end device. Unlike last year, it won’t experience a major drop in features. As for the camera, only one of the sensors is believed to be updated.

    Video Speculation

    Several unofficial render videos of the Sony Xperia 1 VII have popped up on YouTube, with one suggesting the return to 4K resolution for the upcoming model. However, if the rumors from China hold any truth, it appears that the 2025 flagship will maintain the FHD+ resolution seen in the Xperia 1 VI.

    Camera and Performance Insights

    The anticipated change in camera sensor for the 2025 Xperia 1 isn’t expected to be significant. Speculations indicate it may involve either the telephoto zoom or the ultra-wide-angle camera, while the Xperia 1 VII is expected to retain a 48 MP main camera (Exmor T). A Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC from Qualcomm would likely be included in the phone’s specifications—if the flagship smartphone from Sony even makes its way to the global market.

    Over the years, there have been numerous assertions suggesting that Sony might phase out its smartphone division, leading to the potential end of the Xperia line. In 2024, Sony only launched the Xperia 1 VI (currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon) and the Xperia 10 VI, with no release of the Xperia 5 VI, a new PRO variant, or any fresh ACE device. The pressing question remains: Will Sony take a conservative approach with the Xperia 1 VII, making only slight tweaks, or will they gamble on a phone filled with enhancements that might go unnoticed in a saturated market? At least this rumor suggests that there’s still one more flagship Xperia device in the pipeline.

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    Rumors About Sony Xperia 1 VII May Lower 2025 Flagship Hopes
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