topic Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October? in XPERIA archive

2.3.4 Update available in October?

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:18:33 GMT

Just read this on the Sony Ericsson Blog - http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/2011/08/25/a-new-phone-and-some-great-news-about-our-latest-gingerbread-update/

We have been having a lot of questions regarding the update for our 2011 Xperia™ phones to the new Android 2.3.4 version. And we are happy to tell you that today we announced that the 2.3.4 version of Gingerbread platform for all the 2011 Xperia™ Smartphones will start the roll out during October at select markets.

Some of the features you will get from this update are:

Google Talk with Video Chat for smartphones with front-facing cameras
Updated Facebook inside Xperia™ functionality for enhanced like, share and discover abilities. We have talked about Facebook inside Xperia™ on previousposts.
Xperia™ smartphones introducing world’s first 3D sweep panorama functionality powered by Sony.
The software upgrade will enable consumers to turn their Xperia™ smartphone into a mini-mobile PC by connecting USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard or game controller) to Sony Ericsson LiveDock™ multimedia station. Connect the smartphone to a TV via HDMI to get a big screen experience.
Swipe text input – text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next
Screen capture – allows the user to share a screen grab from anywhere in the phone

Also, we are announcing the launch of Xperia™ neo V, an Android smartphone that continues growing on our Xperia™ portfolio, and that will be available in selected markets from Q4 2011. Xperia™ neo V is one of the first products to launch with the new software and will include features such as Google Talk with Video Chat, 3D sweep panorama and Facebook inside Xperia™.

What I like the best about Xperia neo V is the design. It is very comfortable for taking pictures and video, as it is designed with the Human curvature on mind. Also, neo V has Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine, and has a built in HDMI connection, that makes it easier to connect it to your HD TV to share the pictures and videos you took with everyone!

The software upgrade will be available in select markets through a phased roll out starting from October 2011. Xperia™ owners will receive a notification in phone instructing them to instantaneously download the software over the air via 3G or WiFi. Alternatively, they will have the option to connect to a computer and download it via PC companion.

For full details check the press release we issued here.

So does this mean Live Dock will be Xperia Play compatible and that the software update for the camera will allow Xperia Play to shoot in 720p HD and 3D Panorama like the Neo V?

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Uliwooly — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:53:14 GMT

I hope they fix the compression issue

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:58:55 GMT

Are you talking about the compression of the JPEG?

I think I have the same issue with slight pixelation...

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Uliwooly — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:21:29 GMT

Yes I am, it doesn't make sense that this 8mp sensor takes such ... pictures

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:13:19 GMT

Yeah... on the 8MP are they around a 1MB size?

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Uliwooly — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:31:02 GMT

yeah 1MB per picture from an 8mp sensor, how bizarre is that ?

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:39:00 GMT

The Play has 5MP down to 1MB file.

It has always made me wonder why they allow such a heavy compression even if you change the quality of it. They probably did it so people to complain about the upload times or the massive data bills they received from uploading their photos on the go.

However I would really like to see an option to have the raw file or less compression as the photos are pretty shiz when tranfered to PC.

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Uliwooly — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 06:22:33 GMT

or if the picture takes a HUGE part of their SD card, I dont really mind if the picture takes 5MB or even 10MB I really don't mind

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 06:40:53 GMT

I agree, I hope they fix the photo JPEG compression issue.

If I am not mistaken, one of the SE Moderators in this forum mentioned the reason the Arc has such high compression is very likely due to it not being classed as a camera phone. That was his own opinion.

The thing is people who had the previous higher end SE camera phones like the C905, Satio, etc don't really have a good Android based camera phone to upgrade to. The best available from SE is the Arc.

There was lots of marketing hype about the Exmor R sensor, Mobile Bravia engine which made people think this phone will take good photos.

Of course we all know and don't expect a camera phone to have the same quality photos as dedicated cameras. Anyone thinking that is deluded.

The issue is why the SE chose to have such a high JPEG compression of the photos in the 2011 series of smartphones.

Well only SE knows why.

Inspite of my rant above, I still like the Arc very much. The photo issue is only one aspect of the phone.

The photos are actually quite nice except don't try to blow them up, as they get pixalated very quickly due to the high compression.

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:37:06 GMT

Well SEdefinitely marketed Xperia Neo as a Camera/HD vid phone and it has exactly the same camera as the Arc ( minus the CyberShot brand ).

I wonder if it still has the same compression?

I never really understood the Arc/Neo... It was like " Hey let's release a phone that has exactly the same specs but on is thin and one is bulky, I wonder which one will sell better?

the thin,sexy and sleek design or the bulky, plain looking phone?"

I wouldn't be surprised if SE is recalling all the Neo's right now and just replacing the camera in them to 5MP and calling it a new model :smileygrin:

Anyway... back on topic about the update.

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Jake-SonyXperia — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:43:09 GMT

I can confirm that the following is available for the Xperia Play based on your question's once the update has been released.

Enhanced camera capabilities from Sony including 3D sweep panorama

The software upgrade enables consumers to turn their Xperia smartphone into a mini-mobile PC by connecting USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard or game controller) to Sony Ericsson LiveDock™ multimedia station. Connect the smartphone to a TV via HDMI to get a big screen experience

I can also advise that there are currently no plans for HD 720p recording for the Xperia Play.

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:10:45 GMT

Thanks for the response mate :smileygrin:

I just have one further question for you re:

The software upgrade enables consumers to turn their Xperia smartphone into a mini-mobile PC by connecting USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard or game controller) to Sony Ericsson LiveDock™ multimedia station. Connect the smartphone to a TV via HDMI to get a big screen experience

I noticed on the 2.3.4 update video that only phones with dedicated HDMI output were connecting to TV port not via LiveDock but from the phone itself. Will the software enable Xperia Play's current Mini USB to allow for HDMI out?

Live Dock on SE website still says that Xperia Play is still not officially supported.

Once again... thank you for your response I love updates and just want to know which ones are specifically available for my Xperia Play.

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:37:19 GMT

Regarding your first point about the Play receiving a camera buff in terms of software: Heck. Yes.This is exactly what this phone needs to be brought up to par with the rest of the Xperia devices. Thanks for this info!

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:09:20 GMT

Hello All,

I just got patch 2.3.4 patch installed on my Xperia Play,

according to previous release notes the 2.3.4 should now support connecting USB devices like a mouse to the phone.

I have tried to connect both USB cabled, and BT connnected and none of them works.

are there any other release notes of what input devices can be connected ?

Love the play..

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

uliwooly-wooly — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:30:48 GMT

that's if you use the LiveDock

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:40:13 GMT

Looks like your info was completely backwards:

-No enhanced camera interface.

-720p video was enabled.

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:06:49 GMT

too bad that the livedock doesn´t seem very portable,

anyone knows if SE will sell mieces to play phones ( or other running Android )

( this is not in SEs favor, other brands ( like Nokia ) supports to connect standard devices like a mouse )

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

uliwooly-wooly — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:26:58 GMT

you don't need to get this, you can get a bluetooth mouse and use an app like this

https://market.android.com/details?id=cz.rozkovec.android&feature=search_result

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 07:47:50 GMT

I have already tried BT mouse, I can pair it using Sony Ericsson application but not connect it.

If I use BlueInput I can connect it, but I won´t get a mouse pointer.

I have spent quite some time to sweep the net for anyone who has done this and it seems that the Xperia PLay doesnt support mouse/keyboard devices since noone seems able to connect it.

Instructions of how to connect and use external devices, and a list of supported devices would be greatly appreciated.

Re: 2.3.4 Update available in October?

uliwooly-wooly — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:13:24 GMT

I think this is a perfect moment for a official SE Moderator to answer this question