Sony recently announced its new Xperia Pro-I. A flagship that reaffirms the company’s commitment to delivering cutting edge imaging technologies on a smartphone. The Xperia Pro-I is arguably one of the company’s most well defined and boisterous offerings to date which bring together smartphones and Alpha imaging technology.
It comes with a large Type-1.0 Exmor RS image sensor – the same sensor that you get with the Sony RX100 VII. The sensor is complemented with a dedicated Bionz X Image processor. In addition, it also comes with ZEISS lenses with the Tessar T* lens for the best image quality. The 20.2-megapixel sensor brings Sony’s cutting edge imaging into your hands complete with eye-tracking autofocus.
The smartphone comes with a Snapdragon 888 octa-core processor with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. It also supports up to an additional 1TB of storage with a microSD card.
Well, with all the specifications and camera technology out of the way – it’s time to get down to business! The smartphone is available for pre-order in Malaysia! If you’ve been itching for a phone that’s a camera first, you can get the Sony Xperia Pro-I for MYR7,199.
Source: Sony Malaysia Online Store
However, you don’t have to just order the smartphone, instead, you can create your complete creator’s kit with the Complete Creator’s Bundle which adds on the Vlog monitor and the stereo lavalier microphone and shooting grip for MYR8,028 – an MYR839 discount off the regular price of MYR8,867. It also comes with a 256GB microSD card, a screen protector and a casing.
Source: Sony Malaysia Online Store
If that’s a little too pricey, Sony is also offering the Xperia Pro-I in a bundle with the Vlog Monitor which costs MYR8,239. For the pre-order, you can get an MYR519 discount for the bundle.
The preorder offers are available from Sony’s online store starting 15 November 2021 until 15 December 2021.
Every now and then there will be an event so significant, it changes history. In the modern world, that moment happens way too often that it is no longer special. There are one or two rare innovations in today’s world though that makes you turn your heads. Today’s innovation is one of them.
The innovation comes in the form of a Sony Xperia smartphone. That might not sound too special. After all, the Sony Xperia smartphone, at some point, was responsible for Sony’s near exit from the smartphone business. While they pioneered and ushered in the era of water-resistant smartphones, they could not innovate fast enough or even make compelling enough products to compete with their rivals. The Sony Xperia has been reborn in 2018 though and is a completely different beast today. The Xperia PRO-I, this one is not in the same league as the Xperia flagship you know and love.
The Flagship
Source: Sony
We start with the boring stuff. It comes with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 platform, which is expected anyway. It also comes with 512GB in storage and up to 12GB in RAM. You can slot up to a 1TB MicroSD card into the Xperia PRO-I for good measure. You want to if you are planning to use its camera a lot. Of course, you get WiFi 6 capabilities from the Xperia PRO-I. To keep everything running nicely is a 4,500mAh battery that can charge up to 50% within just 30 minutes.
On the front is a staple 4K display for the Xperia flagship. 4K HDR OLED display refreshes at 120Hz and measures at 6.5-inch. Protecting the panel is a Gorilla Glass Victus. It is not the biggest display you can find in the market, but it is certainly one of the most gorgeous.
To be fair, none of that are new for a smartphone. What is new is what protrudes out the back of the device. The innovation is all in the camera.
The Best Camera on a Smartphone Ever
Source: Sony
This is not some boring innovation in the camera though. It is not some Megapixel addition, because Sony understands that with mobile photography, it is all about the sensor size more than anything else. That is why they fitted a Type-1.0 Exmor RS image sensor with phase detection autofocus mechanism within the compact body of the Xperia PRO-I. To process the photos out of the device, you get a dedicated Bionz X image processor that overrides the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888’s admittedly impressive image processing.
It is the same exact sensor you get from a Sony RX 100 VII. That also means you are getting 20.2-Megpixel of Sony’s Alpha goodness in the Xperia smartphone. The sensor under the 24mm Zeiss Tessar T* lens is capable of capturing images at RAW 12-bit colour depth as well for the best camera experience you can ever have on your smartphone. At the same time, it is Sony’s first smartphone to feature Eye AF that is so common in DSLR and mirrorless cameras these days.
The camera is even able to capture videos at 4K 120fps thanks to the very powerful imaging sensor. With up to 315 of autofocus points, you are going to keep track of your subjects for a long time in your videos and even your photos. For high-speed burst shots, you get to shoot at up to 20fps.
The Xperia PRO-I can do more than just allowing you to capture photos and videos from behind the camera though. It is also made as the perfect vlogging tool. You can pair it to an optional 3.5-inch LCD HD Vlog Monitor and the Xperia PRO-I turns into your vlogging companion without any additional heft in your bag. If you have an external microphone, the 3.5mm combo mic for you to plug in your mic to.
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Price and Availability
The Sony Xperia PRO-I will be available in Malaysia December 2021 onward. It will be available only through selected retailers and online stores though. There is no confirmed price just yet for the Sony Xperia PRO-I though but Sony says they will announce it on a later date.
The Sony ALPHA 7, or rather the α7 marks Sony’s first foray into the high-end camera market with a full-frame DSLR that is a lot smaller and lighter than regular DSLR devices. While it is smaller and lighter than the regular full-frame body, it comes with its own sets of limitations, one of them is battery life. Ergonomics for the first α7 was not the best either with Sony placing more focus on making the camera as compact as possible. Because there is less space on the body for buttons, there is only so much Sony can do to give users a sense of finer control with physical knob and buttons.
The ALPHA 7 platform is a popular choice among content creators though. The third iteration was everything you could ever need from a mirrorless camera. It had sophisticated Autofocus system that was a lot more reliable than before, it had features that reduces the rolling shutter effect that plagued previous Sony α7 cameras, it was also bigger than the first iteration with better ergonomics and much longer battery life.
Sony just announced a replacement model though, its fourth iteration of the ‘Basic’ full-frame mirrorless camera. If you know Sony’s existing line-up of ALPHA 7 cameras though, you will not call them ‘basic’. The new one is even better.
The New ‘Basic’
Source: Sony
The ALPHA 7 IV, as they know it, is Sony’s interpretation to what the new ‘basic’ standard is for an entry-level full-frame camera. Apparently ‘basic’ means 33-Megapixel on the Exmor R CMOS full-frame sensor. That 33-Megapixel sensor packs sensitivity of up to ISO 204800 at its highest and ISO 50 at its lowest for 15-stops in dynamic range. That should mean that the Sony ALPHA 7 IV is an admirable performer in low-light conditions.
BIONZ XR Advantage
The impressive new sensor is assisted by a Sony’s latest BIONZ XR imaging chip, the same one you find on Sony’s range topping ALPHA 1 mirrorless camera. It allows the Sony ALPHA 7 IV to shoot at up to 10fps with AF/AE tracking. Thanks to BIONZ XR as well the camera has up to 759 phase-detection Autofocus (AF) points that covers up to 94% of the image area and tracks subjects in Real-Time Tracking as accurately as you can get cameras to track subjects. Of course, there is Real-time Eye AF function as well that now tracks birds and animal eyes in both photo and movie modes.
The Hybrid Cinematic and Still Shooter
Source: Sony
They call this a hybrid camera, a still and movie camera packed in one compact body. The ALPHA 7 IV now has S-Cinetone colour profile, something that was only reserved for Sony’s very famous Cinema cameras. That means you now get 10-bit 4:2:2 colour sampling for even better colours than before. It records at up to 4K 60 fps in Super 35mm mode, and up to 4K 30fps with 7K oversampling in full-frame mode. For the first time ever as well, the Sony ALPHA 7 IV features a new Focus Map that helps you with finding the right focus point while shooting videos. It also now features a Breathing Compensation feature to eliminate focus breathing and maintain a smooth, consistent focus change. You can turn off that feature too in case you want some focus breathing for creative contexts.
You still get Sony’s very famous 5-axis stabiliser built into the body of the compact mirrorless. The stabiliser allows for the camera to have up to 5.5 steps in shutter speed advantage. At the same time, the viewfinder is an even higher resolution one as well with 3.68 million dots compared to the ALPHA 7 III. For videos, content creators will appreciate the 3.0-inch vari-angle display.
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
On its body as well, the Sony ALPHA 7 IV features a clever dual layer mode dial to allow you to quickly switch from pure photo mode to movie recording mode, and S& Q mode. The top layer is now reserved to Auto/P/A/S/M and Memory Recall mode. It records to either a CFexpress Type A card, or a regular SDXC card too for ultimate convenience in recording medium.
Better Workflow
Source: Sony
The new camera is also much easier to work with than before. It now has 5GHz Wi-Fi for super-fast data transfers between the camera and your smartphone via Imaging Edge Mobile. You can even use Bluetooth for remote access this time. You can now use the Sony ALPHA 7 IV seamlessly with your PC as well as a Live Stream camera or use the PC as a remote. All these is done without using an additional software now and simply by connecting the ALPHA 7 IV via USB Type-C cable. In that case you can even make video calls with up to 4K 15p resolution, or even use the ALPHA 7 IV as an audio interface.
Pricing and Availability
Sony’s ALPHA 7 IV will be available in December 2021 onward. It will retail for about EUR€ 2,800 for its body only. If you opt for an ALPHA 7 IV with a kit lens, it will set you back EUR€ 3,000. It is not a bad kit lens though; it is a 28-70mm (SEL2870) lens. We can only speculate its pricing too at this point. More information on the Sony ALPHA 7 IV (α7 IV) can be found on Sony’s website.
What do you do when you want to have a personal audio experience at home? What if you think that soundbars are a little too much? What if you do not want to have a headphone weighing down your head? You have the Sony SRS-NS7 wearable wireless speaker.
The SRS-NS7 wearable speaker is a unique way of enjoying entertainment at home though. It is pretty much a sound bar you wear around your neck. With its wireless transmitter, you simply connect it to your TV or whatever media source you would like to experience with the SRS-NS7.
The WLA-NS7 wireless transmitter that comes with the SRS-NS7 does not only work with the speaker though. It also works with select headphones to achieve the same experience you would get from the SRS-NS7.
The SRS-NS7 is in a class of its own though paired to the WLA-NS7 and paired to Sony’s BRAVIA XR TVs. With Sony’s BRAVIA TVs, the SRS-NS7 can deliver Dolby Atmos experience to your ears from the neck. The combination of the Sony BRAVIA TV, wireless transmitter, and SRS-NS7 neck speaker you get access to Sony’s 360 Reality audio for some Spatial awareness, virtual surround sound if you haven’t understood yet. Of course, 360 Reality Audio also works with music form Deezer, and TIDAL when connected to your smartphone.
While it is not a headphone unit, the neck speaker unit allows you the immersive experience comparable to Sony’s soundbars without disturbing anyone else at home or filling the entire room with noise. The upward facing speaker is optimised to deliver rich immersive audio without the frills of disturbing your neighbours or even your loved ones in the other room.
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
The wireless nature of the SRS-NS7 also allows you to enjoy immersive audio experience around the house without needing bulky and complex speaker set ups. At the same time, with IPX4 splash-proof design, you can take the Sony neck speakers anywhere around the house or out of it without worrying about water damage.
The Sony SRS-NS7 and WLA-NS7 in Malaysia January 2021 onward. The SRS-NS7 will be available for MYR 1,249. The WLA-NS7 wireless transmitter will be available at MYR 269. To know more about the Sony SRS-NS7 and WLA-NS7, you can check out Sony’s website.
UPDATE: The Sony WF-C500 will be available in Malaysia 18 October 2021 onward at MYR 449. It will be available in black, white, green, and orange. The WH-XB910N will be available in black and blue. It will arrive in the Malaysian shores in November 2021 and sets you back MYR 799.
Sony is probably best known for their high-end audio solutions catered to the home and personal audio market. They are world renown for their legendary sound bars, speakers, and even built-in speakers for their TV line-ups. They also make arguably the world’s most recognisable noise cancelling headphones for the audiophile market, the WH-1000X series. Their latest high-end noise cancelling personal audio device is the WF-1000XM4 true-wireless earbuds.
They do not just make high-end products that is mostly out of reach to more budget conscious consumers though. They make audio products for all kinds of market. Technically, Sony is also one of the largest audio solutions providers in the world, so them service all sorts of market should not come as a surprise. That said, Sony just launched the new WH-XB910N and the new WF-C500 headphones for the masses.
Sony WH-XB910N
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
The Sony WH-XB910N replaces the older WH-XB900N. It also features Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology. It is not the same ANC technology that you will find on Sony’s higher end WH-1000XM4 though. That also means that it will not work as well as the higher end headphone. Still, it should be an improvement over the older headphone it is replacing.
The WH-XB910N also comes with Adaptive Sound Control. The clever software defined noise cancelling program adapts your ANC program to your environment. Your ANC intensity is determined by not just your environment though, but also buy your movements in a designated area, or even where you are.
Of course, new products have to come with new technologies. The WH-XB910N packs Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC support for even more stable high-speed wireless connection with your smartphones or PC devices. You get up to 30 hours of playback in just a single charge.
Sony WF-C500
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
When it comes to truly wireless earbuds, Sony tends to stick to a single design language that cascades down from its highest end earbuds. This season is the season of the WF-1000XM4 and it shows on the WF-C500.
The Sony WF-C500 shares very similar design cues and language with its more premium brother. Other than the similar design cues though, the WF-C500 does not share a lot with its more premium WF-1000XM4 counterpart. Even its charging shell is a little different comparatively.
You get Bluetooth 5.0 still for reliable high-speed wireless networking between your smartphone and the earphones. Unlike the older generation Sony earbuds, the WF-C500 supports mono mode with either side of the earbuds. It also does not have touch sensitive buttons. They come with physical buttons instead, to control playback and digital assistant access.
The earbuds itself can last for 10 hours, that is a little longer than the WF-1000XM4. Of course, the Sony WF-1000XM4 features noise cancelling and the WF-C500 does not. The translucent charging case carries another 10 hours of battery life for the earbuds should you deplete its battery.
The IPX4 earbuds uses a Bluetooth chip that transmits audio to both sides of the earbuds at the same time for better latency between two ears. It also supports Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. You have to have services like Tidal or Deezer to experience Sony’s 360 Reality audio though.
Price and Availability
The products have not been announced or launched in Malaysia yet. That does not mean that they are not coming to Malaysia though. The mid-range audio market is a hot one in the region.
In the United States though, the Sony WH-XB910N is now available for pre-order alongside the Sony WF-C500. The Sony WH-XB910N will start at US$ 249.99 (MYR 1,046*) and comes in black, blue, and grey. The WF-C500 will start at US$ 99.99 (MYR 418*) and comes in black, white, green, and orange colour options.
*approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1= MYR 4.18 on xe.com as of 30/09/2021
The content creator market is huge in 2021. Of course, the rise in various social media mediums like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and even Twitch has created this huge demand for contents over the internet. To be fair, Twitch may not be a social media platform per se, but it does create a huge demand in more live streamed contents; pretty much what Facebook is doing with regular and even Facebook Gaming platform. In all these, the most popular contents are also the visual contents like videos and photo updates. Written contents have been taking a backseat for a while and we all know that.
On that note, we want to thank everyone who is still coming to the site to read our news updates, reviews, and editorial articles. We appreciate you and you are the reason we do what we do. Do let us know what you think we can do more of, or better in the comment section below or our social media platforms though.
With modern social media as well, content creation has been at its simplest form today. All you need is a smartphone that can support all the apps to start creating contents. Of course, using your smartphone to create contents can be pretty limiting. We always say that if you want to make the best video or photography content, invest in a camera; there are plenty of choices out there too. Today, your decision-making process is going to be a little harder, or easier, depending on how you look at it.
Source: Sony
The Sony Alpha (α) ZV-E10, as they call it, is meant to sit above the ZV-1 compact camera. Rightfully so, with an APS-C cropped sensor instead of the small 1-inch sensor of the compact ZV-1. It is also an interchangeable lens camera with Sony’s proprietary E-Mount. This opens up a whole plethora of creative possibilities with Sony’s extensive E-Mount lenses as well.
It features a 24.2-Megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor backed by Sony’s brilliant BIONZ X image processor. Of course, with a bigger sensor than the ZV-1, you should be getting a better image quality and better low-light performance from the ZV-E10. At the same time, there are a few features that makes this camera perfect for both experienced and new content creators.
For one, the Sony α ZV-E10 packs a clever Background Defocus feature that was first seen and highly acclaimed in the ZV-1. While the feature is more catered for vloggers, it is a clever system to sort of mimic the depth-of-field effect you get with more expensive lenses and larger camera sensors without spending the extra money. At the same time, it is less focus sensitive in this implementation, which allows subjects extra movement tolerances. “Product Showcase Setting” mode is also something that content creators can appreciate to quickly shift focus from the subject’s face to a highlighted object.
Source: Sony
At 343g (body only), the Sony α ZV-E10 is lighter than even the Sony α6400, and way lighter than the high-end Sony α7 series of cameras. That also means an added portability and versatility in your shoots. You do not need a large space to lug the ZV-E10 around and setting it up can be as easy as pulling it out of the bag and just point at your subject.
The α ZV-E10 is made with videos in mind though. It shoots at up to 4K 30fps and Full HD 120fps (slow-motion) to make this one of the most versatile compact shooters available in the current market. Of course, Sony’s clever electronic image stabilisation makes an appearance here. You do have to turn on Active Mode for stabilisation to kick in though. Still, you can get a crisp, stable 4K vlogs from the camera.
The new Sony compact camera is also sort of made to be a one-stop-shop for content creation. That is why the α ZV-E10 comes with Sony’s industry leading Fast Hybrid autofocus, and real-time Eye autofocus and tracking for all sorts of contents. You can use the camera to take great looking and detailed photos and track a moving subject for fast moving videos. You may not even need a separate mic with the α ZV-E10 too with its built-in Direction 3-capsule Mic and a wind screen included out-of-the-box. If you have a mic, you can easily use the ZV-E10’s mic jack on its side.
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
The Sony α ZV-E10 will be available in Malaysia from September 2021 onward. You can select between black or white colour options with the new camera. At launch the Sony α ZV-E10 will be available for MYR 2,599 (body only) and MYR 3,099 for a kit lens (E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS) bundle. More information on Sony’s camera systems and the α ZV-E10 can be found on their website.
When Sony introduced the world to the WF-1000XM3 last year, it was rated as one of the best truly wireless headphones that you can buy. There is little doubt to that claim and why it is so. The WF-1000XM3, the second-generation noise cancelling truly wireless earbuds from Sony packed arguably the best noise cancelling technologies in the world. It came with battery life longer than anything you can find in the market too at the same time without compromising on audio quality and fidelity. That is why we decided to own one.
To live up or replace the WF-1000XM3 then is no mean feat. It looks like Sony has done so though in their new WF-1000XM4. Except, the changes might not be too much around sound quality but more around additional features instead.
Integrated Processor V1 – Better Noise Cancelling
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
That is not to say that they have skimmed on trying to make it sound better. They developed a new processing chip for the WF-1000XM4, the Integrated Processor V1. It is supposed to be cleverer than the Mark III’s QN1e processor and more powerful, at least for this form factor. That also means better noise cancellation algorithms, supposedly. Alongside two noise sensors, noise cancelling is a lot more accurate too. The new chip is also a little more power efficient than the older chip, which explains the slightly more compact body.
Redesigned 6mm Drivers
To improve sound quality, a newly designed driver unit now boast 20% more magnet volume for increased low-end power for that much needed bass line. The driver is still the same size at 6mm though, that also means that it should be as power efficient as before. But this also means that noise cancellation can be even more precise with better low-end anti-noise reproduction from the drivers. They have also redesigned the Noise Isolation Tips to be more durable and more comfortable as well as reducing outside noise. The new processor even detects wind and automatically cancels it out.
Hi-Res and LDAC support with DSEE Extreme
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Sony is known for their Hi-Res audio, so it was a little funny when Sony did not include the Hi-Res certification to the old WF-1000XM3. On the new Sony WF-1000XM4, that changes. It now supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless and all this is thanks to the now inclusion of Sony’s brilliant LDAC technology. With up to 990kbps of data transfer speed, high-resolution audio can easily be transmitted to the headphone with minimal loss. Latency might also be improved on the headphones.
DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) Extreme also finally makes it to the WF-1000XM4. The technology upscales music in real time on device to deliver even better sounding music than you are probably used to with Bluetooth Headphones. The technology fills gaps and restores any lost ranges and dynamics in music to deliver a richer and more complete audio experience.
Better Conversations with Speak-to Chat and Bone Conduction
Of course, the speak-to-chat function makes it to the WF-1000XM4. You can quickly start a conversation and the WF-1000XM4 automatically cuts music volume just so that you can easily order your favourite coffee or have a quick conversation with your friends. If you want to just quickly turn down the volume to hear announcements, simply place a finger over the left earbud. Of course, just like any older Sony headphone, Adaptive Sound Control is supported on this pair of headphones too.
Using the WF-1000XM3 for phone calls have not been its strongest suit. That is also about to change with the WF-1000XM4 though. Sony fitted the wireless headphones with Precise Voice Pickup technology and bone-conduction sensors to clearly and more accurately pick up your voice for calls. Additionally, beamforming microphones focuses on only picking up voices coming from your mouth and rejects unwanted noise from the background.
Compact, Comfort, Long-Lasting
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Besides being 40% smaller, the case is also a wireless charging unit. That also means you can lose your cables and just place your WF-1000XM4 on your existing wireless charger to get it up and running the next round you move out. Smaller case also means smaller earbuds at 10% reduction compared to it predecessor.
Speaking of size though, an earbud’s fitting in your ear is everything to get the best audio experience. Sony’s Headphone Connect App now helps you find the best fitting earbud tip size by measuring your ear size just with a simple photo. A perfect fitting earbud tip also helps with long term comfort, of course.
Finally, the Sony WF-1000XM4 truly wireless headphones are IPX4 certified. That also means that the headphones could be your perfect exercise buddy. Just do not take it swimming. On top of that, you can be sure that your earphones can continue playing your favourite tracks from the gym to the office and even to home with 8 hours of use. The case gives you an additional 16 hours of battery life to give you a total of 24 hours in battery life.
Simpler Than Ever
Connecting the Sony WF-1000XM3 was not exactly a difficult affair, but the WF-1000XM4 is easier than ever to connect to your devices. With Google’s Fast Pair features, you only need to open the case and you are one tap away from connecting your Android smartphone to the headphones. Even Microsoft’s Windows gets some love with Microsoft Swift Pair for the WF-1000XM4 to quickly pair with Windows 10 devices.
Availability and Price
The Sony WF-1000XM4 will be available in Malaysia mid-July 2021 onward. You can get your hands on for MYR 1,099. You can also pre-order yours now until 15th July 2021. Like the older WF-1000XM3, there are only two colour options – black or silver. Pre-orders can be made at Sony Store The Curve and KLCC, Sony Store Online, and Sony’s authorised stores across the nation. For more information on the Sony WF-1000XM4 truly wireless headphones with noise cancelling capabilities, you can visit Sony’s website.
When someone asks us what TV they should buy for their homes, we always go back to Sony. We are big fans of Sony’s TV line-up and that is no secret too. We do think that they have been consistently making great TVs for a long time now. When you get a Sony TV as well, you get a sort of assurance that it will at least work properly with your Sony PlayStation 5; they are made by the same manufacturer, after all.
The BRAVIA series from Sony has also proven itself to be some of the best TVs in the world. While some of their TVs are based on older LED technology, the BRAVIA TVs still offer one of the best, if not the best, image contrasts and colour accurate images in the industry. Comparatively as well, BRAVIA TVs are more reasonably priced than some of its competitors.
Sony has just announced a new BRAVIA series with a very small difference that makes a lot of difference in how you experience TV in 2021. They have introduced the BRAVIA XR with a new processor, the Cognitive Processor XR. Yes, it is just a new processor to the TV.
As its name suggest, the new processor is a more intelligent processor Sony produces for the BRAVIA XR TVs. As with any modern processors in the market for any electronics items, it is also an Artificial Intelligence (AI) equipped chip. Sony claims that it is not conventional AI that they use here though.
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
They call it cognitive intelligence, and it does kind of work to work with our cognitive behaviour when we watch the TV. Sony says that the processor is designed to replicate the ways we see and hear, like replicating focal points on the TV screen anyway; at least they are attempting to. In some sense, the processor is not attempting to create better, more vibrant, and upscaled image. Instead, they are trying to make images look more natural to our eyes.
The processor divides the display panel into zones to detect focal points in a picture. It still works like conventional AI where colours, contrasts, and details are refined. It does a bit more than just analysing and refining the general elements though. When it finds the focal points of each frame it automatically enhances its elements to the best it can be alongside the other parts of the image. The result of that is a more natural looking image that is almost lifelike, at least according to Sony.
The processor also tampers a little bit with audio and its signal positions. The processor will identify the images, analyse sound positions and correctly places them through the speakers. The processor also converts the audio signal into proper 3D surround sound for an immersive experience without you spending extra on sound bar or a separate sound system. All-in-all, the Sony BRAVIA XR with Cognitive Processor XR is meant to really elevate your TV experience with little tweaks that matter.
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
With the introduction of the new Cognitive Processor XR too, the BRAVIA TVs get some new features. For one, Google TV is now available on Android TV. All BRAVIA XR TVs also get HDMI 2.1 and e-ARC compatibility for 4K 120fps support, beneficial for modern console gaming. The new BRAVIA XR TVs will also add additional support for smart speakers like Google Nest Speakers so you can control your TV with smart speakers too. On top of all of that, the TVs will also come with Netflix Calibrated Mode for studio like Netflix experience on Sony BRAVIA XR TVs.
For now, the Cognitive Processor XR will be available in five models in Malaysia. The Sony BRAVIA XR XR-65A90J OLED TV (65-inch, MYR 17,999), XR-65A80J OLED TV (65-inch, MYR 14,999), XR-55A80J OLED TV (55-inch, MYR 9,199), XR-65X90J Full Array LED TV (65-inch, MYR 7,599), and XR-55X90J Full Array LED TV (55-inch, MYR 5,399) are all available in Malaysia. There will be an 8K XR-85Z9J, OLED XR-77A80J, Full Array LED XR-75X90J coming soon into Malaysia. For more information on the Sony BRAVIA XR TVs, you can head over to Sony’s website.
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) President and CEO, Jim Ryan, announced in a post on the SIE Blog that Discord and Playstation will be coming together in new ways. The news comes on the heels of a failed acquisition by Microsoft of the popular chat platform. The announcement seems to be a commitment by Sony to crossplay which will be coming to their Playstation platform.
Together, our teams are already hard at work connecting Discord with your social and gaming experience on PlayStation Network. Our goal is to bring the Discord and PlayStation experiences closer together on console and mobile starting early next year, allowing friends, groups, and communities to hang out, have fun, and communicate more easily while playing games together.
Jim Ryan, President & CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment
The partnership sees Sony Interactive Entertainment make a minority investment in Discord as part of the platform’s Series H funding. It will also see Discord make its way to Sony’s Playstation platform starting early next year. That said, no details on what Discord coming to Playstation have been revealed. There is some speculation that the partnership may simply be the ability to sign in to Discord with your PSN account while some are more optimistic that the chat platform will see an official app for the Playstation 5 and possibly last generation’s Playstation 4.
Smartphone cameras have been on a roll in the past two years. OnePlus launches their OnePlus 9 flagship series in partnership with Hasselblad, OPPO’s Find X3 Pro comes with a microscopic lens, Samsung pushing technology with 108-Megapixel sensors, Sony even pushing the limits of their 12-Megapixel sensors with their Alpha camera knowhow. These are nothing new, to be fair. Co-branding smartphone cameras with big camera brand names started with Nokia and Zeiss. The phenomenon hit the main stage with HUAWEI and Leica’s big partnership since the HUAWEI P9.
With the advancement in camera technology on smartphones though, has these brands made proper cameras obsolete? While nothing bigger sensor still has its own advantages in terms of low-light performance and detail, smartphone cameras have progressed so much with the software that they are paired with that even low-light photography is a breeze with a smartphone. The advancement of smartphone technology also made it easier for you to get the shots you want in less time and less work than a DSLR or mirrorless.
What does this mean for dedicated cameras though? Does this mean we can replace these kinds of stuff with the small slate in our pockets? Or, should you still spend your hard-earned money on a proper camera that could set you back anywhere between half the price of a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra to multiple flagship smartphones? We discuss this in this episode of Tech & Tonic.
