Sony is getting into the fitband business and tying everything up nicely around its mobile phone business. At this year’s CES, the company launched two versions of its Xperia Z1, and a complementary set of NFC enabled devices including a Bluetooth headset the SmartBand.
Mobile phones are not taking up the CES chatter on their own this year. Complemented by accessories and devices, manufacturers of mobile phones are looking to differentiate their devices by offering an array of supporting devices that add up to a so-called experience or vision.
So it is with Sony at CES 2014. The company announced its Xperia Z1 Compact that fits neatly in the palm of your hand. It has a 4.3 inch HD display and Sony’s self-touted dust-resistant and waterproof design. There’s also the usual range of fruity colors including lime and pink, on a solid aluminium frame.
Then, there’s the Xperia Z1S – a flagship waterproof smartphone launching exclusively with T-Mobile in the U.S. As of right now, US consumerst can pre-register to be amongst the first to order the device, with online pre-sales kicking off 13th January and nationwide availability in T-Mobile stores starting 22nd January.
The Z1A includes the G Lens, 20.7 MP camera and is claimed to be the first smartphone to come preloaded with the PlayStation App, an application which enables smartphones to interact with PS4.
In addition, keeping with the whole entertainment phone theme, you get six movies to download from Video Unlimited including Sony Pictures’ Captain Phillips on the day of its digital release. Also there are 10 handpicked PlayStation Mobile games, and a 60-day free trial of Music Unlimited included in the package.
But, the big announcement for Sony is outlining its new SmartWear Experience vision – an upcoming range of SmartWear products, with Xperia smartphones, and a new Lifelog application.
The first product in the range is SmartBand. Your common or gardent Fitbit type devices logging daily activities and working within Sony’s Lifelog application. Check it out:
Sony isn’t new wearables having the SmartWatch 2. At CES, Sony announced updates and additional applications for SmartWatch 2 – bringing the total to over 300.
Sony also announced a new ‘one-touch’ pairing Stereo Bluetooth headset in a stylish and splash proof neckband-style design. The Bluetooth wireless headset SBH-80 supports NFC, HD Voice and aptX, and features controls for music as well as hands-free call handling.
