Mark your diaries Sony Xperia fans, we have just received word that Sony Mobile’s MWC press conference will take place at 08:30 CET on Monday 24th February 2014. Last year’s event saw the global launch of the Xperia Tablet Z, so there is a good chance that we may say its successor see a formal announcement at MWC.

On the smartphone side, Sony Mobile did not announce any new handsets at MWC 2013, so there’s no guarantee we’ll see any this year. Recent rumours point to the release of a new flagship with model number D6503 and codename Sirius. On the entry-level side, we have seen the Sony D230X model number appear in benchmarks. Obviously, we’ll keep you posted if we hear anything new as we approach the event.

The (small) picture you see below is the first we have seen of the upcoming Sony Xperia Tablet Z2 (SGP521, codenamed Castor). It is difficult to tell much from the single picture, but we can see that the tablet is running Android KitKat. People might question the size of the bezel, but it is needed on a large tablet device, especially to hold comfortably. So what are your thoughts – do you like?

Update: Some more pictures and specifications have leaked courtesy of @GadgetLeaks. The press pictures confirm the name as the “Xperia Z2 Tablet” and show both black and white variants. It also confirms that the tablet will have an aluminium frame and magnetic charging pins as seen in the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1 Compact.

The Xperia Z2 Tablet comes with an open 3.5mm headphone socket and will be water resistant, we expect it to have IP55 and IP58 certification. @GadgetLeaks confirms the earlier leaked specifications from @evleaks but also adds the dimensions (266 x 172 x 6.4 mm) and weight (426g Wi-Fi; 439g LTE) specs.

Via @evleaks.

Sony Mobile will not be using an anti-shatter protector on the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 tablet according to Android Central. We have heard from a number of people on the floor at MWC that the units did not include a protector, but Android Central got word from Sony themselves who confirmed it.

This also ties in with rumours earlier in the month that said the SONY logo will no longer be included on the shatter proof protector. One of the big disadvantages of the film, was that it would scratch easily giving the impression the display is damaged. If this turns out to be true, will you be glad to see it go? Or did you find it useful and avoided you having to fit one yourself (badly)? We’d love to hear your thoughts below.

The Sony Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet are the first devices to get MHL 3.0 support, which is great to see. The new standard allows the native output of 4K2K Ultra High Definition (UHD) video through a single cable, as well as being able to charge the phone at the same time (up to 10W).

Another core feature is increased data bandwidth, enabling concurrent 4K video and high-speed peripheral support of mass storage and input devices such as a touch screen, keyboard and mouse.

The demo video below shows an Xperia Z2 outputting 4K video to a Sony 4K television. You can see that the TV remote can be used to control the video (play pause, rewind, forward etc). This is similar to functionality we have seen before with TV’s that had CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) enabled HDMI ports.

MHL 3.0 Specifications

• 4K (Ultra HD): Support of 4K formats up to 2160p30
• Simultaneous high-speed data channel
• Improved Remote Control Protocol (RCP) with support for peripherals such as a touch screen, keyboard and mouse
• Power charging up to 10W
• Backward compatible with MHL 1 and MHL 2
• Latest HDCP 2.2 content protection
• Enhanced 7.1 surround sound with Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD
• Connector agnostic – uses as few as five pins
• Support for simultaneous multiple displays

MHL 3.0 video demo using the Xperia Z2

Via Engadget and MHL Consortium.

When Sony announced the Xperia Z Ultra at the end of last summer, one of the big features was the fact that you could use pretty much any pen or pencil as stylus input for that 6.44-inch display. Well it appears that both the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet will also have this feature.

The Sony development team confirmed this at MWC recently, proof of which you can see from the photos below. There is also reference to “stylus pen support” in the white papers for the Xperia Z2/Xperia Z2 Tablet. Do check out the interesting slides from a media presentation from Sony courtesy of ePrice. You will also find a video showing how well the SteadyShot stabilisation feature works.

Via ePrice (1 & 2).

Sony Mobile launched a couple of new cases last week at MWC that included the new BKB10 Bluetooth Keyboard. The BKB10 is an ultra-thin wireless keyboard, weighing 200 grams, which features NFC for easy pairing, Bluetooth 3.0 and a couple of LED indicator lights to show Bluetooth and charging status.

The keyboard can be charged via micro USB and Sony claims that the battery will last up to three months in STAMINA mode. The BKB10 Bluetooth Keyboard is expected to be priced at £54.99 in the UK when it launches in mid-April.

The first case to include this keyboard is the Sony BKC10 Bluetooth Keyboard with Cover Stand. This is basically a cover for the keyboard, but it can be angled to support any tablet or smartphone device. The BKC10 stand weighs 285 grams, without the keyboard.

Sony also announced the BKC50 Bluetooth Keyboard with Tablet Cover Stand designed specifically for the Xperia Z2 Tablet. This case will house the Xperia Z2 Tablet and BKB10 Bluetooth Keyboard in one cover. The BKC50 cover stand weighs 390 grams and will cost around £99.99 in the UK.

Sony Bluetooth Keyboard BKB10

Sony Bluetooth Keyboard with Cover Stand BKC10

Sony Bluetooth Keyboard with Tablet Cover Stand BKC50

The Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset is now in stock in the UK, with retailer Handtec selling both the black and white versions for £29.99 plus postage. The Sony MDR-NC31EM headset will be bundled with the Xperia Z2, combining with the Z2’s digital noise-cancelling (DNC) technology to reduce up to 98% of all ambient sounds.

As the DNC technology is built into the Xperia Z2, it negates the need for bulky headphones. The MDR-NC31EM headset includes a mic on each ear that tracks the noise around you. These sounds are sent to the Xperia Z2’s DNC circuit, which inverts the sound wave before sending it back to your ears with the reduced noise.

The Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset can also be used for hands-free calling (only possible with devices with a 3.5 mm 5-pole audio contact). The headset has a frequency response of 20Hz – 20,000Hz, weighs just 21 grams and has a one metre length cable. It also should be comfortable for most ears and comes with three sizes of earbuds. The headset’s noise cancelling capabilities can also be used with the Xperia Z2 Tablet.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z (LTE) owners saw their tablets updated to firmware build 10.4.1.B.0.101 in the beginning of February. This Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware brought an enhanced user experience, improved battery life, faster shutdown times and software performance improvements including better Bluetooth connectivity.

Well, Xperia Tablet Z (Wi-Fi) owners have had to wait a month, but their tablets are finally receiving the same update – moving from build number 10.4.B.0.577 to 10.4.1.B.0.109. The update is out across most territories including the UK, Germany and the Nordics.

Thanks Piran!

Sony Hong Kong launched the Xperia Z2 Tablet earlier today, however today’s event was also meant to mark the launch of the Xperia Z2 smartphone. However, Sony cancelled the Xperia Z2 launch for the region, postponing it to an undisclosed date in April.

Reports cite differing reasons for the delay with some talking of limited shipments due to component shortages and/or a focus on the European launch. Some sites have even spoke of a global delay for the Xperia Z2, although this remains unverified and doesn’t corroborate with conversations we have had.

The Xperia Z2 Tablet was announced for Hong Kong, where it will launch by the end of March. The Wi-Fi model will be available in 16GB and 32GB variants costing HK$3,890 and HK$4,690 respectively. The 3G model (no LTE launch) will cost HK$4,990. You can pre-register for information on both devices here.

Via ePrice and Sina.

We understand that Sony is continuing to enhance the UI experience of the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet prior to release, which is why we have seen a new firmware build certified on the PTCRB website. The new update (17.1.A.2.36), follows on from the last certified version with build number 17.1.A.1.2 i.e. moving the firmware template from 17.1.A.1.X to 17.1.A.2.XX. At this stage we don’t know whether the Xperia Z2 devices wil launch with this firmware or whether it will be a day one update. The Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet are expected to launch in Europe from early April.

Thanks difwwh!

Sony introduced the SPA-TA1 Tablet Attachment to help people mount their QX10/QX100 lens-style cameras to larger devices such as the Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Tablet Z. It will fit onto any device with a width between 85mm and 190mm. If you want to see how the SPA-TA1 fits together check out the pictures below, you will also see the attachment fitted to an Xperia Tablet Z and an Apple iPad. There is still no word of a western release for the SPA-TA1 Tablet Attachment, but we’ll let you know if that changes.

Via MARCO KAO 3C Blog.

Sony is expected to launch the Xperia Z2 tablet by early April across most markets worldwide. Below you will find the first unboxing video that we have come across for the Xperia Z2 Tablet courtesy of Middle Eastern site TechView.me.

This particular version unboxed is the white colour that comes with a matte-like finish on the back, much like the Xperia Tablet Z. There are minimal accessories included in the box – just a charger, USB cable and documentation. See the video below including a quick look at the tablet booted up. The Xperia Z2 Tablet is expected to launch in the UAE and Saudi Arabia during the first week of April 2014 for AED/SAR 2,499.

Via TechView.me.

Thanks Ajit!

Sony Mobile has this morning confirmed that the Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware update is now rolling for the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1 Compact. The company also confirmed that KitKat will hit the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z and Xperia ZR from the middle of Q2 2014 i.e. look for it in May.

Other handsets confirmed to get Android KitKat include the 2014 Sony Xperia handsets recently announced such as the Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia E1 and Xperia M2. However, Sony has not confirmed any timings for these handsets.

So what can you expect with the KitKat update? Well apart from the standard Android 4.4.2 features, especially on the performance side, Sony has added the following:

• A tweaked Status Bar and Quick Settings – More intuitive and customisable.
• The same launch animation and live wallpaper as the Sony PlayStation 4 adapted across the lock and home screens.
• Sony’s native app portfolio will be updated to the latest versions. This includes Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, TrackID TV, Sony Select and Smart Social Camera.
• Updated Media apps including WALKMAN, Album and Movies. Better Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories integration with a more intuitive UI and faster download speeds.

Judging by the changelog above, it appears to confirm our recent speculation that a number of new features seen in the Xperia Z2 will NOT be heading to the KitKat builds of the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact. This includes 4K video, Timeshift video, Tap to wake, Smart call handling, Smart backlight control and Glove mode (already included in the Xperia Z1 Compact).

Via Sony Mobile Blog.

We can confirm that the 16GB and 32GB Wi-Fi editions of the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet (SGP511, SGP512) are now shipping in the UK. The official Sony website now allows you to “Add to basket” instead of “Pre-order now” for these models. The LTE model ( SGP521) currently remains on pre-order.

One lucky reader managed to receive his Xperia Z2 Tablet this morning and sent over some pictures of the retail model. He was also able to confirm a number of details, for example, it looks like the Xperia Z2 Tablet does not include pencil stylus input as we had previously believed.

“Stylus” is still listed in the Xperia Z2 Tablet’s white paper and the Xperia Z2 lists “Stylus pen support”, so we don’t know whether a future update will enable this or whether this feature has been canned.

The Xperia Z2 Tablet ships with Android 4.4.2 firmware build 17.1.A.2.36, the last certified version. The settings also confirm the inclusion of Smart backlight control (keeps the screen on while you look at it) and Tap to wake up. Interestingly the tablet also includes vibration, which previous Sony tablets lacked.

There are no new settings for the camera, including no Steady Shot, the “Image Stabilizer” option remains from the Xperia Tablet Z. A number of camera apps are installed by default (Vine, AR Effect, Background Defocus, Timeshift Burst and Social Life). Looks like a great package overall with positive comments on how light the tablet is. It should start to roll out across other European territories within the week.

Thanks Piran!

Sony has started to ship the Xperia Z2 Tablet, well at least the Wi-Fi version, so it will be no surprise to learn that the user guides for both LTE and Wi-Fi versions are now available. The manuals should help answer any questions you may have on Sony’s latest tablet.

The LTE manual sits at 117 pages, whilst the Wi-Fi manual is 99 pages. You can download the English manuals below, user guides for other languages can be downloaded here for the LTE version and here for the Wi-Fi version.

Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE manual
Xperia Z2 Tablet Wi-Fi manual

Xperia Z2 Tablet LTE manual

Xperia Z2 Tablet Wi-Fi manual

A new firmware build has been certified by the PTCRB for the Xperia Z2 (D6502, D6503) and Xperia Z2 Tablet (SGP521, SGP541). Build number 17.1.A.2.49 looks to be an incremental update over the previous Android 4.4.2 KitKat build (17.1.A.2.36).

Whilst the Xperia Z2 is largely still waiting to be released, the Xperia Z2 Tablet is already shipping. So we would expect this new update to hit the Z2 Tablet in the coming weeks.

Thanks Ben and Rimas!

If you live in Europe and have been keeping a close eye on the Xperia Z2 Tablet, but haven’t bit the bullet yet, then you’ll be glad you waited. Sony is offering a 5 percent discount across all items on the Sony Store website (excluding the PlayStation 4) and this includes the Xperia Z2 Tablet.

To benefit, you need to use the code below and complete your purchase by Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 i.e. tomorrow. This will work across all of the European Sony Store websites. It means that for those in the UK, you can pick up the Xperia Z2 Tablet 16GB Wi-Fi for £379.05, which includes the DK39 magnetic charging dock. Seems like a great deal to us.

Sony 5% discount code: SORRY225

Michael Jackson fans will be treated to a new album of his unreleased work in May. The album called XSCAPE has been created in conjunction with top producers, such as Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain to “contemporize” the songs. The album will feature eight brand new recordings and will be released on 13 May 2014. A Deluxe version of the album will also include all of the recordings in their original form.

The great news for owners of select 2014 Sony Xperia devices is that you will be to download the album for free via the Xperia Lounge app. The promotion will be available to owners of the Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia M2, Xperia M2 Dual and Xperia Z1S (Xperia E1, T2 Ultra and Z1 Compact owners appear to be excluded). The promotion runs until 31st May 2014 and the album must be redeemed by 15th June 2014. More details can be found here.

Xperia Z2 tuned to deliver XSCAPE in full studio quality

– Hear Epic Records’ CEO L.A. Reid talk about the Xperia Z2 XSCAPE sound experience

Official teaser for XSCAPE

- Features album artwork and audio clip from the title track

Xperia Z2 promo video featuring ‘Slave to the Rhythm’ from XSCAPE

Via Sony Mobile Blog and Gizmodo UK.

Sony is continuing to polish firmware for the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet, as another minor Android 4.4.2 KitKat update has been certified for both devices with build number 17.1.A.2.55. This follows on from the previously certified version with build version 17.1.A.2.49. With the Xperia Z2 expected to start shipping in limited quantities later this month, it could mean this update is a day one update.

Xperia Z2 (D6502, D6503) firmware certified (17.1.A.2.55)

Xperia Z2 Tablet (SGP521, SGP541) firmware certified (17.1.A.2.55)

Thanks Rimas!

Sony created a dedicated case for the Xperia Z2 Tablet in the form of the Style Cover Stand SCR12. Sony only started to create its own cases last summer, when it launched the CP12 Power Cover for the Xperia Z Ultra. Other cases announced since then (excluding the QX10/QX100 camera attachment cases) include the SCR10 for the Xperia Z2 and SCR14 for the Xperia T2 Ultra.

As what typifies most Sony accessories, the SCR12 Style Cover Stand is not cheap – costing £39/€45 through the Sony Store in Europe. What you get for the money is a versatile case that can be used in various configurations, a very thin form factor, screen auto wake/sleep and a decent level of protection. Click through to read our review.

Sony SCR12 Style Cover Stand for Xperia Z2 Tablet Review

The packaging for the Sony SCR12 Style Cover Stand has a circular hole cut out so that you can feel the case’s material.

The back of the packaging gives some general information about the case…

…including the various configurations that the case can be used in. In this respect, it is one of the most flexible cases we’ve used for a tablet.

The case comes securely packaged in a plastic tray.

The front of the case has a small ridge in the middle to be used in one of the stand configurations. The front cover appears to be made out of thin textured plastic.

A SONY logo is printed in the left corner.

Another ridge can be seen on the back of the case close to the camera cut out.

The SCR12 case has a magnetic flap to keep the case closed when not in use.

Opening the case, you can see the rigid shell that the Xperia Z2 Tablet clicks into on the right.

Sony says the inside of the case has an “anti-skid surface”. It almost feels quite rubbery, which means you should be able to securely use the stand at various angles. One downside is that this texture does appear to pick up dust easily.

The rigid shell connects to a part of the rear, this design allows you to adopt various viewing angles.

The SCR12 Style Cover Stand with Xperia Z2 Tablet attached.

The tablet fits into the case via four corner plastic clips.

The magnetic latch can be folded back when the tablet is in viewing mode.

Sony has also designed the case with a wide arch cut out of the rigid shell. This design enables you to use the case with the DK39 magnetic charging dock without removing it from the case.

The camera cut out is a perfect fit for the camera and we noticed no obstructions when taking pictures.

The case is very thin and adds minimal bulk and weight.

The SCR12 Style Cover Stand weighs 278 grams. For reference, the Xperia Z2 Tablet weighs 426g (Wi-Fi models) and 439g (LTE model).

The case can be used in two pre-defined viewing modes i.e. where the ridges are. However, as the inside of the case uses an anti-skid surface, we found that you could use it at pretty much any angle.

This particular angle allows you to position the tablet so that it sits roughly one inch off the floor. It is designed specifically to use with the 3.5mm headphone jack, which sits on the bottom left of the Xperia Z2 Tablet.

Whilst it is great that headphones can be used in this viewing configuration, the stand didn’t feel at its most stable at this angle and was a bit tricky to set up correctly.

Other viewing angles that the Xperia Z2 Tablet can be used in.

Overall, we really like the flexibility that this stand offers. It can be used in a wide variety of angles, both in viewing and typing modes. The auto wake/sleep for the display is very handy and, these days, that is a prerequisite of all good cases.

The case itself didn’t feel the most sturdy, the front cover is quite thin but all four corners are covered by plastic clips. This means it should serve you will from bumps and scratches, but we’re not sure how well it would fare in a more serious fall. On the flip side, the case is very thin and light.

The minor shortcomings aren’t enough of a big deal for us to look elsewhere. We can see us using this case for a long time. However, the £39/€45 price tag seems steep to us. If the case was closer to the £30 mark, we could confidently say it was a ‘must-buy’ accessory. As it stands, if you can get past the asking price, you will be treated to a worthy companion for your Xperia Z2 Tablet.