Sony® Introduces Xperia® Z1S: Delivering the World's Best Camera in a Sleek Waterproof[1] Smartphone

USA - English

• Latin America - español

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Mobile Communications ("Sony Mobile") today debuts its new U.S. flagship Android™ smartphone, the waterproof¹ Xperia Z1^s. Building on the success of Xperia Z, the new Xperia Z1^s will be available as an exclusive to T-Mobile. Beginning today, consumers can pre-register to be the first to buy the device, with an online pre-sale kicking off January 13 and nationwide availability in participating T-Mobile stores and online starting January 22.  

The latest addition to the 'Z series' is a slim yet durable smartphone, crafted with premium materials to withstand life's surprises. Xperia Z1^s has an IP58 rating, making the device Sony's first waterproof flagship smartphone in the U.S. With a 20.7 megapixel camera, BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine, and Sony G Lens as well as a 5-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display and X-Reality for mobile², Xperia Z1^s is a stunning, premium waterproof smartphone bringing together the best of Sony's expertise across camera imaging, display and entertainment.

"As a waterproof smartphone complete with the best of Sony's technology, Xperia Z1^s breaks the mold of not only what you can do with a smartphone, but where you can take it," said Ravi Nookala, President, Sony Mobile Communications U.S.  "Building on the momentum of the successful partnership for the launch of Xperia Z, T-Mobile's shared vision of delivering an uncompromised mobile experience makes them the perfect exclusive partner to bring Xperia Z1^s to the U.S."  

Beginning January 13, T-Mobile customers can purchase Xperia Z1^s online at www.T-Mobile.com for $0 down with 24 equal monthly device payments of $22³ with the Simple Choice Plan. As a special pre-sale promotion, Sony Mobile is providing customers with a $100 VISA gift card with purchase of a Sony Xperia Z1^s and a Sony PlayStation^® 4 ("PS4") for a limited time from Jan. 13 – 21.⁴ Additionally, every Xperia Z1^s comes with a unique entertainment offer. You get six great movies to download from Video Unlimited including Sony Pictures' critically acclaimed Captain Phillips on the day of its digital release, 10 preselected PlayStation^® Mobile games, and a 60-day free trial of Music Unlimited.

"We are excited to extend T-Mobile's partnership with Sony and to build on our success with the Xperia Z," said Jason Young, Senior Vice President of Marketing of T-Mobile. "At T-Mobile, people can get unlimited talk, text and data with no annual service contract, nationwide 4G LTE coverage, unlimited data and texting in over 100+ countries and upgrades when they want. Now, with the exclusive addition of the Xperia Z1^s people have yet another great reason to come to T-Mobile."

The world's best camera in a waterproof smartphone¹
Whether it's braving the rain to get front row shots of your favorite band or taking the "selfie" to a whole new underwater level, Xperia Z1^s makes fear of using your phone around water a thing of the past. Further developing the water-resistant capabilities of Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1^s can be completely submerged in freshwater up to 4.9 feet for 30 minutes, making it waterproof¹ (as per IP58 rating) and with its physical camera key, you can even use the device to shoot photos and videos underwater. It also incorporates wet finger tracking technology, to ensure the phone works perfectly when either the screen or your fingers are wet.

Whether above or below water, Xperia Z1ˢ leverages Sony's best digital imaging technology to capture compact digital camera quality 20.7 MP photos and Full HD videos. For the first time in a U.S. flagship smartphone, Sony has added its BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine – the 'brain' of the camera, which together with the sensor, produces images with less noise or blurring, better auto-focus and white balance, and clear image 3x zoom. Sony's camera expertise also extends to the lens, with Sony's award-winning G Lens (F2.0), which incorporates the brand's unique optical design technology and quality control.   

More than just photos and video
Innovating on what's expected of smartphone camera capabilities and overall experience, the Xperia Z1^s comes preloaded with a unique suite of applications called Xperia Camera Apps. Making their debut on a U.S. flagship smartphone, these applications include Info-eye™, Timeshift burst, AR effects, Social live, and as an exclusive to Xperia Z1^s, Background defocus.

Info-eye™: Perform a visual search that provides related information on items like wine, books, and landmarks, simply by capturing them with the camera

Timeshift burst: Capture 61 images within two seconds - a second before and after pressing the shutter - so you can scroll back and forth to find the perfect image.

AR effect: Overlay a selection of fun, customizable animations to create pictures with playful touch using the "SmartAR" augmented reality technology developed by Sony. The animations include dinosaurs, ocean-life and more.

Social live: Broadcast memories in the making to friends and family on Facebook™, live from your Xperia Z1ˢ. Moments such as your best friend's wedding to your child's very first recital, are not only shared while you record, but are also made interactive as you receive your friends' responses right on your screen to keep the conversation going in real-time.

Background defocus: Adjust the blur in the background for more artistic, professional-looking photos, once only achieved by using top of the line D-SLR cameras or specific lenses, with this exclusive camera app for your Xperia Z1ˢ.

A gamer's handheld companion
The Xperia Z1^s brings an entertainment experience that only Sony can offer including free content as well as integration of Sony media apps with Sony entertainment services, including the new PlayStation®App for the connected gamer.

The PlayStation^®App allows direct access to various PlayStation^®Network features and information such as profiles, trophies, messages, notifications and game invitations, as well as news and blogs from the official PlayStation website. The app is also a companion app to the PS4™, allowing for a Second Screen feature in supported games, the use of the Xperia Z1ˢ as a remote control to the PS4, and the ability to watch friends' PS4 game play. Users can even purchase PlayStation^®Store game content from the device and download it directly onto their PS4, PS3™ or PlayStation^®Vita⁵ while on the go. Beyond the app, Xperia Z1ˢ supports the DUALSHOCK^®3 wireless controller, bringing a console-like experience to PlayStation^®Mobile games.

An immersive viewing experience
Xperia Z1ˢ features a 5-inch Full HD display incorporating Sony's intelligent TRILUMINOS Display technology powered by X-Reality for mobile picture engine².  The TRILUMINOS for mobile display creates a wide palette of rich natural colors reproducing 130% of the natural color gamut and contrast for an immersive viewing experience thanks to Sony's BRAVIA^® expertise. Paired with Sony's intelligent display technology – X-Reality for mobile², which analyzes each image to optimize resolution and sharpness – the display delivers an unmatched viewing experience.

Key features for Xperia Z1^s

• Waterproof¹, rated IP55/58
• Sony G Lens, 1/2.3" 20.7 MP Exmor RS™ for mobile image sensor and BIONZ™ for mobile image processing engine
• Preloaded Xperia camera apps including: Info-eye™, Timeshift burst, AR effect, Social live, and Background defocus
• 5-inch Full HD TRILUMINOS™ Display for mobile with X-Reality™ for mobile² picture engine
• PlayStation^®App - Connect to your PS4™ system and PSN friends, use your smartphone as a second screen and manage your game downloads
• Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 quad-core 2.2 Ghz processor, 3000 mAh battery, 4G LTE

¹ In compliance with IP57 and IP58, Xperia Z1^s is protected against the ingress of dust and is waterproof. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP 55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1.5 meter (approximately 4.9 feet) of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP58. The phone is not designed to float or work submerged underwater outside the IP57 or IP58 classification range that may lead to your warranty will being void.

² This is turned off by default and must be turned on in settings in order to experience.

³ If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone becomes due. Total $528. 0% APR O.A.C. for well-qualified buyers

⁴ The Sony Mobile $100 Visa Gift Card offer is sponsored by Sony Mobile USA and redemption of the offer is provided through mail-in rebate. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 or older. Begins 1/13/14 at 9AM ET & ends 1/21/13 at 11:59PM ET. Void where prohibited. For official terms and conditions, visit www.sonymobile.com/xperiaz1s-exclusive-offers

⁵ Video contents cannot be purchased through PlayStation®App. A User must be a member of PlayStation®Plus to download content directly to a PS Vita system

* In compliance with IP55 and IP58 standards, Xperia® Z1S is protected against the ingress of dust and water. Provided that all ports and covers are firmly closed, the phone is (i) protected against low pressure jets of water from all practicable directions in compliance with IP55; and/or (ii) can be kept under 1.50 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes in compliance with IP58. The phone is not designed to float or work submerged underwater outside the IP55 or IP58 classification range that may lead to your warranty being void. To find out more, go to more www.sonymobile.com/testresults.
**This feature is only available when you play music using the "WALKMAN" application.
*** Memory comprises approximately 7 GB of firmware, plus 25 GB of "Internal storage" for music, pictures and movies, and downloaded applications and their data.
****Values are according to GSM Association Battery Life Measurement Technique. Battery performance may vary depending on network conditions and configurations, and phone usage.

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
For more information, images and videos please visit: www.sonymobile.com/pressreleases
Sony Mobile Communications, U.S. Communications & PR department
General Press: [email protected]

T-Mobile US, Inc. Media Relations: [email protected]

About Sony Mobile Communications
Sony Mobile Communications is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation, a leading global innovator of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Through its Xperia® smartphone portfolio, Sony Mobile Communications delivers the best of Sony technology, premium content and services, and easy connectivity to Sony's world of networked entertainment experiences. For more information: www.sonymobile.com

About T-Mobile US, Inc.
As America's Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: "TMUS") is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. The Company's advanced nationwide 4G and 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences for customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. It currently serves approximately 45 million wireless subscribers and provides products and services through 70,000 points of distribution. For more information, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

Legal
1) Operational times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. playing games. 2) Icons displayed are for illustrative purposes only. The homescreen may appear different in your product.

Sony, Sony Mobile, TRILUMINOS, Music Unlimited, Music Unlimited logo, BIONZ, G Lens, and BRAVIA are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. Xperia and Info-eye are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Mobile Communications AB. PlayStation, PS4, PS3, PS Vita, DUALSHOCK 3 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions. Snapdragon is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Facebook is a trademark or registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. All terms are subject to change without prior notice.

Additional information regarding trademarks may be located on our website at: www.sonymobile.com/global-en/legal/trademarks-and-copyright/.

Video with caption: "Sony Xperia Z1^s Product Beauty Video". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HT3jzknQ-g&feature=youtu.be

Image with caption: "Sony logo". Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140106/NY41090-a

Image with caption: "Sony Xperia Z1^s". Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140106/NY41090-b

SOURCE Sony

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