Hey guys! This is a quick review of the Sony Xperia Z1 Power Jacket battery case, courtesy of Brando Workshop.

If you’ve got a Z1, you know that the battery life isn’t stellar considering its size (3000mAh). You either need to make sure to charge it every evening, carry around a charge cable and hope to be near a plug, or have an external battery pack on hand. I’ve been there a few times. This is where the Power Jacket comes in.

Essentially, it’s a slim case for your Z1. It offers back and side protection. It’s got a cutout for the camera, and a handy little kick stand. The shining feature, though, is the built-in 3200mAh battery pack. It offers a bit of protection and extra juice in a very slim and comfortable case design.

The Power Jacket charges the Z1 via the magnetic charge port on the side. The case itself charges via a micro USB port on the bottom. It slides on the Z1 quite easily and covers up the micro SIM and microSD slot covers. The case is simple enough to get on and off for this not to be an issue. It has a rubbery finish on the back, and a soft, felt material lining the inside.

Overall, the case performs well for the price. I would have liked to have seen some top and bottom protection, considering this is a case. It also would have been great if the battery in the Power Jacket was larger as it doesn’t give out a full charge to the Z1, even though the case battery is higher rated. I do like that I can stop and start the charge by pressing the button on the rear of the Power Jacket, though.

Check out this full video review for a hands on experience.

Order yours today!

Image Credits: Shop Brando

The post Review: Power Jacket for Sony Xperia Z1 appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Today Sony announced that they have released the open source code for their two flagship devices, the Xperia Z Ultra and the Xperia Z1.

Sony has not traditionally been a presence lately in the mobile market in the US, but they have been working hard to get attention in 2014. First Sony released the Xperia Ultra Google Play Edition, then last week they released the Xperia Z1S for T-Mobile, both of which are great phones. The Z Ultra is a very large but very capable device and the Xperia Z1S is the T-Mobile version of the Xperia Z1. These are flagship devices that pack the latest and greatest specs into a water and dust proof body. If you have not already, they are worth a look as your next device.

#opensource archive for #XperiaZUltra now published – sw vers 14.1.B.3.320 http://t.co/nipNGFGCTt

— Sony Developer World (@SonyXperiaDev) January 27, 2014

#opensource archive for #XperiaZ1 now published – sw vers 14.1.M.0.184 http://t.co/oOU6yTZZQo

— Sony Developer World (@SonyXperiaDev) January 27, 2014

Source: @SonyXperiaDev

The post Sony Releases Open Source Code for Xperia Z1 and Z Ultra appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Sony Xperia Z1 is getting an update to software version 14.1.G.2.257 as we speak. Z1 owners with C6902 and C6903 have reported getting the update. No word on the changelog as of now, hit up Sony PC Companion to check for the update.

Source:-xda

The post Sony Xperia Z1 Update 14.1.G.2.257 Rolling Out appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Android 4.4 KitKat is just around the corner which can be judged by the number of leaks we have had in the last few days. Well rumors have already started floating about Android 4.4 KitKat updates for flagship phones. The latest in the list is the Sony Xperia Z1, as per rumors the Xperia Z1 will get Android 4.4 in November, in fact the rumor has a date of November 7th to be more specific. Skipping Android 4.3 and jumping to Android 4.4 is an applaudable move from Sony and a lot of Z1 owners would be more than happy with the decision.

Once the Xperia Z1 gets Android 4.4 Sony will later roll out Android 4.4 for the Xperia Z and Xperia Z Ultra.

Source:-gsmareana

The post Rumor:Sony Xperia Z1 Getting Android 4.4 KitKat in November appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Sony Xperia Z1 users now have CyanogenMod love. CyanogenMod 10.2 build is now available for Xperia Z1, of course you need to have an unlocked bootlader. For unlocking the bootloader on your Xperia Z1 head over to soymobile. The only known issues with the current CyanogenMod 10.2 build Xperia Z1 arw with the camera and notification leds. To download CyanogenMod 10.2 for Xperia Z1 head here.

Installation Instructions:-
* Extract boot.img from rom file, also place zip file in root of internal memory
* With phone powered off, presse and hold VOL+ and plug usb cable, this should put you into fastboot mode.
* From fastboot mode push boot.img (extracted above) by using fastboot flash boot boot.img
* Issue fastboot reboot
* when the led goes purple, press volume + or -
* from cwm install the zip

The post CyanogenMod 10.2 Available for Xperia Z1 appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Sony Mobile released the open source kernel files of Sony Xperia Z1 for build 14.1.G.1.518. Xperia Z1 is the latest flagship Android smartphone from Sony Mobile launched at IFA event in Berlin,Germany earlier this month. Though it’s not yet launched in the US, Xperia Z1 was made available in countries like India.

You can download the kernel at Sony Mobile developers website here. If you are not aware yet, Sony Xperia Z1 features staggering specs like

5 inch FULL HD ( 1080p ) Display
2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor
2 GB RAM
16 GB internal storage along with microSD card support upto 64GB
Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi, NFC
3000 mAh battery
20.7 rear camera with 1/2.3-type Exmor RS sensor for mobile CMOS image sensor
2 MP front camera
Dust and water resistant (IP55 & IP58),with acclaimed OmniBalance design featuring durable tempered glass and solid one-piece aluminium frame
Android 4.2.2 JellyBean

Source : Android Police 

The post Sony Xperia Z1 kernel sources released appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Someone in China just beat iFixit :P. Yes the Xperia Z1 just got the tear down treatment. In terms of design the Z1 is similar to the Z. Inside the phone you have a 3,000 mAh battery.

Unlike iFixit we do not have a repairability score but you do have some very detailed instructions on howto disassemble the Sony Xperia Z1.

For more pictures and a detailed description head over to the original link.

Source:-gsmarena

The post Sony Xperia Z1 Gets The Teardown Treatment appeared first on Android Fan Network.

ClockworkMod recovery is now available for the Sony Xperia Z1. Of course you need to have an unlocked bootloader and the firmware needs to be either 518 or 526.

Flashing is pretty easy, boot into fastboot mode and then issue below command from command prompt

fastboot flash boot nameoffile.img

To boot into recovery you need to issue below command

adb reboot recovery

For more details and download links head over to the original thread at xda.

The post ClockworkMod Recovery Available For Sony Xperia Z1 appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Even though the tool is in Chinese xda member krabappel2548 has written a guide which is very easy to follow.

Happy rooting the Xperia Z1 when you get your hands on it.

The post Sony Xperia Z1 Rooted appeared first on Android Fan Network.

Sony just officially announced the Xperia Z1 leaked multiple times as Xperia Honami at IFA in Berlin. Keep in mind it’s pronounced zed 1 and not zee 1. The camera software has been open sourced so as to allow developers to add more features to the Sony camera app.

Here is the official video from Sony:-

Below are the specs of the Xperia Z1:-

• Sony’s G Lens: A lens with F2.0 and wide angle 27mm as well as 3x clear image zoom.
• BIONZ for mobile: Image processing engine with the algorithm from Sony’s leading digital compact cameras. It ensures pictures have less noise, fast auto-focus as well as high stable images for video shooting, preventing shots from being blurred.
• 1/2.3-type Exmor RS for mobile CMOS image sensor with 20.7MP: high sensitivity sensor capturing huge amounts of detail for sharp, crisp images, even in low-light conditions
• Dust and water resistant (IP55 & IP58), with acclaimed OmniBalance design featuring durable tempered glass and solid one-piece aluminium frame
• Qualcomm Snapdragon™800 quad-core 2.2 Ghz processor, 3000 mAh battery, 4G LTE
• Xperia Camera Applications such as Social live which broadcast to Facebook. More applications will be available to download from Sony Select.
• Memory – RAM 2 GB, Flash memory up to 16 GB, Expansion slot microSD™ card, up to 64 GB.
• Available in black, white and purple colour variants

Source:-sony official blog

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