Related
... whats the first things you'll be doing with it...?
what apps to be installed?
what accessories will you be purchasing?
I stuck on vPlayer, google maps, google body
sent across a few movies, a few high def pics, and familiarised myself with the layout of stuff - I keep losing the 'back' button and also sadly only just realised the 'home' button is like a little house (not an UP arrow which I thought for awhile!)
However, I now think I should get myself one of the portfoilo cases (unless anyone has a better alternative?) to keep it tidy and it doubles up as a stand by the looks of it which will be handy.
also will be wanting to invest in a bluetooth retro gamepad/wii controller and try out PSX/n64 games - would love to be able to play some of those again without having to set up my old consoles!
will try and dig out an old bluetooth keyboard and see if that works too perhaps
oh and a HDMI cable
For me I have stuck a load of app onto it, messed around with the browser, stuck a few HD vids on there, and messed around with the home screen. I tell you what, the browser is phenomenal, can't believe how good it is, changing the plugins to on demand only does help massively. Battery life seems good so far, but who can tell this far in, mine came with 66% charge on it, charged to max and im still going this mlorning, done a help of a lot on it too, played a few game whilst listening to the radio at the same time (tunein radio), watching you tube, and watching my videos. Im thinking of getting a case for it too, but I really want a dock for it aswell, im thinking that speaker HD dock might go nicely with it.
Got the portfolio case as it doubles as a stand too... grabbed from Currys before it was on the shelves
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App
Lothaen said:
Got the portfolio case as it doubles as a stand too... grabbed from Currys before it was on the shelves
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is that motorola portfolio case ? Doesn't it make it too thick and heavy ?
First apps where Angry birds RIO / Samurai vengeance HD / Mobo player / Quick office Pro HD
Now i need to find a good and nice racing game for it + a nice case (Portfolio)
Nothing special. Just putting it through all the use cases of my I pad and remembering how cool it is to multitask again. Vendetta online is pretty cool as well
i just wanna try gtalk as I have not used it before, anyone wants to try it out with me send me a pm with your email and I shall add away
Xoom is amazing
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
TheGrub said:
How is that motorola portfolio case ? Doesn't it make it too thick and heavy ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd have to dig up the review (I think I read it here) but if I recall correctly the Motorola Case is terrible! Roughshod plastic that has the potential to scratch the outside casing.
I initially wanted a to get a gelskin rubber casing, but probably will end up with a portfolio case. I would just read the accessories sub-forum.
Got the case with me at work but not the xoom - so I don't know how heavy it makes it or anything yet - not till I get home tonight - but the case itself doesn't seem very heavy at all really - I can't imagine it adds that much too it.
i like the portfolio case, doesn't add much weight to the tablet at all. The outside feels good and the inside doesn't feel like it would scratch the back of the XOOM at all
Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY 4G Review
"Bringing mobile smartphone gaming out of the touch-screen ghetto has never been better!"
The review's done, but I'm sure some tweaks could be made before it's truly complete.
Tell me what'cha think! Feel free to let me know if there's any extremely crucial things I neglected to mention.
I think you've been overly enthusiastic. You've failed to mention some shortcomings which may be important:
1) The device is meant to play games, but acquiring them is not something necessarily automatic. Gameloft, EA and others have been getting away with redirecting the user to their own stores and complicating the buying experience needlessly. And let's not forget the puny internal memory. The device is meant to play games, and the user is not supposed to go to XDA and find his hacks. Another jack-of-all-trades like the Samsung Galaxy S does have a lot of internal storage.
2) The device is meant to play PSX games (or so says Sony), but more than 6 months after it's out, there are none of those games for Verizon users and there are 6 (six, sechs, seis) games for the international ones. Let's not forget the absence of two shoulder buttons either. That shows that Sony wasn't taking the device seriously as for its retro-gaming experience.
3) The buttons were all designed and placed by a drugged monkey throwing darts at a drawing. The power button, which you actually should be able to access without looking at the device, is etched in, making it hard to find. And to make matters worse, the LED which is supposed to NOTIFY you of things is practically invisible, located there. The volume buttons are hard to press and barely indistinguishable. Did I mention you should be able to locate and distinguish them in the dark too, as you may be actually listening to music on your device?
The Play has the virtue of being a very lovable device: once you actually grab it, it's what you say, the jack-of-all-trades that many of us gamers have been dreaming of since we were little. Plus, the software side is good and it's been improving with time. Once it gets phased out with time we will fondly remember it and probably keep playing games on it because it plays them so flawlessly, and it will probably last us a lot of time because it does everything quite well. However, you need to spend time with it to know its beauties and get over its quirks. None of that is needed with the good old Galaxy S2, with its freaking gorgeous supercolored screen and its huge size and its super-fast everything.
Here is a six-month review which you may have read already, made by the great XperiaBlog team: http://www.xperiablog.net/2011/10/11/xperia-play-six-month-review/ As you can see, they're mostly in agreement with you, but there are other things to consider aside of how well it plays games and how all-around nice it is.
Logseman said:
I think you've been overly enthusiastic. You've failed to mention some shortcomings which may be important:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see how the general point of me being overly enthusiastic could be true because I am enthusiastic about it... but I most certainly did mention the puny 400MB memory (twice, by mistake - making one mention sound totally out of place) as well as the notification light (which I also re-iterated a number of times).
The PSX emulation is a good point, but without PS Suite even being here, I have nothing to judge except that "filler" PlayStation Pocket app that not every R800 version has/can use. I could state the lack of PS Suite, but that's along the same lines as judging an unborn child for not ensuring the future of a family's business.
BTW, the lack of 2 triggers has already been accounted for... I'm sure you've seen the option of putting L2/R2 on the screen that PlayStation Pocket has (very effective IMO) and probably just didn't remember though.
Market division is also a good point - but that's not really something I can blame on the Xperia PLAY. It's EA and Gameloft's decision to fragment the market and that applies to all Android devices that can play their games. If anything, bringing that up would easily turn into a pro instead of a con since Xperia PLAY's Game Launcher congregates all that into one so that getting to the external markets is made just a bit simpler.
Still though, good stuff... I already have some ideas for changes.
Logseman said:
2) The device is meant to play PSX games (or so says Sony), but more than 6 months after it's out, there are none of those games for Verizon users and there are 6 (six, sechs, seis) games for the international ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a small correction, in Europe there are 10 (ten, zehn, dez) PSX games available:
Cool Boarder 2
Destruction Derby
Jumping Flash
MediEvil
Syphon Filter
Kula World
Everybody's Golf 2
Jet Rider
Syphon Filter 3
WipEout
Excellent review! I'm glad you recognized how awesome this phone is, but I feel like the GPS should have been more prominent. I mean, the Xperia Play has the best in-phone GPS I've ever used. I get a lock within seconds.
Once again great job on the review!
Two more quick things it seems, everyone else left off as shortcomings:
1. Finger prints on the screen: I had a Droid 1, wife has a Droid2 and 3 AND my Xperia seems to be the worst when it comes to fingerprints by far. I remember reading some early review a while back that also said the same thing. It seems the glass is missing some coating?
2. The 4 Android buttons do NOT light up!!
I still think this is horrible and can't believe Sony let this one leave the factory like this. AND to top things off, the buttons are placed next too each other. So in the dark NOT only can you not tell what button is which, u can't even see where one button starts and the other ends.
Yes, otherwise the review was very nice and I really need to check out that "hack" to move more apps to the SD card. The 400mb is another ridiculous thing.
PS: My last big dig is this one:
I love my phone as I assume all of you Xperia Play users do. BUT one of my biggest fears is that there is no follow-up.....where dose that leave us? The people that clearly love to be able to play games on our phones with physical buttons. Carrying around our old, deactivated (as a cell phone) WiFi only Xperia Play to use to play games. I really think Sony had something here but definitely fouled it up. From coming out in the US and the world 3 to 6 months later than it should to poor marketing to, still in my opinion, few games. Honestly, I still can not believe how big of a sales disappointment this phone has become. I was really expecting this phone to take off!!! It really had a niche and not just another iPhone wannabee copy. If you disagree I ask you two questions:
1. Have you ever actually seen/ met in person anyone else who has one?
2. Not every Verizon store carried the phone even when it was newer. (This was back in July)
Sad, I know.....
I haven't had a chance to read any of the reviews yet, but did anyone note that the buttons are way too hard to press without activating something on the screen due to the very small gap? I installed an Otterbox Commuter case which puts a ridge around the bottom so now it's almost impossible for me to press a key without also tapping on the screen. It was already difficult enough without the case but you could at least take note and be careful. Now I keep accidentally deleting email and such while I'm DELIBERATELY trying to avoid touching the screen!
I don't know what some of you are complaining about tbh, the only problem with the buttons is why did they bother putting a search button on it? Who actualy uses the search button?
And the fingerprint thing, I don't know if it's all models, but you realise there's a screen protector on it, right?
The only problem I haven't seen mentioned is the auto-rotate is abit to eager for a phone that big. Using it one handed and trying to press something on the left side of the screen often ends with the whole thing rotating when I don't want it to.
shiftylock said:
Excellent review! I'm glad you recognized how awesome this phone is, but I feel like the GPS should have been more prominent. I mean, the Xperia Play has the best in-phone GPS I've ever used. I get a lock within seconds.
Once again great job on the review!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! And now that you mention it, the GPS is quite a bit snappier than it is on any other device I've used... then again, only ones I've used are the Xperia X10, my dad's Archos 500GB and my bro's Motorola Atrix.
It's made even a bit better because the original FW's had some serious connection issues. I had WiFi and GPS connection issues all the time, but 2.3.4 seems to just make everything absolutely badass.
The Alpha Gamer said:
The only problem I haven't seen mentioned is the auto-rotate is abit to eager for a phone that big. Using it one handed and trying to press something on the left side of the screen often ends with the whole thing rotating when I don't want it to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I notice that a bit too when trying to browse the net in bed. Sounds a bit nitpicky and it definitely isn't a dealbreaker, but just for the sake of my review not being just raw, unstoppable praise, I might find some way to work that in
The Alpha Gamer said:
Who actualy uses the search button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do
It's a bit easier for me when searching the market, it quickly leads you to the "Xperia PLAY Optimized" search results of the market when you're in the Xperia PLAY Game Launcher, and you can tie a long-press function to it (if you're one of the people who care about stuff like voice controlling your phone while driving with Vlingo).
the Xperia play has its flaws, but I personally love the device and it will last me another year before I invest in newer devices.
TheCraig said:
the Xperia play has its flaws, but I personally love the device and it will last me another year before I invest in newer devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the rate it's getting games, I'm definitely gonna be interested more than a year
I was originally gonna go for raw power, but now that I have this phone in a place where I can measure and compare against my friends that have the Atrix, EVO 3D and Galaxy S2... Xperia PLAY, with it's Adreno-accelerated single-core is running Dead Space and Samurai II: Vengeance just as smoothly as the *top-tier* phones. Sorta makes me wonder what the point of all that power is.
TLRtheory said:
At the rate it's getting games, I'm definitely gonna be interested more than a year
I was originally gonna go for raw power, but now that I have this phone in a place where I can measure and compare against my friends that have the Atrix, EVO 3D and Galaxy S2... Xperia PLAY, with it's Adreno-accelerated single-core is running Dead Space and Samurai II: Vengeance just as smoothly as the *top-tier* phones. Sorta makes me wonder what the point of all that power is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I remember in July/August it had about half the games it has right now, Gameloft are optimizing one of their games at least once a month now, Xperia play is almost a year old and only now its getting good games.
The Alpha Gamer said:
Who actualy uses the search button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use long pressing on the search button to pull up Quickdesk which I really like for multitasking.
You're right that I don't use the search button for anything else, but that's why it's a perfect shortcut key for Quickdesk. I would be sad if there was no search button
Totally read this title as "After 5 MINUTES of ownership..." Hahaha. Oops! Anyway, I think anyone who has an Xplay loves the crap out of it. It's a shame more people aren't picking it up, it's truly the ultimate device, even if just for the emulator/gamepad duo amazingness alone! I love this phone so dang much.
OK, so I've now read your real-world usage reviews and I have to ask: Did neither of you guys notice the complete lack of a timer or notes application?
With no prior Android experience and coming from the perspective as a long-time iOS user who is also very critical of iOS, I considered it a shortcoming of Android to have no base functionality to compare to such basic tasks for a smartphone.
Now, what's with the lack of features that they promote on their website? They once promoted a 3D Panorama image capture function but they killed it for some reason and edited it out of the feature list online. I suspect that this is due to the faulty/erratic motion sensor problems. I noticed last week on the same feature list that they were still promoting a screen capture tool activated by the power button when, even after updating, there was no such function. After mentioning it on their forums, there is now a "To enjoy this feature, you may need to update your phone software." message under it and another feature that isn't there yet even with the most current update: Gesture input function. The Verizon version has that message on an additional feature: The front facing camera with various video chat support.
I also find some of the "optimized" games have TERRIBLE default controls for it. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a good example. Download the demo and just try aiming with the virtual analog sticks and you'll right back to using the infinitely-better touch screen in disgust. Perhaps some mention could be made of it? Shadowgun isn't much better.
Erikwithafro said:
Totally read this title as "After 5 MINUTES of ownership..." Hahaha. Oops! Anyway, I think anyone who has an Xplay loves the crap out of it. It's a shame more people aren't picking it up, it's truly the ultimate device, even if just for the emulator/gamepad duo amazingness alone! I love this phone so dang much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what tells me that there must be something seriously wrong with mine.
Everything I did would hang, FC, crash, or chug. Even emulators were a problem. I just exchanged it so we'll see how things go.
You see, you have been a victim of AT&T, and of poor marketing. We R800i owners have screenshots, a proper front-facing camera and so on. No 3D panorama, of course, we didn't expect it with our crappy camera.
By the way, the lack of a default timer and notes app (among others which ch are natively offered in iOS) is something paradigmatic. It means that you can download them yourself. If you have seen some Android forums, you may have found many people who are developing ROMs and content which wipes most of the phone's default applications. People don't necessarily value what comes with the phone.
Nice review the play is getting better with all the new games.
SE have also supported their whole XPERIA line extremely well I say they have come from being the worst to the best .
Don't worry anout some of the critics of your review no phone is perfect, this is a very good first attempt at a gaming SmartPhone. Lets hope SE make a sequel.
ministroni said:
I use long pressing on the search button to pull up Quickdesk which I really like for multitasking.
You're right that I don't use the search button for anything else, but that's why it's a perfect shortcut key for Quickdesk. I would be sad if there was no search button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe, I actually use it for Auto Rotate Switch off app. I find the Xplay to rotate way too often if I tilt it just a little bit. Gets annoying at times.
Oh god I love my play so much. I thought about getting the galaxy nexus!! But no SD card slot no dice I have a 32 gb card won't let it collect dust.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
enerp8 said:
Just a small correction, in Europe there are 10 (ten, zehn, dez) PSX games available:
Cool Boarder 2
Destruction Derby
Jumping Flash
MediEvil
Syphon Filter
Kula World
Everybody's Golf 2
Jet Rider
Syphon Filter 3
WipEout
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone confirm that its possible to purchases these if you change the market's region or are will still stuck with it recognizing US hardware revisions?
Seriously, since I've started working, I have had no time to play my console games. At night, I come home and I can't be asked to switch on my PS3, especially when I'm dying to go to sleep. So in the end I've decided to sell my PS3 as it is really gathering dust and that practically puts an end for the fun time I had with console gaming.
Now, I have had the xperia play for many months. At night, before I sleep, I have a quick game since it doesn't take too long to set up and that I can quickly turn the phone off and doze to sleep (a guy has to have some form of entertainment in a day right?) This has been going on for a while now, been playing these 'mobile' games not entirely in excitement, but just to appreciate why I have bought this phone. HOWEVER, everything has changed since the last week. I liked my phone a week ago but now, I completely LOVE IT!
Ever since the Onlive service has come out, I can play CONSOLE games on my phone and in quick succession. People may think I'm strange for playing console games on my phone. But in my situation, this is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Seriously, I can't live without my phone and despite whether the rumours are true that the sales of the phone is down the dumps, this is perhaps the most underrated phone OF ALL TIME! I even get thoughts to buy a second xperia play incase Sony decide to stop producing these phones and I hate buying second hand phones!
So overall what I'm trying to say is. If the Xperia Play does stop in production, I can only hope to get a phone, which has a gamepad and the onlive system is released on it! I can't believe that I can play console games, mobile games, watch movies, read books, make phone calls on one device. I really do hope the xperia play does well, if it fails.....and I lose or break my phone. I've really had it lol.
cheers man!
Just think about me, i love this phone as much as you, AND i can't access onlive 'cause it's not effin working in my region (wake the ef up italy!).
Still, i'm in your exact same position. Get back home, everyone's asleep, i just dive in my bed, earphones, and pop in some good old Link to the past, some secret of mana, some Fire emblem and that's all i need for my gaming life
I used to have emulators on my pc, but then i got an arrow to the... sorry, i mean, i had a whole bunch of emulators on my laptop but i just uploaded them on my xplay for me to enjoy!
I have to totally agree aswell, iv had a tmobile pulse then a wildfire then a blade then a desire, im not really a gamer but i really liked this phone, 4inch screen, 1ghz processor, and to make it even better i got one of ebay for £130, £20 less than what i paid for my desire, and i love this phone so much, games are excellent, dont really care about flaws cause they dont bother, i even like the SE home launcher lol, nice to see a positive thread rather than a negative one.
damn i'd love stock SE launcher IF it had panorama view. One of the occasions in which i use the phone the most is when it's hooked up in my car, and have to navigate in portrait is hellish, but it's even worse when i need to send an sms and i use google's voice recognition, the window pop up in portrait making correcting and typing while driving practically worse than doing it without speech recognition
driving and typing is unsafe and illegal here ...unfortunately people dont care and it makes driving much more risky for everyone
pelly_jelly said:
cheers man!
Just think about me, i love this phone as much as you, AND i can't access onlive 'cause it's not effin working in my region (wake the ef up italy!).
Still, i'm in your exact same position. Get back home, everyone's asleep, i just dive in my bed, earphones, and pop in some good old Link to the past, some secret of mana, some Fire emblem and that's all i need for my gaming life
I used to have emulators on my pc, but then i got an arrow to the... sorry, i mean, i had a whole bunch of emulators on my laptop but i just uploaded them on my xplay for me to enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not working in Italy? Thats ridiculous. Its in the EU, and theres not that much to translate.
ricosuavez35 said:
driving and typing is unsafe and illegal here ...unfortunately people dont care and it makes driving much more risky for everyone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah it's illegal here too, illegal and stupid, that's why i don't use stock SE launcher From the first time that google voice recognition got his italian translation i've been using it like crazy. That's another thing that's way implemented in android and most of the times goes almost unnoticed (at last, here)
Its not working in Italy? Thats ridiculous. Its in the EU, and theres not that much to translate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Italy too, I confirm it's not working. I mean, I can play demos and stuff fine using an apk got here on xda, and translations aren't a problem of course. The problem is I can't purchase anything. The only way to do that is to make someone else do the purchase on our accounts and then refund them.
rubbergnome said:
I'm in Italy too, I confirm it's not working. I mean, I can play demos and stuff fine using an apk got here on xda, and translations aren't a problem of course. The problem is I can't purchase anything. The only way to do that is to make someone else do the purchase on our accounts and then refund them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! I though he meant he couldn't connect Yeah, I don't think I can buy stuff here either.
U.S. first, second and third I guess...
I agree with you jajabinx.
I love this phone as well. If anything did happen to it as you mentioned I don't know what i'd do.
But still there's games coming out for it as well like Virtua Tennis and Sonic 4 which works with the gamepad so hope not lost just yet...
And I love the 4.0'' screen. It's gorgeous and It's huge !
I think 2012 will be a very good year for the Xperia Play
pelly_jelly said:
damn i'd love stock SE launcher IF it had panorama view. One of the occasions in which i use the phone the most is when it's hooked up in my car, and have to navigate in portrait is hellish, but it's even worse when i need to send an sms and i use google's voice recognition, the window pop up in portrait making correcting and typing while driving practically worse than doing it without speech recognition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean, landscape view? 2.3.3 only supported a landscape lockscreen and you had to trick it into showing even that but 2.3.4 does support landscape. It only does it with the slider extended, but it does do it.
Nope, it does it when its in the dock. Its triggered by the magnet that's in the dock so you could fix a small magnet to your carholder to trick it into working.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
jajabinx35 said:
Seriously, since I've started working, I have had no time to play my console games. At night, I come home and I can't be asked to switch on my PS3, especially when I'm dying to go to sleep. So in the end I've decided to sell my PS3 as it is really gathering dust and that practically puts an end for the fun time I had with console gaming.
Now, I have had the xperia play for many months. At night, before I sleep, I have a quick game since it doesn't take too long to set up and that I can quickly turn the phone off and doze to sleep (a guy has to have some form of entertainment in a day right?) This has been going on for a while now, been playing these 'mobile' games not entirely in excitement, but just to appreciate why I have bought this phone. HOWEVER, everything has changed since the last week. I liked my phone a week ago but now, I completely LOVE IT!
Ever since the Onlive service has come out, I can play CONSOLE games on my phone and in quick succession. People may think I'm strange for playing console games on my phone. But in my situation, this is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Seriously, I can't live without my phone and despite whether the rumours are true that the sales of the phone is down the dumps, this is perhaps the most underrated phone OF ALL TIME! I even get thoughts to buy a second xperia play incase Sony decide to stop producing these phones and I hate buying second hand phones!
So overall what I'm trying to say is. If the Xperia Play does stop in production, I can only hope to get a phone, which has a gamepad and the onlive system is released on it! I can't believe that I can play console games, mobile games, watch movies, read books, make phone calls on one device. I really do hope the xperia play does well, if it fails.....and I lose or break my phone. I've really had it lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use it every day like this but i love it too for making all of the above possible.
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk
I think it's the best phone of all time too, and I quickly came to realise, it's the device I've always wanted. Tekken 3 in my pocket! And of course I can customise the phone any way I want, play music and video, put my social life on it, go on the internet etc.
If the Play didn't exist, I'd just have whatever inexpensive to own Android that can browse the web smoothly and can run video at its own screen resolution. I didn't upgrade my previous iPhone 3G to an iPhone 4/whatever because I realised the only game I was playing with a touchscreen for longer than a day was Scrabble / Words with Friends.
I think the law of diminishing returns has set in with the newer phones... Given the need to have a small screen to fit in your pocket, (honest question) what is the purpose of future phones with more processing power for that small screen, if not for games, and physical controls are what makes games fun. 5 minutes on Sonic CD with and without the gamepad proves that... At least, what is a purpose worth tying yourself to a more expensive contract for? (£150 handset price + £10 a month giffgaff sim for a phone this capable was so cheap!)
Im agree. This phone not the best for it specs, but this really the best for all off it purposes, it fit for our daily life.
We can do all thing for convenience with only 1 device, the XPlay.
- Clear screen
- High quality stereo speaker
- Good music quality
- Great camera
- Very good 720p camcorder
- Fast Internet
- Best mobile gaming experience.
etc, etc... so much good stuff in this 1 device, i will never regret buying these phones, will never change to other phone again except Play successors.
the only lacking stuff is a HDMI out port.
This phone is awesome. I came from the Motorola atrix and that is a powerful phone. I still like it. But i realized that i actually don't need that much processing power. I make calls, txt, music, surf the the net, light youtubing... and games... i almost never touch. And i am a gamer.
So what's wrong? Touchscreens just suck! I cant stand playing on it. And i don't like a lot of these new mobile touchscreen games. I got the play for a really good price and I'm so glad i did! I have more fun on gameboy advance games then anything on the android market. Plus the play with its "subpar" specs does everything the atrix can do at roughly the same speed. Dual core is unfortunately such a waste on phones right now. They aren't truly optimized yet.
I would love to see a successor to the play. But who knows if that will happen...
Yeah I agree. Touchscreen does suck! It's like your thumbs cover half of the screen and to be honest there's just no enjoyment playing on a touchscreen.
It just feels so nice playing with physical buttons.
You have that extra space between your hands and the screen.
Oh, and I love my Xperia Play, my first Android Smartphone it's just got everything I need.
I don't know why but the screen is a beast. Okay, it may not use the Bravia Engine but still it's so crisp,clear and HUGE! bigger than an iphone screen
Best purchase eva !
AtomicKoala said:
Oh! I though he meant he couldn't connect Yeah, I don't think I can buy stuff here either.
U.S. first, second and third I guess...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US and UK first, second and third
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
Shadowgun is a joy to play now thanks to the new update.
Analog touchpads work great
I think Nexus Q seems to be interesting. Don't know whether I will buy it.
Worth it... if....
tthaz777 said:
I think Nexus Q seems to be interesting. Don't know whether I will buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...if you get it off ebay for $200 w/ free shipping instead of the list price of $300+shipping and tax from the android market. If development takes off (which is looking good so far) you will definitely wish you would have gotten one new in box off of ebay not instead of waiting later. I can't imagine it will be long before people have all kinds of cool stuff running on this thing. Dev's have already got some nice preliminary work tests: launcher's running, netflix, pong, installing and running apps through adb. Good things are ahead.
Currently if you have a jellybean device you can push Google Play music and movies/tv shows as well as youtube. If you only have an ICS phone or tablet you can control it with the help from bobukcat. He has put together a super easy tutorial on how to use the Nexus Q with an ICS device (here) until Google puts out their updated app for everyone down to Gingerbread. With this I can only get Music. I don't own any tv or movies through Google Play so i cannot say if that works...
Being that I already use Google Music for my music it is nice not having to physically connect my tablet/phone to my receiver when i want to listen to music and do other stuff with my device at the same time. Google streams whatever quality your original file was so they will sound the same as the mp3s you have ripped. Last I looked Google's max bitrate supported is 320kbs and 20,000 uploaded songs. I don't think purchased song count towards your song count (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
All in all tthaz777, I'm glad I picked one up. The thing looks fantastic and construction quality is great. It has a satin finish so no nasty finger prints. The visualizations are cool and the boot sequence has a futuristic look. The convenience factor is great. Development possibilities wide open.
**I haven't hooked them up to analogue speakers yet so I cannot attest to how well their "audiophile grade amp" works. Anyone try this yet??
abw0046 said:
...if you get it off ebay for $200 w/ free shipping instead of the list price of $300+shipping and tax from the android market. If development takes off (which is looking good so far) you will definitely wish you would have gotten one new in box off of ebay not instead of waiting later. I can't imagine it will be long before people have all kinds of cool stuff running on this thing. Dev's have already got some nice preliminary work tests: launcher's running, netflix, pong, installing and running apps through adb. Good things are ahead.
Currently if you have a jellybean device you can push Google Play music and movies/tv shows as well as youtube. If you only have an ICS phone or tablet you can control it with the help from bobukcat. He has put together a super easy tutorial on how to use the Nexus Q with an ICS device (here) until Google puts out their updated app for everyone down to Gingerbread. With this I can only get Music. I don't own any tv or movies through Google Play so i cannot say if that works...
Being that I already use Google Music for my music it is nice not having to physically connect my tablet/phone to my receiver when i want to listen to music and do other stuff with my device at the same time. Google streams whatever quality your original file was so they will sound the same as the mp3s you have ripped. Last I looked Google's max bitrate supported is 320kbs and 20,000 uploaded songs. I don't think purchased song count towards your song count (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
All in all tthaz777, I'm glad I picked one up. The thing looks fantastic and construction quality is great. It has a satin finish so no nasty finger prints. The visualizations are cool and the boot sequence has a futuristic look. The convenience factor is great. Development possibilities wide open.
**I haven't hooked them up to analogue speakers yet so I cannot attest to how well their "audiophile grade amp" works. Anyone try this yet??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your long reply. You must be a Nexus fan.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Just bought one on eBay for $205 sealed new in box
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Now that XBMC is running on the Q, I will be picking up at least one of them.
I am interested to know how many of you have experienced faults I have read about while frequenting these forums.
The reason for me wondering this is because my Xperia PLAY is just out of warranty (2 years) and I'm considering buying a new handset while I can as it seems to be out of production, and before long all that will be available is used devices. The device didn't succeed much in terms of android updates and support from Sony (they had too much invested in the DOA PS Vita) but alas, no other device compares to it in terms of gaming with particular regard to emulator support. This is primarily a gaming-centric device (hdmi-out would have made it golden) and I honestly don't see its crown being taken any time soon. I think this is reason enough for me to hold onto one but unsure of if a new one in warranty is necessary, hence the poll.
Tlrtheory has made several posts regarding his thoughts on the xperia play. He had moved XP to an HTC One-x and to an iphone 5 only to come back to an XP. Sorry I contact link any comments as I am away from my laptop. Will post some later.
Sent from my R800at using xda premium
Its definitely a fun little device to have, but I can't use it as a daily driver.
The XP does one thing well, and only one. Portable gaming.
While its inconvenient to carry around a Dual shock 3 and a separate device, its a much more pleasurable experience than using my XP. Dem joysticks.
If you have the opportunity, use a newer device in conjunction with an XP.
My main problem with my XP is that it showed its age rather quickly, and even using stock gingerbread, it can barely perform the games it used to blaze through. I'm unsure whether its my processor, the SD Card, or the device is just plain old, but the XP does not live up to its former glory.
After about a year, no matter what I tried, I was unable to perform basic tasks without encountering extreme amounts of lag, while gaming was un-enjoyable. Mine is collecting dust, with an occasional power on and play when my tablet is out of juice.
Sent from my Nexus 7
My experience with PLAY has been fantastic. It plays almost all available emulators at full speed. My only gripe was the amount of support from Sony was lackluster to say the least. But as a basic Android phone, it works splendid.
I haven't experienced any problems that I've read yet, I've gotten my phone stolen half way through its contract so the one I have now is about a year and a half years old. But the main problem people seem to report would be the flex cable.
Power button sometimes gets stuck and my volume buttons and back cover are VERY squeaky.
Actually my Power Buttons fine, it's just that the varnish has gone so now theres a massive LED light now..
And I'm not sure if this is normal but my R Trigger feels looser than the L Trigger.
The paint on the 4 front buttons (back,search,home, and settings) started to chip off and another big problem that hasn't happened to me yet but lots of people complain about is the flex cable
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)
Yes also for me, the paint is starting to come off.
AzNTypeR said:
And I'm not sure if this is normal but my R Trigger feels looser than the L Trigger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, its very loose :/ L is fine though..
The only other problem i have is my back button being too squishy, theres no force needed to push it!
I have had no problems with the power button because I never use it :silly: I mapped search to be power instead as its easier to access and I never used search lol
Zilch for me.
...the only problem I really have is that the previous owner messed up the front camera when replacing the flex cable. My original Xperia Play (which is now in the hands of a long-time friend) has absolutely NO hardware issues at all.
The only real problems were that:
• Internal memory sucked (which we can easily remedy with Link2SD - I've done it and now I have 471 installs while having 283MB free)
• Stock launcher was weak (also an easy fix - I've found ssLauncher to be the smoothest, most aesthetically appealing option)
• Stock browser was laggy (get Opera, it's not only the best mobile browser, but it's completely smooth on Xperia Play)
• Didn't natively come with notifcation toggles (which can be fixed with notifications)
...but by far and large... the biggest complaint is just that it's not "officially" supporting ICS. I take a rather extreme stance of "are you guys on crack?!" when someone tries to point this out as a valid point. This is not a damn iPhone... meaning it doesn't work on the same restrictive principles as the iPhone. On iOS, there's no getting around the fact that you need a newer FW to get features. On Android, we aren't so much affected in the same manner. Yeah 4.2.2 brings lock screen widgets... but everything dating back to 2.1 has already had those features through external apps like widgetlocker. We can get data management without 4.x.x, and even have that holo theme take over our Xperia Play. So, for us... anything above 2.3.7 is more of a bragging right... and it's a bragging right that compromises the stability of our games and compromises how much of the RAM we have... that ain't very "baller" to me.
Somebody give this guy a medal, please? Makes me love my XPlay even more (even if "she's" very sickly).
My xPlay is more than year old, and so far she don't have any hardware issues. And even when i get newer phone, i plan to flash some gingerbread rom without phone capabilities and use it as psx/c64 platform untill she dies in my hands...
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
My R800x is almost 2 years old, still have that despite moving to a R800at, which was in new condition. But both phones and my R800x are in great condition with no hardware issues whatsoever.
And despite playing with a GS3 for 2 weeks it was nice but didnt wave my flag, so I went, nah, and went back to my PLAY. No regrets when I moved from R800x to R800at, especially since i snagged a prototype AT&T model with no branding on it and it was already bootloader unlocked. Had to unlock the sim lock but that was no big deal. Is our phone dated hardware wise yes, but would I give it up for a GS4, nope. I know some people will think it odd and call me crazy but there is nothing like using this phone for some online MC3 or Lets Golf 2 or shadowgun or Bards Tale, or especially the Tiger Arcade CPS1/CPS2/NeoGeo emulators......
Best thing on the world for phone and gaming in my opinion. $ony needs to make another XP2, but doubtful since they want to try and resuscitate the Vita... anyways, no issues but per bliss.
ozzmanj1 said:
a prototype AT&T model with no branding on it and it was already bootloader unlocked. Had to unlock the sim lock but that was no big deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it have an hdmi out as the first demo units did or is it a later prototype without please?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
ps3taker said:
does it have an hdmi out as the first demo units did or is it a later prototype without please?
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No HDMI out, I had made a thread on it, see post 8 for images:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2088271
Noticed the ebay listing is gone, one of the photos showed the back with the battery out and it clearly states "Prototype not for sale", and on the bottom of the front keys there is a serialized number on it. Also the IMEI starts with 044 which I have read means its a proto model. If you'd like me to make a photo of the back let me know, of course I will blur out the last half of the IMEI #.
Edit - Added photos. See attached.
My contract ends next week and... I decided to stay with my XP. I know is little bit outdated and latest games not running smoothly but it's still fun.
Later someone mention that better is to connect to tv and use pad to play but try to do that waiting in queue or bus, during lunch time or waiting for your missus trying another dress...
If want to play good quality game I turn on my PC or Xbox.
Modified ROMs give us nearly all functions that new phones have. I not much gamer to have extra pocket device with me and smudging on screen to play is not fun either. I still have hope that Sony realize that chase after Apple, Samsung etc. Is not only copy other devices but to make some unique moves. Sometimes I thinks that get rid Ericsson was mistake, I used since 1018 long time ago.
Back to topic. I have my XP for 2 yeaes now, no major issues.
I have problem with touchpads, they not working always. I need to turn off phone, remove battery and they back. Tried different roms, kernel, back to stock and even send twice to Sony. I can live with that.
Heard that ribbon is problem. I have change that but it happen when fallen down to river with my XP inside pocket. When dried out phone back to life but later screen started flickering.
Sorry for boring post but I love my XP.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
ozzmanj1 said:
Tlrtheory has made several posts regarding his thoughts on the xperia play. He had moved XP to an HTC One-x and to an iphone 5 only to come back to an XP. Sorry I contact link any comments as I am away from my laptop. Will post some later.
Sent from my R800at using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I remember reading it and thinking I'd quite like a white XP too but all that is available for sale in the UK are used ones (don't buy used electronics) or grossly overpriced ones (£400+ for a 2011 handset? dafk!).
Replacing my XP with something different isn't really on my mind, but more just that of preserving a working one because it is still the damned best handheld you can get even if its capabilities as a phone are questionable. Its inevitable I will have to replace it eventually given that app developers won't support GB forever. When that day comes, Sony won't even be a brand I consider unless they get a grip on the future of PS Mobile and release an Xperia PLAY 2. It will be Nexus all the way for me with their great pricing and software support. But even then I will still want to hold onto my XP as a great gaming machine.
Its a great shame Sony doesn't realise the potential of a gaming/phone hybrid. The XP had a lacklustre launch with lacklustre specs with a lacklustre marketing campaign, and despite this it was still a great handset in many ways and earned itself itself a strong following. Sony (and pretty much any multinational company) only cares about the sales figures and not the big picture. Smartphones are and will continue to eat into dedicated gaming handhelds; PS Vita is the past and devices like the XP are what they need to move PS Mobile as a strategy going forwards.
Leraeniesh said:
Its definitely a fun little device to have, but I can't use it as a daily driver.
The XP does one thing well, and only one. Portable gaming.
While its inconvenient to carry around a Dual shock 3 and a separate device, its a much more pleasurable experience than using my XP. Dem joysticks.
If you have the opportunity, use a newer device in conjunction with an XP.
My main problem with my XP is that it showed its age rather quickly, and even using stock gingerbread, it can barely perform the games it used to blaze through. I'm unsure whether its my processor, the SD Card, or the device is just plain old, but the XP does not live up to its former glory.
After about a year, no matter what I tried, I was unable to perform basic tasks without encountering extreme amounts of lag, while gaming was un-enjoyable. Mine is collecting dust, with an occasional power on and play when my tablet is out of juice.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds very much like a hardware problem with your device, either that or the SD card. Its definitely not something I have experienced. I decrapified my handset from useless apps from day one and experience little to no lag, ever. Nexus+XP might be something I consider going forwards but the XP is definitely irreplaceable in terms of gaming, which is a shame.
Mega5657 said:
My experience with PLAY has been fantastic. It plays almost all available emulators at full speed. My only gripe was the amount of support from Sony was lackluster to say the least. But as a basic Android phone, it works splendid.
I haven't experienced any problems that I've read yet, I've gotten my phone stolen half way through its contract so the one I have now is about a year and a half years old. But the main problem people seem to report would be the flex cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I agree with you and everyone else in regards to the flex cable. It was clearly designed poorly to avoid ware.
I have a bad feeling that mine is slowly on its way too. It didn't used to make any noise when opening/closing the slider but it makes an unmistakably odd crackling noise now. This is the main reason I'm considering replacing it with a new handset while I can... not worth the heartache later
CyberScopes said:
Power button sometimes gets stuck and my volume buttons and back cover are VERY squeaky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only had my power button get stuck the once and I rarely use the volume buttons tbh.
The back cover is definitely very squeaky. I'm probably in the minority here but I'm a big fan of plastic housing for phones because of its durability and shock resistance, but the XP's back cover was poorly designed and adds to the growing list of problems for us 1st worlders, lol.
AzNTypeR said:
Actually my Power Buttons fine, it's just that the varnish has gone so now theres a massive LED light now..
And I'm not sure if this is normal but my R Trigger feels looser than the L Trigger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here with the R trigger. Its lost its springiness. This I think has something to do with how we hold our devices when making a call, so it seems Apple users aren't alone in "holding it wrong" lol.
abdel12345 said:
The paint on the 4 front buttons (back,search,home, and settings) started to chip off and another big problem that hasn't happened to me yet but lots of people complain about is the flex cable
Sent from my Xperia Play (r800x)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This started to happen to my device very slightly but since getting the Trident case, no further ware on the buttons has occurred.
TLRtheory said:
Zilch for me.
...the only problem I really have is that the previous owner messed up the front camera when replacing the flex cable. My original Xperia Play (which is now in the hands of a long-time friend) has absolutely NO hardware issues at all.
The only real problems were that:
• Internal memory sucked (which we can easily remedy with Link2SD - I've done it and now I have 471 installs while having 283MB free)
• Stock launcher was weak (also an easy fix - I've found ssLauncher to be the smoothest, most aesthetically appealing option)
• Stock browser was laggy (get Opera, it's not only the best mobile browser, but it's completely smooth on Xperia Play)
• Didn't natively come with notifcation toggles (which can be fixed with notifications)
...but by far and large... the biggest complaint is just that it's not "officially" supporting ICS. I take a rather extreme stance of "are you guys on crack?!" when someone tries to point this out as a valid point. This is not a damn iPhone... meaning it doesn't work on the same restrictive principles as the iPhone. On iOS, there's no getting around the fact that you need a newer FW to get features. On Android, we aren't so much affected in the same manner. Yeah 4.2.2 brings lock screen widgets... but everything dating back to 2.1 has already had those features through external apps like widgetlocker. We can get data management without 4.x.x, and even have that holo theme take over our Xperia Play. So, for us... anything above 2.3.7 is more of a bragging right... and it's a bragging right that compromises the stability of our games and compromises how much of the RAM we have... that ain't very "baller" to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well pretty much the same. I have only had minor issues so far with mine, with the R1 button losing springiness, ware on the front buttons and the housing scratching the gamepad. My main concern is with the flex cable; it now sounds unhealthy when opening/closing the device, where it didn't before. Do you notice anything with yours?
I agree with you. Link2SD is a REQUIREMENT for XP users and I never worry about internal storage any more.
Meh. I have no problem with the stock launcher. Sure it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of say a Samsung device but what it lacks in features is makes up for in simplicity and stability.
The stock browser was worse than aweful; it was atrocious. After a few weeks of using it I replaced it. Opera is indeed the best browser available for android. I tried Firefox and others, which were largely very unstable and overall just rubbish for multiple different reasons.
I agree on the ICS issue. though I do think it was something that could have been avoided if it had been released with current specs on launch day. But alas, it didn't and there's no point crying about it now. The real shame is not that it didn't get ICS, its that the lacklustre launch specs and sales campaign that probably stopped it from getting the sales it deserved and resultantly killed off much chance we had of seeing a successor to it.
Bakisha said:
My xPlay is more than year old, and so far she don't have any hardware issues. And even when i get newer phone, i plan to flash some gingerbread rom without phone capabilities and use it as psx/c64 platform untill she dies in my hands...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope its good health continues for you. Its gaming capabilities are definitely not in doubt, even 2 years later :good:
ozzmanj1 said:
My R800x is almost 2 years old, still have that despite moving to a R800at, which was in new condition. But both phones and my R800x are in great condition with no hardware issues whatsoever.
And despite playing with a GS3 for 2 weeks it was nice but didnt wave my flag, so I went, nah, and went back to my PLAY. No regrets when I moved from R800x to R800at, especially since i snagged a prototype AT&T model with no branding on it and it was already bootloader unlocked. Had to unlock the sim lock but that was no big deal. Is our phone dated hardware wise yes, but would I give it up for a GS4, nope. I know some people will think it odd and call me crazy but there is nothing like using this phone for some online MC3 or Lets Golf 2 or shadowgun or Bards Tale, or especially the Tiger Arcade CPS1/CPS2/NeoGeo emulators......
Best thing on the world for phone and gaming in my opinion. $ony needs to make another XP2, but doubtful since they want to try and resuscitate the Vita... anyways, no issues but per bliss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not crazy, I use the XP for all my portable gaming needs. Its a real shame we won't ever likely see a successor or even a challenger to it. But at least if the majority of devices stay working without the aforementioned faults, what remains is a great and unbeaten gaming device.
ps3taker said:
does it have an hdmi out as the first demo units did or is it a later prototype without please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was on developer units. Dire shame this feature never made the cut.
bartmw said:
My contract ends next week and... I decided to stay with my XP. I know is little bit outdated and latest games not running smoothly but it's still fun.
Later someone mention that better is to connect to tv and use pad to play but try to do that waiting in queue or bus, during lunch time or waiting for your missus trying another dress...
If want to play good quality game I turn on my PC or Xbox.
Modified ROMs give us nearly all functions that new phones have. I not much gamer to have extra pocket device with me and smudging on screen to play is not fun either. I still have hope that Sony realize that chase after Apple, Samsung etc. Is not only copy other devices but to make some unique moves. Sometimes I thinks that get rid Ericsson was mistake, I used since 1018 long time ago.
Back to topic. I have my XP for 2 yeaes now, no major issues.
I have problem with touchpads, they not working always. I need to turn off phone, remove battery and they back. Tried different roms, kernel, back to stock and even send twice to Sony. I can live with that.
Heard that ribbon is problem. I have change that but it happen when fallen down to river with my XP inside pocket. When dried out phone back to life but later screen started flickering.
Sorry for boring post but I love my XP.
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. Who the hell uses a dualshock controller or one of those ridiculously obese and unportable controller attachments? It looks and is retarded. People are mad if they think otherwise.
I also know someone who got their XP damp (dropped in puddle) and the ribbon went a few months later. Sounds like this is something to try and avoid.
Also, another problem is that the Front Camera's gone completely Green and Fuzzy. May be down to the amount of times that I've dropped it, before it wasn't that bad but now it simply refuses to work.
On my third Play, but not through anything breaking by itself. My first was stolen, my second didn't survive my dropping it in a sink full of water. Water = not good for sure, and I'm paranoid about the flex cable. Interestingly each that I had tried with let me overclock to 1.5GHz at stock voltage, but I use OC sparingly.
It's an absolute essential to get the Trident case IMO, it saved my last play from being dropped on concrete twice I'm sure and to protect the buttons. Honestly, if anyone is thinking about getting it and worrying about the price: please if you can at all afford it, just get it. It'll save you money on a broken phone some day.
And also honestly it's the only phone for me, even if imperfect. I can either choose between GB and some new 4.0+ only apps not being available (for me, BBC radio player), or ICS and some circle button and game incompatibilities (krisdee's Hybrid rom + LuPus ICS/GB 480p seems a viable combination for game performance and general stability at least though, which is great). Not tried JB. But either way, it's more game playing than I'd do on any device without buttons regardless of the specs. Even if it only played emulators, it would still be "cool" to me.
I agree Opera is the smoothest browser, I've always found that, particularly on GB. And yes the speakers are so very useful, I use it as a mini "radio" all the time.
I seriously don't know how you guys have problems.. i bought mine 2nd hand a year ago and only problem I've faced is the housing seems to fade/damage easily. going to replace it soon. otherwise no prob.