What is it?
The full HD and 3D LCD flatscreen series from the Sony Bravia stable.
What's special about it?
Well, this is when we say the future of home entertainment is truly here. Imagine having a full HD, 3D ready which connects to your home's Wi-Fi to access the power of the internet. Add a svelte and classy silhouette to that and you have a droolworthy device that can be the statement piece in any home.
Are we really ready for 3D?
The market is flooded with so-called 3D-enabled products which cost a fortune. But 3D content is not widely available, especially here in the UAE. Sony has cleverly gotten around this dilemma by offering you a 3D transmitter and a pair of glasses as optional so you can go 3D at your own pace. Just plug in the transmitter when you're ready.
What else is noteworthy?
Yes, technology is all good but when it comes to devices, there's nothing like a beautifully designed product. The guys behind the HX925 series' beautiful monolithic design say they started with the philosophy that television should look incredible even when you're not watching it. And what a looker it is. The Bunshin speaker stands (which can be bought separately for other Bravia models), complete the minimalist clean-line look and makes the panel reclinable for a nice, comfortable tilt. But of course, you can also hang it on your wall.
There is also something Sony calls the Bravia Sync. Again here, the company says the philosophy is that entertainment should never be hard work. The set lets you link all compatible devices for a one-push start-up/shut-down process and, depending on your other devices' make, you can also operate them using just the Bravia remote control.
Another favourite element is internet connectivity. Connected to a Wi-Fi or directly through cable, Bravia TVs let you watch several video websites including YouTube. There are also widgets, specially created by Sony, that can access news, weather and social-media sites at the press of a button. You can also make video calls using the pre-installed Skype application. What's more, iPhone or Android-enabled phone users can download a free app that can be used as a remote control.
So what's the damage?
The Sony Bravia HX925 comes in two sizes: 46 inch (Dh9,999) and 55 inch (Dh12,999) inches which includes the Bunshin speaker stands. They are available in the UAE at all leading electronics retailers.
Update
Let's Play!
It's finally here. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, the first PlayStation-ceritified Android smartphone, hit UAE markets last week. Besides all the niceties that come with a top-class smartphone, the Xperia Play comes with pre-installed games and a refreshed user interface. Available for Dh2,999 at all Jumbo Electronics stores.
Apple vs Samsung: The latest scores
It's getting hotter in the war of lawsuits between Korean giant Samsung and the very American Apple. Since the beginning of 2008, the tally of US cases in which either side has been a party reads Samsung 259, Apple 260, according to the Financial Times. Whatever the outcome, the geeks in us only hope this will lead to better, and cheaper, gadgets.
— Staff Report
Big boys and their toys
Discovery Communications Inc announced last week it is launching a television network for rich guys and their toys. Called Velocity, the network, whose target audience is men with an income of $150,000 (Dh550,957) a year and more, will go live in September. "We just felt like this was a space missing in the marketplace," said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications. While there are no plans yet for a network to appeal to rich women, Discovery also operates the Oprah Winfrey Network, TLC and Animal Planet — networks which mostly cater to "strong" women, Zaslav added. No word on UAE availability yet.
— AP
