The Sony Xperia Play Thread

tuxy

This phone is now very good value. €160 prepay with 02 and if you buy in the carphone warehouse it's unlock.

This phone will probably become very popular at that price.
There was a thread on bargin alrets that was very active but is now locked.
I'm just starting this thread to see if it would be best to keep xperia play talk in one thread.

With a phone like this I know there will be lots of talk about emulators so please only talk about emulators talking about how to acquire roms is not allowed

Here's the old thread
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056444282

And here is a link to an emulator guide for the play
http://www.xperiaforums.net/forum/xperia-play-games/119-xperia-play-emulation-guide.html

I also have a question for anyone in the know.
What's the best way to root the phone?

wes

tuxy wrote: »

I also have a question for anyone in the know.
What's the best way to root the phone?

You can unlock the bootloader here:

http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/instructions

tuxy

Thanks. Will that clear my user data? I'm just after setting everything up the way I like it.

Also I enabled pattern unlock but it still has the slide to unlock screen first.
Is there a way to disable slide to unlock and just have pattern unlock

south

FIFA 12 Currently Free For Xperia Play
FIFA 12 has recently been released for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play. The whole Xperia range has the flagship footy game for an exclusive period on Android and the Play’s slide out game controls seem to make it a perfect fit.

The best news for Xperia Play owners though, is that the game is currently free in EA’s Xperia promotion. Play owners can grab four free EA games by jumping into the game launcher and selecting what they want to download. Also included is the rather good mobile version of Dead Space and Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

The promotion runs until early 2012 so if you’ve got an Xperia Play on your list to Santa this year, you should still have time to nab your free games once you’ve got it set up and had a quick go on Tetris.

FIFA 12 on the Xperia Play looks quite impressive and I’ve been told that it plays similarly to the PSP version of past FIFA games.

Source: Press Release.

http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2011/12/01/fifa-12-currently-free-for-xperia-play/

south

Sony Ericsson XPERIA and LG Optimus handsets to get 50 GB of storage courtesy of Box.net

tuxy

Wow, after thinking I bricked my phone I now have doomkernel loaded and theb phone overclocked to 1.5 ghz. Whatever rom came with my phone just would not boot with it so I had to load the standard uk rom 4.0.2.A.0.42 using flashtool and then replace the kernel with doomkernel v08 and flash the wifi driver.
Phone is great overclocked, some emulation that previously had slowdown is now smoother.
I also removed some of the Sony Erickson junk using titanium backup

So happy with this phone

wes

I take it you unlocked the bootloader fine. Not actually got around to doing it myself. Will probably do it in the next couple of weeks.

tuxy

Yeah unlocking the bootloader is no problem. SE made it very easy

user2011

Not sure if this is the right place to post point me in the right direction if not.

Got the Play today but can do feck all cause i cant connect to my home wifi. I've digiweb with a belkin n300 router any idea's to solve this?

tuxy

I don't know much about this so not sure I can help.
Can it detect your network at all?

user2011

Yeah it sees the network. I put in the network key then it just goes into a loop of authenticating and disconnecting from the network.

Also on the router it has two lights and a button (WPS) the light above this button flashes orange when trying to connect.

Edit. Also this first time with a smart phone so going totally blind here

tuxy

You could try taking the security off the access point and connect the phone. Then download wifi manager( it's the app I use to connect over wifi) on the phone from the android market. Enable security again and then see if you can use the app to connect.

Beekay

Great idea for a thread! A quick q. Is unlocking the bootloader the same as rooting? I just want to root the phone to delete any useless stuff taking up the phone memory!

Edit: Also does being on the latest update 2.3.4 affect my ability to root? And will rooting delete all my stuff?

RedXIV

Have one of these on the way I bought from 02 and I just want to know how to unlock it for other networks. I'm assuming rooting it alone won't do it?

tuxy

Beekay wrote: »

Great idea for a thread! A quick q. Is unlocking the bootloader the same as rooting? I just want to root the phone to delete any useless stuff taking up the phone memory!

Edit: Also does being on the latest update 2.3.4 affect my ability to root? And will rooting delete all my stuff?

Before I unlocked my bootloader I tried this

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859

2a) DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit [v3]

I was then able to run titanium backup free to remove apps

I was on 2.3.4 when I did this

tuxy

RedXIV wrote: »

Have one of these on the way I bought from 02 and I just want to know how to unlock it for other networks. I'm assuming rooting it alone won't do it?

I don't know of any free way to sim unlock the play.
There are reliable people over on the xda forums that can get your phone unlocked for you but they charge $20-30

RedXIV

tuxy wrote: »

I don't know of any free way to sim unlock the play.
There are reliable people over on the xda forums that can get your phone unlocked for you but they charge $20-30

That wouldn't bother me too much. if there's anyone you recommend, pls feel free to recommend, either in here or by PM.

user2011

Me and tech do not mix easily.

But got there in the end. Thanks tuxy for the replies/help the wifi manager sorted it straight away.

user2011

@RedXIV just follow this guide too see if its possible to unlock bootloader http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/instructions

Then if it is follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034371

Should be unlocked after that and free of charge

RedXIV

user2011 wrote: »

@RedXIV just follow this guide too see if its possible to unlock bootloader http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/instructions

Then if it is follow this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1034371

Should be unlocked after that and free of charge

according to that thread, branded ones (including 02, dammit ) can't be unlocked with the above method

cheers tho!

tuxy

No probs user2011, I'm glad that worked

RedXIV wrote: »

That wouldn't bother me too much. if there's anyone you recommend, pls feel free to recommend, either in here or by PM.

Yes branded phones can not have the bootloader unlocked by the normal SE method.

I got the phone from carephone warehouse so it was sim unlocked. I just noticed some users on the xda forums were recommending other users for unlocking services.

Check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1090
Use the search and try to figure out who to go with.

I'm impressed with the battery in this phone. Even with very heavy gaming sessions it still lasts a day which is unusual for a smart phone.

Chet T16

I found this

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285285

No success yet but i'm report back if i get it working

user2011

RedXIV wrote: »

according to that thread, branded ones (including 02, dammit ) can't be unlocked with the above method

cheers tho!

You might be lucky. I was, i got mine off O2 when it was posted in Bargain Alert forum a few weeks back

RedXIV

user2011 wrote: »

You might be lucky. I was, i got mine off O2 when it was posted in Bargain Alert forum a few weeks back

did it work for you? Mine is from 02 also

user2011

RedXIV wrote: »

did it work for you? Mine is from 02 also

Yeah worked no probs

Just punched in those numbers in the first link to see if it was possible and it came up yes. Just followed the rest of the steps through

McFry

Could anyone recommend a case? I'd like a leather one but I'd also be willing to try out a plastic shell if any are decent. Suggestions?

Rockin

user2011 wrote: »

Yeah worked no probs

Just punched in those numbers in the first link to see if it was possible and it came up yes. Just followed the rest of the steps through

So did you manage to network unlock your handset ?

user2011

Rockin wrote: »

So did you manage to network unlock your handset ?

I haven't tried other sims yet cause the phone came to me faulty, the sim tray was fcuked. Only got it back today

Rockin

user2011 wrote: »

I haven't tried other sims yet cause the phone came to me faulty, the sim tray was fcuked. Only got it back today

Sorry to hear that, hope it's fixed now. Will you try it and post if you managed to unlock it, I'm not too keen on a software unlock because you have to remove serial number sticker and connect testpoint to earth :eek:

user2011

Rockin wrote: »

Sorry to hear that, hope it's fixed now. Will you try it and post if you managed to unlock it, I'm not too keen on a software unlock because you have to remove serial number sticker and connect testpoint to earth :eek:

Forgive the ignorance but is unlocking the bootloader unlocking other networks? Or is it two seperate things.

tuxy

user2011 wrote: »

Forgive the ignorance but is unlocking the bootloader unlocking other networks? Or is it two seperate things.

They are different. Sim unlock allows you to use sim cards from any mobile network. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to run custom versions of the android kernel.

user2011

Looked a right prat there lol.... :pac:

tuxy

user2011 wrote: »

Looked a right prat there lol.... :pac:

Not really, a few weeks ago I wouldn't of had a clue. I'm still learning too

Chet T16

Chet T16 wrote: »

I found this

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285285

No success yet but i'm report back if i get it working

No luck with this, i can connect and it goes through the motions but bootloader unlock is still showing as not allowed

antocann

McFry wrote: »

Could anyone recommend a case? I'd like a leather one but I'd also be willing to try out a plastic shell if any are decent. Suggestions?

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/120739012637?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_2049wt_1396

i baught this , and its decent enough
free screen protector also

tuxy

antocann wrote: »

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/120739012637?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_2049wt_1396

i baught this , and its decent enough
free screen protector also

Good to hear, I ordered it last night. Seems like good value

antocann

tuxy wrote: »

Good to hear, I ordered it last night. Seems like good value

you can still slide it open to play games with is the best thing

Mycroft H

Is the warrenty voided by rooting? o2 btw...

tuxy

Rooting I'm not so sure about but it definitely is by unlocking the bootloader

Oafley Jones

FIFA 12 really is excellent on this. Massive improvement over the quite shoddy 10 release. Beyond messing about with Monkey Island and wolfenstein 3d on the iphone this is the first time I've actually enjoyed playing a game on a phone. The game pad really makes a huge difference. Bought the phone on a whim to keep me occupied until I picked up one of the new high end devices but now I'm wondering why I'd part with it. At 150 euro it's probably the best value piece of tech I've bought.

Beekay

Oafley Jones wrote: »

FIFA 12 really is excellent on this. Massive improvement over the quite shoddy 10 release. Beyond messing about with Monkey Island and wolfenstein 3d on the iphone this is the first time I've actually enjoyed playing a game on a phone. The game pad really makes a huge difference. Bought the phone on a whim to keep me occupied until I picked up one of the new high end devices but now I'm wondering why I'd part with it. At 150 euro it's probably the best value piece of tech I've bought.

Make sure to download dead space...really good game!

RolandIRL

Have a €50 voucher for CPW, worth getting it? i'm not sold on the whole idea of smartphones tbh, would it be difficult to get used to the touchscreen after 6+ years of using a keypad?
how is it sizewise (fit into a jeans pocket?) and on durability (can it be dropped without breaking it to pieces)?

cheers

tuxy

RolandIRL wrote: »

Have a €50 voucher for CPW, worth getting it? i'm not sold on the whole idea of smartphones tbh, would it be difficult to get used to the touchscreen after 6+ years of using a keypad?
how is it sizewise (fit into a jeans pocket?) and on durability (can it be dropped without breaking it to pieces)?

cheers

I was the same when I got my first smart phone 6 months ago and now would be lost with out it.

Touch screens are easy to get used to and you can type fast if you hold the phone sideways as this gives you a bigger keypad. Only down side is you have to look at the phone to type, with the older phones I could compose a message with out taking the phone out of my pocket.

Fits into jeans pockets no problem. The play is a little on the heavy side but that doesn't bother me.

I wouldn't like to see what happens if it was dropped, they are much more delicate. Not like the old Nokia's you could hop off walls.
I have a cover ordered from ebay so that should help protect the phone.

Do you like computers and technology? If you do you will have great fun leaning what smart phones can do.
If you don't it's probably best to stick to the older style phones.

Tayla

Oafley Jones wrote: »

FIFA 12 really is excellent on this. Massive improvement over the quite shoddy 10 release.

How much are the games for the phone?

For anyone with the PS3 are there any integration features between that and the phone?

tuxy

Tayla wrote: »

How much are the games for the phone?

For anyone with the PS3 are there any integration features between that and the phone?

Sony have secured some top EA titles that are currently free to xperia play owners. (Fifa 12, Dead Space, Need for Speed, Battlefied BC 2)

Most other games seem to be about €2 on average.

If you own or decide to buy some Playstation 1 games there is a way to convert them to work on the play. Not all of them work but I have had a high sucess rate with my PS1 games.

RolandIRL

cheers tuxy, might just get one to see what the fuss is all about :P i still have my old brick of a nokia to do me if i want to go back.

though is there a reason why the xperia play has gone so cheap? €160 seems a bit too cheap for a decent smartphone

Oafley Jones

RolandIRL wrote: »

cheers tuxy, might just get one to see what the fuss is all about :P i still have my old brick of a nokia to do me if i want to go back.

though is there a reason why the xperia play has gone so cheap? €160 seems a bit too cheap for a decent smartphone

They werent selling at all. The phone shop I bought mine in had never sold one until the offer started, which is a story I've heard elsewhere. Their initial price was ridiculous but you'd think they might have started reducing them about the 250 mark to gauge interest.

tuxy

Yeah, they were selling for the same price as dual core cpu phones with twice the ram and better screens. I probably would have paid up to €250 for it.I couldn't believe when I first heard of the huge price dive.

RolandIRL

Just the small price tag made me think it was a bit shít, much like a €60 smartphone in CPW i was also looking at.

still a bit undecided on it, but i'll make my mind up eventually :P

Beekay

tuxy wrote: »

Before I unlocked my bootloader I tried this

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1312859

2a) DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit [v3]

I was then able to run titanium backup free to remove apps

I was on 2.3.4 when I did this

Didn't work for me unfortunately!
Anyone else know a way to root the xperia play? I'm searching on google and what not but it can all get confusing so any help would be great!

McFry

antocann wrote: »

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/120739012637?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_2049wt_1396

i baught this , and its decent enough
free screen protector also

Thanks very much. That looks perfect! Had seen similar ones on Amazon but this is cheaper and looks a bit better, Screen protector sweetens the deal.