Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact announced at IFA

talkto · 28-04-2016 5:34pm

Hmm maybe I won't bother updating after all.

devnull · 28-04-2016 9:05pm

The weird thing is sometimes notifications show on the lock screen, sometimes they are hidden underneath, for example right now I have a Facebook and an Instagram notification there, but under it are notifications from other apps if I unlock the phone. There doesn't seem to be any pattern on which apps it happens with either.

Weird thing is if I press the power button to wake it up, and then press it again to put it back to screen off and wake it onc emore, the notifications vanish from the lock screen without me even unlocking the phone whereas before they'd stay there until they are dismissed.

Double tapping the power button quickly that sets the camera off is annoying as well, since if you press the power button to check the time and quickly press it again it starts the camera rather than turning the screen off, thankfully there is a setting to disable that.

Personally I haven't seen anything really good about this firmware yet. Losing Stamina and Ultra Stamina is a blow, since the new Android functionality isn't as good (certainly my battery life isn't as god) and the battery saver mode now dims the brightness to about 30% which cannot be adjusted, whereas in 5.1 it would do that you could manually slide it up a bit if you wanted. Here it's on or off, no customization, the old Sony stuff was much better and far more customisable.

The only good thing I've seen (and it's minor) is the estimated time to fully charged on lock screen when charging.

talkto · 28-04-2016 9:50pm

Can you go back to Lollipop?

I think I'll wait for Android N.

Not interested in taking the risk just for a few what sound like crappy "features."

devnull · 28-04-2016 10:05pm

There's for sure some weirdness with the lock screen, I'm starting to think it's not just notifications it's the lock screen in general that is bugged.

Reason I say that is I have no spotify controls on the lock screen about 50% of the time, I am playing something click the power button to wake it up and there is album art in background but no controls, just a clock.

I have to slide to unlock to get to the controls, sometimes however, the controls are there, sometimes they are not, just like with the notifications, sometimes some of them show, sometimes some of them don;t.

purple hands · 30-04-2016 11:29am

I've been looking for a replacement for my first gen moto g for aaaaages and then this z3 compact deal was posted a few days ago on hukd for anyone that might be interested:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/sony-xperia-z3-compact-149-vodafone-pyg-black-white-2436275?ppp=60

Ordered one last night and came to 192 euro. 3.95 for parcel motel and there are unlock codes on ebay for around 15-18 quid so will be roughly 214 euro all in.The vodafone store checkout was woeful, finally worked for me on internet explorer of all browsers after a few attempts. Will update once I get my hands on it and get it unlocked....

Can anyone recommend a decent case and magnetic charger? I see mentions of ringke fusion and cruzerlite bugdroid but would be interested to hear of people's experiences!

Edit: Bonus points for a case that fits in the dk48 charging dock!

devnull · 30-04-2016 11:36am

Managed to narrow the lock screen issue down.

It seems unlocking the screen will automatically clear any gadget or notification on the lock screen, but keep them in the unlocked notifications area, but if you lock again any gadget or notification will not appear.

This is seriously annoying with stuff like Spotify, because you have the controls on the lock screen, you unlock the phone to check something, relock the phone and there is no spotify controls since the unlocking cleared it, means that every time you want to access spotify you have to unlock the phone.

You still get the album art in the background however.

talkto · 01-05-2016 7:48pm

A tiny white dot appeared on the top left corner of my screen today. It eventually disappeared. I've no idea what caused it or what made it go away. There were no notifications and no new apps. I've had the phone for six months and never once saw this before. Does this ring any bells with anyone?

calnand · 02-05-2016 3:54pm

I updated as well, and lost use of Google now, I can do the "okgoogle" command and enter it that way but long pressing the home button doesn't work any more.

delly · 02-05-2016 8:31pm

talkto wrote: »

A tiny white dot appeared on the top left corner of my screen today. It eventually disappeared. I've no idea what caused it or what made it go away. There were no notifications and no new apps. I've had the phone for six months and never once saw this before. Does this ring any bells with anyone?

I've had the a lot of times, apparently some form of Google function.

Pangea · 04-05-2016 2:45pm

Any sign of the new android verison being released on this, will it ever be released?

barneyrub · 04-05-2016 9:52pm

Anyone had any problems with signal reception on the compact?
Lost all network couple days ago. Assumed my sim was corrupted somehow but got replacement sim today and not working.

Off to Vodafone tomorrow but this should be covered by warranty shouldn't it? Phone is 18 months old.
Tia

brevity · 04-05-2016 9:58pm

barneyrub wrote: »

Anyone had any problems with signal reception on the compact?
Lost all network couple days ago. Assumed my sim was corrupted somehow but got replacement sim today and not working.

Off to Vodafone tomorrow but this should be covered by warranty shouldn't it? Phone is 18 months old.
Tia

Was it after an update?

I had something similar happen with my Z3 and had to send it away to Sony for them to fix it, they gave me a new phone.

Vodafone might tell you to try and repair (I'm with Meteor and thats what they said to me) it via the sony pc software but that didn't work for me.

barneyrub · 04-05-2016 10:02pm

No not after update. Just restarted the phone and it was gone completely.

wheresmybeaver · 05-05-2016 7:35am

Pangea wrote: »

Any sign of the new android verison being released on this, will it ever be released?

xpericheck.com

talkto · 05-05-2016 11:55am

wheresmybeaver wrote: »

xpericheck.com

That is telling me that my network and phone model are ready for the update, yet my phone is not giving me the option to update. Why would that be?

wheresmybeaver · 06-05-2016 6:45am

talkto wrote: »

That is telling me that my network and phone model are ready for the update, yet my phone is not giving me the option to update. Why would that be?

You might want to try connecting your phone to your pc and checking for the update with sony's software.

Don't forget that if the site says the update is ready for Meteor IE then it's for phones that were sold originally by Meteor and have their custom firmware on there, even of you've since moved to another network.

I recently debranded my three phone to the generic UK firmware to get rid of the three boot logo and apps. You can do this too if you're still having issues getting the new update. I followed the instructions here: http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/03/12/install-xperia-marshmallow-using-flashtool-and-xperifirm-guide/

talkto · 06-05-2016 8:39am

wheresmybeaver wrote: »

You might want to try connecting your phone to your pc and checking for the update with sony's software.

Don't forget that if the site says the update is ready for Meteor IE then it's for phones that were sold originally by Meteor and have their custom firmware on there, even of you've since moved to another network.

I recently debranded my three phone to the generic UK firmware to get rid of the three boot logo and apps. You can do this too if you're still having issues getting the new update. I followed the instructions here: http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/03/12/install-xperia-marshmallow-using-flashtool-and-xperifirm-guide/

Thanks!

I bought my phone from Three, who I'm still with, and the list says Three (3 IE) and my specific model are ready for the update, but still no notification. I'll connect it to my laptop like you said and see what happens.

Although, I'm hearing a lot of bad things about Marshmallow so I don't know if I'll go ahead with the update.

talkto · 06-05-2016 8:45am

talkto wrote: »

Thanks!

I bought my phone from Three, who I'm still with, and the list says Three (3 IE) and my specific model are ready for the update, but still no notification. I'll connect it to my laptop like you said and see what happens.

Although, I'm hearing a lot of bad things about Marshmallow so I don't know if I'll go ahead with the update.

Connected phone to laptop, sony software said my phone software was up to date. Also, it was as if the cable kept coming loose (even though it wasn't) because it kept intermittently saying "No device connected" etc etc.

I think it just wasn't meant to be! Blessing in disguise maybe.

wheresmybeaver · 06-05-2016 7:05pm

talkto wrote: »

Thanks!

I bought my phone from Three, who I'm still with, and the list says Three (3 IE) and my specific model are ready for the update, but still no notification. I'll connect it to my laptop like you said and see what happens.

Although, I'm hearing a lot of bad things about Marshmallow so I don't know if I'll go ahead with the update.

Marshmallow is good other than a botched Bluetooth implementation, which in fairness doesn't seem to be Sonys fault as it affects other marshmallow devices from other manufacturers as well. Constant stuttering on Bluetooth audio.

Can't say doze makes any noticeable difference to me either, probably because I get a lot of pushover alerts.

talkto · 06-05-2016 7:20pm

wheresmybeaver wrote: »

Marshmallow is good other than a botched Bluetooth implementation, which in fairness doesn't seem to be Sonys fault as it affects other marshmallow devices from other manufacturers as well. Constant stuttering on Bluetooth audio.

Can't say doze makes any noticeable difference to me either, probably because I get a lot of pushover alerts.

I hadn't heard about this problem, and I use Bluetooth audio a lot. Relieved I didn't get to update, now.

delly · 10-05-2016 6:36pm

Just got the push notification on my Z3c and I'm on the three network.

devnull · 10-05-2016 6:40pm

talkto wrote: »

I hadn't heard about this problem, and I use Bluetooth audio a lot. Relieved I didn't get to update, now.

I thought it was my bluetooth headset going strange, but I guess it's down to the new version. It cuts out for the odd second every now and then

One point bluetooth stopped outputting audio completely and I had to restart the phone.

talkto · 10-05-2016 7:59pm

delly wrote: »

Just got the push notification on my Z3c and I'm on the three network.

I picked up my phone just now and it was 50% through automatically downloading Marshmallow. It never asked me if I wanted it or not, it just went ahead and started downloading it, while my phone was on standby. Bizarre.

Anyway, I'm going to let it go ahead with the installation and hope I don't regret it.

D'Peoples Voice · 11-05-2016 11:06pm

barneyrub wrote: »

Anyone had any problems with signal reception on the compact?
Lost all network couple days ago. Assumed my sim was corrupted somehow but got replacement sim today and not working.

I thought I read somewhere that if you disabled google now app it solved that problem. If I find the link, I will post it.

talkto · 12-05-2016 9:51am

I have Marshmallow now for 36 hours.

I haven't noticed any problems yet, although personalising the Do Not Disturb feature seems to be more difficult to implement than it was previously.

Besides that, things seem mostly the same as they were in Lollipop. I don't use things like Google Now on Tap or Google Cards, so that's irrelevant to me.

Bluetooth audio seemed to be working fine for me yesterday.

devnull · 12-05-2016 2:57pm

Disaster for me.

- Not being able to use spotify on the lock screen.
- Lack of true silent mode that also allows on screen notifications.
- Notifications hiding behind lock screen.
- Random crashes on opening of apps (the app doesn't even open, I just touch it and it tells me it stop responding)
- Reduced battery life (need to charge at least once a day now)
- Buggy Bluetooth Audio that is not fit for purpose.

Subcomandante Marcos · 13-05-2016 2:03am

I'm on 3 and still haven't gotten my over the air update for Marshmallow on my z3 Compact, have tried checking the software update app and plugged into pc companion and nada, says I'm up to date on 5.1.1

Any ideas?

devnull · 28-05-2016 9:14am

6.0.1 out on Vodafone for standard Z3.

Apparently a few minor fixes in there, my experience so far is that bluetooth audio seems better, however still issues with notifications on lock screen that appear to have got worse, it seems silent/do not disturb, which in 6.0.0 was not showing all alerts shows nothing at all now.

I woke up this morning to a blank lock screen staring at me with no flashing LED, swiped to unlock and found 2 x SMS, one missed call and various app notifications. Is it really so hard to go back to the old behaviour of having a silent mode so you are not disturbed by sounds but still having notifications showing?

The amount of times Android have changed this behaviour backwards and forwards in the last two years is crazy, surely the whole point of silent mode is you are not disturbed by sounds. The way it's been implemented you may as well have the phone in airplane mode or turned off.

sharkey 25 · 02-06-2016 8:43am

Hi lads

My z3 has stopped taking charge. The funny thing is this happened when at 50% battery. Since last note the battery level hasn't dipped below 50%. Has anyone ran into this issue before? Any solutions?Hopefully I can avoid a repair

Edit: I've used the diagnostics on the handset and it picks up the charger, but the charging light is not on and the level stays at 50%. Also battery status says discharging.
Thanks

sharkey 25 · 03-06-2016 1:21am

Phones clapped out now, dammit looks like a repair. Any got any voodoo tricks to share?

NIMAN · 03-06-2016 1:51am

Can anyone recommend a good VR headset to suit the Z3c?

TheChevron · 03-06-2016 9:56am

I tried updating my Z3c through pc companion the other day.

It failed. Every time I plug it in I get stuck in a loop of the Sony logo and "your software didn't install correctly..."

The phone wont charge. The phone wont turn on.,

I have tried reconnecting it holding the power and the volume key.

Nothing is working

I am at my wits end.....Please help. The sony forums are useless.

brevity · 03-06-2016 11:23am

Have you tried the repair option via the PC software?

Maybe get in touch with Sony directly...I think they have a online chat option.

cormie · 07-06-2016 8:47am

My Z3 Compact has been prompting me to do upgrade the system software (1007mb - probably the upgrade to the latest android version) for the last few days but because of what I've read on here with silence notifications etc I'm not too pushed about it. Has anyone else just ignored the upgrade because of this? Or have those who have upgraded, noticed any improvement?

TheChevron · 07-06-2016 9:28am

brevity wrote: »

Have you tried the repair option via the PC software?

Maybe get in touch with Sony directly...I think they have a online chat option.

Its gone back to the meteor shop now. It was still under warranty. Pain in the asss though.

ahnowbrowncow · 07-06-2016 9:32am

My z3 compact is f*cked since downloading the last update, soon as I make or recieve a call the phone locks until the call has ended, can't get to the keypad, change volume, hang up or even turn off the phone. Plus the call drops for a seconds seconds quite regularly now.

I did the software repair but no joy so I'll have to send it back to sony.

delly · 07-06-2016 8:40pm

cormie wrote: »

My Z3 Compact has been prompting me to do upgrade the system software (1007mb - probably the upgrade to the latest android version) for the last few days but because of what I've read on here with silence notifications etc I'm not too pushed about it. Has anyone else just ignored the upgrade because of this? Or have those who have upgraded, noticed any improvement?

I'm the same, it's the first upgrade that I haven't just jumped straight into. The constant notification is a head wrecker, like a little poke every time I need to check my now squished pull down menu.

Foreign Sports · 12-06-2016 7:44am

delly wrote: »

I'm the same, it's the first upgrade that I haven't just jumped straight into. The constant notification is a head wrecker, like a little poke every time I need to check my now squished pull down menu.

I know what you mean.

Every evening I get the prompt and every evening I delay by 24 hours...very tempted to choose the never option!

Testament1 · 12-06-2016 1:11pm

My father is having a problem with his Z3. He's missing calls because he can't get the call answer option to swipe across when the phone is ringing no matter how many times he cleans the screen. Anyone else experience this?

talkto · 15-06-2016 11:25am

"Android System has stopped unexpectedly"

I'm getting this error message a lot. It started a few weeks after upgrading to Marshmallow, but I don't know if it's related to that.

D'Peoples Voice · 15-06-2016 12:27pm

talkto wrote: »

"Android System has stopped unexpectedly"

I'm getting this error message a lot. It started a few weeks after upgrading to Marshmallow, but I don't know if it's related to that.

Sounds like an app is incompatible with Marshmallow rather than the phone. The only way to ever find out is running your phone in safe mode for a few hours. If the problems disappears, then it will confirm the problem is an app not the phone. If it happens in safe mode, you might need to reflash the version of Android through Sony PC Companion.

Testament1 wrote: »

My father is having a problem with his Z3. He's missing calls because he can't get the call answer option to swipe across when the phone is ringing no matter how many times he cleans the screen.

Would say it sounds like screen problems but not if it only happens with the dialer. Try a different dialer and see if it makes a difference
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hb.dialer.free

brevity · 15-06-2016 12:28pm

Mine is after getting quite sluggish in the last week or so, stuttering and unresponsive.

cormie · 15-06-2016 12:38pm

Can someone remind me what's the problem with the volume/silent issue from the lock screen? I was putting upgrading off, but would you believe, it some how started the upgrade process while in my pocket so I'm not on Marshmallow even though I was happy to hold off, but I don't notice any big difference with the volume so not sure what the problem was?

On saying that, I'm having a lot of trouble with this phone going mad in my pocket, any time I'm doing any activity and moving my legs a bit, if I take my phone out, it's almost always lit up on the unlock screen and will sometimes say "wrong unlock code entered too many times, try again in 30 seconds".

I think I preferred it before when you had to swipe a certain way first to then unlock, swiping anywhere pulls hte unlock screen up too easily.

devnull · 15-06-2016 2:11pm

No notifications show up on lock screen when phone in silent, or very very few, a lot of notifications hide 'behind' the lock screen and you can only see them after unlocking.

Also no spotify controls on lock screen and unlocking the phone automatically clears all lock screen notifications whether you dismiss them or not.

The patch release a few weeks back returns the LED notification though when in silent.

cormie · 15-06-2016 3:43pm

Thanks for the reminder, I'll keep an eye out for all that!

purple hands · 06-07-2016 8:47am

delly wrote: »

I'm the same, it's the first upgrade that I haven't just jumped straight into. The constant notification is a head wrecker, like a little poke every time I need to check my now squished pull down menu.

Foreign Sports wrote: »

I know what you mean.

Every evening I get the prompt and every evening I delay by 24 hours...very tempted to choose the never option!

Dunno if this is a permanent fix, but I just got rid of the update notification by going to Setting -> Apps -> All -> Software Update and clear data

Edit: update notification comes back if you restart the device, feckin divil started to download automatically too!

Pangea · 11-07-2016 2:47pm

Noticed since the upgrade that my Z3Compact battery is nowhere near as good, tempted to do a reset. The stamina mode is a big miss.

sharkey 25 · 13-07-2016 2:42pm

Hi all

I come looking for help

Last night my z3 was under water as it has been many times before and I've had. no issues until now.
Today the screen if not responding as usual. Its only the key board and bezels. It I press a letter and anther letter will type. It's still usable but a bit annoying. Typing this message is taking twice as long as usual.
Also I've just noticed moisture behind the camera lens, making for a hazy photo.
My question is does this void the warranty? All the seals were closed on the device.
Has anyone had a similar issue? I don't mind going to a independent shop to get a repair. Any ideas how much I might be looking at for repair?

Thanks

Subcomandante Marcos · 13-07-2016 2:44pm

Do a seal air pressure test* to see if the seals are still working.

TBH, I'd recommend opening the ports and putting it in a bowl of rice for a few days, or just phone xperia care and ask for a repair.

*
1. dial *#*#7378423#*#*
2. go to "Service Tests"
3. go to "pressure sensor"
4. slightly compress the phone using your thumb and index finger by pressing on the display and back

cormie · 26-07-2016 10:24pm

Would anyone know is it possible to increase the amount of incremental stages of audio volume? It's hard to get the volume just right sometimes as a press of volume up and it's too loud a press of volume down and it's too low

Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact announced at IFA

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