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Sony Xperia Z Ultra Review - Part 5 : Usability, Availability and Pricing

Introduction The usability of a smartphone is of utmost importance. That is also why Google has came out with design guidelines for the design of Android applications. As Sony has used their own custom UI for their smartphones, there may be changes in the look and feel of the whole smartphone. Will all these changes st

Sony Xperia Z Ultra Review - Part 5 : Usability, Availability and Pricing

Introduction

The usability of a smartphone is of utmost importance. That is also why Google has came out with design guidelines for the design of Android applications. As Sony has used their own custom UI for their smartphones, there may be changes in the look and feel of the whole smartphone. Will all these changes still create a pleasant user experience for the users? 

Luckily, other than the core themes of the OS, there hasn't been much change to the whole Android Operating System. Some notable Sony works within the OS are their own keyboard input type, movie playback, gallery and music playback applications. Of course, we are getting proprietary Sony applications such as PlayStation Mobile for PlayStation mobile games.

[Part 1] Introduction, Specifications and Design
[Part 2] 4 Core Differentiation factors of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra
[Part 3] Camera tests - Videos and Photos 
[Part 4] Hardware and Performance Tests 
[Part 5] Usability and Conclusion 

Notable features which improves usability

1. One handed Typing 
One handed typing (Right)

One handed typing (Left) / Swype
The thing about having a huge display is that it is difficult for you to type or to navigate around the whole screen with one hand. Sony has thought about that and created features to minimize the strain on your hands when typing. Instead of a full length wide keyboard, they have integrated their custom one-hand typing keyboard. Depending on your grip, you can easily switch between the left or right keyboard. This way, all the QWERTY keys can be reached with just one hand, allowing you to type easily. It's the first time I'm seeing something like this on a large screen smartphone and I think that it will be very useful for those people who want to write messages or email when standing on public transport.

Moreover, Sony has enabled swype gestures on the keyboard. If you are a fan of swype, they've got it covered. I've got quite some good experience with typing on the Sony keyboard as the keys are clear and big enough unlike alternatives which can easily cause errors. I also like the simple design on the keyboard which integrates well into the UI of the whole smartphone.

2. Preview for Movie App

Video Preview for Sony Movie App
When testing out the screen of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, Sony's movie app has caught my attention. The app is able to playback a preview of the video which you last played and the design of the application makes browsing of your current movies and videos so smooth and pleasant.

3. Useful on-screen applications

Widgets can be placed anywhere on the screen
Another notable useful feature found on the Sony Xperia Z Ultra is the ability to put widgets anywhere in the operating environment. For this example, we pinned up a Calculator widget. Let's say you are doing some math homework on using the Sony Xperia Z Ultra and would want to use the calculator app. In usual case, you will need to switch between the Calculator application and your math homework application. However, with on-screen widgets, you can now launch a calculator from anywhere and then use it while on the math homework app.
Widgets can even be placed in app screens
The screenshot shown above shows that the Calculator widget can be also opened up in the movie app.

Widgets are accessed via the "Multi-tasking" button from Android
Of course, it will be a basic consideration that the widget should be able to be launched anytime from anywhere. That is why, Sony has adopted a universal widget launcher that integrates with the App switcher so that you can launch those widgets anytime when you need it.
List of applications available for onscreen widget
Available applications include Calculator, Voice Recorder, GMail, Browser etc. 

Conclusion

We are thrilled with the innovation that Sony has brought to the Xperia Z Ultra . Many of these applications and possible user scenarios and features were never seen before and they definitely have made life easier for many people. This is probably also why Sony Xperia Z Ultra stands out easily from the rest of the smartphones. While other manufacturers continue to come out with better phones with faster processors and higher RAM capacities, they neglected the fact that the users may not even need all that processing power. Sony on the other hand has decided to focus on what really matters to the end-users and worked a lot on their smartphone to show what they are capable of. We've seen some very decent applications on the Sony Xperia Z Ultra and definitely will be looking forward to more of these innovations from them in the future. 

Availability and Pricing

The Xperia Z Ultra will be available in Sony stores, Sony centres, Xperia concept stores, authorised retail outlets as well as all telco operators from 5 September onwards at a recommended retail price of S$1,038 without contract.

Pre-orders will begin from 23 August 2013 onwards at the above mentioned locations, with the units ready for collection from 01 September 2013 onwards.

Customers who pre-order the Xperia Z Ultra will receive the following complimentary exclusives, valued at a total of S$288:
• NFC-enabled Smart Bluetooth Handset SBH52
• Stylish leather case cover
• Xperia Z Ultra Official Guidebook

Online pre-orders can be made at the following operator websites:
www.singtel.com/XperiaZUltra
www.m1.com.sg/xperiazultra
www.starhub.com/xperiazultra

More information will be available on the Sony Mobile Singapore Facebook page from 23 August 2013 onwards.

Purchase Sony Xperia Z Ultra here

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