Sony’s upcoming Sound Bars and A/V receivers feature Google Cast functionality, launching this May

Hot on the heels of Sony’s 4K Ultra HDTV announcement, the manufacturer is following up with a few new details on their upcoming 2015 soundbars and A/V receivers. While not normally Android-related news, a couple of Sony’s new soundbars (along with both of their new A/V receivers) feature Google Cast technology built right in, meaning you can “cast” any audio streams from apps like Google Play Music straight to the speakers themselves.

Here are the new soundbars and A/V receivers launching in May and July:

Sony Sound Bars

• HT-ST9 (July) ,500 – Comes with a wireless subwoofer and features 800 watts and 7.1 channel surround sound from seven amplifiers and nine speakers and a wireless, front-firing subwoofer with passive radiator. There are 3 HDMI inputs along with Bluetooth reception and transmission so you can enjoy music/movies with your Bluetooth headphones. Sony’s LDAC technology provides enhanced wireless listening for all music with compatible products. Sound was tuned by Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures engineers and is Hi-Res capable. Also supports Google Cast and Spotify Connect.


• HT-NT3 (July) 0 – Hi-Res Sound Bar with 2.1 channel audio and wireless subwoofer with 450 watts of power. Also incorporates Sony LDAC technology, single HDMI connection with 3 HDMI inputs, and audio streaming with Bluetooth and NFC connections. Google Cast ready.


• HT-CT780 (May) 0 – 330 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer and wall-mount. Features 3 HDMI inputs with one supporting 4K with HDCP 2.2, HDMI TV connectivity with Audio Return Channel support.


• HT-CT380 (May) 0 – 300 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer and Bluetooth/NFC support. Like the CT780, it can also be mounted on the wall.

Sony A/V Receivers

• STR-DN860 (May) 0 – Hi-Res Wi-Fi Network A/V Receiver offers 7.2 channels and 165 watts of power per channel. Also comes with 4K resolution upscaling and pass-through, flexible connectivity with ten HD inputs, support for two separate powered zones, and hi-res audio compatibility. Wireless connectivity includes streaming of music with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, along with support for Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, and Spotify Connect.


• STR-DN1060 (May) 0 – 7.2 channel Hi-Res Wi-Fi Network A/V Receiver offers 7.2 channels and 150 watts of power, Wi-Fi music streaming, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for Audio and Apple AirPlay. Adjust settings, change inputs, and confirm volume levels on-screen using graphical user interface, refined remote control, or SongPal App.

In case you missed it, we wanted to remind you that of Sony’s 4 soundbars, only the HT-ST9 and HT-NT3 feature Google Cast functionality, as well as both of their new receivers. If home audio is your thing, Sony’s new products should be an interesting prospect.

[Press Release]

Sony’s upcoming 4K Ultra HDTVs powered by Android TV available for pre-order, launching this May

Sony is officially announcing pricing and availability of their upcoming 4K Ultra HD televisions powered by Android TV. We got a look at one of these models — the X900C — during CES 2015 a few months back with its ultra-thin profile. It was definitely slim up at the top, but not the bottom half where all the television’s components were. Still, we were mostly impressed by what we saw (even if Android TV didn’t take advantage of all those pixels).

All of the 2015 televisions come equipped with Sony’s new “4K Processor X1″ on the computing side of things and although they run Android TV, Sony has added some of their own software features on top. The TVs also include future compatibility with PlayStation Now for the streaming of select PlayStation 3 games using a DualShock 4 controller for input.

There are 6 total new 4K Ultra HDTV models, but only 4 of them going up for pre-order starting today. Here’s what we’re looking at:

Sony 4K Ultra HDTV

X830C (May)

• 43-inch: ,300


• 49-inch: ,600

X850C (May)

• 55-inch: ,200


• 65-inch: ,500


• 75-inch: ,000

X930C (May)

• 65-inch: ,500

X940 (May)

• 75-inch: ,000

X900C (this summer)

• 55-inch: TBA


• 65-inch: TBA

X910C (this summer)

• 75-inch: TBA

Once again, the Sony’s new 4K Android TV-powered televisions — along with their 2K TVs as well (R510C, W800C, W850C) — are up for pre-order starting today, with the exception of the X900C and X910C. Should you feel like waiting a bit, you’ll be able to purchase the televisions online in May at the Sony Store, Amazon, Best Buy or other authorized dealers across the country.

Keep in mind if you opt for one of Sony’s lower resolution 2K televisions, only the W850C and W800C series feature Android TV, the R510C does not. Check out our hands-on of the X900C down below.

[Sony]

Sony’s Xperia Z series gets Android 5.1 Lollipop in July

Sony’s Xperia Z line is still getting Android 5.0 Lollipop around the world, but the company is already looking forward to plans for delivering Android 5.1. They’ve announced that the entire Xperia Z line would get Android 5.1 Lollipop starting this July. It’s a tough cookie to chew considering not all regions have received the initial Lollipop build just yet, but we imagine most of that is up to carrier testing and approval.

Beyond the Xperia Z line, Sony has included the Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia C3, Xperia M2 and Xperia M2 Aqua in the list of devices confirmed to be receiving Android 5.1 Lollipop (whether they’re coming from 5.0 or hopping over straight from KitKat).

Unfortunately Sony didn’t have any exact dates to share, and you should note that the June window is likely only guaranteed for unlocked handsets which receive updates directly from them.

[via Sony]

Where to pre-order Sony’s razor-thin 4KHD Android TV sets ahead of July launch

Sony has confirmed that their Android TV units are going on sale starting next month. If you don’t remember, these bad boys were at CES, and the main reason they got so much attention was due to their razor-thin profile. They’re probably more slim than your wallet. Here’s a shot of its side profile up against a typical smartphone.

Yep, it’s sexy. We’ve also gotten confirmed pricing for the units, and you’ll want to take a seat before taking it in:

• 55-inch Ultra HD X900C 4K for ,499


• 65-inch Ultra HD X900C 4K for ,999


• 75-inch Ultra HD X910C 4K for ,499

My bank account weeps. If you’re in need of a 4K Smart TV and have the funds you can actually pre-order starting today in-store at Sony and Best Buy. The units already have listings on Best Buy’s site, but their pre-sale function is not yet live. Amazon also has pre-sales available right here, ifyou prefer that route. Will you splurge on one of these or pass for something more affordable? Be sure to let us know with a comment below!

[via Sony]