Xperia Z3, The (kind of) guided tour.

[viridis]

OK, whilst at the moment I'm unable to go through the Z3's dedicated apps and features dependant on hardware(ps4 remote - maybe soon, cam iso 12,000 - maybe not).

I have now got what is as close to 100% of the system ui running on the z2.

I'll run through as many of the different visual differences the Z3 has in comparison to the current Sony ui presently on the Z series.

The home screen.

 

The new home screen is near enough exactly the same as the current Z series however larger icons allround is a slight change. The font is also narrower and seems sharper (it's not, but appears sharper). Also the new clock is present and looks that little nicer than previous stock clocks.

The wallpapers

 

Similar to the current range, the Z3's wallpapers have been refined and now look even sharper, the usual waves have had a slight overhaul and look more clearer and defined on the new ui.

The live wallpaper no longer changes colour but instead you now have the option of choosing the waves colour, and there's quite a selection to choose from. The live wallpaper also is a LOT smoother when swiping and looks great.

 

The themes have also been updated with less fancy farty names and instead themes are now simple colour names.

 

The app drawer

 

Nicely filled with the larger icons and clearer font, it's a nice difference and scrolls smoother.

On the whole, the look is not an upgrade, it's not different... It's refined. Everything from the visual range has been made clearer, smoother and optimised for a large display.

I'll hopefully be adding more to this thread before the Z3 launches with (hopefully) a few more of the new features tested out.

As a first glance opinion, I like what I see.

[Cleoriff]

@viridis  How long do you have to wait for that PS4 app to become available?

Also is this Z3 one you are trialling or is it yours? (I ask because if it is a trial phone....you may be sending it back before you have chance to try that PS4 app) ...

[viridis]

@CleoriffI think the ps4 app will become available after the z3 is released.
And it's not a z3 it's a z2 and tablet z with a few of the system apps and other stuff from the z3.
Someone got a system dump from a z3 and ported over a lot of the various apk's for use in other xperias. Then the various people over at XDA have been making them stable and creating various flash files to completely replace the original system apps with z3 ones. It mostly works, but if I don't remove a certain file or odex, or change a permission or setting, it can cause my z2 to brick up which means starting from scratch.
So far I've replaced the following:
Xperia home launcher
Home widget's
Xperia live wallpaper
Theme manager
Wallpaper selector
New Themes

Skin picker
X-reality
Super vivid
Z3 setting menu
Z3 album,Walkman and movies
Social camera and apps (causing problems)
Messaging (causing problems if you try attaching stickers)
PlayStation app
Framework files for ps4 remote play.
Calendar
Clock
Email

And for now that's it.

[Cleoriff]

I see ...that explains a lot. So you have a real project on your hands then? Best of luck

[viridis]

Only trying now with a few more things then I'm done, I'll basically have a z3 lol
However I will be keeping z2 camera and messaging as they're too unstable from z3.
Next on list is the enhanced audio.

[jonsie]

Well done, it's certainly a project you will get immense personal satisfaction from

Me...I would have just bought the Z3...

[viridis]

Toyed with the idea, would cost very little to upgrade via refresh after selling this, but.....

They're so close spec wise and my z2 is one of the lucky ones that is perfect build quality it's just not worth it to me or really anyone with z2 even Z1 for that matter.
Depending on what's in z4 I'll probably upgrade then.

[Cleoriff]

---

@viridis wrote:
Toyed with the idea, would cost very little to upgrade via refresh after selling this, but.....

They're so close spec wise and my z2 is one of the lucky ones that is perfect build quality it's just not worth it to me or really anyone with z2 even Z1 for that matter.
Depending on what's in z4 I'll probably upgrade then.

---

And a brilliant project. Hats off to you @viridis 

[viridis]

This one causes problems but worked once so I'll write about it.

 sound photo records a short audio clip with photos.

That's new (for sony :smileyhappy:)

[MI5]

AR is good fun - My lad insists on Dinosaurs in every photo of him now

[viridis]

@MI5 have u tried the apk I've linked to for the new interactive ar fun? Not too bad