Sony Issues An Update To Fix Xperia Z3 Hotspot Problem

Sony has finally issued an update to fix the Sony Xperia Z3 hotspot issue. When the phone is used as a hotspot, it would exceed the safe and established limits of radio frequency (RF), according to Android Headlines. TELUS disabled the Xperia Z3’s hotspot capabilities and suspended future sales of new Z3 devices. Bell and MTS also stopped selling the Xperia Z3 due to this serious safety issue.

Sony Mobile has been paying close attention to this serious situation. The manufacturer has made note about the Z3’s hotspot issue in a recent announcement.

“In connection with a software update, a hotspot compliance issue with the Sony Xperia Z3 has been identified. We have been working with Industry Canada to provide a solution and a software upgrade will be made available in the next few weeks once testing is completed which will address this fully.”

Sony immediately issued the update to the Xperia Z3 that will correct the WiFi Hotspot RF output problem that’s caused cell phone providers to place a stop-sell order on the device. According to a document received by MobileSyrup, the Xperia Z3 emitted an RF signal over Band 2 that exceeded Industry Canada’s standards.

The update to the Xperia Z3 will be issued on Saturday, January 30, according to MobileSyrup. The update will not only fix the RF output issue but will also include some added features, according to the report.

• Enhanced audio volume in notifications and ringtones
• New Xperia camera app: Portrait retouch
• Improved Exchange ActiveSync performance
• Fine-tuned audio for speakerphone

This update is the same one that was issued to that last locked Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact late last year. Unfortunately, the Xperia Z3 phones aren’t being updated to the new Android Lollipop OS. They still run on the Android 4.4.4. However, this update will still address some serious safety issues for Xperia Z3 users. The update will be reportedly released over OTA, PC Companion, and Bridge for Mac Users.

While Sony may have problems with its hotspot frequencies, the battery life of the Z-series phones have been one of their stronger points. It’s an area that Base Band engineer Yasutaka Kashiwagi is very proud of. Kashiwagi pointed out the improvements in battery life for Sony’s Xperia Z3 phones, but didn’t want to elaborate on how its made. One area he was willing to expand on was the usage of memory on the display unit that reduces CPU usage, which helps improve the Z3’s battery life.

“There is a memory module that is attached to the display unit and if it detects a static image, it makes a cache and displays that image. The CPU doesn’t get used, until you’re actually changing the image. There are many cases where this is useful. If you are reading a webpage and stop scrolling to read something, or if you are reading a book, or checking a map, then the screen does not need to keep updating.

“Because the CPU can idle, the battery usage is less. It can be around 40 percent less, so you can use your phone longer.”

Sony supplies its components to other manufacturers, according to NDTV Gadgets. Half of the components of the Sony Xperia Z3 are made in-house. The camera, battery and other major components are made in the Sony headquarters, but the display is a product of Japan Display, a joint venture between Sony, Toshiba, and Hitachi.

[Image: Vernon Chan]