Another Friday is here, so it’s time for our weekly round up of what’s been going on in the world of Sony and Android.
First off, YouTube has introduced a new innovative way to save on data costs called ‘Smart Offline’, which downloads videos during the hours when mobile data is less expensive such as during the night. So all you have to do is to select the ‘save overnight’ option and the video will be scheduled to download as you sleep and will be saved to your account, ready for you to enjoy the next morning. What a great way to start the day, right?
You may have missed it but Sony’s Developer World announced that you can now preview Android N on your Xperia Z3, allowing you to prepare you apps ahead of the N release. Some of the new support and features in the latest release are the Multiprocess WebView, the Keyboard Shortcuts helper and the FrameMetrics API. To have more information on how to get started, go to this website to find the instructions.
Have you ever wanted to create your own games? Android Authority has released a guide on how to write a 3D game for Android using Unreal Engine, a free game engine available primarily designed for the first person shooter genre. The article outlines in depth how to download and set up Unreal Engine, and then how to get started and use it. We look forward to seeing the results so let us know when you’ve made your first game!
Earlier this week, we were contacted by Shanali Perera who explained how the Sketch app on her Xperia device helped her cope with the imitations and changes caused by Vasculitis, a long-term condition that causes great pain and limits movement. She told us how a chronic disease changes one’s daily life and results in a sense of powerlessness that can sometimes be overcome by art. You can hear more about her inspiring story here.
Last but not least, How We Soar, a new game exclusively for the PlayStation VR, will launch later this year. The aim for the team at Penny Black Studios was ‘to take you to places you’ve never seen before and explore in ways not previously possible, all through the power of VR’. This sort of thing includes a flight experience on a giant Phoenix to explore an enchanted world. How can you say no to that? Want to know a bit more? Why not take a look at the reveal trailer while you patiently wait for the official release.
Just one more thing: a quick reminder that the entry for the Sony World Photography Awards 2017 is now open, so head over to www.worldphoto.org to enter the competition and have the chance to win $25,000, plus the latest Sony digital imaging equipment and your work may also be included in the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition in London, so it’s definitely worth giving it a go.
Taken by Spanish photographer, Daniel Duart, SWPA 2013
That’s all for this week but keep in touch with us on Twitter @SonyMobileNews. Have a great weekend!
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