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Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact: Tips & Tricks

Sony’s Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact smartphones are packed with fantastic features that you might not even know exist, so here’s our tips and tricks features guide to get the most from your Xperia mobile.

#1: Noise cancellation

Living in London, we’re constantly stuck on horrific commuter trains filled with screaming children and loud-mouthed suits, so one of our favourite features of the Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact is its built-in noise cancellation.

This only works with Sony’s MDR-NC31EM earphones, so you can’t just plug in any old pair sadly, but the clever cancellation jazz is performed by the Xperia itself, so the ‘phones don’t require any batteries for the feature to work.

To turn noise cancellation on, first plug in your ‘phones and then go to Settings > Sound > Audio accessories, and make sure ‘noise cancelling’ is activated. Your DNC earphones should be listed in the ‘Headphones’ tab. Now just chuck on some tunes and enjoy the peace.

#2: Unlock with your Bluetooth gear

One of Android Lollipop’s new features is the ability to unlock your phone with a Bluetooth device instead of a PIN code. As long as a trusted Bluetooth device is connected to the phone, it’ll unlock straight to the desktop. If your phone is then nicked and taken out of range of your headset, smartwatch or whatever Bluetooth goodies you use, it will then default to the usual PIN input so the pesky criminal can’t get to your private data.

But did ye know, Sony’s Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact can already do this. Just go to Settings > Security > Screen lock > Bluetooth unlock and then choose which devices you want to flag as trusted.

#3: Double-tap to wake

A quick and easy one, this, but handy if you usually leave your phone lying on a desk at work or at home. Rather than fumbling for the power button, you can wake the Xperia Z3 or Xperia Z3 Compact to check for notifications by double-tapping the screen. To activate this feature, just got to Settings > Display and turn ‘Tap to wake up’ on.

#4: Use your Xperia phone with gloves

Now that the unusually warm winter weather is over, you’ll probably be rocking gloves from now until spring next year. No need to pull one off with your teeth every time you need to swipe the Xperia Z3’s screen, however. Just go to Settings > Display and then make sure ‘Glove mode’ is ticked. This boosts the screen’s sensitivity, so you can poke and prod as usual even with your gloves on.

#5: Show off your photos, movies or apps on your TV

You can also hook up your Xperia Z3 or Xperia Z3 Compact to your home telly, to regale your friends with awkward slideshows of your holiday snaps.

Just head to Settings > Xperia Connectivity and from here you can throw your phone screen’s content straight to a TV, using the Screen mirroring feature. Follow the instructions and you’ll be connected in no time.

#6: Remote Play

This one’s for PS4 owners, especially those who can’t even stop gaming to go excrete bodily waste. Connect your Xperia Z3 to your DualShock controller using Sony’s special clamp and you can stream your PS4 games direct to the phone’s display over your home Wi-Fi. That means you can finish those last few Drive Club laps while expelling your bowels, or when your family takes over the telly.

To set up Remote Play, just connect both your PS4 and the Xperia handset to your Wi-Fi, then download the Remote Play app to your phone. The two will pair and you can slink off to the toilet and get settled for a serious TowerFall session.

Read next: Sony Xperia Z3 or Z3 Compact, which is best for me?

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