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Regardless of any other criticism you can think to level at this handset, Sony cannot be accused of leaving out any multimedia options. By our count, there are over 10 different Sony-deisgned apps installed dedicated to media in some way or another.
Music is handled by the nostalgically titled Walkman app, which is really well designed, with big clear buttons, and is pretty feature-packed too.
Not only can you listen to music stored locally on the device, but you have shortcuts from within the Walkman app to Sony's streaming Music Unlimited service, plus music videos your friends have shared on their Facebook Timelines.
As we mentioned before, there is also Track ID installed, which takes a sample of the music you are listening to -- either on the phone, or externally via the microphone -- then goes online and tries to identify the track and artist.
While most other phones pile videos and photos into the same Gallery app, Sony pulls video out on its own in the Films app.
To enhance the experience of watching videos on your phone, Sony partners with Gracenotes to download detailed information about the content, if you're watching a popular movie or TV show. It also replaces the automatically generated thumbnail with the official movie poster, if available.
If you'd prefer a big screen experience you can use the Connected Devices app to search for DLNA compatible streaming devices (like a PlayStation 3, for example) to stream your media onto. This requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi connection, but beyond this, it is pretty straight forward.
If you'd prefer a wired connection to your TV, there is a micro-HDMI port on the top of the handset. Our review unit didn't come with the HDMI cable though, so be aware that you might have to fork out extra to make this work.
