Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription: Difference between revisions
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|Description=Sony converted the External Monitor feature from a free, built-in function to a paid subscription service requiring $4.99/month, affecting phones already sold to customers | |Description=Sony converted the External Monitor feature from a free, built-in function to a paid subscription service requiring $4.99/month, affecting phones already sold to customers | ||
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Sony converted the External Monitor feature from a free, built-in function to a paid subscription service requiring $4.99/month, affecting phones already sold to customers | Sony converted the External Monitor feature from a free, built-in function to a paid subscription service requiring $4.99/month, affecting phones already sold to customers. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
The External Monitor feature has been a big differentiator for Sony's Xperia smartphones since 2020, allowing the phones to work as high-quality displays for Sony Alpha cameras via USB-C connection.<ref name="helpguide">{{cite web |title=Using the External monitor app |url=https://helpguide.sony.net/mobile/xperia-pro/v1/en/contents/TP1000380352.html |publisher=Sony Help Guide |access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref> This professional-grade feature supported 4K resolution at 30fps with tools like waveform monitors, false color, & focus peaking. This helped justify the premium pricing of Xperia devices ranging from $1,299 to $2500.<ref name="notebookcheck">{{cite web |date=2025-08-31 |title=Sony annoys Xperia users by making previously free feature part of subscription |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-annoys-Xperia-users-by-making-previously-free-feature-part-of-subscription.1102082.0.html |publisher=Notebookcheck |access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-31 |title=At $2,500, the Sony Xperia Pro is so much more than a phone - CNET |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/at-2500-dollars-sony-xperia-pro-is-so-much-more-than-a-phone/}}</ref> | The External Monitor feature has been a big differentiator for Sony's Xperia smartphones since 2020, allowing the phones to work as high-quality displays for Sony Alpha cameras via USB-C connection.<ref name="helpguide">{{cite web |title=Using the External monitor app |url=https://helpguide.sony.net/mobile/xperia-pro/v1/en/contents/TP1000380352.html |publisher=Sony Help Guide |access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref> This professional-grade feature supported 4K resolution at 30fps with tools like waveform monitors, false color, & focus peaking. This helped justify the premium pricing of Xperia devices ranging from $1,299 to $2500.<ref name="notebookcheck">{{cite web |date=2025-08-31 |title=Sony annoys Xperia users by making previously free feature part of subscription |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-annoys-Xperia-users-by-making-previously-free-feature-part-of-subscription.1102082.0.html |publisher=Notebookcheck |access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-31 |title=At $2,500, the Sony Xperia Pro is so much more than a phone - CNET |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/at-2500-dollars-sony-xperia-pro-is-so-much-more-than-a-phone/}}</ref> | ||
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==Sony Implements Subscription Paywall== | ==Sony Implements Subscription Paywall== | ||
On August 26, 2025, Sony released Monitor & Control app version 2.4.0, which moved the External Monitor functionality behind a subscription paywall.<ref name="reddit">{{cite web |author=super_hot_juice |date=2025-08-26 |title=Xperia External Monitor feature is now subscription feature in Monitor & Control 2.4 app |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/1n47leu/comment/nbj7zj4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=Reddit r/SonyXperia}}</ref> The new pricing structure requires users to pay $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year for the "Basic" plan to get access to wired monitoring functionality that was previously free.<ref name="creatorscloud">{{cite web |title=Monitor & Control | On August 26, 2025, Sony released Monitor & Control app version 2.4.0, which moved the External Monitor functionality behind a subscription paywall.<ref name="reddit">{{cite web |author=super_hot_juice |date=2025-08-26 |title=Xperia External Monitor feature is now subscription feature in Monitor & Control 2.4 app |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/1n47leu/comment/nbj7zj4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=Reddit r/SonyXperia}}</ref> The new pricing structure requires users to pay $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year for the "Basic" plan to get access to wired monitoring functionality that was previously free.<ref name="creatorscloud">{{cite web |title=Monitor & Control {{!}} Creators' Cloud |url=https://creatorscloud.sony.net/catalog/en-us/monitorcontrol/index.html |publisher=Sony Corporation |access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref> | ||
The Xperia 1 VII, released in 2025, ships without the standalone External Monitor app entirely, forcing users to use the subscription-based Monitor & Control app for any camera monitoring functionality.<ref name="androidauthority">{{cite web |date=2025-08-31 |title=Sony just locked one of the best Xperia features behind a paywall |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-monitor-and-control-camera-3593061/ |publisher=Android Authority |access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref> The subscription model affects compatibility with Sony's | The Xperia 1 VII, released in 2025, ships without the standalone External Monitor app entirely, forcing users to use the subscription-based Monitor & Control app for any camera monitoring functionality.<ref name="androidauthority">{{cite web |date=2025-08-31 |title=Sony just locked one of the best Xperia features behind a paywall |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-monitor-and-control-camera-3593061/ |publisher=Android Authority |access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref> The subscription model affects compatibility with Sony's supported professional mirrorless camera lineup, including the Burano, FX6, FX3, FX2, FX30, A7S III, A1 II, A1, A7IV, A9 III, A7RV, and ZV-E1. The change also affects compatible professional camcorders, including the PXW-Z300, PXW-Z200, and HXR-NX800.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=Monitor & Control {{!}} Sony Canada |url=https://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/support/articles/CCMC01000 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=Sony Canada}}</ref> | ||
===Sony's response=== | ===Sony's response=== | ||
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Despite widespread discontent, no organized resistance has materialized. No Change.org petitions, coordinated boycott campaigns, or consumer advocacy group interventions specifically targeting the External Monitor subscription have been identified.<ref name="notebookcheck" /> | Despite widespread discontent, no organized resistance has materialized. No Change.org petitions, coordinated boycott campaigns, or consumer advocacy group interventions specifically targeting the External Monitor subscription have been identified.<ref name="notebookcheck" /> | ||
Users have discovered workarounds including installing Monitor & Control version 2.3.1 (the last free version) from APKMirror, or using the legacy External Monitor app version 7.0.A.0.8 for older devices.<ref name="apkmirror">{{cite web |title=Download Sony | Users have discovered workarounds including installing Monitor & Control version 2.3.1 (the last free version) from APKMirror, or using the legacy External Monitor app version 7.0.A.0.8 for older devices.<ref name="apkmirror">{{cite web |title=Download Sony {{!}} Monitor & Control APKs for Android |url=https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/sony-corporation/monitor-control/ |publisher=APKMirror |access-date=2025-09-02}}</ref> However, these solutions lack ongoing support and compatibility with newer camera models. | ||
==Gallery== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Xperia-external-monitor-feature-is-now-subscription-feature-v0-5nqbxupcy6mf1.webp | |||
File:Xperia-external-monitor-feature-is-now-subscription-feature-v0-k1vy1qccy6mf1.webp | |||
File:Xperia-external-monitor-feature-is-now-subscription-feature-v0-pr0beowf07mf1.webp | |||
</gallery> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Sony Xperia]] | |||
Latest revision as of 00:03, 3 September 2025
Sony converted the External Monitor feature from a free, built-in function to a paid subscription service requiring $4.99/month, affecting phones already sold to customers.
Background[edit | edit source]
The External Monitor feature has been a big differentiator for Sony's Xperia smartphones since 2020, allowing the phones to work as high-quality displays for Sony Alpha cameras via USB-C connection.[1] This professional-grade feature supported 4K resolution at 30fps with tools like waveform monitors, false color, & focus peaking. This helped justify the premium pricing of Xperia devices ranging from $1,299 to $2500.[2][3]
The feature was marketed as a built-in capability of Xperia phones. This appealed to professional photographers & videographers already invested in Sony's camera ecosystem. Xperia models including the 1 IV, 1 V, 1 VI, 5 V, PRO, & PRO-I all shipped with the External Monitor app pre-installed at no additional cost.[4]
Sony Implements Subscription Paywall[edit | edit source]
On August 26, 2025, Sony released Monitor & Control app version 2.4.0, which moved the External Monitor functionality behind a subscription paywall.[5] The new pricing structure requires users to pay $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year for the "Basic" plan to get access to wired monitoring functionality that was previously free.[6]
The Xperia 1 VII, released in 2025, ships without the standalone External Monitor app entirely, forcing users to use the subscription-based Monitor & Control app for any camera monitoring functionality.[7] The subscription model affects compatibility with Sony's supported professional mirrorless camera lineup, including the Burano, FX6, FX3, FX2, FX30, A7S III, A1 II, A1, A7IV, A9 III, A7RV, and ZV-E1. The change also affects compatible professional camcorders, including the PXW-Z300, PXW-Z200, and HXR-NX800.[8]
Sony's response[edit | edit source]
Sony has issued no official press release, announcement, or executive statement explaining the transition to a subscription model.[2] The company's documentation states only that "certain functions can only be used by purchasing a license" without addressing concerns about post-purchase feature removal.[6]
Sony support representatives have reportedly provided no consistent messaging when contacted directly by affected users.[5] The absence of FAQ sections addressing the transition or acknowledgment of customer feedback has been noted by technology media as particularly problematic given the significant nature of the change.[7]
Consumer response[edit | edit source]
The announcement sparked negative reactions across the tech community. Android Authority described Sony's approach as "distasteful," noting that the feature "requires neither a server nor complex software" to operate.[7] Reddit user "cliffr39" called it "super dirty" with 85 upvotes, while "hoverborg" suggested contacting consumer advocate Louis Rossmann with 49 upvotes.[5]
Professional photographers expressed frustration about paying monthly fees for offline functionality. Reddit user "joeybetamaxpt2" stated: "I'm just so taken back with Sonys what appears like a deliberate attempt to make one of their failing brands even worse."[5]
Despite widespread discontent, no organized resistance has materialized. No Change.org petitions, coordinated boycott campaigns, or consumer advocacy group interventions specifically targeting the External Monitor subscription have been identified.[2]
Users have discovered workarounds including installing Monitor & Control version 2.3.1 (the last free version) from APKMirror, or using the legacy External Monitor app version 7.0.A.0.8 for older devices.[9] However, these solutions lack ongoing support and compatibility with newer camera models.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Using the External monitor app". Sony Help Guide. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Sony annoys Xperia users by making previously free feature part of subscription". Notebookcheck. 2025-08-31. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
- ↑ "At $2,500, the Sony Xperia Pro is so much more than a phone - CNET". 2021-01-31.
- ↑ "External Monitor Functionality Changes on Xperia 1 VII (and Later)". XDA Forums. 2025-08-26. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 super_hot_juice (2025-08-26). "Xperia External Monitor feature is now subscription feature in Monitor & Control 2.4 app". Reddit r/SonyXperia. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Monitor & Control | Creators' Cloud". Sony Corporation. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
- ↑ "Monitor & Control | Sony Canada". Sony Canada. 2025-08-26. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "Download Sony | Monitor & Control APKs for Android". APKMirror. Retrieved 2025-09-02.