Late last year, Google introduced the Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition. While the phablet was everything we’d come to know about the device that offers a 6.4-inch 1080p (1920 x 1080) Triluminos display on a Qualcomm 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800, with 2GB RAM, 16GB internal memory, and 4G LTE connectivity, there was one big difference. Google and not Sony would be handling the software on the device. This meant more timely Android updates and no custom Sony software like their highly liked Timescape skin. Pros and cons for a fantastic, albeit niche device.

Now all of that is coming to an end.

The writing has really been on the wall that Google would be discontinuing the device Sony Z Ultra Google Play Edition at some point. In late April, Google slashed the phablet price by $200, bringing it down to $449. Now Google is no longer selling it and those who land on its page will be greeted with:

 Sony Z Ultra Google Play edition is no longer available for sale 

It remains to be seen if this was due to poor sales or if the device has simply run its course and updated models are expected at some point. Whatever may be the reason, we invite you to join us for a moment of silence for a truly unique device from Sony that likely had a place with consumers, if they knew it existed.

In celebration of the then upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Sony created a very clever ad for the Xperia Z Ultra that ran in Japan. If only the rest of the world could have the same marketing attention.

Discuss:

Was the Sony Z Ultra always a niche device or do you think Sony had something special here?

[Via Google Play]