Christopher

Ever heard of the game Beat Sketch! It’s a pretty simple PS3 title that allows you to use the PlayStation Move controller as a tool to color on your screen. This basically allows any TV to become a canvas! With the great accuracy of the PlayStation Move, suddenly it becomes feasible to create art on a PlayStation 3. I thought it would be interesting to show the game, which will possibly come to the USA through the PlayStation Network at some point. Here is a video of Beat Sketch! I found on YouTube (there are more videos as well): There are also several game modes within Beat Sketch! for even more fun, such as where you have to draw what is on the screen in a limited amount of time. The PlayStation Move Beat Sketch! bundle (Y5,980) includes a PlayStation Move controller, Beat Sketch! game and PlayStation Eye. There are also two other bundles for the PlayStation Move in Japan, which include Resident Evil 5 Alternate Edition (known in JP as Biohazard 5 Alternative Edition) and Time Crisis: Razing Storm (known in JP as Big 3 Gun Shooting). Beat Sketch! should be available on October 21st for Y2,980. View the full article

Sony PlayStation Japan wasted no time at the 2010 Tokyo Game Show with the introduction of four new PSP packages, all of which have some interesting designs. While there is no actual hardware upgrade within the new models, I think most of us can agree these cosmetic additions to the PSP-3000 family are uniquely good looking. The photo above is related to Sega’s PSP game ‘Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity,’ where a booth assitant looks on during the Tokyo Game Show 2010 at Makuhari Messe on September 16, 2010 in Chiba, Japan. The computer and video game convention, which ended September 19, featured exhibitions of upcoming game software and hardware from 194 companies and organizations to draw business visitors and the general public. One of the most exotic models is the Monster Hunter Portable 3rd PSP pack, which has a large 2200mAh capacity battery, and comes with the game installed. This is also a very special model as the analog joystick has a concave shape at the top. Engadget even said “the concave shape definitely felt more comfortable to our delicate digits.” You may also spot in one of the pictures of the Pink Blossom model several battery covers that have lip “kiss” marks. This is part of the idol group AKB48 exclusive PSP package (more pics here), which is pretty wild. Here is video of that exclusive press event launching the AKB48 model: View the full article

The BDX-S500U is just another word for power performance. To make things even more exciting, it is also lightweight, slim, portable and more versatile than ever. The BDX-S500U is your premium choice for fast, perfect writing on BD-R (6x), BD-R DL (4x), and BD-RE (2x), storing up to 50 GB of HD video or data content on one disc. To make your entertainment complete, this drive also supports Blu-ray 3D. The BDX-S500U is supplied with the Media Suite 8 software from Cyberlink for authoring, editing, data writing and back up. The portable drive offers quick and easy connectivity with a high speed USB (USB 2.0) digital interface for simple setup and maximum flexibility. The BDX-S500U drive can record up to 50GB of data for random access storage and backup on BD-R (write once) or BD-RE (rewritable) discs, or up to 220 minutes of high-definition 24M bps MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video on a BD-R/RE 50GB disc. The drive also records standard 4.7GB DVD+/-R discs at up to 8X speeds, 8.5GB DVD+/-R Double/Dual layer at up to 4X, DVD+RW at up to 8X, DVD-RW at up to 6X, CD-R at up to 24X, CD-RW at up to 16X, and supports DVD-RAM recording at up to 5X speeds. Expect to see the BDX-S500U available at retail this month; its pretty affordable too, as we spotted it at Provantage for around $200USD. That’s a far cry from the Sony BWU-100A external Blu-ray drive that came out years ago for a price point around $800. View the full article

Looks like as promised the special and highly anticipated (by some of us 3D early adopters) firmware that miraculously transforms your already versatile PlayStation into 3D Bluray player is out. Simply amazing piece of hardware that Sony ever designed, keeps on evolving and getting better. So if you are like me who has gotten a huge library of 3D titles, you will be prompted to get the newest firmware loaded as soon as you start your console. Sony also added some other goodies in this 3.50 version: Facebook Integration: Developers will be able to create PS3 games that have more interaction with Facebook. Once compatible PS3 titles are available, PS3 users can choose to access public information on Facebook ? including user name, profile, uploaded photos and friends list ? to enhance their gameplay experience. Grief Reporting Function: Users can send claim reports directly from the XMB for any inappropriate messages they receive from other PlayStation Network users. This feature is accessible from the option menu of the messages list in the FRIENDS category. It’s pretty amazing that in one fell swoop of a firmware upgrade, there are now 38.1 million consumers (that’s how many PS3′s have sold worldwide since late July) that can play 3D Blu-ray movies. This will be a compelling reason for people to upgrade their displays and possibly purchase a 3DTV so they can enjoy Blu-ray 3D entertainment. Well what are you still sitting around, go get it already! Here is the direct US Download link for PS3 firmware 3.50. Other PS3 3.50 firmware download links for other countries, courtesy of KillThee at NeoGAF. He says these links are not required for your location, but rather merely for the convenience of a faster download speed:

Sony has finally solved a puzzle that has taken millions of dollars, incredible risk to integrity, and four years to figure out. Despite the fact the PlayStation 3 has aged considerably, in recent times Sony marketing has boldly claimed in various campaigns that the PS3 has become more powerful and famously prescribed that “It only does everything.” And in some ways we agree – the console has more going for it than ever. Very few companies in the history of video game consoles have made their devices considerably stronger years after their release. Microsoft is doing it now with the XBOX360, and Nintendo has tried, but Sony have rewarded PS3 owners by adding 3D gaming/movies, incredible exclusive games, enhanced UI, Netflix Watch Instantly, and now a Motion Controller. The PlayStation Move, on paper, sounds like Wii MotionPlus with HD graphics. But it’s much more than that. Read these PlayStation Move reviews from the best of the best. The controller, which has a nice weight to it, looks totally different than anything else on the market and has a funny shape. The most noticeable aspect is the ball on the top of the Move controller that illuminates in various colors. There is something special and unique about the Move experience; it feels like it has unlimited potential. Launch titles are plenty, but the real salvo of Move-compatible games will be coming over the next six months. The PlayStation Move has given the PS3 a new lease on life, and in some ways, the PS3 is video game console, reborn. The console feels brand new for some reason. All of the UI polish and various add-ons Sony added throughout the various firmwares seem like the foundation for this. I’ve seen comments from people I know personally that say they don’t play their PS3 that much. I can understand why. How would I know? I haven’t turned on my PS3 in months. Perhaps I got burnt out after spending hundreds of hours in MAG, MW2, LittleBigPlanet, and Battlefield titles. I’ve been busy and when I do have time to play a game I usually do it on the PC. I had the opportunity to stop by SonyStyle Atlanta and check out the PlayStation Move and the popular Sports Champions game. It’s a sports video game that has table tennis, volleyball, gladiator (sword fighting), disc golf, bocce and archery subgames. I play archery, table tennis and gladiator in this hands-on video. Simply put, the Move (and Sports Champions) is a lot of fun and reminds me of similar titles on the Wii. The graphics in Sports Champions and the very accurate PlayStation Move simply blow the Wii experience away. Motion gaming is something special, but I know that many people have moved on past it or don’t play their Wii as much as they used to. Sony’s version is much more interesting. The PS3 has those great HD graphics that are severely lacking on the Wii, and the accuracy of the PlayStation Move is on par or better than the Wii MotionPlus. What can go wrong? Can you imagine what the experience will be like with full blown games like Killzone 3? There isn’t much to complain about the PlayStation Move so far, and that’s how I feel after playing for half a hour last night and three hours today. If you combine the amount of time I have played the PS3 in the last two days because of the Move, it surpasses how much I have played total in the last several months. I can honestly see myself playing the PS3 a lot more now. The Move was slightly expensive despite the fact I already had a PlayStation Eye camera, which the Move needs for the controller to work properly. I purchased a regular PlayStation Move controller, subcontroller, charging stand and Sports Champions at GameStop for $160. That is somewhat expensive considering that you also need to buy the console and camera as well. There are some bundles out there, including a console bundle and a Sports Champions bundle. I think Sony should offer more bundles, such as two and four pack PlayStation Move controllers. PlayStation Move owners, are you having any problems? I’ve had a few accuracy jitters, but nothing really to complain about so far. View the full article

The Walkman A Series has a S-Master digital amplifier, DSEE, and Clear Stereo for incredible sound. These options have been a staple feature in the highest end Walkmans and allow you to color the audio to your liking. Support is pretty robust with MP3/WMA (DRM not supported) / ATRAC / ATRAC Advanced Lossless / Linear PCM / AAC (DRM not supported) / HE-AAC. Can you believe they are still supporting my beloved (ha ha) ATRAC in Japan after removing it everywhere else in the world? Video playback is great with the ability to do MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MPEG-4, WMV (DRM supported), up to 720

Sony announced that its European subsidiaries have agreed with Ficosa International, S.A. and COMSA EMTE SL, both headquartered in Spain, to sell the Sony Espana S.A. (Barcelona Technology Center, Viladecavalls). Ficosa and COMSA EMTE will now become the primary owners of the location, which manufactures LCD TVs for the European region. The transition should occur by the end of 2010, and of course is subject to certain regulatory and other approvals. With this transaction, the Barcelona technology center will be divided into two new companies, one focusing on manufacturing and the other focusing on development and engineering. The manufacturing company will be wholly-owned and operated by Ficosa, while the development and engineering company will be a 50:50 joint venture between Ficosa and COMSA EMTE. Between them, the new companies intend to assume employment of the majority of employees at the Barcelona technology center. Sony will source LCD TV production to the new manufacturing company for two years after completion of the transfer. Both the new manufacturing and engineering companies will concurrently develop new businesses. The major labor union which represents the majority of employees at the Barcelona Technology Center have threatened a strike in reaction the deal on September 21st, according to local media. The uncertainty of Sony’s presence after two years and looming job cuts seems to be fueling the fire, which is an additional strain on a labor force that has already experienced a salary freeze for the last two years. The Sony Espana S.A., Barcelona Technology Center (Spain) was established in early 1973. The site area is rather large at 206,000m

It’s been a long road for Sony Ericsson in the last few years, but you couldn’t tell at the official introduction of their new Americas HQ in Atlanta yesterday. SE held an exclusive event with Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, Sony Ericsson worldwide CEO Bert Nordberg, Sony Ericsson USA President Anderson Teixeira, and others for a ribbon cutting ceremony introducing the new location. While SE has faced numerous layoffs in recent times, loss in profits and so forth, their improved strategy and current portfolio signal a company that is on a turnaround. SE is becoming a robust, reformed company that is playing a pretty great hand this generation and has some killer prospects for the future. The building that houses the new headquarters is simply outstanding in appearance. It’s the shared Terminus 200 building in Buckhead, which is north of Atlanta and coincidentally a place where I grew up. I’m quite jealous of their new location, because it is next to my favorite place to eat breakfast, the Flying Biscuit and several other interesting restaurants. When I arrived, got on the elevator and it opened, I knew something was going to be unique about this place as the main sign at the reception desk is so bold and green. The whole place had a Sony Ericsson marketing feel with product demo kiosks, unique European styling, and giant motivational phrases and sentences on the windows. Bold, expressive colors were all over the place, and the furniture which had exotic shapes and appearances. I really liked the atmosphere, and even noticed a couple of Sony BRAVIA TV’s, PS3, etc. You can see more of the new headquarters and the interior of the headquarters further in the video below we created of the ribbon cutting ceremony. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue spoke to the crowd and thanked Sony Ericsson for choosing Atlanta as its new Americas home. Perdue went on to say that Sony Ericsson is a “great, visionary company” and “..we’re delighted we look forward to not only welcoming you, but to grow and help Sony Ericsson grow in a way for good business.” He concluded that Atlanta was “honored you recognize that the business climate here is friendly” and boasted Atlanta has “connectivity that is unparalleled.” Sony Ericsson CEO Bert Nordberg said about choosing Atlanta as its new home, “To us it’s been quite the easy decision; we wanted to find the optimal place where we can manage the Americas region. A place with the perfect infrastructure where its easy to access our customers and employees in Latin America.” He later went on to say that “I hope that you will get as well known for Sony Ericsson as you are for CNN.” Sonny Perdue replied to a chuckle, “We are beginning to call Atlanta the headquarters for headquarters.” Bert Nordberg later presented Sonny Perdue with a XPERIA X10 and a Sony Ericsson notebook, and said “this is for the unwritten chapters in our history.” It was a good event. I could tell that it was important for everyone in the company to get together. And believe it or not, I think in some ways the mood indicated SE has has become much more focused and capable of capturing the lead in Android sales. In the last several years, there have been several issues with the company strategy and the notion of Sony Ericsson being at the top of anything was hard to believe. I sat down with Anderson Teixeria, President of Sony Ericsson USA (left, photo from earlier this year) and discussed with him several questions that were on my mind as of late. Teixeira, who has been with the company since it begun in 2001, has overall responsibility for Sony Ericsson’s sales and marketing within the Americas Region, and reports directly to Sony Ericsson’s President and CEO, Bert Nordberg. I queried Teixeira about the Engadget rumor of the upcoming Sony Ericsson PlayStation phone, and he gave me a bit of a deflection with words about how Sony Ericsson is a joint 50/50 company with Sony and so forth. I wasn’t expecting any confirmation or anything of that sort, but he seemed humbled by the question. Towards the end of our conversation I had also noted that the official Sony Ericsson Product Launch blog is littered with comments from frustrated users who are tired of waiting for Android upgrades, as many of the SE devices that are currently available have firmware 1.6. Teixeira stressed that having the latest vanilla firmware wasn’t priority in Sony Ericsson’s strategy, but rather having rich user experiences. He noted that one of the strengths of Sony Ericsson phones is the custom software that styles the experience and adds compelling functionality, such as Timescape for communication, Mediascape for media playback and organization, and other touches they integrate into their phones. They have also added updates to enable some of the most requested features, like Exchange, and other benefits are coming. A good example of this is the ability to record HD video in a future firmware update for the XPERIA X10. I really tried to stress the importance of maintaining Sony Ericsson’s unique style and software add-ons as a key strategy, but I also mentioned the importance of having the latest Android firmware on the phones quickly as possible. Having Android firmware 1.6 on a phone in late 2010, no matter how you cut it, is something that turns away some consumers because its so old now. It’s something that turns consumers away before they even attempt to go out and try the phone. I hope that the SE will not make this mistake again in future products, as they must recognize it will limit their opportunity to succeed. View the full article

“Radioactive” is a song by American rock band Kings of Leon (a Sony Music artist), and is the first single to be released from their 2010 album Come Around Sundown. It is the second track on the album. The song, along with its accompanying music video, premiered today on the Kings’ website courtesy of VEVO. The video shows the band engaging with underpriveleged African children, and playing the song while the children represent a gospel choir. The song will start playing in regular rotation on US Alternative Radio stations starting September 13th. Come Around Sundown will be released on October 19th, but available for pre-order via iTunes starting September 14th. Fans who pre-order the record will receive “Radioactive” immediately as a free download. The album will be available in two configurations- standard as well as a deluxe version that will include bonus tracks. The tracklisting for Come Around Sundown is: The End Radioactive Pyro Mary The Face The Immortals Back Down South Beach Side No Money Pony Up Birthday Mi Amigo Pickup Truck Come Around Sundown was recorded in New York at Avatar Studios and produced by Angelo Petraglia and Jacquire King. Kings of Leon are finishing up their second leg of their 26-date North American tour at the end of this month (September 25th at St. Louis) and will be doing several European Arena shows in Belgium, Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom. View the full article

The long wait is nearly over. The PlayStation Move, revealed in June of last year, is now coming to North America on September 17, the PAL region and most Asian markets on September 15, and in Japan on October 21. It’s really exciting to see such an incredible accessory like the very accurate Move controller system coming to the PS3. Move is going to have innovative titles at launch and unlimited potential for the future of the console. In some ways, the PlayStation Move is something that almost reinvents the PS3. It’s a really accurate motion controller attached to a HD-capable powerhouse. Sign me up. For existing PS3 owners, its almost a no brainer to buy this. I’m pretty lucky I won’t have to spend as much as others, as I already have an PlayStation Eye camera. Want to learn more about the Move? You have to check out the post on PlayStation blog, “PlayStation Move: The Ultimate FAQ.” The information there is really comprehensive and answers so many questions about the PlayStation Move. And it’s not just the usual boring FAQ. There are some gems in there, especially since the majority of the questions are user-submitted from the community. Must read. I know that some of you may not play your PS3 as much as you used to. I have several friends who are like that and have seen that rhetoric elsewhere. Even I go for little stretches of time and play games on my PC (currently addicted to BF:BC2). I miss console gaming, though, and while I loved the Wii there was something missing in it for me. I wanted something in HD, mind blowing graphics (and long draw distances), online gaming, and had the FPS titles that could keep me locked in and satisfied. So when I saw the Move sub-controller demonstration for SOCOM, where someone played a FPS very accurately, I knew i had to get into it. And the Move it’s something my girlfriend and I can do together. She’s very competitive, so this will easily tire her out on those certain nights. The PlayStation Move has received critical acclaim overall with most major sites giving it positive reviews. If you are more of the type to look at a product on video, check out this search link on YouTube that has many video reviews and demos of the PlayStation Move. Be sure to check out the links below as well for more detailed analysis of the whole experience. Game Informer gave it an 8 out of 10 saying “The PlayStation Eye and motion controller are a killer combination for accurate and highly responsive motion-based gameplay, and we applaud Sony for getting the hardware right the first time.” Kotaku praised its accuracy, design, use of augmented reality and said that “The Playstation Move is a intuitive, natural feeling way to play games and it brings with it not only a sense of increased immersion to already graphically immersive games, but a new way to play with your reality and a refreshing form of colorful feedback.” IGN gave the Move an 8.5 out of 10, noting that the launch line-up of games for the controller was insufficient though it summarized by saying “At the end of the day, the PlayStation Move has the potential to be the best motion control system on the current crop of consoles.” Joystiq praised the Move saying “The hardware’s great, and I can see it being used in a multitude of really cool ways, but of course it’s only as cool as the games that use it” and that the launch line-up was not worth the purchase at launch though it believes that the Move would be worth the purchase in early 2011 due to a stronger line-up of games such as SOCOM 4 and Killzone 3. CVG gave the Move an extremely positive review awarding it 9 out of 10 saying that “Sony’s motion control gets beyond being a gimmick. We found ourselves constantly itching for “one more go”.” The Guardian strongly criticized the Move’s launch line-up, though it noted that the hardware was strong and that after playing with the Move it was “very hard to go back to the relative inaccuracy of the Wii.” View the full article

Sony Japan has updated their headphone line for 2010, and one of the most exciting introductions set for release on November 10th is the flagship model MDR-Z1000 (Y61,950). Sony is aiming these stereo headphones towards professionals, and has engineered them to excel in audio post-production. There are several new features in this headphone that have never been integrated in a Sony headphone before. In the official press release, Sony states that the development of the technology within the Z1000 has taken years of expertise in headphone design to accomplish. The design of the Z1000 is quite unique, but still attractive in its own way. The Z1000 most certainly does not look like headphones Sony have released in the past. The housing component is actually made of magnesium alloy, and is 10% thinner in comparison to conventional models. Portability and ease of use was also kept in mind as the Z1000 has the ability to use 1.2m/3m cords that can be detached from the base of the headphone (as seen above). One of the biggest features of the Z1000 is the 50mm driver unit and the ability to handle frequencies of 5-80,000 Hz. This is very similiar to the previously released MDR-Z900HD, but a major difference is that the Z1000 can handle a maximum input of 4,000mW. The Z1000 is also one of the first headphones by Sony to use a liquid crystalline polymer diaphragm, which is nearly five times as strong as conventional designs and reduces inner plate vibration significantly. If you eliminate or greatly suppress vibration in a headphone, it enables a much more accurate listening experience and greater fidelity. Signal purity is almost no question with the integration of oxygen free copper (OFC) wires, which boast a 7N signal grade, and will ensure low distortion and minimal signal loss. There is also a new gasket that covers the gap between the housing and the driver unit to enhance sound isolation from the outside world while preventing sound leakage. The design of the headphone pads in the Z1000 have been greatly improved in comparison to past models, and after dozen of trials Sony Japan feels they may have the perfect fit. With a wider fit and an improved foam cushion, the Z1000 reduces hair pinching and has less of a squeezing feeling on the ears. View the full article

So we were wondering when we finally see any 3D VAIO pop up on the horizon of our scope as Sir Howard Stringer himself mentioned those back in 2009 at CES and a number of slides from Sony showed the VAIO presence in 3D roadmap. Well it looks like Sony put one together in the prototype form and showcased it in Berlin at IFA. It makes sense to incorporate this technology into a desktop replacement notebook with a wide and big LCD. So most likely it won’t be a VAIO like TT series where we first spotted Bluray drive. I think it would have been nice to have a small form factor 3D enabled VAIO, so it sort of becomes a portable 3D player. Anyways, do you see yourself playing with a 3D enabled notebook? I can definitely see gaming happen, however I am not aware of that many 3D PC games. It will most likely be used as a Bluray 3D powerhouse. In the video below you will learn a little bit more details about this new VAIO. Sony has incorporated the transmitter into the bezel and you can use your Bravia 3D active shutter glasses to view the content. In addition to hardware buttons (ASSIST and VAIO), Sony added 3D button to get you into three dimensional world. More details will be revealed at CES 2011 and expect to pick one up in late spring. View the full article

Qriocity is a network service platform that connects many of Sony?s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Through Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are ?powered by Qriocity?, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers. Today at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, Sony announced plans to introduce ?Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity?, a new, cloud-based, digital music service. Available by year?s end, ?Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity? will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud. ?Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity? will initially be available across Sony?s 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theater systems, as well as PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIOs and other personal computers, and will become increasingly available on a range of Sony?s portable devices. ?Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity? brings together the features cited as most important by music enthusiasts. With access to a huge library of songs through the cloud, users can discover new music through channels personalized to their tastes on multiple devices and without the requirement to manage digital music files. The convenience resulting from this new consumer music experience will further enhance the value of music, thus creating new opportunities for the industry. Details of the service plan will be announced in the future. ?We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony?s network-enabled devices,? said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. ?Services ?powered by Qriocity? will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.? View the full article

Qriocity is a network service platform that connects many of Sony?s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Through Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are ?powered by Qriocity?, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers. Today at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, Sony announced plans to introduce ?Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity?, a new, cloud-based, digital music service. Available by year?s end, ?Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity? will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud. ?Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity? will initially be available across Sony?s 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theater systems, as well as PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIOs and other personal computers, and will become increasingly available on a range of Sony?s portable devices. ?Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity? brings together the features cited as most important by music enthusiasts. With access to a huge library of songs through the cloud, users can discover new music through channels personalized to their tastes on multiple devices and without the requirement to manage digital music files. The convenience resulting from this new consumer music experience will further enhance the value of music, thus creating new opportunities for the industry. Details of the service plan will be announced in the future. ?We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony?s network-enabled devices,? said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. ?Services ?powered by Qriocity? will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.? View the full article

Qriocity is a network service platform that connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Through Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are “powered by Qriocity”, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers. Today at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, Sony announced plans to introduce “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity”, a new, cloud-based, digital music service. Available by year’s end, “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will initially be available across Sony’s 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theater systems, as well as PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIOs and other personal computers, and will become increasingly available on a range of Sony’s portable devices. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” brings together the features cited as most important by music enthusiasts. With access to a huge library of songs through the cloud, users can discover new music through channels personalized to their tastes on multiple devices and without the requirement to manage digital music files. The convenience resulting from this new consumer music experience will further enhance the value of music, thus creating new opportunities for the industry. Details of the service plan will be announced in the future. “We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony’s network-enabled devices,” said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. “Services ‘powered by Qriocity’ will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.” View the full article

Qriocity is a network service platform that connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Through Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are “powered by Qriocity”, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers. Today at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, Sony announced plans to introduce “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity”, a new, cloud-based, digital music service. Available by year’s end, “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will initially be available across Sony’s 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theater systems, as well as PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIOs and other personal computers, and will become increasingly available on a range of Sony’s portable devices. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” brings together the features cited as most important by music enthusiasts. With access to a huge library of songs through the cloud, users can discover new music through channels personalized to their tastes on multiple devices and without the requirement to manage digital music files. The convenience resulting from this new consumer music experience will further enhance the value of music, thus creating new opportunities for the industry. Details of the service plan will be announced in the future. “We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony’s network-enabled devices,” said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. “Services ‘powered by Qriocity’ will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.” View the full article

Qriocity is a network service platform that connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Through Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are “powered by Qriocity”, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers. Today at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, Sony announced plans to introduce “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity”, a new, cloud-based, digital music service. Available by year’s end, “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will initially be available across Sony’s 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theater systems, as well as PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIOs and other personal computers, and will become increasingly available on a range of Sony’s portable devices. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” brings together the features cited as most important by music enthusiasts. With access to a huge library of songs through the cloud, users can discover new music through channels personalized to their tastes on multiple devices and without the requirement to manage digital music files. The convenience resulting from this new consumer music experience will further enhance the value of music, thus creating new opportunities for the industry. Details of the service plan will be announced in the future. “We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony’s network-enabled devices,” said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. “Services ‘powered by Qriocity’ will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.” View the full article

Qriocity is a network service platform that connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices and allows consumers to enjoy high quality entertainment across multiple devices. Through Qriocity, Sony will deliver a variety of digital entertainment content and services that are “powered by Qriocity”, including video, music, game applications, and e-books over time, and through these services, and in combination with its networked devices, Sony aims to bring new and exciting entertainment experiences to customers. Today at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, Sony announced plans to introduce “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity”, a new, cloud-based, digital music service. Available by year’s end, “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will initially be available across Sony’s 2010 models of network-enabled BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theater systems, as well as PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems and VAIOs and other personal computers, and will become increasingly available on a range of Sony’s portable devices. “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” brings together the features cited as most important by music enthusiasts. With access to a huge library of songs through the cloud, users can discover new music through channels personalized to their tastes on multiple devices and without the requirement to manage digital music files. The convenience resulting from this new consumer music experience will further enhance the value of music, thus creating new opportunities for the industry. Details of the service plan will be announced in the future. “We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony’s network-enabled devices,” said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. “Services ‘powered by Qriocity’ will revolutionize the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content.” View the full article

Sony Japan has detailed five new televisions that have compelling features such as a dual HD tuner, built-in Blu-ray/DVD player and a 500GB DVR. Set for release around late November, the 3D capable BRAVIA KDL-HX80R (based on HX800 series) and regular HD KDL-EX30R series (based on KDL-EX300) televisions will continue to remind consumers the USA is oddly far behind. You have yet to see a TV like this in the USA because cable and satellite companies have made sure that we’re at the bottom of the barrel with this technology. It just doesn’t make any sense to have such incredibly advanced phones, computers, and so forth, yet US television content control is nearly in the stone age compared to the rest of the world. Most 2010 Japanese TV’s have some sort of DVR and massive hard drive, and Europe and Japan have enjoyed a DVR add-on that works brilliantly with the PS3. Maybe GoogleTV and the incoming horde of instant content streaming (from Apple, etc) will finally push the USA in the right direction, but it is still unclear how this will work with major operators, such as Comcast, Verizon FIOS, DirecTV, etc. And in some ways that’s where the problem lies, as there are so many providers that make great revenue off charging the masses for DVR rentals and associated fees. The recording options on both televisions are pretty standard for what we’re seeing from other manufacturers in Japan, and it has a 500GB hard drive, and the ability to record two programs in AVC at the same time. There is also enhanced editing and chapter integration for recorded movies. Japanese consumers will enjoy the ability to record MPEG-2 TS streams directly to the hard drive, or use MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 encoding at XR (16Mbps), XSR (11Mbps), SR (8Mbps), LSR (4Mbps), LR (3Mbps), ER (2Mbps) modes. We also give a big thumbs up for the ability to import AVCHD content from a camcorder or camera into the television’s hard drive. How cool is that! Similar to the HX800, the HX80R will have BRAVIA Engine 3 and the CREAS3 chip for enhanced color and image clarity. Unfortunately, like the HX800 series, the 3D transmitter (TMR-BR100) and active shutter 3D glasses (TDG-BR100, TDG-BR50) will be optional accessories that you’ll have to buy as well. I’m sure local Japanese retailers are offering 3D accessory bundles. The EX30R (based on the EX300/EX308 series) is a more basic LCD HDTV with CCFL backlighting, and despite that fact, Sony Japan has integrated 500GB hard drives and a Blu-ray Player into this series as well. The 30″ (KDL-32EX30R, Y150,000) and 26″ (KDL-26EX30R, Y145,000) feature a double HD tuner and 720p resolution. It also has BRAVIA Engine 3 and the CREAS3 chip like the HX80R, but does not support MotionFlow Pro and operates at 60Hz. Real life pictures of the HX80R and EX30R courtesy of AV Watch. More pictures at our Picasa Gallery of the HX80R and EX30R. View the full article

Hello fellow readers, here is a scoop of information about Sony Innovation get-together that occurred in NYC. I’d say this is a pretty rare opportunity that bloggers and Sony enthusiasts who attended the event got to experience at the Sony USA Headquarters on 550 Madison Ave. This gig was hosted on the 35th floor at the Sony Club which is not open to public eyes. Mind you the 34th floor is the Chairman’s floor, where sir Howard Stringer’s office is located, I’ll share more about that part at the end of this post. When one enters the building, a grand lobby greets its visitors outfitted with a number of Sony Bravia TVs mounted on the wall next to each other. I proceeded to the elevator which takes you to the next level where every employee passes security check each morning. From there you take another elevator and the world of Sony Corporate offices is spread out on each floor. After we reached the 35th floor we were greeted by the catering staff with finger food and lots of drinks available. But since we are mostly interested in the products we went into special room that was set up with products and Sony specialists waiting to answer any of your questions. So what impressed me among the Sony gadgetry that I got to play with you may ask? Since I was hoping to see a Google integrated Bravia TV and maybe something new in the VAIO area, and as you know that did not happen, I got to spend some time with the Sony employees and have a good candid talk with some of them about current, past and upcoming products. One of them even mentioned in a polite but fun way that we “blew the embargo” when we posted a story on the not yet released Sony readers. But we would not be a Sony Insider site if we don’t share some of the juicy info from time to time, don’t you agree? Let’s talk a little about Bravia, I spent a good amount of time discussing 3D, OLED and what Sony is doing in order to gain more share in this competitive market. I mentioned that I believe for 3D to take off, people need more 3D content which is pretty scarce at the moment. Sony rep gave a good response and analogy on how HDTV was also a slow starter and it took some time for it to be adopted and be available to the users. So with 2011 around the corner, let’s hope consumers will be flooded with 3D content from providers as well as Bluray 3D offerings. There is a good possibility that Sony may even consider streaming 3D content through its Bravia Internet Video service available now on all Bravia sets. To which I would say, go for it! Bring us 3D downloadable content from PSN or Qriocity services. The upcoming Google integrated Bravia is going to be interesting and the sets are being assembled and shipped as we speak. So stay tuned for the announcement and availability this fall. This joint effort of Sony and Google has been praised on techy blogosphere and Sony is very excited about it. I believe if this is done right and most importantly user friendly, it will be an amazing product. I cannot say enough that well-done GUI and Internet features implemented within Bravia would make it or kill it. After asking about design, whether or not it’s going to be 3D ready, I got an answer that this new Bravia is going to be different. The rep felt like it is a good term to describe this upcoming TV, so we will see it and be judges of that. The new NX810 models were displayed at the event and the 60 inch model drew some attention of course. Its slim design and 3D demos running definitely make the experience fun, but those folks who are neat-picky as far as PQ and want their blacks to be black may still want to wait until Intelligent LED Backlighting reaches the 60 inch mark. For some reason Sony has not yet come up with such a monster and I know many AV enthusiasts are disappointed and jumping the ship to Vizio and Sharp or Samsung 65” plus 3D LCDs. Shortage of panels was one of the main culprits this year. As far as new monolothic design, I wanted to mention that I like it, but I’d say it’s OK though. I think when XBR10 series were released last year, it was already designed with this monolithic approach in mind as the screen was flush. XBR10 was also a beautiful set. I just think that something is still missing in the design department of the current models and they seem to be just plainly beautiful not striking enough in my opinion (the HX909 model I own is cutting close to being a beauty with its optional aluminum stand it is sitting in, but the panel itself is still on the thick side, I know I am very picky). The NX810 are available in 46, 55 and 60 inch full HD resolution of course, all models share Dynamic Edge LED Backlighting with local dimming, Motionflow Pro 240Hz (watch the vid below where we discuss difference between 240Hz vs 480Hz). The Sony NEX-VG10 was another product that drew attention of many. The interchangeable and first of its kind in the world camera will be available this September. There were also TX9 and a pair of NEX-3,5 as well as presentation of several 3D pictures taken by those Cybershots. Anyways, check out the videos that will be posted soon (they are being uploaded). As I mentioned in the very beginning the floor below the event was the Chairman’s floor and at that point I did not know that, I needed a lil break and I walked the marble stairs that led to the 34th floor, and as I wondered around, I passed the conference room outfitted with 2 Sony professional monitors where most likely videoconferencing takes place with Tokyo. As I proceeded further, I spotted Bravia HX909 hanging on the wall and a number of pictures and after talking to a lady sitting there, I realized that it was sir Howard’s office! Of course, he was not in, but being in the area where a lot of Sony decisions take place was pretty awesome!

Hello fellow readers, here is a scoop of information about Sony Innovation get-together that occurred in NYC. I’d say this is a pretty rare opportunity that bloggers and Sony enthusiasts who attended the event got to experience at the Sony USA Headquarters on 550 Madison Ave. This gig was hosted on the 35th floor at the Sony Club which is not open to public eyes. Mind you the 34th floor is the Chairman’s floor, where sir Howard Stringer’s office is located, I’ll share more about that part at the end of this post. When one enters the building, a grand lobby greets its visitors outfitted with a number of Sony Bravia TVs mounted on the wall next to each other. I proceeded to the elevator which takes you to the next level where every employee passes security check each morning. From there you take another elevator and the world of Sony Corporate offices is spread out on each floor. After we reached the 35th floor we were greeted by the catering staff with finger food and lots of drinks available. But since we are mostly interested in the products we went into special room that was set up with products and Sony specialists waiting to answer any of your questions. So what impressed me among the Sony gadgetry that I got to play with you may ask? Since I was hoping to see a Google integrated Bravia TV and maybe something new in the VAIO area, and as you know that did not happen, I got to spend some time with the Sony employees and have a good candid talk with some of them about current, past and upcoming products. One of them even mentioned in a polite but fun way that we “blew the embargo” when we posted a story on the not yet released Sony readers. But we would not be a Sony Insider site if we don’t share some of the juicy info from time to time, don’t you agree? Let’s talk a little about Bravia, I spent a good amount of time discussing 3D, OLED and what Sony is doing in order to gain more share in this competitive market. I mentioned that I believe for 3D to take off, people need more 3D content which is pretty scarce at the moment. Sony rep gave a good response and analogy on how HDTV was also a slow starter and it took some time for it to be adopted and be available to the users. So with 2011 around the corner, let’s hope consumers will be flooded with 3D content from providers as well as Bluray 3D offerings. There is a good possibility that Sony may even consider streaming 3D content through its Bravia Internet Video service available now on all Bravia sets. To which I would say, go for it! Bring us 3D downloadable content from PSN or Qriocity services. The upcoming Google integrated Bravia is going to be interesting and the sets are being assembled and shipped as we speak. So stay tuned for the announcement and availability this fall. This joint effort of Sony and Google has been praised on techy blogosphere and Sony is very excited about it. I believe if this is done right and most importantly user friendly, it will be an amazing product. I cannot say enough that well-done GUI and Internet features implemented within Bravia would make it or kill it. After asking about design, whether or not it’s going to be 3D ready, I got an answer that this new Bravia is going to be different. The rep felt like it is a good term to describe this upcoming TV, so we will see it and be judges of that. The new NX810 models were displayed at the event and the 60 inch model drew some attention of course. Its slim design and 3D demos running definitely make the experience fun, but those folks who are neat-picky as far as PQ and want their blacks to be black may still want to wait until Intelligent LED Backlighting reaches the 60 inch mark. For some reason Sony has not yet come up with such a monster and I know many AV enthusiasts are disappointed and jumping the ship to Vizio and Sharp or Samsung 65” plus 3D LCDs. Shortage of panels was one of the main culprits this year. As far as new monolothic design, I wanted to mention that I like it, but I’d say it’s OK though. I think when XBR10 series were released last year, it was already designed with this monolithic approach in mind as the screen was flush. XBR10 was also a beautiful set. I just think that something is still missing in the design department of the current models and they seem to be just plainly beautiful not striking enough in my opinion (the HX909 model I own is cutting close to being a beauty with its optional aluminum stand it is sitting in, but the panel itself is still on the thick side, I know I am very picky). The NX810 are available in 46, 55 and 60 inch full HD resolution of course, all models share Dynamic Edge LED Backlighting with local dimming, Motionflow Pro 240Hz (watch the vid below where we discuss difference between 240Hz vs 480Hz). The Sony NEX-VG10 was another product that drew attention of many. The interchangeable and first of its kind in the world camera will be available this September. There were also TX9 and a pair of NEX-3,5 as well as presentation of several 3D pictures taken by those Cybershots. Anyways, check out the videos that will be posted soon (they are being uploaded). As I mentioned in the very beginning the floor below the event was the Chairman’s floor and at that point I did not know that, I needed a lil break and I walked the marble stairs that led to the 34th floor, and as I wondered around, I passed the conference room outfitted with 2 Sony professional monitors where most likely videoconferencing takes place with Tokyo. As I proceeded further, I spotted Bravia HX909 hanging on the wall and a number of pictures and after talking to a lady sitting there, I realized that it was sir Howard’s office! Of course, he was not in, but being in the area where a lot of Sony decisions take place was pretty awesome!

For those of you in the USA, if you want a chance to win 2 Imperial Lime W Series PCs and 10 Billabong boardshorts, simply answer all 3 pop quiz questions below correctly by leaving your answers in the comment section of this Sony Blog post.

When the gorgeous Sony BRAVIA NX Series edge-lit LED LCD TV was introduced earlier this year, it was offered in Asia as a model that could do 3D and 2D (NX810 series), while the rest of the world could only purchase a 2D variant (NX700/NX800 series). After a long delay, Sony Europe and Sony USA are set to offer the BRAVIA NX810 series HD 3DTV to consumers this September. The series, available in 46″ (KDL-46NX810, $3,000), 55″ (KDL-55NX810, $3,700), and 60″ (KDL-60NX810, $4,700) inch screen sizes feature full HD (1080p) resolution with 2D and 3D capability. Your favorite show or movie will come alive with the 240Hz Motionflow PRO technology, enabling a clear picture when watching content that has fast-moving sequences. Sony’s most advanced processing system for superior image detail, BRAVIA Engine 3, offers exceptionally vibrant, life-like images, reduced noise and optimized contrast and color. There is also dynamic edge-lit LED backlighting that features local dimming for crisp blacks and exceptional colors. However, some have found that direct LED backlit panels may look better. In fact, it is rather odd that this model is priced higher than the HX909 series, which does offer direct LED backlighting and what some consider a superior picture to the NX810. Connectivity is pretty well rounded on the NX810 series with a plethora of HDMI inputs, USB, Ethernet, built-in Wi-Fi, BRAVIA Internet Video & Widgets, and much more. 3D Sync Transmitter and Active Shutter glasses are sold separately. To complement the NX710 or NX810, a an optional designer stand offers an even more elegant way to set your TV at the perfect 6

Sony has really captured the attention of the consumer photography world with the recent introduction of the Alpha A55 and A33 DSLRs, which will become available over the next several months around the world. The cameras, especially the A55, are being raved about on DPreview (the A55 even won a Gold Award), imaging-resource, Digital Camera Review, Pop Photo, and many other sites. Make sure you check out the sample pictures in those links. In fact, its hard to find anyone saying anything bad about these two new cameras. It’s not really surprising, either, because the A55 and A33 are full to the brim of innovative technology. They have an ultra precise focus that works incredibly well, and boasts the world’s first 15-point phase detection AF system for an interchangeable lens camera. They are lightning quick, with the A55 capable of 10fps and the A33 capable of 7fps. The camera can maintain focus on subjects that move quickly towards or away from the camera even in a shallow depth of field. Other features introduced on some of these new Sony DSLR’s include HD video recording, GPS, Panoramic Pictures (2D/3D), and much more. One of the major factors contributing to the popularity of the A55 and A33 is the new Translucent (pellicle) Mirror technology, which as Debbie Grossman from Pop Photo describes, “In place of a mirror, there’s a fixed film that’s reflective enough to direct light to the autofocus sensor while simultaneously transmitting light to the image sensor behind it. That means that phase detection autofocus can be in effect the entire time you’re shooting, with no interruptions when you click the shutter.” The results of this translucent mirror system (picture above from AV Watch) are stunning for the price, and there is quality and features in these new DSLR’s that are usually found in cameras that cost thousands of dollars. The A55 and A33 push the bar in the sub-$1,000 price market, which is a healthy arena for Sony to compete especially as more and more amateur photographers become present in the digital world. Easily put, these are incredible cameras for a beginner and/or a surprising contender as a secondary camera for any type of established photographer. The A55 and A33 also have an very strong HD movie mode (1080-60i AVCHD/1440 x 1080 MPEG4) with the ability to record up to 29 minutes in one instance. Sony Europe describes in further detail, “The α55 and α33 also mark the debut of Quick AF Full HD movie shooting. Translucent Mirror Technology enables AVCHD 1080i video shooting with smooth, precise phase detection AF tracking of moving subjects. Real-time video image preview is now possible via the viewfinder – in contrast with DSLR cameras where the raised mirror prevents light from reaching the optical viewfinder during video shooting.” We are still working to find some good video (on YouTube) shot with the A55 or A33. So far, I have seen some impressive examples of the A55 video of a rodeo (HD) at Luminous Landscape, and firebreathers on Vimeo (low quality). DPreview also has some nice HD MTS files. Here is a video from one of our new content partners, Diginfo, of the Sony Japan press event for the A55/A33: There are many other features found in the A55 and A33, which are officially called the SLT-A55V and SLT-A33. Both cameras offer built-in flash, and are compatible with Sony A lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens. The A55 has a 16.2 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS, while the A33 has a lesser 14.3 version. The BIONZ image processor compliments the ISO 100- 12800 range, and the Multi Frame NR mode enables an extended ISO of 25600. Like most DSLR’s, the A55/A33 shoot JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, and RAW + JPG and you’ll be able to enjoy seeing what you shoot on the 3 inch LCD that is an 100% frame coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF). The great part about this viewfinder is the Quick AF live view, which means you no longer have to see the screen black out when taking a picture. There also isn’t that familiar shutter sound you hear in most DSLR’s. They have an electronic viewfinder that is dead-on with the sensor. In fact, it’s so good that imaging-resource.com said, “I’ve long been an avowed EVF-hater, but the viewfinder display on the Sony A55 is good enough that I found myself sorely missing it when I returned to shooting with a conventional sub-frame SLR with a typically small optical viewfinder.” As we stated earlier, the A55 and A33 also shoot panoramic pictures in 2D or 3D. If you thought this style of picture was a cool feature in a point-and-shoot camera, just look at the results implemented in a DSLR. How unbelievable does the picture (from Pop Photo) above look? For users who enjoy geotagging, the A55 is the first α camera with a built-in GPS that can tag images with the geographical coordinates of the location where they were taken, recorded as EXIF data. When viewed on a computer using the bundled Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software or on a compatible BRAVIA TV equipped with the Photo Map function, the geotagged images are beautifully displayed on a world map. For greater convenience, both cameras support Memory Stick and SD cards. With the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, movies and photos can be transferred up to 4 times faster than when using the Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark2. View the full article

Yup, you heard it right. We have visited San Diego Sony Electronics Headquarters earlier this summer and tomorrow we are heading to New York City where Sony will be hosting a special event for those who are enthusiastic about the brand and its achievements. We are also hearing Sony will be showing some new fall products, maybe get a glance of what we may see at CEDIA. We are armed with an HD camera and a Cybershot G1 to capture whatever will be thrown at us and will report to you our readers. Will we see new Google Bravia, 3D VAIOs or something else? You can find out all about it tomorrow,