Christopher

Sony has posted a FCC application on a new product – the AK8MSJX8G, which is the application for a MS-JX8G Memory Stick Duo card. I’ve never seen a MS Duo card on the FCC before, because its limited to devices that transmit information over a radio spectrum. After peeking inside the FCC files I found the 4480Mhz frequency listed in the Test Report. My first assumptions of the card containing 802.11a/b/g wireless suddenly vanished, because the 2.4ghz band wasn’t listed. I did some Googling with this radio frequency I’d never seen before, and it didn’t take long to find out that the 4480Mhz band (as defined by Tyco Electronics) is associated with TransferJet. Hence, Sony is bringing a TransferJet-equipped MS Duo card to the market very soon. This is very surprising information. I had originally thought that TransferJet would be equipped into the hardware itself, but what I failed to realize is that they could integrate it into removable media. It makes sense because it requires little power to work, so it would probably have minimal effect on battery life to the attached device. This means that there is a possibility that any product that uses MS Duo could become a TransferJet equipped device, which signals a new era of connectivity for mobile devices in the USA. What’s even more promising is that Sony is also aggressively working on bringing TransferJet-compatible USB readers to the market, so its very possible that you will see a TransferJet MS Duo card and USB-based TransferJet base station for your PC. TransferJet can also be eventually built into Sony VAIO PC’s and BRAVIA Televisions, as well as other consumer electronics. Forget what TransferJet is? It’s a technology shown off by Sony nearly at every trade show exhibit they have done in recent memory. It’s a wireless technology that can transfer data at 560Mbps (Max.) / effective 375Mbps (throughput). We covered the product in The Science of TransferJet. There is also a very good TransferJet demonstration video over at engadget. TransferJet is a close-proximity (3cm) wireless transfer technology developed by Sony. A very large consortium of companies are involved. Data to be transferred simply by touching the transmitting device directly to the receiving device. TransferJet eliminates complex and troublesome configuration and settings typically associated with conventional wireless technology. For example, simply touching a TV with a digital camera will enable still images to be displayed on the TV screen. Put it near your computer and transfer your data without wires. Alternatively, downloaded music content can be enjoyed simply by touching a mobile phone to a portable audio player. TransferJet can be thought of as a universal interface that will replace current connectors, cables and memory cards used in many consumer electronics devices. And now, it’s really going to happen soon in the USA. View the full article

It seems like XBR10 line up was just announced and people already started wondering what Sony has in store for the next line up. It’s like Windows 7 is out now and we know for sure M$ is already working and developing the next operating system. There were a ton of rumors going around and a number of unhappy customers who were hoping that XBR10 to have TruLED or RGB Triluminos technology, as we all know now the pretty Bravia is shining with LED Edge-lit panel and wireless HDMI. However just recently a certain internal document was leaked from Sony that identified a line of upcoming TVs with some pretty juicy details. The good news is LED RGB is coming back! It will be released in the XBR12 flagship models with ”High Range Advanced LED RGB” backlighting. Local Dimming and a bag of chips too! XBR11 line up lists panels ranging from 32 to 60 inches: KDL-32XBR11 | 32-Inch KDL-40XBR11| 40-Inch KDL-46XBR11| 46-Inch KDL-52XBR11| 52-Inch KDL-60XBR11| 60-Inch The Sony KDL-XBR11 series uses W-LED technology, which is White LEDs. XBR11/12 will feature: New LCD development called UV2A developed by Sharp; Bravia Engine 3 PRO with HD Video Processor DRC; HD Triple Tuner; New EMO brand The Edge Motion Speaker New Look (Floating Glass design is coming back, something similar to Sony’s very first and dear KLV-30XBR900 model), available in semi-gloss and glossy pane. Another interesting piece of info, the document mentioned KDL-ZX series OLED! Woot! I was hoping we would see the continuation of XEL series. Anyways, all this info should be of course not considered as final, the doc does state those models are prototypes. However the specs do speak for themselves. CES 2010 will be the answer to those who are wondering and is just a few months away…for now feel free to salivate about these new Bravias… Other models listed are: KDL-S6100 | Entry CCFL KDL-V6100 | Mind Range CCFL KDL-W6100 | Mid Range CCFL KDL-Z6100 | High Range CCFL KDL-X500 | Mid Range Edge-Lit LED LCD KDL-650 | High Range Edge-Lit LED LCD Here is an additional picture: View the full article

Sony has notified its stockholders that its new management team will hold a investor/analyst meeting on November 19th at 17:30 – 19:00 JST. A company spokeswoman declined to give further details on what the briefing will entail. The new team, set up in April, includes CEO Howard Stringer, Executive Deputy President Hiroshi Yoshioka, and Executive Vice President Kazuo Hirai. You can tune into the presentation courtesy of Sony’s website following the link above. View the full article

It appears that the elusive Sony NWZ-S740 series Walkman has been on sale in various Asia Pacific markets, including Hong Kong. Availability varies, and judging by past releases, the most advanced S-Series Walkman will slowly trickle out to other countries in that region eventually. It doesn’t seem to have the lyric service like the Japanese model, but does retain all of the other incredible features such as noise cancelling technology, FM, TV Out (at SD), 42 hour battery life for audio, 10 hours for video, and more. Reception to the product announcement was very strong back on September 16th, but also was confusing to consumers because of a limited Japanese debut. With the product now available in in more countries, can we assume it won’t be too much longer before it comes to the USA and Europe? The S740 Series also have Clear bass, Clear Stereo, and DSEE to color your sound. I like several of these features and usually enable them. Colors available to Asia Pacific include just the black model – which is a far cry from the gold, green, violet models available in Japan. Not sure if any of the other colors will be available, which is sad because the green is pretty neat. On a side note, will we ever see the latest A Series Walkman outside of Japan? I have heard some rumblings that it may be so. Stay tuned. View the full article

Takers, directed by John Luessenhop (distributed by Sony/Screen Gems), revolves around a notorious group of criminals (Idris Elba, Paul Walker, T.I., Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy) who continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low in between heists. But when they attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever before, the crew may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detective (Matt Dillon) who is hell-bent on solving the case. What an unusual but curious mixture of people to put together for a cast, eh? It’s great to see T.I. in a movie while he’s in jail. Now that’s swagger. On another note, I think people are so tired of thinking about Chris Brown as well so that won’t dent the movie too much. Who knows, though. I also can’t remember the last time I saw Hayden Christensen in a movie since Star Wars Episode III. I’ll just be thinking about him melting away in Mustafar after pissing off Obi wan. After watching the trailer I think that I could see Takers appealing to many people, and has the visuals to shine on Blu-ray. This kind of movie would perhaps obtain (a low-ball estimate) $50-75 million revenue over time. Not bad for a $20 million dollar film. View the full article

Some of you may remember introduction of the movie Hancock to those with Bravia Internet Video Links last year, where Sony offered the release of the movie exclusively to owners of the above device (DMX-NV1) before it officially hit the DVD and Blu-ray release. This year Sony is throwing another hit – animated cartoon Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs that generated a good revenue in box office sales. If you are about to buy Bravia Network TV, like W5100, Z5100, XBR9 (32″ model excluded) and XBR10 series, or pick up a Blu-ray player that also features BIVL like BDP-N460 – you will be one of the lucky ones to view this cartoon for free ($24.99 value)starting December 8th through January 4th, 2010. Current owners of those products will have to pay unfortunately…(come on Sony, hook us up half-price or something!). Last year success with Hancock generated more sales, so Sony is hoping for similar results and will be glad to stream 720p HD cartoon to your homes. Check out for more details, press release below: Sony Electronics today announced that owners of Sony networked BRAVIA

Check this out, guys and girls – Sony has pimped its VAIO FW (model: VGN-FW590FFD) and wants you to consider it as your gaming rig. I have been privileged to play some with this pretty cool notebook for a few days and here are a few deets for you to ponder up if you in the market for a notebook that can pretty much do it all from heavy program multi-tasking to gaming. Let’s take a look at the specs first, as it pretty much determines its flexing muscle: 16.4″ LED-Backlit Screen 1600 x 900 Resolution Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 (2.53GHz) 500GB HDD, 7200 rpm 4GB DDR2 Memory DDR2/800Mhz can be maxed out to 8GB!!!

Earlier this year from June 24 to July 3 2009, The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Sony Corporation jointly implemented “JICA and Sony For the Next Generation in Ghana 2009,” a Public Private Partnership project aiming to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS issues that form an integral part of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. As part of this project, Sony brought its latest high resolution projection system (a Blu-Ray player, a 200-inch giant screen, a projector, an audio mixer and an audio amplifier) to the Project for HIV and AIDS Prevention through Education (HAPE project) sites. The JICA-supported HAPE project aims to reduce HIV prevalence among young people by focusing on prevention through reduction of high-risk behavior. It is being implemented in collaboration with organizations such as the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) from October 2005 to September 2009 in 181 communities across seven cities in the Eastern and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. At the project sites, Sony conducted public viewing events for the people of the local communities. The screenings were of football matches, including live coverage of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and matches featuring Ghana from the 2006 FIFA World Cup. ">" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"> Through the duration of this project, approximately 9,000 people gathered in the seven cities across the Eastern and Ashanti regions to watch Sony’s high-definition broadcasts of football matches (compared to usual attendance of approximately 3,000). Furthermore, approximately 1,100 youths and adults visited HIV/AIDS testing sites and took the HIV test, roughly three-times the usual turnout. In addition, football is considered to be the most popular sports in Ghana; however, TV diffusion rate is still low at 21% that most people cannot watch football matches and support their national team. View the full article

Sony Style has updated their Signature Collection VAIO PC line. Information courtesy of SonyStyle Blog. Weighing an unbelievable 1.6 pounds and as slim as most mobile phones, the Sony Style exclusive black (VPCX115KX/B) and gold (VPCX115KX/N) VAIO Signature Collection X Series notebook with Windows 7 also features a 128GB solid state drive (SSD). Check out our hands-on HD video and 24.6 megapixel pictorial of the VAIO X here. Stay unplugged longer and enjoy on-the-go freedom thanks to the included standard capacity battery and large capacity battery. An Intel Atom Z550 (2GHz) processor, durable carbon-fiber casing and scratch-resistant 11.1″ LED backlit LCD widescreen display make the VAIO X perfect for both work and play. In addition to integrated GPS and Bluetooth technology, your search for wireless hotspots is over thanks to Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-in. SonyStyle blog also mentions that the “..black Signature Collection model is also the first time the Pink-Gold VAIO emblem is used.” The FW series also got two new Signature Collection models. Take your gaming to the next level with the limited edition VAIO VGN-FW590FFD notebook. Designed specifically for gamers, this FW features a unique and futuristic design with a 16.4 inch screen. On the inside, 4GB of RAM, 500GB hard disk drive (HDD), Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHZ processor and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 graphics deliver mind-blowing visuals, blistering game play and breathtaking mobile performance. Equipped with HDMI out, you can game on a larger screen, such as a compatible HDTV or monitor. Additionally, the integrated MOTION EYE webcam and microphone is perfect for real-time video chatting with friends and fellow gamers. The other Signature Collection VAIO FW color, Nebula, has been covered extensively in technology blogs lately. It is available as a part of the configure-to-order option in Sony Style and apparently carries no extra charge. You can customize the VAIO FW with such options as: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (up to 3.06GHz) with Intel Centrino 2 technology available Genuine Windows 7 Professional, Home Premium or Ultimate available 16.4″ extra widescreen HD Display, 6.7 pounds ATI HD Graphics card with up to 1GB VRAM Up to 8GB of configurable RAM Available Blu-ray Disc playback/recording, Blu-ray Disc playback or CD/DVD burning drive Up to 5.5 hours of standard battery life Up to 500GB hard drive or 256GB Solid State Drive HDMI output Built-in Bluetooth technology and camera and microphone Here is the VAIO Signature Collection Dot Matrix Z notebook. Sporting 6GB of DDR3 memory, a cutting-edge 128GB solid state drive (SSD), and an Intel Core 2 Duo P9700 processor at 2.8GHz, the limited edition VGN-Z890GNE was made for the working professional. Perfect for frequent travel, this notebook weighs only 3.3 pounds and features long battery life and a scratch-resistant 13.1″ backlit LED display. You can even select your graphics performance on the fly without rebooting thanks to the integrated hybrid graphics system. Wireless freedom is yours with Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-in while GPS functionality provides turn-by-turn navigation. Preinstalled with Windows 7 Professional, the Z also includes an HDMI output, webcam and microphone, and a Windows XP Professional downgrade disc. And finally, we have the VAIO Signature Collection VGN-CW1FFX notebook. Designed for gaming and multimedia enthusiasts, this limited edition PC comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M graphics card. Fashionable on the outside and powerful on the inside, the Royal Indigo CW notebook weighs only 5.3 pounds and has a roomy 320GB hard drive with 4GB of DDR3 memory for storing your photos, videos and music. Watch movies on the built-in DVD/CD burner or showcase your content to a compatible big screen TV or monitor via the HDMI output. You can also video chat with friends thanks to the integrated webcam and microphone. Check out the entire Signature Collection VAIO PC line at Sony Style. Information courtesy of SonyStyle Blog. View the full article

Dear owners of the Sony Walkman “NW-A828/A829″, “NW-S615F/S616F” and “NW-S715F/S716F/S718F” – there is a firmware update out there for you. It’s a minor update, but apparently fixes volume issues when using those Walkman devices with the

For a limited time to celebrate the VAIO X and Japan’s BEAMS (clothing store) Women’s line 25th anniversary, both companies have collaborated to offer a fancy Y12,000 “CC-BMS/X/C” case and pouch available today specifically fit for the Sony VAIO X and its accessories. The case is made of leather, and is laced all over with sequins on the bow/ribbon. The clutch-like case offers a unique alternative to the standard laptop cases, catering to stylish Japanese women (and perhaps men) out there who want something different for their VAIO X. This case is now available through Sony Style Japan, and will most likely be limited to that country. I would hope that SonyStyle USA would go with Coach if they ever chose to offer something similar. Sony has offered exquisite cases in the past, but nothing like this. Will we see more electronic companies and major designers team up for fashionable cases? Perhaps this would work well with a little black dress. The accessory pouch allows you to store your portable mouse, AC Adapter, or other items. View the full article

UPDATE November 5th: Looks like Sony has been flying all over the place in 2009, scroll down for more pictures of its travels. Please contact us if you see it. This is pretty random, but I was searching around flickr for a picture to use with a story and came across this gem. Apparently, there are publicly accessible websites out there that have pictures of interesting commercially/private-owned planes. The picture above is of a 2001 Dassault Falcon 900EX, labeled N550TH, and the accompanying text states “Sony Corporate Services.” So it looks like Sony executives fly around in a plane that can do 4,500 nautical miles nonstop, the farthest in its class. Three fuel efficient Honeywell TFE731-60 turbofan engines deliver 5000 lb of thrust. How fuel efficient is that? The manufacturer’s website states that it “..is capable of flying eight passengers from Stockholm to Amsterdam, then on to Paris, Rome, Istanbul, and finally, Moscow without refueling.” The cabin length measures 33 feet 2 inches from the cockpit divider to the aft pressure bulkhead, devoting 25 feet to passenger seating. It is a broad 7 feet 8 inches wide and 6 feet 2 inches high so you move about easily with your head held high. The typical Falcon 900EX has seating for 13 passengers includes six Erda 20″ electric seats, two sets of 20″ mechanical double seats, one three-place divan with berthing capability. Configuration consists of forward four-place club, mid-cabin four-place conference/dining group opposite two-place settee, and aft three-place divan opposite two-place club, forward galley, aft lavatory. Fully equipped for multiple meals, the galley houses all the essentials for a fine dining experience, 45,000 feet in the air. Two-dozen panoramic windows drench the cabin with natural light. There are several options for customizing the interior (these are not actual N550TH pictures), such as this: However, if you search around you will see that the interior has unlimited potential, but since this is Sony it could seriously be something equal to the brain-stem hookups from The Matrix for all we know. Regardless, Sony folks love globetrotting, because when you start Googling, you see the N550TH been around the block. I was able to find a few pictures, so now I’m basically making a scrapbook and not a blog post at this point. The first picture used in this story was taken in Philadelphia, but this plane has been all over the world. Here’s a picture of Sony’s Falcon 900EX at London Luton Airport in 2007. I found another picture on airliners.net and jetphotos.net of the N550TH in Salzburg, Austria also in 2007. It just keeps going and going. Here is the N550TH again about to land at Tokyo National Airport, also in 2007. This thing was seriously busy. Strangely enough I can’t find any pictures of the N550TH after 2007 – anyone know of its fate? Is it still being used heavily with Sony? How has the recent downturn in the economy changed that? If anyone knows, please leave a comment. UPDATE November 5th: Sony has been pictured numerous times since this post originally appeared in March 2009. Here’s what I’ve found: Another amazing high resolution picture by pauls planes on flickr of the N550TH with protective covers on, resting at Z

Sony Japan has been offering the CMT-V3 Walkman stereo system for several months now under our radar. I felt this was worth looking at again though, and how its a great companion for the X-Series, both of the latest S-Series, and Japan only (at this time) A Series Walkman. The CMT-V3 is your general WM-Port equipped dock – useful for charging, rich alarm clock functionality, and so forth. The CMT-V3 also has a build-in CD player that has one touch record CD to Walkman and FM/AM Radio. Of course, a remote is included for added convenience. It’s available in black and white and costs about Y20,756 on Amazon Japan. I haven’t seen this product outside outside of Japan. Have you? I haven’t seen anything to indicate this could be a preview of a future product for other territories. Here is a HD video of the product in Japanese courtesy of Sony Japan: " />" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"> View the full article

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has released a new PSP-3000 Value Pack series that will become available on December 3rd. This will be a limited time offer for the holiday season at a retail price point of 19,800 yen (including tax). This PSP Value Pack includes four sharp looking color choices such as Piano Black, Pearl White, Vibrant Blue or Radiant Red. A 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2), a pouch and a cloth are included as well to ensure a successful experience. This package will of course have access to a vast UMD library, the Playstation Network, and Playstation Store, where you can purchase games, videos, digital comics and so much more. SCEJ ends their press release by boasting an impressive listing of upcoming titles: For the holiday season and beyond, more and more exciting software titles are scheduled for release from third party developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios including WORLD SOCCER Winning Eleven 2010 from Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd., PHANTASY STAR PORTABLE 2 from SEGA CORPORATION, KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep from SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD., MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM Gundam VS. Gundam NEXT PLUS from NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc., BLEACH Soul Carnival 2, Everybody?s Tennis Portable and Little Big Planet Portable from SCE. Here are some more pictures (click to enlarge), starting with the Piano Black PSPJ-30008: Radiant Red PSPJ-30010: Pearl White PSPJ-30009 ?PSP

Sony Philippines (website currently down at time of writing) stands united with the Filipino nation in its efforts to rise above the tragedy of the Ondoy, Pepeng, and Mirinae typhoons as it commits to do what it can to provide relief goods, participate in rehabilitation activities, rent its trucks for delivery to the affected areas, supporting medical missions, among others. Furthermore, knowing how hard it is to rebuild one’s life once again after calamity, Sony Philippines extends its services to all victims of Ondoy and Pepeng (and probably Mirinae). Sony announces its Service Support Project, which offers Sony product users special assistance on the following: Free labor, check-up and cleaning of all Sony products* sold by Sony Philippines, Inc. 40% discount on all parts charged (as quoted by the Sony Service Center) This special assistance is applicable to both walk-in and Home Service customers until Nov. 30, 2009. * – Applicable to in-warranty products covered during the project period (3 years for digital imaging products, personal imaging/personal video; 2 years for LCD’s; 2 years for Mobile Electronics; 1 year for all other units). While the loss of lives and property from the two storms remain tragic, Sony Philippines draws inspiration from the strength, hope, and faith of the Filipino nation, and the sense of camaraderie and heroism its people have shown, to reaffirm its commitment not just to provide the best products and services, but also to uphold the welfare of its consumers. View the full article

If you’ve held back from spending more than a thousand on a television in the last few years and perhaps satisfied yourself with a 26-40 inch LCD with limited features, it’s tempting to want more. If you still have a 60hz television and have seen a good example of 120hz, its hard not to want to upgrade. Falling LCD prices are also very tempting. 240hz is no longer just a trend at this point – I’ve seen the difference and its there. Features like Bravia Engine 3 and enhanced color reproduction on the latest Sony models are very noticeable. The Sony Bravia XB9, one of the best Sony TV’s of 2009, has these features and is now on sale in a fantastic deal. Sony Style has cut prices on the XBR9, which is now no longer priced in the stratosphere and comes packaged with some great hardware that could give you an HD experience that will satisfy for years to come. SonyStyle is offering the XBR9 at the cheapest price ever. Click here to save up to $1,100 on select BRAVIA XBR9 HDTVs – if you’re a regular reader you know we only mention deals when they are incredible – for example, the stunning 52″ XBR9 is now $1,999.99 (was $3,099 before). Just imagine that huge 52 inch screen you’ve always wanted for the Football season and beyond for the living room, Blu-ray, or playing crisp PS3 games via HDMI. Also, the 46″ KDL-46XBR9 is $1,699.99 (was $2,599 before), and the 40″ KDL-40XBR9 is $1,489.99 (was $2,199 before). Wow! While these prices are competitive with other online offers, the real value is that for a limited time, you also get a free Blu-ray Disc player (BDP-S560) and sound bar (HT-CT100) – a $599.98 value – with this package, while supplies last. So yes, you read that right, you get a truly amazing television, a sound bar, and a great Blu-ray player in an incredible all in one package at the same general price as the TV. I own the HT-CT100 sound bar myself and it has a bunch of HDMI connections (in and out), optical audio, and much more. It sounds fantastic for a small room or apartment and will satisfy the average person. However, if you don’t want the sound bar, sell it and use that money towards a 5.1 or 7.1 system. If you already have a PS3, sell the Blu-ray player and use that for the sound system or more games. You can’t lose here! You could even buy the television, sell the sound bar and the Blu-ray player and save even more money! I think I might have to bite on this deal myself. View the full article

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics in the USA, is a fantasy film directed by Terry Gilliam and written by Gilliam and Charles McKeown. Imaginarium has already been released in the UK and Australia, and will arrive in the USA on Christmas day. The film follows the leader of a traveling theater troupe who, having made a deal with the Devil, takes audience members through a magical mirror to explore their imaginations. Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits, and Heath Ledger star in the film, though Ledger’s death one-third of the way through filming caused production to be temporarily suspended. Ledger’s role was recast with Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell portraying transformations of Ledger’s character Tony as he travels through a dream world. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantastical morality tale, set in the present-day. It tells the story of Dr. Parnassus and his extraordinary ‘Imaginarium’, a traveling show where members of the audience get an irresistible opportunity to choose between light and joy or darkness and gloom. Blessed with the extraordinary gift of guiding the imaginations of others, Doctor Parnassus is cursed with a dark secret. An inveterate gambler, thousands of years ago he made a bet with the devil, Mr. Nick, in which he won immortality. Centuries later, on meeting his one true love, Dr. Parnassus made another deal with the devil, trading his immortality for youth, on condition that when his daughter reached her 16th birthday, she would become the property of Mr Nick. Valentina is now rapidly approaching this ‘coming of age’ milestone and Dr. Parnassus is desperate to protect her from her impending fate. Mr. Nick arrives to collect but, always keen to make a bet, renegotiates the wager. Now the winner of Valentina will be determined by whoever seduces the first five souls. Enlisting a series of wild, comical and compelling characters in his journey, Dr. Parnassus promises his daughter’s hand in marriage to the man that helps him win. In this captivating, explosive and wonderfully imaginative race against time, Dr. Parnassus must fight to save his daughter in a never-ending landscape of surreal obstacles – and undo the mistakes of his past once and for all. View the full article

Sony Online Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast announced they are developing Magic: The Gathering ? Tactics, an online, 3D turn-based strategy game played within the rich Magic: The Gathering Multiverse. Magic: The Gathering – Tactics will allow players to command forces of dramatic 3D figures and powerful spell cards pulled from the Magic: The Gathering Multiverse. Players can participate in single player scenarios or jump right into PVP action against other players worldwide, 24 hours per day. Magic: The Gathering ? Tactics is expected to feature regular content expansions, a robust tournament environment, an achievement and rankings program, and original stories of the Planeswalkers of Magic. Magic: The Gathering – Tactics is being developed by SOE?s Denver studio and scheduled to be available for the PC in early 2010, with a version for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) to follow. ?By collaborating with Wizards of the Coast, we?re able to combine the strengths of both companies to develop an innovative, online, 3D game based on an extremely popular IP,? said John Smedley, president, Sony Online Entertainment. ?We?re going to be taking the Magic: The Gathering Multiverse places players have never seen.? " />" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"> ?The growing Magic: The Gathering community has an insatiable desire for great strategic game experiences. Sony Online Entertainment is the perfect partner to transform the best of Magic?s story, strategy and competitive play into a fantastic ?Tactics? game experience for current and new Magic fans,? said Greg Leeds, president, Wizards of the Coast. View the full article

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today the worldwide release of the God of War III Ultimate Edition available exclusively for the PlayStation 3 (PS3). Built by the fans and for the fans of the award-winning God of War franchise, the God of War III Ultimate Edition will feature an assortment of exclusive collectible and digital content encased in a high-end sculpted replica of Pandora’s Box. Scheduled to release along with God of War III in March 2010, consumers can pre-order their copy of the God of War III Ultimate Edition beginning today from select retailers and receive a free PlayStation Network voucher code to download the God of War III E3 2009 demo. “The God of War franchise has an incredibly loyal fanbase and we know they will be extremely excited with all the exclusive content and memorabilia we’ve packed into God of War III Ultimate Edition,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Marketing, SCEA. “With fans waiting patiently for the arrival of God of War III for the PS3, we wanted to make sure their anticipation was properly rewarded.” In addition to a copy of the highly anticipated God of War III and the limited-edition art book, fans will receive exclusive digital content headlined by the director’s cut of God of War: Unearthing the Legend, a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the God of War franchise. The Ultimate Edition will also include God of War- inspired downloadable music in the form of the God of War Trilogy soundtrack and the God of War Heavy Metal EP (Extended Play). Lastly, fans will have access to the God of War Combat Arena, containing an exclusive environment and up to seven unique challenges, as well as the exclusive Kratos skin, Dominus, all available for download via the PlayStation Network. The God of War III Ultimate Edition will retail for $99.99 (MSRP). Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio, God of War III is set in the realm of Greek mythology and is a single-player game that allows players to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he treads through the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus and the dark depths of hell to seek revenge on those who betrayed him. Armed with double-chained blades, Kratos must take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus. Utilizing a new game engine built from the ground up and state-of-the-art visual technologies, the development team behind God of War III have made significant strides in giving players the realistic feel of actually being on the battlegrounds. With texture resolutions that have quadrupled since God of War II, God of War III will feature fluid, life-like characters, as well as dynamic lighting effects, a robust weapon system and world-changing scenarios that will truly bring unmistakable realism to Kratos’ fateful quest. Players will have a chance to join battles on a grand scale with many more enemies on-screen and be able to interact with levels like never before. View the full article

Snapdragon indeed, well, officially the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8250. That’s the speed and name of the processor behind the new XPERIA X10, complete with a 4 inch capacitive touch display, 8.1 megapixel camera with LED flash, custom Google Android (Donut and Rachael), and 8GB included MicroSD removable storage. Click here for an outrageously large XPERIA X10 gallery. The custom UI is so slick that you swear you were looking at a device that was in the most recent Star Trek movie. It’s so fluid, so beautiful, and so powerful. But power comes at a price. We all know the more power intensive a device is, the battery suffers. Engadget had an exclusive first hands-on with the XPERIA X10 (as well as SlashGear) and shared some excellent pictures, videos and thoughts, but was worried about that as well by stating, Another thing that Snapdragon can do, apparently, is eat through your phone’s battery. Again, we are dealing with a pre-production model here, but the number of power issues and the near-permanent attachment to the charger of the one device on show did not bode well for this phone’s endurance. It sports the same 1,500mAh battery as the X2, so make of that what you will So you may wonder why I list a problem with the phone so quickly after stating the specs. Because, to be honest, I can’t find anything else wrong with the X10. It’s anyone guess what the battery figures will finally end up being, though. I assume there will be different power modes and some sort of efficiency system for that 1ghz processor. Sony Ericsson has always pushed the bar for battery life and I don’t expect it to be totally disappointing. If the Android App Store keeps growing and PlayNow somehow comes to the USA, I could see iPhone users getting very tempted with this incredible device because it has so many features that make nearly everything else look like its from the stone age. If you’re wondering, yes, it even has a 3.5 mm audio jack. AND a Webkit browser. The XPERIA X10 comes in curious colors called “Sensuous Black” and “Luster White”

Consider this one coming from Rumorville, however Phone Arena has reported a leak that supposedly Verizon Wireless will be offering among other netbooks – Sony VAIO P model for $299 with a 2 year contract.Considering that Sony is discounting this pocket VAIOs left and right (check your local SonyStyle store for pricing and SonyStyle Outlet), a $300 price tag would be a sweet deal for those who are looking to carry a sweet P with Windows 7 OS, 160 GB of hard drive (this thing really rocks with SSD though) and 2 Gigs of memory. There’s possibly a $100 rebate that may also apply to this deal, but don’t hold your breath too long, wait till this Thursday when Verizon will be announcing some planned line-up in NYC. View the full article

Sony Creative Software has released the free Vegas Pro 9.0c update, the latest version of its award-winning nonlinear HD video and audio editing (NLE) application. Vegas Pro 9.0c software features Sony XDCAM EX MP4 file rendering and the ability to Smart Render MPEG-2 video across different containers for faster, more seamless editing. New audio features, including exclusive elastique Pro timestretching and Import Stereo Audio as Dual Mono, offer provide even more professional depth to this award-winning NLE. Additional support for media filmed with the RED ONE video camera streamlines file access and efficiency for editors working with footage up to 4K resolution. Vegas Pro 9.0c software also includes additional card support for capture and output via SDI, HD-SDI and HDMI. The Vegas Pro 9.0c software update is free for existing registered users and is available now for download online. Vegas Pro 9 software is available in English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and French. “This Vegas Pro update delivers a stronger, more flexible NLE to better equip video editing professionals with the necessary tools to create exceptional results in an evolving digital editing landscape,” said Dave Chaimson, vice-president of global marketing for Sony Creative Software. “With significant additions to XDCAM rendering functionality, expanded RED ONE media support and all-new high quality audio tools, Vegas Pro 9.0c software nimbly handles the challenging and diverse needs of today’s editors.” Vegas Pro 9.0c Feature Highlights XDCAM EX MP4 File Rendering: XDCAM EX MP4 file rendering support provides a complete solution for professional XDCAM EX camera footage to be edited within Vegas Pro software and easily written back to the camera, essentially creating a quick and simple roundtrip that delivers significant time savings for users working independently in the field or in the studio needing to transfer final projects directly on the SxS (solid state) media. Cross-format MPEG-2 Smart Render: Leveraging exclusive Vegas Pro Smart Render technology across various formats for MPEG-2 allows video frames to pass through the engine unaltered, facilitating faster encoding while providing less generation loss for cuts-only projects or projects with minimal changes. Import Stereo as Dual Mono: The option to automatically split stereo audio channels into independent audio tracks as they are brought into the timeline increases processing control for variety of applications such as an interview in which channel one contains the interviewer’s voice and channel two contains the subject’s voice. Additional Card Support and MPEG Video Quality Adjustment: Expanded card support accommodates Blackmagic Design Decklink HD Extreme, AJA IO Express and AJA Xena LHi, supplying further support for high-end capture and output via SDI, HD-SDI, HDMI for increased editing workflow flexibility. Device Explorer RED ONE (.r3d) Media Display and Import: Similar in functionality to existing support for AVCHD™ and XDCAM EX devices, the ability to browse, display and import RED ONE (.r3d) files directly from the Device Explorer provides users with the ability to quickly import only the media needed directly from the camera. elastique Pro Time Stretching: Exclusive elastique Pro time stretch processes enable dramatic audio timestretching and pitch shifting. Significant user controls help to retain maximum sound quality, yielding more pristine audio results. The elastique Pro time stretch and pitch shift processes provide better sounding audio when processing audio files. Users can adjust settings and select from various stretching methods that are tailored to their source audio including Pro, Soloist, and Efficient modes. Notable fixes/changes in Version 9.0c Enhanced audio event timestretch and pitch shifting with zplane

The Vaio L Series all-in-one touchscreen PC with Windows 7 puts technology at your fingertips. Just touch its massive 24″ screen to access the internet, digital TV, social networks, movies and more. Multi-touch control lets you scroll, zoom and rotate your photos by flicking, pinching and tapping objects directly on the screen. Unfortunately, as you can see in the video below a Japanese morning television show had an awfully hard time demonstrating this. Fortunately, our experiences with the Sony VAIO L were completely different, so we’ll just chalk this up as some kind of weird error. It’s still hilarious, though. ..of course, later on in the morning they were able to demonstrate the VAIO L properly: View the full article

XDCAM is a tapeless professional video system introduced by Sony in 2003. The latest additions to Sony’s successful XDCAM EX line-up include a shoulder-mount PMW-350 camcorder and a hand-held PMW-EX1R. This new offering combines the exceptional HD imaging performance of XDCAM EX with a number of powerful new features, including standard definition DVCAM recording – a pioneer feature that is available for the very first time to XDCAM EX users. Designed to widen the appeal of XDCAM EX, the PMW-350 and PMW-EX1R offers leading solid-state performance with industry-wide native workflow via an established network of alliance partners. The PMW-350 draws upon Sony’s award-winning and unrivalled expertise in camcorder design. It uses three 2/3-inch Exmor CMOS sensors with 1920×1080 resolution for full HD imaging. Sensitivity is F12. The camcorder also features DVCAM recording via the CBK-DV01 option and is studio-configurable, with timecode in/out, genlock in, and HD-SDI and HDMI out. Its design offers the best of both worlds in shoulder-mount technology: a low centre of gravity and light in weight to ensure stability on the shoulder; all while maintaining the familiar operational layout for which Sony camcorders have become renowned for. Another key feature is an ultra-economical power consumption of 15W, thus offering longer operation on a single battery, along with a reduced carbon footprint. The camcorder will be available in two versions, the PMW-350L, a body-only model and PMW-350K which comes with lens. The lens supplied with the PMW-350K has been developed by Fujinon and offers auto and manual focus with a 16x zoom and a 2/3-inch bayonet mount. Independent focus, zoom and iris rings; auto focus mode; manual focus assist and a focal length of 8 to 128mm (equivalent to 31.5 to 503mm on a 35mm lens) are also key features. The PMW-EX1R is the successor to the PMW-EX1 which was Sony’s first professional file-based camcorder that revolutionised video production when it was launched in 2007. The PMW-EX1R has been improved with a number of new features that have been created as a result of feedback from users. They include DVCAM recording, an HDMI output, a higher-resolution viewfinder as well as one-push Auto Iris. Like its new shoulder-mount counterpart, the PMW-EX1R features ergonomic enhancements such as an improved hand grip, one-click S&Q mode (Slow and Quick) and easy-to-access switches. Additional benefits of the PMW-EX1R include smooth handle zoom transition, an image inversion option and up to 15 second picture cache recording. The camcorders are not the only new options available to users. Sony is also launching two new media options along with the new PMW-350 and PMW-EX1R. The first is Sony’s new SxS-1 memory card which joins the existing SxS PRO memory media in the line-up. Developed in response to demand from users for an affordable but high capacity card, the 32GB SxS-1 will feature very high-speed data transfer speed (800Mbps) and high reliability. It provides an average lifetime of five years based on daily use, with life indication displayed in the viewfinder of the new camcorders. The second new option is the MEAD-MS01 adaptor that is meant for use with Sony’s Memory Stick Pro HG Duo HX Series media. Available in capacities from 4GB upwards, this media can be used as either an ‘emergency’ card for production or as a cost effective option for entry-level videographers. Sony’s current XDCAM EX models, the PMW-EX1 and PMW-EX3 camcorders and PMW-EX30 record deck, will also be compatible with the new SxS-1 and MEAD-MS01 with Memory Stick, through a software upgrade that is set to be available in early 2010. Additionally, users will be able to use the new PXU-MS240 mobile storage unit to transfer data from SxS PRO memory cards to the unit for back-up or off-load of video clips. The unit stores content on a removable hard disk drive (HDD) cartridge like the PXU-HC240 which can store up to 240GB of data. The software supplied with the new camcorders, Clip Browser, is also being updated to version 2.6. It features a range of new function that includes support for new recording formats and four channels of audio. An additional enhancement also means Clip Browser now automatically detects and corrects “flash bands” that occur in frames as well as a manual mode that allows users to select frames to correct by using a “preview” function. View the full article

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is an upcoming first-person shooter video game developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision for Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It is the sixth installment of the Call of Duty series, and the direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, continuing along the same storyline. It is one of the most highly anticipated FPS games since Call of Duty 4 took the computer gaming world by storm. SonyStyle retail locations will have Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 available for play November 9th, the day before the game’s release. To sweeten the deal, if you pre-order the game at SonyStyle you will get $5 off the regular price. You must be 18 years or over to participate. Game will not be available for retail sale until November 10th, 2009. Discount available on pre-orders taken on November 9th, 2009 only. Modern Warfare 2 will be released in four different retail versions across the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms: Standard, Hardened, Veteran, and Prestige. The standard version consists of the game and instructional manual, and will be the only version available for the Microsoft Windows platform.The Hardened Edition consists of the game and manual packaged in a steel book case, an art book, and a token to download the original Call of Duty from Xbox Live Arcade or the PlayStation Store. The Prestige Edition contains all of the elements of the Hardened Edition, but will also include fully-functioning night vision goggles, imprinted with the Modern Warfare 2 logo and a stand modeled after the head of character “Soap” MacTavish. In response to questions about the length of the single-player campaign, Infinity Ward CCO Jason West stated that Modern Warfare 2 would not be longer than the 6-10 hour-long campaign of Call of Duty 4. Mission settings in the game will include Russia, a military base in Kazakhstan, a desert area in Afghanistan, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Modern Warfare 2 is set several years after the conclusion of Call of Duty 4. The radical Russian Ultranationalist organization has returned to prominence under the leadership of Vladimir Makarov, a former associate of Imran Zakhaev with his own ambitions. Makarov has publicized Zakhaev’s death as an act of martyrdom to garner support for his cause, enabling him to build a strong power base in Russia over the years. Fearful of Makarov’s growing influence, the global community established Task Force 141 to counter the threat posed by the resurgent Ultranationalists. " />" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"> The online multiplayer mode of Modern Warfare 2 retains the same experience points and unlockable reward system of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, but also introduces several new features. We found a video (above) that shows all of the weapons and unlocks. Aside from new weapons and equipment, 15 different kill streak rewards can be unlocked and selected by the player. Among these is the ability to receive a supply drop after four kills, a predator missile strike after five kills, and to call in a strike by an AC-130 gunship after achieving 11 enemy kills in a row. It is also now possible to upgrade perks to a “pro version”. Another new addition to online multiplayer, is in-game host migration, which means that if the match host leaves the game, players will remain (instead of being reset to the game lobby like in Call of Duty 4) while a new host is selected and the game resumes. There has also been the addition of a new 3rd person mode which can be used in certain game types for multiplayer. Game modes include Free-For-All, Search & Destroy, Demolition, Domination, Team Deathmatch, and Capture The Flag. For the PC version, Infinity Ward decided to implement a matchmaking service similar to what console versions have: the IWNET working through Steam. This system however takes away the dedicated servers which means there will be no more mods or community made maps. Also, since the multiplayer runs with Steam, the PunkBuster anti-cheat system has been replaced by VAC. View the full article