Christopher

VAIO is a sub-brand for many of Sony’s computer products. It was originally an acronym for Video Audio Integrated Operation, but since 2008 amended to Visual Audio Intelligence Organizer to celebrate the brand’s 10th year anniversary. The branding was created by Timothy Hanley to distinguish items that encompassed the use of consumer audio and video, as well as being conventional computing products. VAIO, while aiming to create new value is always close to people, easy to use, and designed as a functional product that is beautiful. The VAIO logo also represents the integration of analog and digital technology. The ‘VA’ represents an analog wave and the ‘IO’ represents digital binary code. I often visit Japanese Sony websites for interesting content, and upon looking at Sony Japan’s MyVAIO website I noticed an interesting wallpaper collection dubbed “Essence Of VAIO Design.” I thought that some of you would enjoy this – they will update it once each month and I shall do so as well. Photos are by Yukio Shimizu, who does photos for Sony Design. Here are some fresh new Vaio wallpapers for your computer: Vol. 3 – Green LED:

Zombieland is an American zombie comedy horror, written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and directed by Ruben Fleischer. The film is distributed by Columbia Pictures (a Sony Pictures company) and was released today. The film is rated R for horror violence/gore and language. The film takes place within a post-apocalyptic context, beginning with a narrative from Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a college student from Austin, Texas, who is on his way to Columbus to see if his parents are alright, who explains a few of his “rules” for surviving the zombie apocalypse. After surviving a few zombie attacks, he encounters Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), whose life goal is to find the last Twinkie on Earth. As they are searching a grocery store for Twinkies, they meet two girls, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). Through a con, the girls get their weapons and car. Later, the girls use their own weapons to get another car they found. After a small fight, Columbus convinces them that it’s better to stick together. Wichita informs Columbus that Columbus, Ohio is destroyed and completely overrun by zombies. They decide to drive towards Pacific Playland, an amusement park that is supposedly zombie-free. on the way, they go to Hollywood, and decide to sleep at the house of Bill Murray. They meet Murray, who at first seems to be zombified, but it’s just make-up so that he can fit in with the zombies and play golf. Murray decides to scare Columbus and Little Rock, but Columbus doesn’t know it’s a joke and shoots Murray, killing him. After a proper funeral for Murray, the girls leave for Pacific Playland. Columbus decides to go after Wichita, who he has developed feelings for, and Tallahassee joins him. When the girls arrive at Pacific Playland, they turn on all the rides and lights, unintentionally attracting all the nearby zombies. A huge battle ensues, and as the girls are about to run out of ammo, Tallahassee and Columbus arrive and help them kill all the zombies. After all the zombies in the area are dead, Little Rock finds a Twinkie and gives it to Tallahassee, making Columbus realize that this is the only family he needs. Reviews have been favorable, with a 89% approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert gave the movie 3 out of 4 stars. Here’s another trailer I found: " />" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"> View the full article

Sony has announced the development of a single lens 3D camera technology capable of recording natural and smooth 3D images of even fast-moving subject matter such as sports, at 240fps (frames per second). This technology combines a newly developed optical system for single lens 3D camera which captures the left and right images simultaneously, together with existing high frame rate (HFR) recording technology to realize 240fps 3D filming. Sony will demonstrate a prototype model incorporating this technology at “CEATEC JAPAN 2009”, to be held at Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba city, Japan, from October 6th. In existing half mirror 3D camera systems with separate lenses for the left and right eyes, the parallax range is adjustable, enabling the depth of the 3D images to be modified. However, when operating the zoom and focus functions of such systems, the sensitivity of the human eye, in particular to differences in the size and rotational movement of dual images, as well as any vertical misalignment or difference in image quality has meant that complex technology has been required to ensure that each camera lens is closely coordinated, and there are no discrepancies in the optical axis, image size, and focus. The introduction of a single lens system resolves any issues that may occur as a result of having different optical characteristics for each eye. Furthermore, by using mirrors in place of shutters, incoming light can now be simultaneously separated into left and right images and recorded as it reaches the parallel light area (the area where diverging light from the point of focus on the subject matter becomes parallel) of the relay lens. The separated left and right images are then processed and recorded with the respective left and right image sensors. As there is no difference in time between when the left and right eye images are captured, it is possible for natural and smooth 3D images to be captured, even of scenes involving rapid movement. View the full article

Sony has announced the development of a highly efficient wireless power transfer system that eliminates the use of power cables from electronic products such as television sets. Using this system, up to 60 Watts of electrical energy can be transferred over a distance of 50cm (at an efficiency of approximately 80%, approximately 60% including rectifier). This new wireless power transfer system incorporates a form of contactless electrical energy transmission technology based on magnetic resonance. With magnetic resonance, electromagnetic energy is only transferred to recipient devices that share the identical resonant frequencies as the energy source, so energy transfer efficiency is maintained, even when misalignment occurs. Furthermore, even if there are metal objects located between the transmitter and receiver, no heat induction occurs. Sony has also drawn on its years of experience developing high radio frequency (RF) technologies for use in wireless communications and broadcast products to create a new rectifier that realizes both high speed and high efficiency. The new wireless power transfer system combines these technologies to realize transfer efficiency of 60%, even when a rectifier is included. Sony has also developed passive extender units that are set to the same frequencies as the transmission and recipient devices, enabling the transfer distance to be extended from 50cm to 80cm without any degradation in transfer efficiency. With the growth in networked products, the number of cables used to connect these products has also increased. While data cables are rapidly being replaced with wireless communication systems such as Wi-Fi, the demand for wireless power transfer systems is also continuing to grow. Sony will proceed with its efforts to develop further technologies that meet customer needs for the wireless transfer of power across a wide range of products, distances and energy levels. It would be truly amazing to see a television one day that has wireless HD, power, and Internet capabilities. View the full article

Sony Computer Entertainment America has launched a massive update to the Playstation Store in conjunction with the launch of the PSP Go. I’m very pleased to see Sony offering a vast assortment of games to satisfy old and new PSP owners. Having so many new games available greatly strengthens the day one launch of the PSP Go. I will also definitely be checking out the new Brutal Legend and Need For Speed: Shift demos for the PS3. Regarding this announcement, Grace Chen Senior Manager, PlayStation Store wrote, “To celebrate the launch of the PSPgo, there are over 100 new PSP games that are now available to download starting today on the PlayStation Store! Also, be sure to check out the new PSP minis launching today!” Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords PSP Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99) Cube Temporary Sale (now $4.99) Dead Head Fred Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99) PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient Temporary Sale (now $4.99) PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 Temporary Price Drop (now $7.99) WTF: Work Time Fun Temporary Sale (now $4.99) Prinny: Can I Really be the Hero? Temporary Sale (now $9.99) Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! Temporary Sale (now $9.99) TV Show King Permanent Price Drop (now $7.99) Qore Qore Annual Subscription: October 2009 ($24.99) Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network is a high-definition monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. Qore provides its audience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to upcoming titles from both the SCE Worldwide Studios and third-party developers across the globe. File size: 1.44 GB Qore Episode 17: October 2009 ($2.99) File size: 1.44 GB Downloadable Games Digger HD ($9.99) ESRB Rated E File size: 92 MB UNO ($9.99) ESRB Rated E File size: 255 MB PSone Classics: PS3/PSP Jumping Flash! 2 ($5.99) ESRB Rated E File size: 269 MB Um Jammer Lammy ($5.99) ESRB Rated E File size: 512 MB Nuclear Strike ($5.99) ESRB Rated T File size: 476 MB Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko ($5.99) ESRB Rated T File size: 259 MB Game Demos (free) Brutal Legend Demo ESRB Rated M File size: 1.58 GB Need For Speed Shift Demo ESRB Rated E File size: 854 MB Add-on Game Content LittleBigPlanet Watchmen Costume Pack ($5.99) File size: 1.04 MB LittleBigPlanet Nite Owl Costume ($1.99) File size: 1.04 MB LittleBigPlanet Ozymandias Costume ($1.99) File size: 1.04 MB LittleBigPlanet Rorschach Costume ($1.99) File size: 1.04 MB LittleBigPlanet Silk Spectre Costume ($1.99) File size: 1.04 MB Fallout 3: Operation: Anchorage ($9.99) File size: 453 MB Fallout 3: The Pitt ($9.99) File size: 601 MB Guitar Hero 5 For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com. ?Avon? by Queens of the Stone Age ($1.99) ?How to Handle a Rope? by Queens of the Stone Age ($1.99) ?Mexicola? by Queens of the Stone Age ($1.99) Queens of the Stone Age Track Pack ($5.49) ? Downloadable Track Pack featuring ?Avon,? ?How to Handle a Rope,? and ?Mexicola? by Queens of the Stone Age. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. File size: 34 MB ? 49 MB (singles) 117 MB (track pack) Rock Band Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com. ?U Suck? ? Just Kait ($0.99) ?Knight on the Town?? Kula Shaker ($1.99) ?Hey Dude?? Kula Shaker ($1.99) ?So Cold?? Breaking Benjamin ($1.99) ?I Will Not Bow?? Breaking Benjamin ($1.99) ?The Diary of Jane?? Breaking Benjamin ($1.99) Breaking Benjamin Pack 1 ($5.49) ? Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this pack featuring ?The Diary of Jane,? ?I Will Not Bow,? and ?So Cold? by Breaking Benjamin. Some tracks in this album are instrument-only and cannot be played by vocalists. Please make sure you have the latest Rock Band update. ?A Looking in View?? Alice in Chains ($1.99) ?Check My Brain?? Alice in Chains ($1.99) ?No Excuses?? Alice in Chains ($1.99) ?Rooster? Alice in Chains ($1.99) ?Would??? Alice in Chains ($1.99) Alice in Chains Pack 1 ($8.49) ? Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this pack featuring. ?A Looking in View,? ?Check My Brain,? ?No Excuses,? ?Rooster,? and ?Would?? by Alice in Chains. Some tracks in this album are instrument-only and cannot be played by vocalists. Please make sure you have the latest Rock Band update. File sizes: 23 MB ? 58 MB (singles) 84 ? 192 MB (track pack) Game Videos (free) Gran Turismo ? Jay Leno Interview File size: 245 MB (HD) Gran Turismo PSP ? TV Ad File size: 26 MB (HD) 49 MB (1080) Lost Planet 2 TGS 2009 Trailer File size: 163 MB (HD) FIFA Soccer 10: Live Season 2.0 Tutorial File size: 95 MB (HD) WET Video Short 2 File size: 134 MB (HD) WET Video Short 3 File size: 135 MB (HD) WET Video Short 5 File size: 133 MB (HD) Shatter Behind the Scenes ? Gameplay File size: 162 MB (HD) Shatter Behind the Scenes ? Sounds File size: 211 MB (HD) Shatter Behind the Scenes ? Visual File size: 198 MB (HD) Need for Speed SHIFT: Driver Film ? Vaughn Gittin File size: 94 MB (HD) Need for Speed SHIFT: Track Film ? Laguna Seca File size: 82 MB (HD) Need for Speed SHIFT: Track Film ? Road America File size: 90 MB (HD) Themes Gran Turismo PSP Theme (free) File size: 461 KB The King of Fighters XIII Custom Themes (x5) ($1.49 each) File size: 5.64 MB 5.81 MB B17 Flying Fortress Theme 2 ($1.99) File size: 4.19 MB Focke Wulf German Fighter Theme ($1.99) File size: 3.98 MB Electric Tattoo Theme ($1.49) File size: 4.74 MB Mistresses of Halloween Theme ($1.49) File size: 4.84 MB Sorority Girls Theme ($1.99) File size: 5.46 MB PlayStation Store for PSP Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront) *Visit www.esrb.org for rating information. SCEA Gran Turismo PSP ($39.99) God of War Chains of Olympus ($15.99) Secret Agent Clank ($31.99) LocoRoco 2 ($15.99) PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe ($19.99) Daxter ($15.99) Resistance Retribution ($31.99) MLB 09 The Show ($31.99) MotorStorm Arctic Edge ($39.99) 505 Games IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey ($29.99) ACTIVISION Cabela?s African Safari ($14.99) Rapala Trophies ($14.99) Gun Showdown ($14.99) SWAT: Target Liberty ($19.99) Crash Tag Team Racing ($14.99) Cabela?s Dangerous Hunts: Ultimate Challenge ($14.99) Crash: Mind Over Mutant ($29.99) Crash of the Titans ($19.99) Activision Hits Remixed ($14.99) Aksys Games Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus ($24.99) Atari Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai ($14.99) Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai Another Road ($14.99) Atlus Shin Megami Tensei: Persona ($39.99) Capcom Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded ($19.99) Monster Hunter Freedom Unite ($29.99) Codemasters Dirt 2 ($29.99) Crave Entertainment Pinball Hall of Fame ($9.99) Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords and More! ($4.99) Brunswick Pro Bowling ($9.99) EA The Sims 2 ($14.99) The Sims 2 Castaway ($9.99) The Sims 2 Pets ($9.99) Need For Speed Underground Rivals ($14.99) Need For Speed Most Wanted ($19.99) Need for Speed SHIFT ($39.99) Need For Speed ProStreet ($19.99) Need for Speed Carbon ($19.99) Medal of Honor Heroes ($19.99) Fight Night Round 3 ($19.99) G.I.JOE The Rise of Cobra ($39.99) Madden NFL 10 ($39.99) Scrabble ($19.99) Medal of Honor Heroes 2 ($19.99) Burnout Legends ($19.99) Burnout Dominator ($14.99) Lord of the Rings: Tactics ($9.99) Def Jam Fight For New York: The Takeover ($9.99) Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 ($39.99) NCAA Football 10 ($39.99) KOEI Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce ($29.99) Warriors Orochi 2 ($29.99) LucasArts Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings ($19.99) LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventure ($19.99) Thrillville: Off the Rails ($19.99) Star Wars: Battlefront Renegade Squadron ($19.99) Star Wars: Battlefront II ($19.99) Star Wars: The Force Unleashed ($19.99) Midway Mortal Kombat: Unchained ($19.99) Hot Brain ($14.99) Namco Bandai SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny ($39.99) NIS America Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light ($4.99) Mana Khemia: Student Alliance ($14.99) Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness ($14.99) Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days ($29.99) Prinny: Can I Really be the Hero? ($9.99) Dragoneer?s Aria ($14.99) Playlogic Obscure: The Aftermath ($29.99) Rockstar Games Beaterator ($39.99) SEGA Alien Syndrome ($15.99) Super Monkey Ball Adventure ($15.99) Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars ($15.99) Iron Man ($19.99) Sonic Rivals ($15.99) Sonic Rivals 2 ($29.99) Full Auto 2: Battlelines ($15.99) Sega Genesis Collection ($15.99) Crush ($15.99) SNK PLAYMORE The King of Fighters Collection ($19.99) Metal Slug Anthology ($19.99) SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 ($19.99) Samurai Showdown Anthology ($19.99) SQUARE ENIX THEXDER NEO ($9.99) THQ Avatar: The Last Airbender ($19.99) Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights ($19.99) SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger ($19.99) MX vs ATV Untamed ($19.99) WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2009 ($19.99) Ubisoft Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ($29.99) Tom Clancy?s EndWar ($29.99) Tom Clancy?s Rainbow Six: Vegas ($19.99) Prince of Persia Revelations ($9.99) Prince of Persia Rival Swords ($14.99) Warner Bros. Interactive 300: March To Glory ($14.99) Justice League Heroes ($14.99) Lego Batman The Video Game ($19.99) PSP minis (also available from PS3 storefront) Alien Havoc ($4.99) Tetris ($9.99) Hero of Sparta ($6.99) Brainpipe ($4.99) Fieldrunners ($6.99) Sudoku ($4.99) Funky Punch ($4.99) Game Demos (free) Undead Knights Demo File size: 486 MB Add-on Game Content Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront) Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com. ?Monkey Wrench?? Foo Fighters ($1.99) ?Lonely as You?? Foo Fighters ($1.99) File sizes: 18 MB ? 20 MB Game Videos (free) Gran Turismo ? Jay Leno Interview File size: 43 MB PSP Themes Gran Turismo PSP Theme (free) (also available from PS3 storefront) File sizes: 424 KB Sorority Girls PSP Theme ($1.99) (also available from PS3 storefront) File sizes: 540 KB Mistresses of Halloween PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront) File sizes: 408 KB Electric Tattoo PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront) File sizes: 368 KB Focke Wulf German Fighter PSP Theme (x2) ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront) File sizes: 494 KB ? 572 KB B17 Flying Fortress 2 PSP Themes (x2) ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront) File sizes: 526 KB ? 571 KB PSP Wallpaper (free) Fate/Unlimited Codes Wallpaper 2 File size: 100 KB *Note ? Some PSP games require the 6.1 firmware update in order to function properly. View the full article

PSP update (v6.10) is now available. New PSPgo and existing PSP owners should make sure to download the update to ensure full compatibility with MediaGo and with all PSP titles. One of the key features included with this update is SensMe. SensMe channels is a new music application for PSP that uses Sony?s proprietary 12 Tone Analysis technology to evaluate music tracks that have been imported from Media Go application on your PC to your PSP. The application automatically categorizes the tracks into 12 channels such as ?Relax? or ?Newly Added?. Check out the walk-thru demo to see how it works. You also can now import playlists that are created using the Media Go 1.2 application. Other new or revised features in version 6.10 Settings

PSP Go is now available in ?Piano Black? and ?Ceramic White? at all major retailers in North America and European territories for $249.99 and 250 Euro respectively, while coming November 1 in Japan. The day one game support is astounding (we are covering that in a separate post), the new features (like bluetooth tethering, DS3 support) are awesome, and the system itself is quite the desirable little pony. I was very impressed with it during our hands-on with the Sony PSP Go. However, with no way to play your current games on UMD and without the FULL library available, I can definitely see why this is more feared towards the market that doesn?t already own a PSP. I think the pre-order numbers for this device were relatively strong, but I can see how most consumers will be patient and give it time to really saturate. There is a lot of negative criticism in comments on the Playstation Blog USA/Europe (+1). However, to the general consumer who might be totally unphased by Internet slander the PSP Go is a new handheld device that is ultraportable and better than most alternatives for spontaneous gaming sessions. I am confident saying that as an iPhone owner the PSP Go would be a much more satisfying portable gaming experience. No discs is huge, and much more polished, immersive titles are on the PSP system than the iPhone and Nintendo DS. This is really a little dynamo that you could throw in your bag and enjoy anywhere. An added plus is that I could fit this thing in my pocket, whereas the regular PSP-3000 is usually too akward for such an idea. Unless your trying to impress the ladies. Many have commented they want the PSP Go to hit a price reduction of $199 as soon as possible. I agree – if it can hit that price point before Christmas somehow, then people would seriously have difficulty resisting. I believe that those technophile gotta-have-it-at-launch ways we’re all familiar with have slowed down a bit in the midst of the recent economic situation. Here’s where things get funny, though. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is giving away a free Gran Turismo download with the purchase of the PSP Go. Sony Computer Entertainment America is giving away Rock Band Unplugged. I would have preferred Gran Turismo, or at least the alternative of getting that instead of Rock Band. Playstation Blog USA: As we mentioned before, included with the PSPgo system is a voucher to download a starter version of MTV Games? Rock Band Unplugged from PlayStation Store. You?ll also receive a demo of Patapon 2 pre-loaded onto the system?s memory, along with an interactive ESRB application that explains ESRB Ratings and Content Descriptors and provides instructional videos on how to setup the PSPgo?s parental controls. And.. electronictheatre.co.uk: To celebrate the arrival of PSP Go, SCEE is launching two great launch promotions: for ten days only, SCEE will be giving away a copy of PSP Gran Turismo with every new PSP Go ? absolutely free. Gran Turismo on PSP offers the keys to more than 800 beautifully rendered cars, and the best tracks to race them on. Register your new PSP Go on PlayStation Network and follow the simple instructions. But beware, the offer only runs from 1st to 10th October 2009. And to make it worse for us in the USA, if you live in Europe you get three games free if you own existing UMD games. If you live in the USA, there is no rewards program and you must purchase new games. Why would Sony have launched the PSP Go so perfectly in Europe but scrape their knees in the USA? If Sony had come to the USA with this same exact plan they used in Europe it would have had a much warmer reception. People would have said, “Wow, okay, there may not be a trade in, but at least we get three games to start out with.” That blows my mind that Sony USA didn’t match the European plan. That was a major error, and it will be interesting to see if early sales in Europe are stronger than the USA. If they are, then what does that say? Sure the Euro market is bigger, but when people in the USA want to spend they will spend hard. Do you own a PSP-1000, 2000 or 3000 and a Universal Media Disc? Think of buying PSP Go? Then SCEE would like to offer you your choice of three free games from an all star list of sixteen titles including Killzone: Liberation, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3, WipEout Pure, echochrome, Buzz!: Brain Bender, LocoRoco and Patapon. Head over to www.eu.playstation.com/pspgorewards for more details and full terms and conditions. View the full article

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced that they will be adding digital copies of movies compatible with the PSP on future Blu-ray releases. The digital copies will not be playable on PCs or other digital devices, the studio said. So, future Blu-ray releases from Sony could have not one digital copy, but two – one for your PC, one for your PSP. Pretty wild. The first Blu-ray Disc titles containing the digital copies are slated to appear Nov. 10 and include “Godzilla” and “The Ugly Truth.” Consumers will be able to transfer the digital copy of the movie to the PSP via the Blu-ray drive on a PS3. What’s bothersome however is that there is no word if this feature is available for standalone Blu-ray players. Also, I was wondering – is this what Sony was hinting at back during CES 2008? “This latest enhancement to Blu-ray and Digital Copy demonstrates the versatility of the format and its ability to deliver a multi-platform video experience,” said Rich Marty, VP of new business development at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. “It also showcases the unique advantage that the PlayStation 3 brings to the Blu-ray consumer.” View the full article

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced that they will be adding digital copies of movies compatible with the PSP on future Blu-ray releases. The digital copies will not be playable on PCs or other digital devices, the studio said. So, future Blu-ray releases from Sony could have not one digital copy, but two – one for your PC, one for your PSP. Pretty wild. The first Blu-ray Disc titles containing the digital copies are slated to appear Nov. 10 and include “Godzilla” and “The Ugly Truth.” Consumers will be able to transfer the digital copy of the movie to the PSP via the Blu-ray drive on a PS3. What’s bothersome however is that there is no word if this feature is available for standalone Blu-ray players. Also, I was wondering – is this what Sony was hinting at back during CES 2008? ?This latest enhancement to Blu-ray and Digital Copy demonstrates the versatility of the format and its ability to deliver a multi-platform video experience,? said Rich Marty, VP of new business development at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. ?It also showcases the unique advantage that the PlayStation 3 brings to the Blu-ray consumer.? View the full article

I recently saw Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs in 3D (Sony Pictures Animation) at the theater with my girlfriend here in Roswell, Georgia. This was the first time I had actually seen a full animation in 3D as well, and my girlfriend’s first polarized 3D movie. I was not surprised that the glasses they gave us were RealD’s polarized 3D glasses, which I saw earlier in the year at CES 2009. It really seems that RealD has solidified the 3D market – I see them absolutely everywhere. I’m surprised Sony hasn’t purchased RealD by now, as they have consistently used RealD 3D glasses in every single major Sony corporate, tradeshow, and 3D theater presentation for a considerable amount of time. Cloudy was a really good flick – as I reported back in 2008 it was a based on the bestselling children’s book written by Judi Barrett. The animation was outstanding, the story was amusing and charming all over. It’s no surprise that a smart comedy with a little bit of drama being told in stunning graphics can pull good numbers in. Cloudy only had a 19% drop in revenue compared to last week and made a respectable $24.6 million, while most movies will drop 50% on average. This is a great family flick – it’s also cute enough for a date (if they are lighthearted). As for the 3D experience, I truly believe the movie was made for 3D, and I wouldn’t want to see it regularly. A kid would absolutely cherish this movie, and probably be hungry afterwards. So try and feed them before you go. Each item falling from the sky was more impressive than the next (namely because they got bigger), and the overall wide shots felt like they had incredible detail because of the dimensionality of 3D. I’m not so sure if the sense of depth was as good as live 3D, but I’ll deal with it. My girlfriend liked the movie alot, and for someone who gets headaches easily the 3D didn’t bother her. She was impressed with the 3D and would gasp at times, and even afterwards kept the glasses. How naughty. The movie didn’t feel too long and I felt interested to keep along with the story. It seems like often when I watch things the story loses me after a while but this was fun. Cloudy will definitely be a hit in the long run, and it’s Blu-ray release could coincide with the launch of 3D at home. Highly recommended. View the full article

Joshua Bell, the Grammy-winning Sony Masterworks violinist, fulfills a life-long dream of recording a CD of instrumental and vocal duets with a colorful roster of musicians in his upcoming album At Home With Friends (available September 29th), including Josh Groban, Sting, Kristin Chenoweth, Regina Spektor, and Chris Botti, among others. The concept of At Home With Friends was inspired by Bell’s long-time practice of holding “musical soir

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan President Sean Ladyen revealed a price cut for the regular PlayStation Portable model at Tokyo Game Show in Makuhari near Tokyo yesterday. This includes the Black, Grey and White models as well as the Carnival Colors. Layden announced a price cut in Japan for its PlayStation Portable model called PSP-3000 by 15 percent to 16,800 yen ($190) from 19,800 yen ($220), starting Oct. 1. The price had already been cut in the U.S. to $169. In comparison to the Slim and Lite, the PSP-3000 has an improved LCD screen with an increased color range, five times the contrast ratio, half the pixel response time to reduce ghosting and blurring effects, a new sub-pixel structure, a microphone, a new disc tray design, new button designs and logos, and anti-reflective technology to improve outdoor playability. View the full article

Sony Electronics is offering additional choices for consumers to optimize their experience with their VAIO PCs. A new Backstage Remote service allows online technicians to diagnose, repair, and upgrade devices remotely so consumers don’t have to leave their homes. Backstage Remote complements the existing Backstage services offered at all 44 Sony Style stores nationwide. “We know consumers are extremely busy and when they need PC support they don’t always have time to come into our stores,” said Steven Nickel, Vice President, Backstage Services Group. “Backstage Remote allows us to provide a high level of support at the convenience of the customer.” Customers can select from a menu of services starting at $39.99, like PC Tune Up, PC Software Repair, Data Back-up and setting up your digital camera to transfer pictures to your PC. For PC support, a technician assumes control of the PC remotely and provides the diagnosis and repair or upgrade. Upon completion, the technician provides a receipt of services rendered A complete list of services includes: Tune Up PC Diagnosis PC Software Repair Data Backup Online Data Backup One-On-One Orientation Setting up your VAIO Setting up your Printer Setting up a Home Network Setting up your Digital Camera Additionally, Backstage Premium Technical PC Services and Hardware Repair are available in-store, and are provided by Sony Certified Technicians. Services include new VAIO® PC Set-up, software installations, memory upgrades, post-sales PC service and repair facilitation for VAIO PCs. Backstage services enrich VAIO PC ownership throughout the life of a VAIO PC, offering value and peace of mind. Regardless of where the product was purchased, Backstage services provide personalized care at each of our Sony Style stores through dedicated and Sony Certified Technicians. Backstage Remote services are available starting September 23, 2009. To purchase services, customers should call 866-807-7616 or log on to www.backstageremote.com. Currently Sony Backstage Remote offers Premium Fee-based Support services. For In-Warranty Sony support under the original manufacturer warranty, please contact (888) 476-6972. For extended service plan support, contact your plan provider: Sony: (866) 374-0134 Best Buy: (888) 237-8289 Circuit City: (800) 555-4615 View the full article

In the month of October, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized by survivors, family and friends of survivors and/or victims of the disease. A pink ribbon is worn to recognize the struggle that sufferers face when battling with the cancer. Sony Electronics will donate $110,000 in conjunction with sales made in October from the Reader Pocket Edition bundle in Rose, and Vaio W series Mini Notebook bundle VPCW111XX/PC to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. We were not able to locate ordering pages for these items yet, but we imagine they will be available soon at SonyStyle.

The big PlayStation story of today is definitely the revelation of no UMD-to-PSP conversion for PSP Go owners. This means you can not play or download digital versions of the UMD game you already own, and Sony Computer Entertainment America has scrapped plans for any type of conversion service. This is a tough move for Sony, and from some of the comments I’ve seen around the web they will lose some prospective customers from this choice. But how expensive and tedious would it be to court every single developer and have digital versions of every game? I’m not really clear about the logistics of it all but it sounds like an enormous task. It could be done, though. Just imagine if Sony DID have digital versions of every game to download. It would be the true gaming app store. I can see the logic in a move like this, though. The regular PSP is at a very attractive price point, is available right now with an unbelievable wealth of games, and has a solid base of users. For new gamers getting into the PSP scene the PSP Go is an attractive product because it is small, gorgeous, and has a large gaming library to choose from as well. All games released after October 1st on UMD will have a downloadable version. It is a shame they won’t be offering some free games to existing PSP owners purchasing it. Sony Europe is offering several free games for UMD owners, so why can’t the USA? View the full article

Well, while I always thought a price cut on the PS3 would be a strong play for Sony, I didn’t realize it would be that strong. Sony released word that they have sold one million Playstation 3 (and PS3 slim) devices since the cut and introduction of the PS3 Slim 3 weeks ago. Sony really played the price cut right by lowering the price of

Well, while I always thought a price cut on the PS3 would be a strong play for Sony, I didn’t realize it would be that strong. Sony released word that they have sold one million Playstation 3 (and PS3 slim) devices since the cut and introduction of the PS3 Slim 3 weeks ago. Sony really played the price cut right by lowering the price of

After having played a bit with the PSPGo at GamesCom, I decided I will buy one when it releases on October 1st. As the PSPGo has no UMD drive, the games for the current PSP models cannot be used on the PSP Go. Sony had promised some sort of solution, and they finally released information on a special promotion to help existing PSP owners with UMDs to start their digital games collection for PSPgo called PSPGo Rewards. With PSPGo Rewards, you can download three titles (from a list of 17) for free. The list is pretty small for now, and we hope to see the number of titles grow before the end of the year. The (European) list contains the following games: Killzone Liberation Medievil Wipeout Pure Buzz Brain Bender Buzz Master Quiz SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters Everybody’s Golf Resistance: Retribution Syphon Filter Dark Mirror Lemmings LocoRoco Patapon Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow Echochrome Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice Daxter The PSPGo Rewards Promotion starts on 1 October 2009 and runs until 31 March 2010. It is open to new PSPgo consumers who are pre-existing owners of a PSP-1000, 2000 or 3000 that have at least one UMD. I like this promotion, but I do wonder if (and hope that) Sony will do even more to make sure people can keep on enjoying the games they originally bought on UMD. No information about this trade-in program has been detailed for other locations outside of Europe, but we figure it will probably something very similar. View the full article

With Warner Brothers Pictures no longer being involved with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, variety reports that Columbia pictures is finalizing a deal to acquire the property. Sony and Escape Artists’

With the 2009 Tokyo Game Show in full swing, Sony unveiled a 250GB PS3. The console is available for a limited time as the Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition for 41,600 yen (roughly $459) due mid December. The console is white, Lightning herself is printed on the chassis in stunning detail, and Final Fantasy XIII is bundled with the package as well. No word on a release date yet for North America, so start watching NCSX and Play-Asia if you plan on getting one. View the full article

Image Courtesy AV Watch During the Press Conference at the Tokyo Game Show yesterday, Kazuo Hirai unveiled what appears to be the final version of what is being called the ?Motion Controller?. A demo version of Little Big Planet and Resident Evil 5 designed to support the new controller were shown as well. According to the details in the press release, we can expect a strong line up of titles from SCE when the controller is available It’s only a matter of time now before more details become available from third party developers on their release dates. Press release: Motion Controller* for PlayStation®3 to Become Available in Spring 2010 Motion Controller (Unofficial Name) Equipped with High-Precision Motion Sensors, Combined With PlayStation®Eye Camera, Delivers Whole New Entertainment Experience on PlayStation®3 TOKYO, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that it will release a new Motion Controller (unofficial name) for PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system in Spring 2010. The new controller, equipped with high-precision, highly accurate motion sensors, can deliver a whole new entertainment experience on PS3 when combined together with the PlayStation®Eye camera(*1). Capable of recognizing and tracking a user’s face and voice as well as body motion, PlayStation Eye can also output the player’s image onto the TV screen. SCE will vigorously promote the expansion of this new experience only possible on the PS3 platform. The newly announced Motion Controller is equipped with two motion sensors, three axes gyroscope and three axes accelerometer that can detect the controller’s angle and movement held in the user’s hand. Together with the PlayStation Eye camera for PS3 which can accurately track the absolute position of the controller, the controller can detect the natural and intuitive movement of the hand and reflect the precise movement on to the game. The sphere placed on the top of the controller is not only used to track the absolute position but can also give visual feedback to users by changing the colors or the illuminating patterns of the sphere. Furthermore, the new controller is also equipped with a rumble feature, familiar to the PlayStation® DUALSHOCK® series controller, delivering an immersive gaming experience to users. Further expanding the new experience on PS3, SCE Worldwide Studios will deliver many exciting software titles for the Motion Controller in 2010(*2). SCE, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will deploy various measures to enhance the software title line-up for the new Motion Controller and vigorously promote the PS3 platform. * Motion Controller is a tentative name. *1 Users will need to use the PlayStation Eye camera to enjoy Motion Controller on PS3. *2 Please see below for software titles to be released in 2010. Product Outline Motion Controller (Tentative) Product name Motion Controller (tentative) Release date Spring 2010 Recommended Retail Price To be decided. Key Features -- Three axes gyroscope, three axes accelerometer -- Bluetooth® 2.0 -- Lithium-Ion rechargeable internal battery Software Titles for Motion Controller from SCE Worldwide Studios(*1) (2010 release, includes both Motion Controller dedicated and compatible titles) Title name ---------- Ape Escape (Working Title) Echochrome 2 (Working Title) Eccentric Slider (Working Title) Sing and Draw (Working Title) Champions of Time (Working Title) Motion Party (Working Title) The Shoot (Working Title) Tower (Working Title) PAIN(*2) Flower(*2) Hustle Kings(*2) High Velocity Bowling(*2) EyePet(*2) *1 Titles to be released will depend by countries or regions. *2 Motion control function will be added by network update, etc. About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group. The Bluetooth word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is under license. PlayStation and PSP are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. View the full article

As some of you may know, I recently visited the SonyStyle store in Atlanta, Georgia to try out the PSP Go the day before it is available in the store for everyone to preview. Sony also allowed me to use their incredible A850 DSLR to shoot pictures of the PSP Go, and while we were waiting for some of the consumers to leave I took some shots of the store’s layout – click to enlarge. It’s always humbling for me to look around a SonyStyle store, as I am familiar with almost virtually every product and even announced/leaked several there. I even showed one fellow working there the upcoming A Series Walkman refresh that he had never seen before. Regardless, every employee was extremely knowledgeable and courteous, but unfortunately few had actually been to Sony Insider. Oh well – we are still pretty small anyways. Here are some Vaio P’s before the store closes, getting ready to sleep: Vaio’s were found all throughout the store, including some now discontinued TT models that were still waiting to be sold. The home page of each Vaio in Internet Explorer was a link to the laptop’s page on SonyStyle. I also spotted two PSP’s, a Rock Band bundle and the liliac purple Hannah Monana PSP: Sony also had a full Altus setup on display, which was very impressive. If you click on the picture, many of the units activate with the wave of your hand. You can also see some alpha DSLR’s to the right. Here are quite a few point and shoot cameras, direct to DVD burners, and the XEL-1 OLED TV. This is an open hallway along the store that leads to the room below this picture. It also had some interesting frames of old movie stars decorating the walls above the televisions. Very classy. Here is a nice home theater room that had three displays and a nice seating area. I liked this room a lot, and it was adjacent to where I shot the PSP Go hands-on video. Here’s the XBR9 – they didn’t have the XBR10, yet: This is the open room where I shot the PSP Go video. Sony kept people (except my girlfriend, who came with me) from wandering back here while I had the PSP Go out because it was top secret: View the full article

The first new song to be released after Michael Jackson’s death is set for release on October 12th and is entitled “This is It”. Subsequent to that, a two disc album of the same name is set for release on October 26th and North America on October 27th. Press release is below: SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 UNRELEASED MICHAEL JACKSON SONG “THIS IS IT” TO BE UNVEILED OCTOBER 12TH SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE TWO DISC ALBUM WITH MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE SONY PICTURES FILM MICHAEL JACKSON”S THIS IS IT ON OCTOBER 26TH/27TH On October 12th, the first new Michael Jackson song to emerge since the world mourned the loss of this musical icon will be released – a brand new single entitled “This Is It.” Soon after, Sony Music Entertainment’s Columbia/Epic Label Group will release the two-disc album This Is It featuring the music that inspired Sony Pictures’ forthcoming film MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT. This two-disc album will be available internationally on October 26th and North America on October 27th to coincide with the worldwide release of the motion picture which arrives in theaters on October 28th and runs for a limited two-week engagement. “This song only defines, once again, what the world already knows – that Michael is one of God’s greatest gifts,” comments John McClain, co-producer of the album. Disc one will feature the original album masters of some of Michael’s biggest hits arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film. The disc ends with two versions of the never-released “This Is It.” This song is featured in the film’s closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael’s brothers, the Jacksons. Disc two offers previously unreleased versions of some of the artist’s classic tracks. This disc also features a touching spoken word poem from Michael Jackson entitled “Planet Earth” that has never been heard before. The two-disc This is It is a stand-alone companion to the motion picture and includes a 36-page, commemorative booklet featuring exclusive photos of Michael from his last rehearsal. The motion picture MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a chance to discover the man they never knew through this privileged and private look at Jackson. In raw and candid detail, MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner and the director of the stage show is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing. Tickets for the limited two-week engagement of the film go on sale beginning September 27. For more information about the motion picture, please visit the website www.thisisit-movie.com. [source] Michael Jackson Official Site View the full article

The PSPgo is the first total design change for the PSP hardware, and has received enormous criticism and praise from many consumers. It’s also the first all-digital PSP, costs $249, and still has left many wondering what will happen to their UMD discs. I was invited to attend a special hands-on demonstration of the PSPgo at the SonyStyle store here in Atlanta, Georgia the day before Sony will allow anyone to check out the PSPgo for themselves. Of course, you will still have to wait until October 1st to buy the device. Nonetheless, it was great to come back to the store, as I have always found it well designed and portrays almost all Sony products perfectly. The quality of the pictures in this post are the highest we’ve ever shot, as Sony allowed me to use a new A850 DSLR for this pictorial. Outstanding. A huge thanks to a special someone in Sony Media Relations for hooking us up with this opportunity. Here is a video we shot covering the experience with additional hands-on with the PSP Go (if you don’t see the video yet, come back in a few hours and it will be up): Many of you know the specifications of the PSP Go, but I will restate some of the key points – the PSP Go does not feature a UMD drive, but instead has 16GB of internal flash memory to store games, video, and other media. This can be extended by up to 32GB with the use of a Memory Stick Micro (M2) flash card. Unlike previous PSP models, the PSP Go’s rechargeable battery is not removable or replaceable by the user. The PSP Go feels very light – its so much lighter than the regular PSP and will definitely surprise you when you first hold it. The unit is 43% lighter and 56% smaller than the original PSP-1000, and 16% lighter and 35% smaller than the PSP-3000. It has a 3.8″ 480

VAIO and Intel are teaming up to offer some exciting prizes for sharing your story. Prizes include VAIO mini-notebooks autographed by Conan O’Brien and tickets to The Tonight Show in L.A. as well as other items. To enter visit Intel’s site and submit a story on how you use your intel-powered PC.