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It’s that time of the year again where we like to look back at the site and see where it was in 2011 and where we want it to head towards in 2012. One thing is simple and for certain: that we grew, and grew by a lot. Our website traffic has doubled compared to a year ago and so has the number of stories we’ve covered. In fact, in 2011, we posted 706 different articles and attended many industry events like CES, E3, and PAX. In addition to that, we’ve been busy at expanding our scope and presence so that we can better interact with you. You can now find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Flickr where we’ve offered high resolution pictures, HD videos, live chats, and more.

Sony Patents Wireless Power Plant for Cordless Charging

We’ve all dreamed of living in a totally cordless world and in the last few years, thanks to new standards like wireless N which allows for faster streaming of data, wireless syncing with iTunes, and backups to services like iCloud, we are inching closer than ever to a totally wireless world with each passing day. Still, when all is said and done, your iPad or PS Vita still needs to be plugged into an outlet to be charged, making a wireless world for our ever growing arsenal of portable devices still a far off dream. Sure some wireless accessories exist but they still require you to place your phone on a specific pad which is plugged into the wall. You not only still have to deal with that device being plugged in, but also have to deal with slower recharge times, making you opt back for the original charger that came with your device. Now, Sony thinks its may have the solution, thanks to a recent patent filing which would have the company daisy chaining your devices for a wider charge area and faster charge times. Lets talk details after the jump.

Crystal White PlayStation Vita Available Now, in Hong Kong

Remember how Sony unveiled the Crystal White PlayStation Vita for Japan, with the Wi-Fi version for ¥24,98 ($312) and 3G for ¥29,980 ($375)? Well now, Hong Kong has jumped in on the action as well with shipments landing on June 28th. The newest color to the PS Vita will also cary no price premium so whether black or white is your color choice, you walk out paying the same. Those who wish to pre-order however will get some extra goodies like the Trooper Pack, Armor Game case, 4GB memory card and a lint free cloth for free which in some ways, actually places the price of the Crystal White addition below its black counterpart. Us fate and press release, after the jump.

The Sony NEX-F3 Vs. the Sony NEX-C3

Now that Sony has officially announced the NEX-F3, we can take a closer look at what the latest e-mount camera has to offer and analyze how it differs from its predecessor, the NEX-C3. While maintaining the same $599 price for body and 18-55mm lens, the new entry NEX model has quite a bit to offer. A new 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor in place, offering a 16,000 ISO versus the NEX-C3 which maxed out at 12,800 ISO. The NEX-F3 is also capable of filming at 1920 x 1080 videos at 60fps interlaced or 24fps progressive where once again, the NEX-C3 fell short to just 720p. Plenty more differences for you listed after the jump.

Japanese Developer Cave Cancels Vita Games

Shirotsuku was to feature characters based on historical Japanese heroes.

Cave, a Japanese developer known mostly for their shoot-em up games, has cancelled two of their PlayStation Vita games in development. The company had been facing financial issues and poor sales forecasts and was forced to cancel Shirotsuku (a social war game) and an unannounced shoot-em up; both were in development for Sony’s brand new handheld.

In the cancelled Shirotsuku, players are cast as a “daimyo” in the Sengoku period of Japanese history who needs build up his own tiny castle kingdom in this Sengoku simulation game. Players could use the “check in” feature to pick up souvenirs exclusive to your geo-location and construct unique buildings from that area. Once the player’s castle town is bustling, they can enter a skirmish to try their luck in battle against other users.

Shirotsuku was supposed to be the first game to use the PlayStation Vita’s location registration feature to pick up souvenirs and buildings exclusive to the player’s geographic area.

These cancellations present irrefutable evidence that many of Japan’s developers are indeed facing grave financial situations. These companies are also facing the threat of rising interest in western games in both the Western and Eastern game markets. Cave’s latest releases have mostly suffered from poor sales like the recent Akai Katana (released in Europe) for the Xbox 360.

Sony Officially Announces NEX-F3 and Alpha A37

We told you about Sony’s May 17th camera event and, with the event, Sony has officially announced the NEX-F3, the followup to the NEX-C3 and the Alpha A37, the A35 replacement. As we originally reported, the Sony NEX-F3 packs a 16.1-megapixel sensor with ISO 100-16,000 sensitivity, AVCHD movie recording with 1080/60i or 24p HD movies, a built-in flash, up to 5.5 fps, and the star of the show, the 180 degree tiltable LCD screen. The NEX-F3 with a 18-55mm lens will set you back $599 and will ship on June 15th in black, silver, and white.

After the jump, we tell you about the Sony Alpha A37.

Naughty Dog Reveals New Look for Ellie, from The Last of Us. Is it Good? (updated with 5 additional pics)

Via their Facebook page, Naughty Dog has just revealed a revamped look for Ellie, one of the main characters from their upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive, The Last of Us. This time around, Naughty Dog decided to go for a more “youthful look” to the surviving character. Judging by the reaction on Facebook and our own, many fans prefer the older, more mature look. With that said, we don’t know the context of the character and the older, more adult looking Ellie might have taken away from the character arch and story that the team is trying to portray. Let us know in the comments section which look you prefer. Additional 5 pictures, after the jump.

Sony Updates the VAIO S with Intel Ivy Bridge Processors. We Have Specs

Spring cleaning is always fun when its from the computer maker of your choice. While prices tend to stay the same or sometimes even drop, the VAIO from just a day ago is instead reborn with new specs inside, ready to be unleashed on your Facebook and YouTube habits. The Sony VAIO S 13-inch and 15-inch are no different as we’ve received word from Sony about this year’s Spring update, which includes Intel Ivy Bridge Core i5 or Core i7 processors. Lets talk details after the jump.

Sony Pictures Hires Aaron Sorkin as Screenwriter for Film Adaptation of Steve Jobs’ Biography

Sony Pictures, who is no stranger to working with Aaron Sorkin, the writer of The Social Network and Moneyball, each of which won an Oscar, is again turning to the acclaimed West Wing writer. Sony Pictures bought the rights to Walter Isaacson’s authorized biography of Steve Jobs and has been slowly gearing up production for the film. Sony Pictures Co-Chairman Amy said;

“Steve Jobs’ story is unique: he was one of the most revolutionary and influential men not just of our time but of all time. There is no writer working in Hollywood today who is more capable of capturing such an extraordinary life for the screen than Aaron Sorkin; in his hands, we’re confident that the film will be everything that Jobs himself was: captivating, entertaining, and polarizing.”

With a writer now at the helm, Sony can quickly begin putting together its cast and crew. With such a high profile writer and even more high profile subject matter, Sony should have no problem attracting talent. Rumored talent already include George Clooney and Noah Wyle as potential candidates to play the famous CEO of Apple. Noah Wyle famously portrayed Steve Jobs in the 1999 made-for-TV film The Pirates of Silicon Valley.

‘Community’ Gets Renewed for 13-Episode Fourth Season

Fear not loyal “Community” fans, your prayers have been answered. NBC recently announced that the cult-comedy has been renewed for a fourth season, which will air sometime next year and feature 13 episodes. After shaky ratings, a midseason hiatus with an indefinite return and the continuation of season three, this news is nothing short of miraculous for the extremely vocal “Community” fanbase.

Earlier in the year, Comedy Central picked up syndication rights for “Community,” and according to the Huffington Post, the 13 episodes from season four will also be a part of that deal.

While the show recently lost Garret Donovan and Neil Goldman as executive producers, creator Dan Harmon and executive producers Anthony Russo, Riss Krasnoff, and Gary Foster are set to return. “Changlorious,” indeed.

Be sure to watch the rest of season three of “Community” Thursday nights at 8pm on NBC. Hit the jump to check out a cool, fan-made “Community” tribute. It’s streets ahead.

Hot Trailer: Naughty Dog Releases New Cinematic Trailer for ‘The Last of Us’

Naughty Dog took the internet by storm recently by releasing a new cinematic trailer for its highly-anticipated game, The Last of Us. The short trailer provides a glimpse at not only main characters Ellie and Joel, but also a couple of previously unseen enemies and a better look at the decaying world around the two protagonists. Those following the game closely will also notice a slight change in Ellie’s appearance as well. Be sure to check back here as more info drops on The Last of Us.

Check the trailer out for yourself after the jump.

PlayStation Store Update (05-15-2012)

A couple of huge releases highlight this week’s Playstation Store Update, as well as the typical plethora of releases for Playstation Plus members, PS Vita, and a handful of demos. First up is Pixeljunk 4am from Q Games. Less of a game and more of a “music creation tool,” Pixeljunk 4am lets you create and share music you create by using waving the Playstation Move. Check out the trailer for yourself below.

The other big release this week is Sonic the Hedgegog 4: Episode 2, which features new levels, new music, and the return of Sonic’s partner, Tails. Sega has said that Episode 2 improves upon a lot of the criticisms from the first iteration of Sonic 4, so look for this episode to be the 2D Sonic game that we’ve all been waiting for.

Playstation Plus members have a ton of free and discounted stuff this week, including free PSN game Rock of Ages and huge discounts on Goldeneye 007: Reloaded and Assassins Creed: Brotherhood Complete. And of course, if you’re low on funds this week, be sure to check out free demos for Batman Arkham City, Pixeljunk 4am, Rock of Ages, and Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2.

Hit the jump for all of this week’s Playstation Store update.