Sony Corp.

Should You Buy ‘Heavy Rain: Move Edition?’

by Jan Hutchings | Oct 20, 2011 | 28 comments

MSRP: $29.99

1-Player

“How far will you go to stop a serial killer?” – Quantic Dream

Late last year, Roger Ebert exclaimed that games will never be considered art. He had obviously never played Heavy Rain, Quantic Dream’s cinematic yet highly-interactive masterpiece.

I’ve never experienced a game quite like Heavy Rain. Never has a game affected me on an personal/emotional level. The characters are so well-written and well-realized that the player can’t help but care about each of the protagonist’s fates; especially around the end game.

Confirmed: Sony Reader WiFi PRS-T1 Does Run Android

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 17, 2011 | 26 comments

We had previously reported that the new Sony Reader WiFi PRS-T1 would run some variation of Android underneath its multitouch display. Though we knew that it wouldn’t be to the extent of the Kindle Fire, we always thought that it would be a unique offering if Sony allowed for some further customization and features with Android as the core OS of the Reader WiFi. To our dismay, when Sony officially announced the Sony Reader WiFi, there seemed to be no mention of an Android OS and the UI hinted at the same finding.

Now, we say thanks to YouTube user vladboroda, who dug past the highly customized OS from Sony to install AWD.Launcher and plenty of other apps to confirm that indeed, some form of Android is present in the Sony Reader WiFi. The hack itself is still in the early stages so don’t go looking for any rooted OS versions just yet and the idea of installing any app you want from the Android Market is even further. However, its still a promising sign for those who want to tinker with their Reader Wi-Fi and even more encouraging news from the future and potential direction of the Sony Reader family, which has a dire need of rethinking.

The hack is in pretty early stages. Not ready for release yet. I’ve run CoolReader, FBReader, ReLaunch, AWD.Launcher, Android Terminal, that’s pretty much it. For some apps the latest and greatest version wouldn’t work (CoolReader, Terminal), but for FBReader the latest “stable” version crashes while the “experimental” 2.0 alpha works quite well.

After the jump, you can find a video of the hacked Sony Reader WiFi.

Confirmed: Sony 8 Megapixel CMOS Powers iPhone 4S Image Sensor

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 14, 2011 | 4 comments

We’ve long been talking about the possibility that it would be Sony who would be providing the image sensor in the next iPhone and not long time Apple partner, OmniVision. It was rumored that Sony would provide a new 8 megapixel CMOS sensor for the iPhone 5, due to financial troubles at OminiVision and their lack of manufacturing capabilities to push out the numbers that Apple required. Later on, Sony CEO, Sir Howard Stringer would comment on the rumors:

It “always puzzles me,” he said. “Why would I make Apple the best camera?”

Of course, the puzzling part is quite easy to understand and that is to make money. It’s unclear if Sir Howard Stringer was guinily displeased with the idea or he was simply attempting to shift the attention. Regardless of his personal opinion, we can now confirm that though the naming was wrong, the ~~iPhone 5~~ iPhone 4S image sensor is indeed powered by Sony.

In order to get our readers the device manufacturer as soon as possible, rather than going through a fuming sulfuric acid chip deprocessing we chose to use our infrared microscope to look through the structure of this image sensor. What you see are the die markings on the base layer of the image sensor. The image isn’t beautiful, but it’s enough to tell us that Sony is in our particular iPhone 4S.

The iPhone 4S has been on the market for only a few hours and Apple has already sold more than 2 million, with AT&T alone receiving more than a million pre-orders in the first 12 hours of the phone’s availability for pre-order. If the device continues to have the success that Apple products tend to have, Sony can potentially achieve a great manufacturing win and create a new profit stream for the company. This has been an avenue that Sony’s rival, Samsung, has taken by providing flash memory to companies like Apple and, in turn, using that profit to create competing products. Just to put thing into context, Apple is expected to sell more than a 100 million iPhone next year.

Sony Announces Two Portable USB Chargers. The CP-A2LS and CP-ELS

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 13, 2011 | 1 comment

While keeping it classy with their amazing name scheme that the public so very much loves, Sony has announced the CP-A2LS and the CP-ELS portable USB chargers. These new charges come equipped with two USB inputs which allow for two devices to be charged at the time. Four LED markers will also be present on each charger, giving you an idea of how much battery is left in your portable charger.

Speaking of battery, the CP-A2LS houses a 4000mAh capacity battery while the smaller, slicker CP-ELS comes with a 2000mAh capacity. With an AC power adaptor outlet, each device can reach full charge in about six hours while containing 80% of their charge capacity after a year’s use. Both models are expected to be launched in November though no price point has been given. It’s also worth noting that these devices are not limited to powering only Sony equipment like the Xperia smartphone shown in the above image.

After the jump, additional pictures and specs await you.

Sony Has No Plans to Announce TV Restructuring

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 13, 2011 | 45 comments

When the clock strikes April 1st, 2012, Sony Manufacturing Systems, a division of Sony which makes factory equipment, will be absorbed by Sony EMCS which manufactures the company’s television sets. The move which will also result in a loss of a 100 contract workers and the shutting down of factories is designed to help Sony cut costs in TV manufacturing and bring back some much needed profits to the companies Bravia line.

With some big changes taking place behind the scenes of Sony’s TV manufacturing operations, many within the industry also expected Sony to make some formal announcements. However, as it turns out, this is not the case and the company has no plans for an announcement.

“I am sorry if we have given the mistaken impression that there is going to be some big announcement,” Kato said of the TV unit restructuring. “We are not thinking of doing that.”

Sony, who is currently hurting for profits from its television division, has also been in a bitter rivalry with Samsung, the South Korean giant. Samsung said last week it expected to beat consensus forecasts for the July-September quarter. Things for Sony, however are not nearly as rosy.

“Looking at Europe and North America overall, the outlook is murky,” Kato said. “We don’t see any reasons for optimism.”

Sony, who currently shares some manufacturing operations with Samsung, is looking to further itself from its now-main rival while looking for some new partners. Sony, Toshiba, and Hitachi have already formed a partnership for smaller LCD productions which power cameras and smartphones. Could the three companies also team up for TV manufacturing as well? If this means bringing some much need profits to Sony’s already battered bottom-line, then let’s hope so.

Sony Detects And Deals With Small PSN Breach

by Jan Hutchings | Oct 11, 2011 | 1 comment

According to a blog post by Philip Reitinger, Chief Information Security Officer for Sony, the company detected an entity attempting to match a number of compromised user accounts and passwords taken from a different source.

“PlayStation Network and Sony Online Entertainment (“Networks”) services to test a massive set of sign-in IDs and passwords against our network database. These attempts appear to include a large amount of data obtained from one or more compromised lists from other companies, sites or other sources. In this case, given that the data tested against our network consisted of sign-in ID-password pairs, and that the overwhelming majority of the pairs resulted in failed matching attempts, it is likely the data came from another source and not from our Networks. We have taken steps to mitigate the activity.”

Reitinger has said that about 0.1% of PSN, SEN and SOE users have been affected by this attack (roughly 93,000 accounts globally), in which their sign-in information (PSN ID and password) were successfully matched by the attacker.

Sony has said that they have detected and dealt with the attack and are reviewing the affected accounts for unauthorized access. On a good note, the company has also stated that any accounts that were attacked have been temporarily closed off; also, credit cards associated with the accounts have not been compromised.

“Please note, if you have a credit card associated with your account, your credit card number is not at risk. We will work with any users whom we confirm have had unauthorized purchases made to restore amounts in the PSN/SEN or SOE wallet.”

If you’re in the 93,000 people whose accounts were compromised, Sony is requiring secure password resets and will send you an email with the instructions on how to do it soon. For everyone else, let this be a reminder that you shouldn’t be using the same sign-in and passwords on multiple online services or sites. Since online fraud is a serious threat, it’s better to be safe and use different sign-in information whenever we can.

Sony Ericsson Airs New Xperia PLAY Ad With a Minecraft Shrine in Mind

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 11, 2011 | 4 comments

We’ve always been fairly critical of Sony and their advertising campaigns, or lack there of. Sony Ericsson is no different though they did create some funny ads, starring Kristen Schaal, for the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY. However, these ads never seemed to make it past YouTube but a few hundred thousand views is better than nothing. Now, she’s back talking Xperia PLAY with a Minecraft challenge in store for you.

“I’m looking for a super-genius Minecraft wizard to slave away and build me something so extraordinary that I go into a coma for half a year,” declares Schaal. “I want a palace, a monument, something like a shrine to me.”

You can find the new ad after the jump.

Sony Says Consumers Not Yet Ready To Switch To All Digital Content Gaming

by Jan Hutchings | Oct 10, 2011 | 2 comments

The Blu-Ray is one of the PlayStation 3’s main selling point. And, as gamers, there’s something about going to the store and purchasing that physical media (disc) that gives us a sense of ownership.

With all this hulabaloo about the switch to digital content delivery and even cloud gaming, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida has finally talked about what the company thinks about the trend, and if an all-digital console is possible, in an interview with Edge.

Hit the jump for the rest of the article.

Sony to Lay Off a 100 Contract Workers and Close Manufacturing Plant in Japan

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 7, 2011 | 11 comments

It’s no secret that Sony’s had difficulties with profitability, especially in their TV manufacturing operations. With cheaper labor forces in South Korea and China, companies like Samsung have been able to offer LCD sets at lower prices then Sony can match. Come April 1st, 2012, Sony Manufacturing Systems, a division of Sony which makes factory equipments will be absorbed by Sony EMCS (another internal division of Sony) which manufactures the companies VAIO (computer) line and television sets.

The merger of these operations will result in a loss of 100 contract workers while the 411 regular workers will stay on board with Sony, though they will be transferred to a new location. This will be due to plant closings from Sony who hopes to consolidate operations and reduce costs.

Steve Jobs Passes Away at 56

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 5, 2011 | 18 comments

Steve Jobs, former Apple and Pixar CEO has passed away at the age of 56. Steve Jobs has had a profound effect on the world of technology, including that of Sony and my personal beliefs and reasoning behind this site. Our thoughts go out to his family.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

Sony Brings PlayStation Characters to Life With a New Promo (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 5, 2011 | 15 comments

Following up their teaser video for Long Live Play, Sony has released a new video which brings the teaser full circle while revealing some beloved gaming characters. The new video which is meant to promote gaming on the PlayStation 3, after the recent price drop to $249 shows a handful of iconic gaming characters, many which are exclusive to Sony and the PlayStation 3. Previously, we’d shown you the teaser and given you a step by step guide to all the hidden easter eggs.

After the jump, the full video awaits you.

Sony to Move Corporate Headquarters from Foster City

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 3, 2011 | 29 comments

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, more famously known to consumers as just Sony, has announced that they will be moving their headquarters from Foster City to a newer building in San Mateo. The lease, which will go into effect in 2013 (giving Sony just a little over a year to make the move), will give the electronic giant a 450,000-plus square-foot campus at 2207 Bridgepoint Parkway.

For current employees, the best news besides the fact that they will be stationed in a brand new building is that the new Sony HQ will only be a mile away from the old (current) location. Sony is looking to prepare and start renovations by year’s end.

“The new property will accommodate SCEA’s long-term business needs and growth plans, and provides an engaging space that befits the PlayStation brand,” the company said in its statement.

The campus is listed as ”plug and play” in their advertisement brochure, though we don’t know exactly what that means, besides that it probably has rooms with electrical outlets AND ethernet ports. After the jump, you can find plenty of pictures of the new Sony HQ and I must say that it’s an extremely beautiful campus. I imagine that Sony employees will be very happy in this new building come 2013.

After the jump, you can find a gallery of the new campus, including interior pictures.

Sony Walkman Tops Apple iPod As Greatest Tech Invention

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 30, 2011 | 3 comments

Now over 32 years old, the Sony Walkman is king again, according to the latest poll which asked participants to rate the greatest technological advancements of the last 50 years. This placed Apple’s iPod just below the Walkman, which owes its creation in part to Sony’s Walkman which began the portable music revolution. Sony also found its place again at 7th place with the Sony Trinitron television, one of the most legendary and long lasting lines of televisions ever made.

Of course, Apple fans need not worry as the Apple iPhone took 1st place, followed by the iPod at 3rd place and iPad at 5th. After the jump, you can find the top ten tech inventions of the last 50 years, according to this poll anyways.

Discuss:

Do you agree with the poll? If not, what would your top ten list look like?

PlayStation Video Unlimited Overview (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 30, 2011 | 19 comments

Sony recently released a new app for the PlayStation 3 dubbed Video Unlimited. This app is currently available for PlayStation Plus members as a preview window while the rest of the PS3 community can also get it for free come October 11th. For those looking to dig deeper in the apps functionality and features, we put together a video overview for you where we start with the basics of finding the app in the PlayStation Store to the overall offerings and user interface.

Discuss:

Do you like the feel of the new Video Unlimited app and could you see the rest of the PlayStation Store picking up similar UI touches?

Sony Ericsson LiveDock Promo (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 29, 2011 | 20 comments

Just after showing us the LiveSound promo video, where Sony Ericsson was able to show us the features of their new accessory in under a minute without any craziness and rather simply got to the chase, the company has now followed up with the Sony LiveDock promo video. The Sony Ericsson LiveDock enables you to charge your phone while connecting video out, USB keyboard/mouse, and much more. This new and simple promo video from Sony Ericsson does a fantastic job of telling you everything you need to know about this device, something that Sony tends to struggle with when it comes to their marketing.