Sony Corp.

Sony Enters Medical Device Making Business. Nano Technology to Follow?

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 28, 2011 | 2 comments

A key part of success when it comes to personal finance is to diversify your portfolio so that you don’t place all of your eggs in one basket. By spreading your financial risk in different sectors and products, you lessen the blow if one of those bets doesn’t come to fruition or happens to tank. Sony, who is no stranger to having their hands in all sectors of technology (gaming, computers, televisions, home theater) and the entertainment industry (Sony Pictures, Sony Television, Sony/BMG) is now entering into another new sector: the medical field.

Over the weekend, Sony purchased Micronics, based in Redmond, Washington, for an undisclosed amount. This small US based medical research firm specializes in developing portable devices that can be used to perform tests on body fluids such as blood and saliva. With the purchase completed or near completion, Sony will be able to enter the portable medical testing market.

“Sony has sold such peripheral devices to medical device manufacturers in the past, but it will be a new business to sell directly to customers such as hospitals,” said company spokesman Chisato Kitsukawa in Tokyo.

The company currently employs 30 staff members and receives funding from from the U.S. Army and National Institutes of Health, as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Sony, who is no stranger to a diversified portfolio, made a similar purchase last year when they bought iCyt Mission Technology who is known for devices that can sort cells for use in stem cell and disease research.

The only question that remains from this purchase is this: Will these companies continue to move forward with their research simply under the Sony flagship, or will we eventually see a convergence between Sony’s new medical ventures and their consumer electronics divisions? Not following me? Let me back track a bit and paint a different picture for you. Any gamer, anime buff, or film junkie will tell you that there will be a time where the medical and technological field (technology that is used by the everyday consumer) will be mixed together. If you doubt such a thing, look back to all the cool tech you saw in 80s media and chances are they they exist today and that you probably own some version of it.

It’s also no secret that, now more then ever, we are seeing technology get smaller and more convenient. Imagine a small chip placed inside of you that hosts all your information so the next time your in your car or house, the doors unlock automatically for you and the setting adjust to your needs. Heck, with devices like PlayStation Move and 3D, we are one step closer to directly interacting with the games we play. Think Sony isn’t thinking virtual reality? Think again with the Sony 3D Visor. When it coms to data storage, Nano technology has long been the holy grail of computing, allowing us to carry an infinite amount more of data then traditionally-based physical disks. And who knows, maybe the reasons why we still can’t simply speak to computers like they do in Star Trek is not the lack of sophisticated software, but the lack of human to machine connection.

While Sony already has deep ties in the technology market, it only makes sense for them to make a play into such a field. Now, it simply could be for portfolio diversification. But personally, I believe this to be a long term commitment and acknowledgement of where technology is headed.

Discuss:

Do you think I’ve seen the Matrix one too many times or do you also see the convergence of these two fields in the future?

Sony LiveSound Headphones Provide Tangle Free Cables (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 28, 2011 | 9 comments

Sony Ericsson is showcasing their new LiveSound headphones which come with their Android line of phones. The Sony LiveSound headphones are designed to provide a tangle free cable experience while also offering the superior sound found on other phones. Check out this promo video from Sony Ericsson.

Sony Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) Now Available for Pre-Order

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 27, 2011 | 26 comments

Remember that new Sony Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-T1) that we showed you a while back? The one that sports a 6-inch, 600 x 800, 16-level gray scale E Ink Pearl display that is capable of multitouch like pinch-to-zoom, thanks to Sony’s advanced Dual Touch technology? Or how about the at just 168 grams (5.93 ounces) and 8.9mm thin, the Sony Reader Wi-Fi is also the world’s lightest eReader? We thought you would finally remember. Well, this new eReader from Sony is finally up for your pre-ordering pleasure. Priced at $149, the Sony Reader Wi-Fi will be available in black, red and white.

[Via Sony]

PlayStation Teaser Video Breakdown (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 27, 2011 | 19 comments

A little over 24 hours ago, Sony released a new teaser video online. The video, which runs just shy of one minute, is packed with references to games that have come and gone on the PlayStation, PS2, PS3 and PSP. Many of those games are also slated to make an appearance on the upcoming Sony handheld, the PS Vita. Just which games and references were made in this video? Watch our video breakdown from the PlayStation teaser video to discover the hidden easter eggs. Catch something we didn’t? Let us know in the comments section below!

Sony MDR-NC200D Noise-cancelling Headphones Gets Rave Reviews

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 19, 2011 | 17 comments

Anybody who travels often or enjoys peace and serenity while listening to music or while watching their movies will surely know the pleasures of owning a noise-cancelling headphone. These units become even that much more crucial when you are dealing with any form of travel like a commute on a bus, train or a long flight. Sony has long been at the heart of the noise-cancelation headphone market, producing a vast array of headphones at different costs. Being a owner of a two year old unit myself, I long tested the different between my Sony pair for $200 and a Bose equivalent for nearly twice the price.

Now, meet the new entry model, the Sony MDR-NC200D Noise-cancelling headphone. This new lightweight model will reduce “98.2 percent of ambient noise” for up to 22 hours on a single AAA, perfect for travel. Though we don’t have our own model to test out with, the guys at Engadget put one through their testing criteria and came out with some encouraging news.

Everything said, we enjoyed our time with Sony’s MDR-NC200D noise-cancelling headphones. The fit is excellent, the active sound quality is pleasing, the build quality is solid and most importantly, the automatic noise-cancellation works seamlessly and easily.

They want on to say;

On a lesser note, an in-line remote would’ve been welcome along with a built-in rechargeable battery. Nitpicks aside, the NC200Ds delivered well enough in most aspects to warrant the $200 asking price in our eyes.

Remember that when it comes to reviews done by this site like the one on the Sony Bloggie 3D, I have to personally purchase the products myself and use them for reviews, unlike other sites who are given products in advance. If you would like to see us provide more reviews, please contact Sony on their Twitter or Facebook page and let them know that you would like to see more product reviews from SonyRumors.

[Via Endgadget]

Sony to Release an iPad Dock RDP-X500IP

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 16, 2011 | 6 comments

There was a time when Sony wouldn’t release any accessories for the iPod, let alone the iPhone. The mindset was that the Walkman line was a competitor to the iPod and so why give the iPod line more ammo. Eventually, Sony and the rest of the industry would give trying to chase Apple and the iPod line. Since then, Sony has released countless iPod and iPhone docks, two of which I personally own with the mentality of well, why not make a profit off the iPod and iPhone if we can. Now, the company is creating a dock for the iPad, something that no one else has yet to do.

The Sony RDP-X500iP or as the kids call it, the RDP-X500iP deploys Clear Phase DSP, DMC technology, Dual Passive Radiators, and Magnetic Fluid Speakers. This $299 dock which will go on sale in the next month will be able to also house your iPod and iPhone. Now if any of the mentioned features above didn’t make sense to you, it’s ok because they didn’t to us either. So for those that are curious, after the jump, you can find exactly what Sony was talking about. For those who are not, just assume that they will make your MP3’s sound silky smooth and thump when they need.

Sony Redesigns eSupport Page

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 15, 2011 | 22 comments

Many months ago, we had the opportunity to attend Sony’s new store opening and concept that would eventually expand to all stores and see the Sony Style brand disappear on the retails stores with a simpler Sony branding. During my interview with Sony’s Executive Vice President Mike Fasulo, I also learned that Sony would eventually apply the same lessons and game plan to their web domains. SonyStyle.com which is Sony’s online retail store would eventually shift over to Sony.com and a simpler and easier to navigate store would take its place. Though this transformation might not be that, Sony has started what seems like their website overhaul by redesigning their eSupport section. This might not be the most glorious part of any website but those who’ve often needed to visit eSupport sites for drivers or documents will note how frustrating a poorly layed out website can be.

The new design puts you and the information you seek front and center by allowing you enter the product model you seek without having to select categories and model lineage. For those who may wish to browse a particular field of products, there is a simply category to choose from directly under the search field which automatically has the main product categories like computers, tablets, television and blu-ray player while skipping the previous drop down menu. With the eSupport section getting a new look and feel, we can only speculate that other changes are in the pipeline for Sony’s web portals.

[Via Sony eSupport]

Uncharted 3 TV Commercial Debuts During Tonight’s NFL Kickoff

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 8, 2011 | 7 comments

The NFL season is set to kick off tonight with a game between the Packers and the Saints, which always draws in million of loyal viewers throughout the US. Sony, who is betting on the usual millions who tune in for these games, also knows that the viewers, in many cases, also cross over to the gaming world and make up a large part of their install base. With the summer leaving NFL season in doubt due to the then looming strike, fans will be hungry to see some great NFL action with the return of the season and Sony is hungry to show them what many consider the greatest exclusive of this generation, Uncharted 3. During the game, Sony will debut a new 30-second Uncharted 3 commercial for the PlayStation 3 exclusive that is set to launch on November 1st.

Discuss:

With the game still well over a month away, it’s nice to see Sony start off the game’s marketing campaign so early. Having now seen the TV spot, what do you think about the commercial? Does the new TV spot help draw in viewers to the game or is there still something missing from Sony’s marketing campaign?

Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi LCD Merger Now Official. To Be Called Japan Display

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 7, 2011 | 18 comments

The long-rumored merger between Sony, Toshiba, and Hitachi has now become official. The merger of three of Japan’s largest LCD makers, backed by $2.6 billion from the Japanese government, would see the companies combine their small panels used in smartphones, cameras and tablet PCs in order to better compete with South Korean rival Samsung and Japan-based Toshiba. The move would also help the three companies cut costs while driving R&D for OLED at a faster pace. The three companies were all reporting losses in their small LCD productions.

The merger is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2012, which will see the newly-formed entity, called Japan Display, leap ahead of rivals which currently hold larger market shares when compared to the individual companies.

The three firms together controlled 21.5 percent of the market for small and medium-sized displays last year, larger than Sharp with 14.8 percent or Samsung Mobile with 11.9 percent, research firm DisplaySearch estimates.

Sony fans can rest assured though that this won’t mean that the next generation Bravia XBR will be created with panels created by Japan Display. Instead, this merger will solely focus on smaller panels, a large and growing field with the introduction of more and more portable devices.

[Via Reuters]

PlayStation Store Update (09-06-2011)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 6, 2011 | 56 comments

I hope you’ve all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and have left some eye-strength from your continuous gaming sessions to log in and see this week’s PlayStation Store updates. Some noteworthy content includes:

Bloodrayne: Betrayal ($14.99)
God of War Origins Demo (free)
LittleBigPlanet 2 World Peace Day Costume (1 week offer) (Free)
Pulse 9/6 Edition (free)
Plus Exclusive Clouds Dynamic Theme (free)

The full story listing awaits you, after the jump.

Sony Hires Philip Reitinger, the Former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Official

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 6, 2011 | 10 comments

2011 has been a tough year for many multi-billion-dollar corporations when they suddenly got a wake up call that their internet security wasn’t as secure as they previously had thought. Hacker groups like Anonymous, Lulzsec, and others would turn their attention to the likes of the FBI, Google, Fox and Sony. Though each company was targeted somewhat differently, the most public of all the attacks was conducted on Sony which resulted in the company having to shut down their PlayStation Network for over a month, resulting in losses in the hundreds of millions. The company would eventually make it up to fans by offering free games, services and identity theft protection. Soon after, the company would go on a massive offensive to shore up their many different websites. Sony’s sheer size in terms of divisions (ie: Sony Electronics, Sony Pictures, PlayStation, Sony Music/BMG etc. etc.) and the fact that they operate in nearly every country with a dedicated website has played against the company and their efforts to better secure their domains and services.

Enter Philip Reitinger, the former U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for the senior vice president position. “Certainly the network issue was a catalyst for the appointment,” a Sony spokesman said. “We are looking to bolster our network security even further.” Reitinger is no stranger to the corporate world, having previously worked at Microsoft with the title of Chief Trustworthy Infrastructure Strategist. Reitinger’s job at the Department of Homeland Security was described as:

Reitenger leads the Department’s integrated efforts to reduce risks across physical and cyber infrastructures and helping secure federal networks and systems by collecting, analyzing, integrating, and sharing information among interagency partners.

According to the Inquire, Reitinger will report to Nicole Seligman, executive vice president and general legal counsel for Sony US. They believe that Reitinger will not only work on the enhancing Sony’s security among their many services but that he may also be potentially tasked with tracking down some of the people behind this year’s attacks. Of course, that is purely speculative on their part and cannot be taken as the truth on the situation. However, this should be a welcome addition for Sony as the company continues to push further into the cloud with services like Music Unlimited.

[Via Reuters]

Sony Tablet S Release Date Revealed

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 6, 2011 | 40 comments

Android fans who’ve been waiting for Sony to get in the tablet game won’t have much longer to wait. Via the Sony and Amazon website, The Sony Tablet S (SGPT111US/S) will be making its US debut on September 16th with the previously announced price of $499 for 16GB and $599 for the 32GB. The Sony Tablet P is also making an appearance on the Sony website but without a release date or pre-order status, we can only assume that the device is still on for a Fall or Holiday 2011 release date. You can be sure though as the launch date of the Sony Tablet S passes, that a lot more will be revealed about the Sony Tablet P.

[Via Sony]

Sony VAIO S Notebooks Get a Speed Bump

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 5, 2011 | 104 comments

If you’re in the market for a 13-inch notebook and are looking at the $1,000 price point, Sony would like you to take another look at their VAIO S lineup. The series, which weighs just under four pounds, is receiving a mild update from Sony that leaves most of the hardware without change with the exception of the processor. So, you should expect the same base 4GB RAM, HD screen, and Blu-ray drive with newer versions of the Intel i3s, i5s and i7s processor that equal a slightly faster computer with slightly better battery lifetime. The Sony VAIO S Notebook refresh will be available on October 2nd. After the jump, the official press release and additional pictures.

David Jaffe Talks Gaming Industry and Twisted Metal (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 5, 2011 | 10 comments

During our time at PAX 2011, our very own Jan Hutchings was able to have a one-on-one interview with legendary game director David Jaffe. For those not familiar, Jaffe has been a long time contributor to the PlayStation family with past games like Twisted Metal 1 and 2 on the PlayStation. During the PlayStation 2 era, he was the director of God of War, which, nearly 10 years later, is still rated as one of the best games on the PS2 and even on the PS3 with the HD rerelease titled God of War Collections, which contains God of War 1 and 2. On the PlayStation 3, he lead the way with a downloadable game called Calling All Cars, which would eventually set him towards the path of becoming co-director of the upcoming Twisted Metal.

Like many in the media/entertainment industry, Jaffe did not always plan on making games. After the jump, check out our exclusive interview with David Jaffe, where he discusses some of the lessons learned during his time as a game developer and sets the tone for what long-time fans and new fans of Twisted Metal can expect from the game when it launches on Valentines Day 2012.

Persona 2: Innocent Sin PSP Bound

by Jan Hutchings | Sep 4, 2011 | 8 comments

It’s official! Persona 2: Innocent Sin is finally coming to the PSP this fall. According to Atlus, the game is definitely coming to North America for the first time. The original release – for the PlayStation – was never localized for North American audiences.

It looks like this remake will not only give players the original game, but it will also include new missions, audio tracks, and an overhauled presentation fit for the new generation of gaming.

Persona 2: Innocent Sin will be priced at $40 and will release on September 20, 2011 at retail locations across North America.

Gamers who pre-order the game through Gamestop and Amazon.com will also recieve a limited-edition Persona series soundtrack from famed game composer Meguro Shoji.