Sony Corp.

Meet Our Newest Staff Member, Jan!

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 3, 2011 | 52 comments

It’s long been my goal to create one of the most compelling websites for Sony and tech fans alike. The goal of SRN has always been a singular place for you, our readers, to collect and discuss different news pertaining to Sony’s many vast divisions. During this time, the site has grown from an article a week to multiple articles per day. Also, where we once only had a presence on this site, we now are reachable via Twitter, Facebook, and our hotline at 661-750-BLOG. This also means that our content has expanded too, with our dedicated YouTube channel, Flickr feed and iTunes podcast. However, all this means that more work is required of me while I’m able to give less time to the news. So with that, it’s my pleasure to announce our latest staff member, Jan, who will be heading our PlayStation coverage from now on.

Jan is a recent graduate of Royal Roads University in British Columbia, Canada; he earned a BA in Professional Communications in July 2011. He started gaming at the age of five, starting out on his first game console, the Nintendo Famicom (known as NES in North America). Ever since then, he’s become a console and game collector. From the Game Boy, to the Dreamcast, to the Playstation 3, Jan has a knack/obsession for finding the best deals on games and systems online and locally. He recently started his own gaming blog and hopes to one day be part of the video game industry. A Sony Playstation follower from its humble beginnings up to this day, Jan is excited and proud to be part of the SonyRumors team.

You can find more information about Jan by visiting the staffing profile section of the site. Remember, we are always looking for fresh talent to join our ranks.

Sony Release a 4th Teaser Episode for Their Upcoming S1 and S2 Tablet

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 3, 2011 | 9 comments

Sony has just released the 4th teaser video for their upcoming S1 and S2 tablets. Like before, the video continues to tease our visual senses with creative twists and contrasting color while sneaking in some of the tablets’ capabilities. This time, the video-out capabilities of both the S1 and S2 was full and center, letting you know that your media is not just limited to the tablets’ screens.

The teaser video can be found after the jump.

Sony Acquires Sucker Punch Productions

by Jan Hutchings | Aug 2, 2011 | 24 comments

Earlier today, Sony announced that it has added Sucker Punch Productions to its growing number of high-profile internal development studios. Sony Computer Entertainment had been pleased with Sucker Punch’s track record for creating successful IPs (like the newly-released and critically successful hit InFamous 2) that they decided to acquire the studio before other companies beat them to the punch (No pun intended).

Hit the jump for more on the latest Sony Computer Entertainment Studio acquisition.

PlayStation Store Update (08-02-11)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 2, 2011 | 28 comments

Internet nerds and geeks alike, today is WiFi day, 802.11, and I say what better way to celebrate this day than to have the PlayStation Store be updated with new content. Seeing how we have such strong connections with the PlayStation team, they’ve decided to grant us with loads of new content (at our request of course). Some noteworthy things include:

Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team ($9.99)
Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team (demo)
LittleBigPlanet 2 Toy Story 1 Costume Pack ($5.99)
LittleBigPlanet 2 Toy Story Level Kit (+ Alien Costume) ($5.99)
Qore Episode 39 – August Edition
GT Academy National Finals in Orlando (Video)

Hit the jump for the full PlayStation Store breakdown.

Sony Gets Titanic-Sized Leak, NEX-5N, NEX-7 and More Revealed

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 2, 2011 | 8 comments

The captain in charge of Sony’s camera division most have fallen asleep while leaving a PDF file of their upcoming products right out in the open at internet cafe with free WiFi where tech bloggers and reporters like to hang out. Today’s leak is an interesting one because it begins to wrap up the last 6 months of Sony and their camera division. For some time now, we’ve been reporting about the NEX-5 successor and the idea of an NEX-7. Both cameras were originally destined to land in retailers by August but due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, products from the electronic giant were delayed as they worked hard to restore factories to operational status again. Today’s information might not be as nicely detailed as we usually provide but when it comes to these matters, we take the information we can while a nicer press release is then eventually formulated from Sony. So let’s kick things off with a bullet overview as the information is scattered all over.

Camera:

The A77 will be 24 megapixels
The A65 will be 24 megapixels as well but with less fps (frames per second)
NEX-5N will replace the NEX-5 with an updated sensor
NEX-VG-20 is here to replace the NEX-VG10 (video camera)
LA-EA2 with built-in Translucent mirror (a new camera model, based off of the Leica Visoflex?)
XGA external OLED viewfinder will only be NEX-5N (and maybe NEX-7) capable which is an accessory attachment
Vertical Grip VG-C77AM (added grip for the A77 with extended battery capabilities)

Lens breakdowns and more after the jump.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini Lands At the FCC

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 2, 2011 | 16 comments

Following in the footsteps of big brother Xperia Mini Pro, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini has also landed at the FCC for some photos with a ruler. The Xperia Mini is considered to be one of the smallest Android phones around that is capable of capturing HD footage while also running the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread build. However, unlike the Xperia Mini Pro, which sports a sliding keyboard, the Xperia Mini will only give you a touchscreen to work its wonders with. Hit the jump if you’re in the mood for some more Xperia Mini and ruler photos or if you would like to see the the internals of this tiny phone.

Sony Puts Fire Sale on All Google TV Products

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 1, 2011 | 5 comments

Google is a company who is usually known for their innovations and generally ugly UI design (lets be honest, there is nothing clean about Gmail). But what many tend to forget is Google’s many failed services which include things like Google Video, Buzz, Wave, Page Creator, and Latitude. Of course, there are then smaller services like Google Health and Power Meter services that just never really gained much traction, and thus attention, from Google after their launch. Now, there seems to be another large release failure from Google and sadly, manufacturers, not Google, are going to be the ones taking the hit for it.

Google TV, which was launched just a little over a year ago, was promised to revolutionize the TV-viewing experience and the living room. Google partnered with big brands like Logitech and Sony to make sure that the platform had a multitude of support with setup boxes like the Logitech Revue and the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player which could plug into any devices. Sony even went as far as releasing a 24″-,32″-,40″- and 46″-inch LCD TV with Google TV built in. Now, the product that promised to bring web, email, and apps into the living rooms while battling the Apple TV seems to be dead. Following Logitech’s last week announcement in which they announced the end of the Logitech Revue and a price cut from $299 to $99 in order to clear out their hanging inventory, Sony is following suit with a fire sale of their own.

All four Sony Internet TVs have taken a severe price cut with the 24-inch unit now priced at ~~$599~~ $299, the 32-inch at ~~$799~~ $499, the 40-inch at ~~$999~~ $799 and the 46-inch at ~~$1,399~~ $999. Sony’s Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player has also dropped in price, down to $299 from the original $399. With little support, attention or promotion from Google after the platform’s release, Google also failed to come to the negotiation table with film and TV studios, so we soon saw the platform lose all access to websites with TV episodes like ABC and Fox.com. Of course in a situation like this, Google can quietly chug along while the R&D and physical products made by the likes of Sony will turn into a large financial sum loss.

Discuss:

Do you think further Google TV products will come from Sony or is this the end of this type of device from Sony for the time being? Also, should and could Google have done more to support the now dying format?

[Via Sony]

Qriocity Video Streaming Lands on Sony Ericsson Xperia Handsets Today

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 1, 2011 | 2 comments

With the realization that all content will one day be accessed via the cloud, Sony created their Qriocity Music Unlimited services which allows for unlimited music streaming to capable devices for a monthly fee. What many might not be aware of is that there also has been a video version of Qriocity in the works as well. Starting today, Qriocity video-streaming will be available to the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, Japan, Canada and the United States. Through a separate software update later in the year, Sony’s other handsets, which include the Xperia arc, Xperia neo, Xperia PLAY, Xperia pro, and Xperia acro, will also be receiving Sony’s Qriocity video-streaming services.

Unlike Qriocity Music Unlimited which gave you unlimited music for a monthly fee, Qriocity video-streaming will be more like an on-demand and pay-per-view offering which will give you different prices, depending on if you want to buy or rent movies and TV shows. Current studios onboard with the program include:

NBC
Universal International Television Distribution
Paramount Pictures
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Local studios

The only big studio missing from the current lineup is Disney, though I cannot imagine them staying away from a revenue stream for too long. For those with eligible phones, just head to the Android Market and search for Qriocity to download the free application.

[Via Sony Ericsson]

Sony’s New WiFi eReader, the PRS-T1 Hits FCC

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 29, 2011 | 36 comments

Man oh man! If Sony isn’t going to announce them, the FCC is sure as hell going to let you know about new products from Sony. This round, however, the focus is shifting from the Sony Ericsson line to Sony’s Reader lineup. The PRS-T1 is the latest WiFi eReader to hit the FCC and although we can’t 100% confirm that it will be a eReader from Sony, the fact that previous eReaders from Sony have had the PRS as their starting code and that the back of the regulatory label is titled with “Digital Book Reader” will put us in 99.9%-sure category. Besides the fact that the FCC has approved the unit’s built-in WiFi, we don’t have much other information to go off of. All I can say is that I hope Sony’s new lineup of Readers also ushers in a new lower price point, seeing how Amazon continues to offer lower and lower priced Kindles, which is exactly what the consumer wants.

Discuss:

Does Sony need to focus on the lower price point eReaders market or should they continue to pursue the more premium, but lower volume sales market?

[Via FCC]

Meet Sony’s New Mac Compatible External Blu-ray Burner, the VBD-MA1

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 29, 2011 | 66 comments

For those who need an avenue to export their HD recordings or create large physical backups without the need of a dozen discs or more, Blu-ray continues to be the holy grail. With dual-layer discs giving users access to 50GB of storage, it’s easy to see why the format is dear to the hearts of those who deal with a lot of media, which tends to take up the most space on computers. Sony, a champion of Blu-ray, is at it again, releasing the VBD-MA1, a new Mac- and PC-compatible external Blu-ray burner. This new Blu-Ray/DVD burner features Sony’s Direct Copy which allows you to plug your HD (or SD) camcorder and transfer your video directly into a Blu-ray or DVD without needing to use your computer. For those who prefer to keep things plugged into their computer, the VBD-MA1 is also compatible with your computer, allowing you to plug it into your platform of choice (Mac or PC) and burn content from your computer. This is especially beneficial to Mac users who are dealing with a growing amount of HD content with no Blu-ray support in sight from Apple. Seeing how the company’s MacBook Air lineup has always lacked an optical drive and that the new Mac Mini also come without a DVD drive, chances of built-in Blu-ray drive are nearing zero. Some noteworthy specs include:

Record HD video from Sony AVCHD camcorders/cameras
2.7-inch LCD screen to preview videos and photos
Real-time DVD recording from camcorder, VCR, and DVR
Built-in slots for Memory Stick and SD media
Connect to computer for use as an external Blu-ray Disc writer
2.7″ LCD screen
Built-in slots for Memory Stick & SD Cards
Connects to computer for use as an external Blu-ray Disc writer
Real-time DVD recording from camcorder, VCR & DVR
Records high-definition video from Sony AVCHD camcorders/cameras

The VBD-MA1 is already available in the US for $299, while August is the month during which it will make its appearance in Japan.

Hit the jump for additional pictures.

Sony Ends Production of 8MM Video

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 28, 2011 | 2 comments

Just a week after Sony pulled the plug on the MiniDisk Walkman, the Japanese electronic giant has decided to pull the plug on another multi-decade old format, the 8mm video. Much like the MiniDisk Walkman, Sony is citing low sales numbers as the key reasoning for ending production. As more and more consumers transition to tapeless devices like Sony’s own Bloggie and expect HD quality, something that 8mm video cannot provide, it’s little surprise to see the format killed off in Sony’s eyes and more surprising that the company let it stick around for so long.

: GV-D200

Come September, the GV-D800 (pictures in the title) and GV-D200, which are the last two 8mm video cassette recorders from Sony, will be put to rest, after the company having reportedly sold 57 million 8mm video cameras and recorders through March 2008. Of course, such a move isn’t nearly as drastic as other companies like Apple is already killing off the CD/DVD drive, which never came on their MacBook Air lineup and is now missing from their Mac Mini lineup. Now, one can only hope that Sony goes through their financials and kills off anything else that isn’t turning a profit. With the company facing still competition from the likes of Apple, Microsoft and Samsung, Sony really needs to be able to concentrate on fewer, but more profitable products and having less resources scattered will be a great first step for them.

[Via TechCrunch]

Killzone Extraction; A Live Action Film

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 28, 2011 | 39 comments

With the rise of digital camcorders, affordable computing power, and powerful consumer friendly editing software, the holy grail of filmmaking has been taken out of the hands of the elite with a lot of financial power and given into the hands of those who are creative or passionate about a particular subject matter. Year after year, we continue to see a small group of passionate filmmakers and fans get together to produce great mini content. Only a few years back, Microsoft gained a lot of attention with their professionally-created shorts based in the Halo universe to help promote their then-current Halo game. Now a few years later, a group of filmmakers who happen to be PlayStation fans, not backed by Sony or any form of financial channel, have put together a short film based in the Killzone universe.

Killzone Extraction is a prime example of what filmmaking can be when there is real passion behind it. With a fantastic production level that will wow your eyes with ISA and Helghan uniforms, as well as weapons, sound effects and music. Sure, it might not be to the same quality as the Halo shorts, but when you consider the circumstances between the two, you will walk away more impressed with the recreated Killzone universe then the Halo counterpart. Directed by Clinton Jones, Killzone: Extraction tells the story of a team of ISA soldiers trying to escape while the Helghast close in on them.

Hit the jump for a behind the scenes look at Killzone: Extraction.

“Twisted Metal” Comic-Con Footage Far From Complete

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 27, 2011 | 6 comments

During Comic-Con 2011, we had the pleasure of attending the Twisted Metal panel where the always open and outspoken David Jaffe was set to present footage and gameplay material. With a Dualshock controller in hand, Mr. Jaffe spent the better part of the hour-long panel cycling through different game modes where fans got to see the different weapons, environments and depth of gameplay that Twisted Metal will be offering. As long-time fans of the series know, there is a lot more to Twisted Metal than just cars and explosions if you want there to be, but that in itself is a different conversation that we will later address in our interview with David. Part of the depth of the Twisted Metal series has long been in its rock horror inspired stories. As the title suggests, there is plenty of metal music throughout the game and even more dark horrors to be found within the storyline of this world. In my mind, I almost see the world as a dark take on The Running Man with cars. To further illustrate the storyline that would begin to unfold in the opening intro video, Jaffe showed the crowd a video sequence that would set the story in motion. Previous to the airing of the footage, David explained to the audience that the footage and game itself was far from over. Specifically in this case, the intro video contains some nearly-finished material while other parts of it are far less-completed.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Comic-Con if somebody didn’t record the footage from the videos shown and release the shaky footage on YouTube. on that note, as David stated before the panel and reiterated it to us again when we contacted him, the footage is not complete and not a proper showcase of the final product.

Depending on the shot it’s 60-95% complete. Taken as a whole, I’m thinking the whole intro movie is at 80-85% completion.

So although it’s not our place to tell you what to view or not view, I would recommend to all Twisted Metal fans who have yet to see the footage to wait for the final product, while to those who have seen it should keep in mind that the previewed metal horror intro video is not a true representation of the final product.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread Coming Soon to Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 27, 2011 | 9 comments

In 2010, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 was the flagship smartphone from Sony Ericsson. Upon its release to the wild, the device that was designed to lead the then ailing company from the “dumbphone” to the smartphone revolution was already out of date, running Android 1.6 while many competitors were already running newer builds. Throughout the coming months, Sony Ericsson would continue an internal transition to the new business model and phone offerings and at time give hopes to X10 owners with small updates. Eventually, Sony would announce that the Xperia X10 would never see the light beyond Android 2.1 which would be release in late December of 2010. Then, something happened internally at Sony and they began to announce new and exciting models with the latest Android OS already on them. As the company escelated their support for Android, they did so while keeping owners of previous models like the X10 in mind. Sony would soon announce that Android 2.3 Gingerbread would be coming to the Xperia X10 in August of 2011.

Now, Sony Ericsson has announced reconfirmed that. Though some sites have been reporting that Android 2.3 is now out for the Xperia X10, it’s actually not quite true yet, but the update is right around the corner. Mattias Holm, who is the head of product PR from SE went to say:

The launch is imminent and timing according to plan but we just need some more days before we can push the button.

So although it might be a tad disappointing to find out that the update is not coming out today, we do have to keep in mind that Sony’s original target date was sometime in August and we are still a few days away from that. Once the update is live, users need to simply need to plug your Xperia X10 to your PC (not Mac) via a USB cable and download Sony’s PC software management which will then help you with the rest of the process. Sony Ericsson is also working on a OTA (over the air) update though no timetable has been given to that. Once Android 2.3 Gingerbread is released for Xperia X10 owners, you can expect to find the following updates:

Facebook inside Xperia – a series of unique integrations of Facebook into your multimedia apps, phonebook and calendar
The possibility of using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot (carrier specific)
Music player with equalizer
USB tethering – Share your 3G data connection via USB connector
Photo widget – one click access to your photo gallery app
App tray sorting – arrange your apps in the order you want them

Once the Android 2.3 update is late, you can be sure that we will be reporting it for you.

[Via Sony Ericsson Blog]

We Unbox the Sony Bloggie 3D MHS-FS3 (video)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 26, 2011 | 22 comments

Although it’s only been two years since Avatar changed the movie industry and tech industry and only one year since 3D has began to make its way into our everyday lives, 3D has already made big strides in both the professional industry as well as the consumer realm. While in late 2009, Avatar was the only movie on the screens which was shot in native 3D, this summer has proven to be a spectacular movie-going experience with films like Thor, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Captain America being shot in native 3D. During this time, top filmmakers have all come to embrace the technology, like Steven Spielberg and his upcoming Tin Tin movie, Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, and Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, which are all being made in native 3D.

As we’ve discussed before, a format can only become mainstream if consumers are given adequate access to it. During the last year, we’ve seen 3D prices drop to a point where most consumers can access it; a prime example being the Sony PlayStation 3D LCD, which starts at $499. However, viewing 3D is only half of what’s needed for this format to survive. The other half consists of everyday consumers and pro-consumers being able to create material in 3D, without the need to change their habits. That is, 3D must fit into their already-established workflow with minor adjustments; otherwise, the adoption will be slow.

With the Sony Bloggie 3D MHS-FS3, Sony set out to do just that. If you’ve ever used a previous Bloggie or Flip camera, then you should feel right at home with the Bloggie 3D. It’s just as easy to use as the aforementioned models with one simple difference: the capability to film in 3D. During our trip to Comic-Con 2011, we wanted to put the Bloggie 3D to the test and see just how the camera would function and hold up in our normal event workflow. Though we are still logging our weekend adventure in San Diego and testing the Bloggie 3D further, the following video is an unboxing of the Sony Bloggie 3D, which should give you a good feel of what the camera looks like and what you will find inside the box. Be warned: This video was filmed late at night as we prepared to head to San Diego so don’t be frightened by the zombie-esque look.