The game to beat this year is again by the team at Naughty Dog who will be bringing the exclusive PS3 game, Uncharted 3, to store shelves on 11.11.11. While the game’s release date is still nearly 5 months away, fans have been eager to get their hands on the game in any way they can. For those fans, we have good news. The Uncharted 3 multiplayer beta is set to go live on June 28th and there are multiple ways to get in on the action. First, if you have a PlayStation Plus account, which is currently free to join for all PlayStation users, then you are in as Sony will be bringing it to the exclusive PlayStation Plus side of the PlayStation Store. Other ways for you to join in on the multiplayer action will be to follow PlayStation, Naughty Dog, or our good friend Raychul on Twitter for beta code giveaways. The following two videos will highlight the Uncharted 3 multiplayer and co-op hunter multiplayer mode. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook where we will do our best to score you a Uncharted 3 multiplayer beta key as well.
Uncharted 3 Multiplayer
Uncharted 3 multiplayer and Co-op Hunter multiplayer mode
With Tuesday, June 28th, pegged as the official unveil date, we can now share with you some pictures of Sony’s upcoming flagship VAIO Z21 which was previously dubbed and teased as the Ultimate Mobile PC. Though we don’t have all the official specs yet from this 13-inch laptop, we can confirm that it will be available in black and gold and carry an external Blu-ray drive (much like the MacBook Air, plus the Blu-ray capability). Also much like the current MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lineup, the VAIO Z21 will use a glass trackpad and backlit keyboard. Additional specs include (though these are not 100% confirmed yet):
Core i5-2410M processor or Core i7-2620M CPU
128GB of solid-state storage or 256GB in storage
1600 x 900 resolution is standard
3G SIM card slot
Fingerprint reader
3D output via HDMI
HD webcam with Sony’s Exmor imaging technology
Thunderbolt via USB connector
We will hopefully have more for you soon, including price and release date. Till then, hit the jump for some additional pictures and while you’re there, let us know what you think about the new VAIO Z21. Is it as you imagined?
Thanks to our tipster Aigak
Update:
Some sites are even reporting that the external drive packs a separate GPU, allowing you to be mobile when needed and while docked, receiving some extra horsepower. Although an interesting idea and concept, I wouldn’t put too much stock into that.
A lot has changed in the past 10 years in regards to the technological powerhouses of the market. Japan, which used to be the dominant force for all this technology, including consumer hardware and manufacturing goods like parts for other companies, has now fallen behind. American companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon currently own the consumer market while LG and Samsung from South Korea continue to dominate the manufacturing industry.
If a Japanese-government-backed investment fund is to have its way, all of this will change in the near future. The proposition is for Sony and Toshiba to merge their LCD manufacturing business which has fallen behind to Sharp and Foxconn when it comes to mass production of smaller screens for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. This means that Sony Mobile Display and Toshiba Mobile Display will cease to exist and a new company will be formed in the wake of the event. What’s interesting about the deal is that neither company would then hold a majority share, instead seeing that the investment fund take control of 70-80% of the entity while Sony and Toshiba divide the rest. With such a consolidation, both companies could then streamline their R&D and focus on a post-LCD world in which OLED will be the dominate screen offering.
Do you think such a merger, backed by the government, would help evolve and even out the playing field for future LCD and OLED screens? Other examples of companies with government backing include GM, Chrysler, and Airbus.
It almost seems like a ritual at this point to expect a new Android handset from Sony, and this time, it’s called the Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray. Fresh from the bakery, this new Android phone will come with the latest Android Gingerbread (2.3) while giving users the options of black, gold, white, or pink as their color of choice. Though it might not be as high-tiered as other Sony Ericsson handsets, the spec sheet on this phone looks quite delicious, especially if the price is right, though that has yet to be announced. Specs include:
1GHz Snapdragon CPU
3.3” 854×480 screen
Mobile BRAVIA Engine (optimized for video viewing)
8.1MP camera with Exmor R for Mobile and HD
Front Facing Camera
3G, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) and GPS
9.4mm thin
The Xperia Ray, which will have full access to the Android Market, is targeted for Q3 in Japan and other select markets. As always, hit the jump for the full press release and additional photos.
Sony is gearing up for Back to School time in more than one way. First, they’ve released a few new colors for the VAIO C lineup while giving the VAIO E a few new processor options. With a video that’s sure to start a heated debate, Sony is taking the campaign to the next level by putting the VAIO S up against the MacBook Pro in a head-to-head comparison. Full disclosure, I worked for the fruit company for nearly 3 years before leaving and becoming an independent consultant for them.
So what do you think? Would you chose the Sony VAIO S over the MacBook Pro?
Retailers never tend to be a great source when it comes to release dates, often placing a place holder date until an official one is announced from the company. However, UK retailers ShopTo might have just leaked the PlayStation Vita’s release date with a very specific set of instructions.
If you pre-order PS Vita : Wi-Fi Model before 12pm on Wednesday 2nd of November 2011 we will guarantee that you will receive it by the release date of Friday 4th of November 2011. If you do not receive it we will compensate you with £3.00 on your shopto account. Click here to view Terms and Conditions.
So again, even though I would take this with a grain of salt, these instructions to seem to be very specific in their nature and hint at some kind of back knowledge. The time frame also lends itself to the Holiday 2011 launch that Sony had in mind. With the Tokyo Game Show set for September 15th, we might not be too far from an official announcement from Sony on the PlayStation Vita’s release date.
Though we are still expecting an official announcement from Sony in August, the Alpha A65 and Alpha A77 pictures have been leaked and we have some juicy details and specs to share with you. First, let’s kick things off with the bigger of the two, the Alpha A77, which will be Sony’s top APS-C model (as opposed to the higher A800 and A900 series which are full frame). Though things can always change, the current A77 specs include:
24 megapixel sensor
11 point AF
10 frame per second burst
ISO of 100-102,400
Built in GPS
Compact Flash, SD Card, Memory Stick
Hit the jump for additional details including launch date, price and A65 specs.
Hey everybody, the small PS3 system software update version 3.66 is now available for download. Unlike the previous version, this one is mandatory but really should only take you a few minutes to complete. Sony states that the new PlayStation software update will:
With this minor update, system stability during use of PS3 format software and network services has been improved.
If you notice any other changes, let us know in the comments section below.
Are you ready to escape the heat and cool down indoors for a little while? If so, we have your weekly dose of the PlayStation Store (PSN) update for 06-21-11. Some note worthy updates and add-ons include:
Killzone 3 From The Ashes Pack ($4.99)
Killzone 3 Map Pack Bundle ($9.99)
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2: Heroes’ Trailer
In late March, we were able to report to you that Sony Ericsson had a change of heart in regards to the Xperia X10 family and was going to bring Android 2.3 Gingerbread to the handset at some point. Two months later, the cell phone division of Sony kept good on its word to advance the OS on the Xperia X10 by releasing Android 2.1 for owners of the then-flagship device. Now, Sony Ericsson is finishing off its promise and is going to bring Android 2.3 Gingerbread to Xperia X10 users in August.
One of the many great features of Sony Ericsson phones have been their custom UI design, something which Google’s with Android 2.3 does not play nice with and has left a lot of developers and manufactures with a slight bitter taste. However, Sony is reporting that they’ve been able to create a work around and keep their custom UI in tact. In case of their unique camera interface,
First of all – we’ve seen your feedback about losing some of the camera features of the original XperiaTM X10. Our developers have been working on it and I can now confirm that also the Gingerbread version of the X10 software will keep the original camera UI as in the Éclair version. I can also confirm that the new Facebook inside XperiaTM functionality introduced in the 2011 XperiaTM products will also be in the XperiaTM X10.
Other features for you to take note of that is already available on the companies Xperia Arc will be:
Desktop layout and pinch-to-overview gesture will be similar
Wi-Fi & USB tethering
App storage on SD-card etc are included.
Customizable horizontal app tray and the media experience widgets from the 2011 XperiaProducts are in
Integrated equalizer in the music player
Apps that require Android versions 2.2 or 2.3 will now be possible to download from Android Market, e.g. Adobe flash.
Hit the jump for a video walkthrough of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. While you are there, let us know if you are looking forward to this release of if you have a newer Sony Ericsson Android phone which already has Android 2.3.
Hot on the heels of updating the VAIO E series, Sony is also updating the VAIO C series as well. Unlike the E series, which saw a big shift in the processing department, the VAIO C instead will get two new colors added to the lineup. Now VAIO C owners can choose from Neon Red and Thunder Blue, in addition to the already available Neon Green and Neon Orange. Still, don’t be disappointed, seeing how as the 14-inch and 15.5-inch VAIO C lineup already offers:
Intel Core i5 processor
Intel Core i3 processor
Intel WiDi (which allows you to share your laptop content wirelessly on your HDTV)
Backlit Keyboard
Webcam & Microphone with Exmor sensor technology
The new colors will be available for pre-order now and start at $730. As always, hit the jump for the official press release. and additional pictures.
Those who were expecting a new PlayStation 3 or a price drop at this year’s E3 might have left a little disappointed, but the folks over in Japan will now have something to smile about. Sony Electronics of Japan is releasing a brand new 320GB PlayStation 3 (CECH-3000B) system for Japan, which, from the outside, appears the same as the recent PlayStation 3 Slim. However, upon further inspection, new owners will note that the unit weighs in at 5.7 pounds, as opposed to the previous Slim which came in at 6.6 pounds. Besides weighing less, the new PS3 Slim also uses less energy as well, reducing power consumption to 200W, versus the previous 230W. No reports yet if this model will make way to the United States but we can’t imagine Sony wanting to make many different variations of the PS3 so a Holiday release of this model shouldn’t come as a surprise. However, don’t expect a huge fanfare behind it since, for most people, it will still be the same PS3.
In an open letter to the public and the internetz, hacker group Lulzsec and Anonymous have declared open war against all governments and greedy corporations of the world. The two groups have recently been linked to attacks on the PlayStation Network, Sony Pictures, Sega, FBI, Google, Square-Enix and more. Though at times, both groups of disputed specific attacks have been open about their goals and will freely tell when they have executed a successful attack. With an ever-escalating rise of cyber attacks in the recent weeks, the following comes almost as no surprise.
Salutations Lulz Lizards,
As we’re aware, the government and whitehat security terrorists across the world continue to dominate and control our Internet ocean. Sitting pretty on cargo bays full of corrupt booty, they think it’s acceptable to condition and enslave all vessels in sight. Our Lulz Lizard battle fleet is now declaring immediate and unremitting war on the freedom-snatching moderators of 2011.
Welcome to Operation Anti-Security (#AntiSec) – we encourage any vessel, large or small, to open fire on any government or agency that crosses their path. We fully endorse the flaunting of the word “AntiSec” on any government website defacement or physical graffiti art. We encourage you to spread the word of AntiSec far and wide, for it will be remembered. To increase efforts, we are now teaming up with the Anonymous collective and all affiliated battleships.
Whether you’re sailing with us or against us, whether you hold past grudges or a burning desire to sink our lone ship, we invite you to join the rebellion. Together we can defend ourselves so that our privacy is not overrun by profiteering gluttons. Your hat can be white, gray or black, your skin and race are not important. If you’re aware of the corruption, expose it now, in the name of Anti-Security.
Top priority is to steal and leak any classified government information, including email spools and documentation. Prime targets are banks and other high-ranking establishments. If they try to censor our progress, we will obliterate the censor with cannonfire anointed with lizard blood.
It’s now or never. Come aboard, we’re expecting you…
History begins today.
Lulz Security
Though this is not the site for me to take up sides in such an affair, I think it’s safe to say that if recent weeks have not made you change your password, then I hope this will. So if your birthday is on the 10th and your Visa password is visa10, you’re doing it wrong. So please, to our readers and not just Sony users, for all your accounts, set some time aside and create a more secure password. However, this does not mean if your password is bob or racecar to simply reverse the wording.
Now as my personal beliefs go, part of me welcomes this attack. When was the last time you seriously read an agreement from a company that you signed up for? Why is there 30 plus pages? Have you ever been able to make sense of all those charges on your cellphone or cable bill? And what about all the events that go around the world and all the news that the government feeds you? What are your thoughts on the Wikileaks and all the secrets that were exposed? Makes you wonder how much more is being kept from you. Now, I’m not advocating anarchy, nor do I want anybody who is neutral in this to get caught in the cross fires and have their personal information released. Sadly, many who have their identity stolen have to fight a battle for 5+ years just to get back to where they were. Still, all this makes you think that if the dirty secrets start to come out, that we may once again be able to truly be in charge of our governments and corporations. Also, this is not some view of anti-corporations or anti-profits. I respect the earnings of those who truly earn them, but not those who play dirty and want to screw the public for the extra buck.
In closing, I again hope that you consider changing your account passwords if you feel they are too simple. And to Lulzsec and Anonymous, I hope that your goal is to truly reveal the dirt of corporations and governments rather than target random people and reveal their information, because that is something I can support.
If you’re looking for something a little more professional than the newly-announced NEX-C3, then the just announced Sony Alpha A35 might be just the DSLR camera for you. Here to replace the A33, the Alpha A35 sports a 16.2 MP chip that can shoot at up to 5.5 fps and 7 fps mode at 8.4 megapixels. Adding what the higher end Alphas have had now for nearly a year, the A35 also gains Sony’s Translucent Mirror live-view mode, and an electronic viewfinder, enabling you to see more and adjust more right from the viewfinder. Of course, there will be the 3-inch LCD screen to help you get even more out of your shooting experience. Taking a cue from the NEX-C3, the A35 will also feature a new Help Guide to aid both professionals and newcomers.
“Amateur photographers will appreciate the on-screen Help Guide, which gives a clear explanation of selected functions and how they’re used. More advanced photographers will welcome features such as a top panel-mounted button that is fully customizable, allowing instant recall of any one of 14 frequently-used functions according to their preference.”
Hit the jump for full details, including additional pictures, specs, price and the official press release.
If the following leaked images are to be believed, then we may have ourselves the first look at the Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo. Though beyond these two leaked images we don’t have much else to go off of, the phone appears to be of a larger size, much like the Xperia Arc. Due to the edge to edge front display, it would be a safe bet to assume that the Android power phone will more than likely sport a 4.5-inch LCD screen. Some sites are also venturing that the Duo could refer to the processor of the unit, making it the first Sony Ericsson phone with a dual core processor. Another thing to note from the images is the layout of the 3 buttons at the bottom of the phone, exactly the same as all other Sony Ericsson phones. The pictures also reveal a new UI for Sony Ericsson. Although there isn’t a huge change compared to previous models, we can spot a slightly tweaked weather widget and the media player controls under the dock. Still, take all of this with a grain of salt as there is no real proof one way or another if they are real. However, if this ends up being real, you can expect more shots in the coming weeks, if not days.
Hit the jump for one more shot of what may be the Sony Ericsson Xperia Duo. While you are there, let us know if you own a Sony Ericsson phone and if so, what your experience has been with it so far.
You must be logged in to post a comment.