Sony Corp.

Sony Pictures Announces Taxi Drive on Blu-ray

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 17, 2011 | 22 comments

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced Taxi Driver, classically directed Martin Scorsese film, starring Robert De Niro on Blu-ray. On April 5th, fans of the film can get their hands on this 35th Anniversary collection which has received a 4K digital restoration from the original negative, which will be presented and screened at the Berlin Film Festival this week. Special features include:

Commentaries:
- Director Martin Scorsese and writer Paul Schrader (recorded in 1986 by The Criterion Collection)
- Paul Schrader
- Professor Robert Kolker
Interactive Script to Screen
Martin Scorsese on Taxi Driver
God’s Lonely Man
Producing Taxi Driver
Influence and Appreciation: A Martin Scorsese Tribute
Taxi Driver Stories
Making Taxi Driver
Travis’ New York
Travis’ New York Locations
Storyboard to Film Comparisons with Martin Scorsese
Animated Photo Galleries
movieIQ

You can pre-order the film from Amazon for low price of $12.99.

Sony Ericsson Loses First Round Against Clearwire Trademark

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 17, 2011 | 1 comment

Last month, Sony Ericsson decided to sue Clearwire, indicating that the companies logo was too similar to that of their own, thus infringing upon their trademark. Many times, when it comes to trademark lawsuits, it’s mostly about companies freaking out, or more appropriately, their lawyers being bored but in this case, the logos are pretty damn similar. However, the ruling judge on this case doesn’t seem to agree, denying Sony’s current lawsuit. Still, I’m sure Sony Ericsson will further peruse this but till then, the ruling stands.

Clearwire is pleased with the federal court’s decision to deny Sony Ericsson’s motion for a preliminary injunction against the use of the CLEAR marks at issue in the case. The judge’s findings of insufficient evidence of likelihood of confusion and no irreparable harm further support our contention that the suit is without merit. We expect that the final disposition of the case will be in our favor and that it will demonstrate that the CLEAR branding is clearly differentiated from the Sony Ericsson brand.

Sony Releases Official Statement Regarding PS3 Circumvention Devices and Pirated Software

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 16, 2011 | 55 comments

Our site has been a little shy on covering the PlayStation 3 hacking dilemma of the past month. Now, Sony has released their official statement.

Notice: Unauthorized circumvention devices for the PlayStation 3 system have been recently released by hackers. These devices permit the use of unauthorized or pirated software. Use of such devices or software violates the terms of the “System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System” and the “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStation Network/Qriocity and its Community Code of Conduct provisions. Violation of the System Software Licence Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System invalidates the consumer guarantee for that system. In addition, copying or playing pirated software is a violation of International Copyright Laws. Consumers using circumvention devices or running unauthorized or pirated software will have access to the PlayStation Network and access to Qriocity services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently.

To avoid this, consumers must immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems.

To be honest, I couldn’t agree more. Sure Sony taking the guy who made it and released on YouTube to court might be a tad silly. After all, once something is out there on the web, it’s really hard to single handily target one person and solve the situation. The information is out there and I don’t think prosecuting one person will really detour others. Instead, I would use that money (after all, those corporate lawyers are not cheap) for better purposes. But to ban somebody for life from PSN? Extremely fair. I don’t personally agree with the idea of jailbreaking your PS3 or any other device, just to get free content but as stated, I don’t believe lawyers will solve anything either so I think this is a good step for Sony.

Sony Patents New Camera Grip Concept

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 16, 2011 | 33 comments

Pocket camera’s are great little devices to take around. They can snap up fantastic pictures and videos and slide right back into our pocket. However, unless you can duel grip the camera, the shaky hand syndrome quickly comes into the picture and soon after, blurry photos are born. Sony’s new patent aims to change this by using the lens sliding cover as a means of a grip. Once slide away from the lens and the front cover extends outwards and gives the camera user a proper grip in the palm of their hands and therefor reducing the amount of shake that is transferred to the camera. As always, don’t expect a product to actually be made from a patent but I for one like the idea.

[Via USPTO]

Breaking: First Sony Android Tablet News Emerge, Codename S1

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 16, 2011 | 14 comments

With only Apple’s iPad on the market, (Sorry Samsung but you Galaxy S is not real competition) the tablet sector is already feeling crowded, with every major electronic company in the last two months announcing some form of up coming tablet. The problem and reason for these delays include that Android is still not yet designed for Tablets. Of course, all of this will change, once Android 3.0 comes out but till then, you either have to create subpar experiences ling Samsung has and use a version of Android that Google itself admits was not meant for tablets. Or you can wait like the other companies till Google actually gives you the tools you need to create something compelling.

With every other major electronic company announcing some kind of tablet ambition and or future release, Sony has been curiously quite on the front. The company has on several occasions hinted at a Sony tablet but we have yet to get a sense of the companies plans till now. Sony is said to be using a wide range of its engineering teams, bringing in people from the VAIO, Reader, Sony Ericsson and PlayStation divisions to help built what’s been described as “cutting edge” tablet. With Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) running under the hood, this 9.4-inch tablet is believed to be released under a new title from Sony, instead of relying on current brand names like VAIO. On top of what Honeycomb will provider to companies, Sony is said to be building a custom tailored UI, centered around media, with Sony’s own Qriocity service playing a dominant roll, much like Apple’s iPad and iTunes. This of course makes perfect sense with Qriocity providing Movies, Shows and Music, Sony also has its own ebook store and game offerings with PSN. With the recent announcement of the PlayStation Suit coming to Android devices, including tablets, we can’t but think with the inclusion of PlayStation engineers onboard the S1 (Sony’s current internal name) that Sony wants to create a compelling entertainment experience.

Xperia Play Gaming Video

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 16, 2011 | 1 comment

If you haven’t already, read our prior post where we discuss the Xperia Play and what the Sony Ericsson Smartphone has to offer. For those who want to see what gaming will look like on the Xperia Play, here is another video for you. Checkout some prior videos as well if you’re still hungry for details.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Comes to Verizon in the US, Rogers in Canada (Updated 2x)

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 15, 2011 | 3 comments

As we reported yesterday, we have a much better idea about the Xperia Play, now knowing the full spec list and games that will be offered on launch. We also reported that for the United States, the Xperia Play will be a Verizon Wireless exclusive. What we didn’t know is who our friends North of us would have as their carrier. Now we know that both the Xperia Play and Xperia Arc are coming to Canada and will be exclusive to Rogers. With a Spring release window set, we’re still awaiting an official launch date.

Update:

Looks like we are a little closer to an official date. Canada’s release window is now set for late March, similar to the US.

Hit the jump for the press release.

Update 2:

Since the product announcement, all information in regards to an exclusivity from Verizon have been taken down from both parties. As one of our readers pointed out, the Xperia Play is “gsm/hspa compatible (t-mo & at&t) with the availability to go to a cdma (code division multible access),” meaning that the phone can come to both Verizon and AT&T/T-Mobile. As we get closer to the launch date, expect us to report on the carrier status of this phone and Sony Ericssons other up coming Android phones like the Xperia Arc, Neo and Pro.

Thanks to SonyFanboy for the tip!

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Video

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 15, 2011 | 20 comments

The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play is designed to cater to the smartphone user who wants to game on the go as well. Running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the Xperia Play is a fully loaded with the latest offerings from Android while giving PlayStation users a familiar pop out keypad, designed to satisfy the gamer on the go. If you haven’t already, read our previous post where we dive into the phone and it’s offerings. Bellow, you will find some videos from Sony Ericsson, highlighting the idea of the Xperia Play and some of the devices functionalities.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Play Details, Specs and Games

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 14, 2011 | 84 comments

With the Mobile World Congress 2011 (MWC) now in full swing, we have a clear vision of not only the many leaked products from Sony Ericsson, but their exact specs, offerings and release date information. The most infamous product over the last several months from Sony Ericsson has been the Xperia Play. Before we knew the details of the phone, many had though that the device would be a fusion of Sony’s PlayStation and Ericsson division, thus calling it the PlayStation Phone but things are now much more clear. First, the nitty gritty specs of the phone and then we will dive deeper into the games being offered, as well as some video and pictures of the device.

Spider-man Reboot Title Revealed With New Spidy Picture

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 14, 2011 | 16 comments

Even though we are still ways away from the July 3rd, 2012 release date of the Spider-man reboot, Sony has decided to give us some more information about the new Spider-man project. Till now, the Marc Web 3D film has simply been called, Spider-man Reboot but today, Sony has revealed the actual title of the film. Giving a nod back and taking it right out of the comic books, the new Spidy film will be called “The Amazing Spider-Man“. Other comic books in the past have been called The Spectacular Spider-Man and The Ultimate Spider-Man. This of course is great in case further reboots are needed in the future…Now head over to the jump for the full press release and much better and bigger picture of Spider-Man himself.

Sony Releases 3D Projector VPL-VW90ES

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 13, 2011 | 4 comments

We’ve told you before about the upcoming Sony SXRD 3D Projector with the mind blowing 150,000:1 contrast ratio. With the projector out now, you can expect a $9,999 price tag on this unit. For the home theater enthusiasts, this will be your first real taste of 3D via a projector in the household. Remember, while the price might seem high to those who traditionally only purchase LCDs, this price is normal for those with higher-end systems and projectors. Sony is also doing another first and that is to include all of the custom install materials needed in which they are labeling as part of their “Elevated Standard” brand. Just as a reminder, here are some specs:

1080p
3D Ready (no 3D transmitter bar required)
Two 3D Glasses
240hz
150,000:1 contrast ratio
1,000 ANSI lumens brightness
22db0 fan noise (insanely low)

Sony also took this time to introduce the VPL-VWPRO1 SXRD which is part of their new 2D projector lineup. With a higher brightness than its 3D brother (1,300 ANSI lumens) the new VWPRO1 does carry a lower contract ratio of 85,000:1 and obviously lacks 3D. Look for an early October release with a $3,400 price tag.

Hit the jump as always for a full press release.

Sony Signs Deal to Distribute MGM Films Again?

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 12, 2011 | 3 comments

James Bond and Lord of the Rings fan have surely been following the MGM drama of the last five years but for those who are unfamiliar with it, it’s a tale that could use its own mini series. A quick history lesson on the subject. MGM has long been a movie studio but never as large as some of the others like Warner Brothers, Paramount, Sony Pictures and Universal to name a few. Because of this, though the company is large enough to produce the films, it does not have the scope to properly distribute them in theaters and on the home market. Throughout the companies history, MGM has worked with numerous distributors but our tale is focus on the last few years. In mid 2000’s, with two new video formats emerging, Blu-ray and HD DVD, MGM had to pick a format and find a distributing partner and Sony Pictures was that company. Sony helped both finance and distribute films like Casino Royal and Quantum of Solace but on the home distribution front of DVD and Blu-ray, MGM was not happy with the pace that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment was releasing their content. Sometime after 2005 and with Blu-ray starting to tip the scale against HD DVD, MGM’s management terminates their contract and signs on with Fox Home Entertainment. Of course, only two years later, MGM files for bankruptcy and thus a limbo was created for the 23rd Bond and the Lord of the Ring prequel, The Hobbit.

MGM has since emerged from bankruptcy and their current distribution deal with Fox will expire in September. With MGM back on its feet, the company is again looking for a new company to help distribute and finance their deal and who better to go to then the company that actually had them stay afloat, Sony Pictures. The yet unsigned deal is set to have , Sony co-finance the next two Bond films, providing 50% of the funding for “Bond 23” and 25% for a sequel, “Bond 24”. In return, MGM is rumored to be interested in funding David Fincher’s Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and the upcoming Spider-man reboot though I’m skeptical of the latter, considering how far along Sony is with shooting. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment would also have access to 4,000-title library on Blu-ray, DVD and digital platforms. Hobbit fans should take note that MGM will co-finance and distribute the prequels with New Lines studio, the same partners they had on the original trilogy as WB has half ownership of the franchise.

[Via LA Times]

Tweaked YouTube Page

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 11, 2011 | 19 comments

Hey everybody, just a quick little update. I’ve been working on YouTube page, tweaking the navigation to make the flow both easier and help match our Facebook and Twitter pages. I hope you guys will subscribe to us on YouTube and friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. As always, your comments are always welcome.

Sony/BMG to Pull Music from iTunes if Qrioctiy is Successful?

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 11, 2011 | 23 comments

Chalk this one up under the rumor category but Sony’s streaming service, Qriocity Unlimited Music is successful, Sony is considering pulling its music from the dominant digital distributer, Apple and the iTunes store.

If Music Unlimited becomes popular it will provide a credible alternative to iTunes for music publishers, including Sony Music Entertainment, which includes Bob Dylan, Beyonce, Guy Sebastian and Delta Goodrem in its stable of artists.

”If we do [get mass take up] then does Sony Music need to provide content to iTunes?” Mr Ephraim asked. ”Currently we do. We have to provide it to iTunes as that’s the format right now.

”Publishers are being held to ransom by Apple and they are looking for other delivery systems, and we are waiting to see what the next three to five years will hold.”

Over the last several months, Sony has rolled out their Unlimited Music cloud service, starting with the UK and Ireland in December and just this month to France, Germany, Italy and Spain with €3.99 a month giving you access to listen to it as a stream; while €9.99 upgrades to a premium plan that lets you select and sort your music with playlist functionality via Artist, Genre, Decade and more.

Just like iTunes for Apple, Qriocity is designed to work on specific Sony devices like the PS3, PSP, select Bravia, Blu-ray players and Sony Ericsson phones. Still, one thing about iTunes is that once you have purchased the music, you can do whatever you want with it. So I can put it on my PlayStation 3 or burn a CD with it. If Sony were to pull its music from iTunes, those content would only be available to consumers via streaming methods only.

In terms of a strategic standpoint, this might make sense for Sony/BMG. To leverage its artists and let the consumers know that they only method of gaining access to them is through Qriocity. Still, I cant help but think that consumers are the ones who will end up getting screwed the most as their access will suddenly be cut off from that content. Why should I have to subscribe to a streaming only service, just so I can listen to Beyonce.

In the end, if this is true, I hope that Sony realizes the best scenario would be where it can still sell its content to the millions of iTunes users out there, while also offering the same music to those who streaming better fits their lives, instead of making the consumer choose between the two.

[Via The Age]

Sony’s 3net 24/7 3D Channel Launches on Feb. 13th on DirecTV

by Sohrab Osati | Feb 10, 2011 | 2 comments

Making good on its promise of delivering more content, Sony, in partnership with IMAX and Discovery, is launching their 3D channel called 3net. Scheduled to go live at 8 p.m. this Sunday night on channel 107, this will be the 3rd available 3D channel on DirectTV, next to n3D and ESPN 3D. The channel will currently be available on DirecTV but Sony has indicated that they wish to bring this 24/7 3D channel to as many providers as possible. Sony’s plans for 3net are to provide the “largest library of native 3D entertainment content in the world by the end of 2011“. The channel plans to kick things off with:

China Revealed (8:00 pm)
Into the Deep (9:00 pm)
Forgotten Planet (10:00 pm)

Sony plans to feed 3D TV owners with a new 3D show every night at 9 p.m. for the month of February. You can see the official press release from Sony after the jump.