Sony Corp.

Sony Not Pulling PSP Dev Kits Because of PSP2


A lot of websites the last few days have been reporting on the fact that Sony has notified publishers out there that pst November 15th, they will no be able to purchase a developer kit.

 SCEE will no longer be selling the PSP Development Tool (DTP-T2000A) or Testing Tool (DTP-H2500A) past November 15th. Please order in advance if you require these development units.

We will advise you when a new model becomes available. 

Now many people assumed that this had to due with the fact that there has been many rumors about the inevitable PSP2. While this sounds good and I’m not denying that there is a PSP2 in the works, why would Sony stop all support on the current PSP? Last I checked, there is over 50 million of them out there. Remember for how long the PS2 continued to sell and outsell current generation units? Anyways, the real reason, straight from Sony:

 “Due to the certification on the current development and test tools expiring, we will be stopping selling them on the 15th November. However, we will continue to provide loan stock for registered and new developers, until a new certified model is available.” 

Meet the Sony Internet Blu-ray Player, Powered Google; Full Specs and Price


If you want to know all about the Sony Internet TV and what it does, please read our prior post as this builds upon that. For those who want the functionality of Google TV, but want it on a higher end TV or would like it on their current TV, Sony and Google have a solution for you as well; The Sony Internet Blu-ray player. I for one do fall into that category because when I replace my current Sony 60-inch SXRD, I’ll be getting the 60-inch LX900 which is 3D but lacks the internet connectivity of the new TV series. Hence, the existence of the Sony Internet Blu-ray player. This device boasts all the same features as the Sony Internet TV with the obvious difference of being able to hookup to any television set out there, as well as have a Blu-ray player. This is really perfect for those who are ready for the next generation plunge. Not only are they getting a Blu-ray player, but the new internet connectivity as well in one box.

Priced at $399, it’s not a device price that exceeds other Blu-ray players on the market, but that comes at the cost of lacking 3D playback. But if you dont care about 3D, then compared to other devices out there like the recently announced Logitech Revue, the Sony Internet Blu-ray player with its built in Wi-Fi is only $100 more and gives you Blu-ray (DVD and CD) playback. Another up for Sony is the Internet TV remote that comes with theirs that is small and elegant vs. the keyboard Logitech makes you have which is frankly not attractive for the living room and will probably turn off a lot of people from it.

Much smaller and more functional then the Logitech Revue

Logitech Revue and Keyboard.

Hit the jump for a full break down of specs.

Sony Internet TV Gallery


If you haven’t read up on the Sony Internet TV that is powered by Google TV, I highly recommend you read our previous post. There, we explain the concept, price, and specs. Here, expect to see lots of different shots from this product. Hit the jump for the full gallery.

Meet the Sony Internet TV, Powered by Google and Starting at $599. Full Specs and Details (Updated)


Sony today unveiled their Internet TV which is powered by Google Android. The TV promises to be more then just a smart box, once that will change your entertainment habit and viewing style. Centered around Googles Android platform, the Sony Internet TV has access to a host of popular apps like Facebook and Twitter.

Giving you the option of using those services while never leaving your program. Into fantasy sports? Imagine watching the latest NFL game and updating your fantasy league, right on the same TV.

Because of the Duel View feature built into the TV, you can browse the web and other apps either at full screen or while watching your TV content. The built in search is also not limited to just the web (though I wouldn’t call that a limit) but can do local listing searches, as well as search your saved content on select Direct TV DVRs.

Another feature that Sony is emphasizing is their Home Screen. For Safari users, think of Top Sites. When you click your Home Screen, you are greeted with the apps and bookmarks you deem most important. This is meant to get you to your selected destination as fast as possible and this again is able to fully function with Duel View.

Now hit the jump for the good stuff, specs and prices!

Sonys Google TV Final Countdown – The History, The Hype, The Hope


Sony is having the counter click down to unveil their new product, the Sony Bravia with Google integration. For those unfamiliar with the matter, Sony and Google have partnered to create a new kind of TV. One that not only is your everyday TV, but one that has access to the web and apps; giving you Twitter, Facebook and other forms of integration and usage, all while you’re in middle of your show.

While other companies have tried setup boxes that connect to your television and give you access to web forms of content, they have always required that you hookup an additional box to your television to gain those additional functionality. This many times lead to clunky designs and less then stellar performance and ease of use. Those that were easier to use didn’t really work with your Cable or Satellite provider, this again meant that when you wanted to access those additional features, you would have to leave your program, access your web and email, then jump back into your show. This process nor provided an a rich web experience or a good media experience.

Sony and Google hope to change this. With the new Bravia television from Sony, Google will have their system built right into the TV. That first takes out the need for this to work with any particular provider as it’s built right into the TV. This means, no matter if you have Satellite or Cable, this service will work for you. This also takes the clunkyness out of the picture for no additional boxes, cables and inputs will need to be used up to give you these new functionalities. Also, the software that Google is offering, can live around your media and will not try to force itself upon you. An example would be, if you are watching Hawaii Five-0 and you want to bring up IMDB, with a click of a button, a new menu surrounds your content, you can jump on the web while your show is still playing or paused and access the information you want. The key is that they are both happening simultaneously in one interface. Now, take the concept further. While your show is airing, in the corner, you can see a little notification that you have a new Tweet, Facebook message or email. Those are the types of things you can expect from launch. Plus, the experience is meant to be more personal and specifics to TVs and not replace having your computer hooked up to the television, while watching a movie in middle of it.

If we look a little into the future, it’s not hard to imagine a deeper integration. While you are watching a show, having access to additional information and behind the scenes content and interactivity. For advertisers, this too can be a gold mine. While playing a commercial for a BMW, users with a click can be directed to their website, see further specs and information. The possibilities are really endless, but the key is that they wrap around your media, not make you chose between one or another.

Currently what we know about the new Sony Bravia TV is the sizes and models. Dubbed the NSX-24GT1, NSX-32GT1, NSX-40GT1, and NSX-46GT1 — which are the sizes, 24-, 32-, 40-, and 46-inch, there is no price point yet, but we fill find that out shortly. A few sites a few days prior ran with some pricing for the new units, have sense retracted that information and have concluded that their sources were off. But again, the mystery will all be unraveled in less then 5 hours so stay tuned as we offer more coverage on this as it happens.

Sony Starts Shipping Xperia X8, Still Sports Android 1.6


Sony Ericsson has started to ship the Xperia X8, the smaller, less beefy version of the Xperia X10. The unit includes what you would expect with GPS, 3G, Wi-Fi and touchscreen. Less stellar is its 600mhz processor and 3.2 fix focus camera, but then again, its not meant to be a flagship unit and not everybody cares for all the bells and whistles out there. Currently, this unit ships with Android 1.6, but an update to Android 2.1 is expected for later in the year. Although I’m not too clear about the contract based price of this phone sense those shift weekly with provider promotions, you can pick this unit up from Sony unlocked with no contract for $300.

Hit the jump for a video overview of the Xperia X8 which will give you a pretty good feel of what Sonys take is on the smart phone.

Sony Release New Standard Def Camcorders, DCR-SX15E and DCR-SR15E


Didn’t think Sony only made HD and 3D stuff now did you? Set to release this month are two new standard definition Handycam camcorders from Sony, the DCR-SX15E and DCR-SR15E. Both units rock the following:

  • 50X optical zoom
  • Image Stabilization
  • Face Detection
  • 2.7″ LCD Screen
  • Memory Stick & SD expansion.

Only difference is that the DCR-SR15E comes with a built in 80GB hard drive which will give you roughly 61 hours of video recording time. Hit the jump for the official press release. No word yet on  pricing but they should be out soon.

Breaking: Rhys Ifans Join Spider-man Reboot as the Villain


Another week and another cast member to join the Spider-man reboot. This week, it’s Rhys Ifans who is joining Spider-man, now along side of Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield. Rhys Ifans has starred in films like Notting Hill, Xenophilius Lovegood and you can soon see him in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. It has yet to be announced what villain Ifans will play in the reboot.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Box Office: The Social Network Gets More Friend Requests


Sony Pictures’ The Social Network continued its reign as the most popular movie around, becoming the number one movie at the box office for the second week in a row. Down 31% compared to last weekend, The Social Network pulled in another $15.5 million, making it the smallest percentage second weekend decline of any No. 1 movie this year. With no international release yet, the movie has gained $46 million on its announced $50 million, making it a sure hit once the film wraps up its box office presence and moves to the eventual home theater market.

A Sony holdover, Easy A, continues to attract audiences, down 3 spots and 38% to No. 8. The comedy pulled in another $4.2 million from the US and another $3.8 million from the international box office to put this $8 million comedy at a $51.9 million gross. Resident Evil: After Life was able to ad another $5 million, mostly from international markets to get the movie to $241 million. Expect this movie to bow out with a $260 million final gross. Sony’s last movie, The Takers, was down to the number 19 spot. The almost 2 month old movie added $400,000 to give it a $56.7 million gross on its $32 million budget. Expect this movie to bow out in the next two weeks. Speaking of bowing out, Sony has finally taken Salt off screens, ending its 5 month run and $286.9 million gross. As expected, Sony pulled the plug on The Virginity Hit, after the dismal opening the indie comedy had.

Weekend Gross:

  1. The Social Network$15.5 million ($46 million total)
  2. Life as We Know It $14.6 million ($14.6 million total)
  3. Secretariat$12.6 million ($12.6 million total)
  4. Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole $7 million ($50.6 million)
  5. My Soul to Take$6.9 million ($6.9 million)

Uncharted Movie Gets David O. Russell as Writer & Director


It looks like Sony Pictures is going full steam ahead with an Uncharted movie. The movie, which will be based on the award winning Playstation 3 exclusive, now has a director and writer on the helm, David O. Russell (Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees, The Fighter). Producing this film will be Avi Arad (Spider-man Trilogy, X-men Trilogy, Iron Man 1 & 2). Although no release date is set, with a writer and director on board now, expect more news in the following months with a probably 2012 release date. Just in time for Uncharted 3? Oh yea!

Hit the jump for an official press release.

Sony and Fujitsu Team Up for Image Sensor Manufacturing


Sony has announced that it will be teaming up with Fujitsu to create future image sensors that are used both in DSLRs and mobile phones worldwide. Although all design and R&D will still be done in-house at Sony of Japan, Fujitsu will be actually manufacturing some of those sensors, although it’s not clear which sensors Sony will continue to manufacture and which ones Fujitsu will make.

This deal comes at a time of tough global competition and economics in which Sony hopes it can cut costs. This deal will also allow Sony to continue its image sensor business and provide its clients with a steady flow of production while “keeping production costs in check and safeguarding its proprietary technologies in Japan.” Last month, Sony announced that it’s investing 40 billion yen ($479 million) on its Japan-based plants in order to keep up with demand. Fujitsu is expected to start handling some of production as early as March and continue to ramp up as needed.

[Via Reuters]

Emma Thompson Joins Men in Black 3D


Sony Pictures is starting to ramp up Men in Black 3D for its May 25th, 2012 release date by filling in most of the major cast.  Current casts members include Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Jemaine Clement and Josh Brolin. Now Deadline is reported that Academy Award winner Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, Love Actually, Nanny McPhee) is also set to join the cast. Its currently unknown who her character will be in the film.

[Via Deadline]

Sony Updates Vaio Z Lineup, Looks at Apple and says "What?"

Sony has just updated their 13″ Vaio Z lineup with just about every feature you could ask for, beating out Apple’s 13″,15″ and 17″ MacBook Pro when it comes to power. This little 13.3 inch laptop can be configured with a Intel Core i5-460M (2.53GHz), Core i5-580M (2.66GHz) or Core i7-640M (2.8GHz) processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 256GB or 512GB SSD hard drive. Yea, no more SATA drives for this lineup. If that’s not enough, you can also get a NVIDIA’s GeForce GT330M graphics card and a Blu-ray player/burner. All this is then wrapped in the ever-so-classy carbon fiber case with a 1920 x 1080 resolution screen. Holy shit. Santa, I swear I’ve been a good boy. But remember, Apple still can’t figure out the whole Blu-ray thing, not even on their high end Mac Pro towers.

[Via Sony Style]

Best Buy Rips Off PS3 Owners, Charges $30 for Firmware Update


Best Buy continues to be one of the worst and last true electronic retailers out there, aiming to squeeze every penny it can out of consumers. Advising its Geek Squad members, Best Buy has a new promotion where for a mere $30, they will update the firmware of your Playstation 3 before you leave the store. For those who don’t own a Playstation 3, let me explain how this works:

  1. Go to your settings tab
  2. Click on Software Update
  3. The server downloads everything
  4. Click install and you are done

What’s even better is that the the Playstation 3 is designed to keep everybody on the same firmware, meaning that if you log in and there is new firmware available, you won’t be able to access any of the online portions of the Playstation Network without downloading the firmware. Soon from Best Buy, for $9, they will charge your controller for you!

[Via DualShockers]

Sony Brings New Navigation XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT + TomTom to the US


Remember those new Sony Navigation units we talked about last month with TomTom and Google integration? Well it looks like Sony will be bringing the XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT to the US as well. For those are TomTom users, expect all the features like IQ Routes, Advanced Lane Guidance, MapShare and six million POIs. Look for these to launch in November with a $1,000 starting price. Hit our old article on the Sony Navigation for a full list of features.