Sony Corp.

Sony Q3 2015 Results – PlayStation Up, Mobile & Image Sensors Down – But Profits Up

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 29, 2016 | 10 comments

Sony has just posted its Q3 2015 results and, as a whole, the company is doing much better. According to Sam Byford from The Verge:

third-quarter earnings up on those from a year ago, making ¥202.1 billion ($1.69 billion) in operating profit off ¥2.58 trillion ($21.5 billion) in revenue. Net profit between October and December was ¥120.1 billion ($1 billion), 33 percent higher than the same quarter last year.

A big reason for the income increase compared to last year is due largely to all the cuts Sony has been making across the company. This includes personal cuts as well as reducing product lineup (i.e. les televisions, phones, and cameras). Restructuring costs were also down 50% this year to $61 million.

Beyond the obvious nature of PlayStation doing great business with sales up 10.5%, reaching $4.9 billion, Sony Pictures did great business as well

with movies like Spectre and Hotel Transylvania 2 performing well at the box office to help the division make ¥262.1 billion ($2.18 billion) in revenue — 26.9 percent up on last year.

It’s no surprise that Mobile continues to be a sore spot for Sony but image sensors were curiously down as the two are linked. More Sony Q3 2015 results after the jump.

Circuit City to Make a Return, Has the Support of Sony

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 28, 2016 | 0 comments

CC really needs to license Eminem’s “Without Me” for their eventual commercials and corporate parties. Alan Wolf writes:

New York area retail vets Ronny Shmoel and Albert Liniado are betting that the third time will be a charm for Circuit City.

Because big box retail is the way to go, right? That’s the future?

This time, what Circuit City has in store is an ambitious, multi-tiered game plan that calls for retail outlets, web sales, branded and private-label products, licensed kiosks, mobile shops and franchise opportunities, all under the iconic red-and-white banner.

The fun is expected to begin in June when the company opens its first store, most likely in the Dallas market, and relaunches CircuitCity.com.

Think Best Buy meets Radio Shack with some Apple Store DNA.

The stores themselves will range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, and will feature product zones that present the assortment by category and brand. Targeted directly at millennials, the mix will include pre- and postpaid smartphones, as well as tablets, notebooks, wearables, networking equipment, gaming products, headphones, drones, 3D printers, health appliances, and DIY devices, all supplemented by a service desk, electronic price tags and touchscreen terminals that link customers with what is envisioned as a million-SKU selection online.

But there is a Sony twist here as well. More after the jump.

Sony Confirms Purchase of Altair Semiconductor for $212 Million

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 26, 2016 | 0 comments

Just last week, I wrote about Sony’s purchase of Altair Semiconductor for $200 million which would bring with it 190 engineers that specialize in LTE chips and other integral components for IoT solutions. Now Sony has officially confirmed the purchase of the Israel-based company though the price tag is slightly higher than initial reports. As expected, Sony isn’t coming and saying outright what they plan to do with the company though it’s clear that as we move towards a future where devices are more connected than ever, this is a good move on their part. However, here is a hint at Sony’s vision:

With the acquisition of Altair, Sony aims to not only expand Altair’s existing business, but also to move forward with research on and development of new sensing technologies. By combining Sony’s sensing technologies – such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and image sensors – with Altair’s high-performance, low power consumption and cost-competitive modem chip technology, and by further evolving both, Sony will strive to develop a new breed of cellular-connected, sensing component devices.

Sony’s full statement is after the jump.

Sony: “We’re Not After Marketshare” – But Is It the Right Strategy?

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 25, 2016 | 19 comments

One of the major takeaways from the Sony keynote at CES 2016 was when Sony Electronics COO and President, Mike Fasulo, took to the stage. Beyond a handful of jokes that never landed properly with the crowd and some dazzling product announcements like the X930D series of 4K HDR TVs Sony would be releasing this year, Fasulo was keen to point out the direction of the company in 2016.

We’re not after marketshare. We’re after delivering to the customer the best experience through audio and visual quality, and by doing so we’re making money.

Nearly 3 weeks later and I’m still not sure what I make of this.

It’s no secret that Sony hasn’t been doing well for some time now. PlayStation aside (and even that was turbulent for the company during the PS3 era), Sony hasn’t had a hit consumer electronics product for over a decade. I mean really, think about it. During that time, its competitors have been able to bring to market a plethora of hit products from established companies like Apple and Samsung to much smaller ones like GoPro and Sonos. What these companies have in common is that they’ve been able to knock Sony out of a field they were once dominant in – or at least known for, or should have been known for.

When you think of phones and tablets, Apple comes to mind. If your friend or family member is getting a new TV, it’s likely a Samsung, and everybody who wants to do some extreme and record is likely purchasing a GoPro. Though this is not always true, perhaps worse for Sony is that in many of these product categories, they make the superior product and yet they’ve completely fallen out of the consumer psyche when it comes to electronic purchases.

Sony knows this and has referenced it during their last two CES keynotes, but only this year did the company make a statement that took the problem head on. In short, Sony is no longer interested in chasing the entry level consumer market where price is the only sales driver. This is a market that was once flooded by Samsung and now by Vizio where the only way to a make a profit (and that’s oftentimes not guaranteed) is by selling units in large volumes.

Sony instead now wants to target the more premium market where they know unit sales will be lower, but hope that in turn, margins can be higher. After all, wealthy clientele are usually more willing to pay the extra premium on the devices that have been stuffed with new and innovative features. But hasn’t Sony always been doing this?

Sony Purchases Altair Semiconductor for $200 Million, Gets Serious About IoT Strategies

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 22, 2016 | 0 comments

It seems like Sony’s Home Automation vision which was displayed at CES isn’t just a one off thing and that there is a far grander vision at work.

Altair employs 190 engineers and software developers at their Israeli headquarters where they develop 4G chips to speed up communications without using excess energy. They work with several communications protocols like LTE, XG-PHS and WiMAX and have customers like Verizon Wireless in the U.S. They recently opened a development center in Taiwan.

Now, those 190 engineers will be under a new payroll with Sony purchasing Altair Semiconductor for $200 million. More after the jump.

Watch the Sony CES 2016 Press Conference

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 22, 2016 | 0 comments

Sony certainly had quite a lot to say at CES 2016. From laying out their company vision of Kondo to a few surprise announcements like the Hi-Res turntable, their keynote was certainly was packed, including the always awkward banter between execs and terrible, terrible dad jokes. If that’s your kind of thing, the entire Sony CES 2016 press conference can be found after the jump.

Sony Open in Hawaii PGA Tour Event to be Recorded in 4K

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 21, 2016 | 0 comments

You might not be able to watch your favorite Bundesliga or NBA team yet in 4K but it looks like we’re inching closer to that reality. That’s because the 2016 Sony Open in Hawaii PGA TOUR event will be shot and broadcasted in HD on Golf Channel using Sony professional cameras. Alongside the typical HD broadcast, the tournament will be a

testing ground for 4K live production and broadcasting. In addition to multiple Sony HDC high-definition cameras positioned across the course, Sony’s HDC-4300 will capture action on the 17^th hole in 4K resolution, delivering four times the clarity and resolution of full HD.

So no 4K broadcast yet but we’re slowly getting there, thanks to Golf. That’s because unlike most other sports, Golf is a fairly predicable event with slow movements and easy direction to follow. This allows for Sony to put their equipment and production technics to the test where other sports like say Soccer might be too fast moving and unpredictable. Fast movements alone can be a nightmare for a camera if you need to constantly pan back and forth.

The HDC-4300’s will be flanked by F55 S35mm cameras that will provide on course segments that will be used for the 4K HDR production as well as being converted to HD for the main broadcast.

More after the jump.

Sony Mobile Renames Socialife App to News Suite, Brings New Functionality

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 20, 2016 | 0 comments

Sony Mobile is renaming their Socialife app on Android to News Suite.

This week we’re rolling out an exciting update to one of our most popular apps. From now on our news aggregation service, Socialife, will be known as News Suite. But it’s not just a name change

According to Business Planning Manager, Taiki Hori, Sony is doing more than just rebranding their social app. With the new name you’ll also see added functionality like being able to read all the latest news by “category.” Just last year, Apple launched their own dedicated app along side iOS 9 dubbed News which helps pull in content from numerous high profile publications alongside any site you’d like to add to it. It now appears that Sony might be looking to pursue a similar vision.

As the name change suggests, Sony is making the app less about your social life and in doing so, removing its Twitter and YouTube feed functionalities. More after the jump, including a video overview of the app with random dancing girls in feathers as the intro – because why not?

Sony Qrio Lock Overview

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 14, 2016 | 0 comments

In late 2014, the Sony Qrio Lock was revealed. Part of the company’s internal crowd funding projects, the Qrio is designed to attach to any deadbolt lock and be locked/unlocked via an iOS device such as your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. At CES 2016, Sony was showing off the Qrio Lock which is only available in Japan. Here is an overview of how the lock looks and works.

Sony Uses Large Text to Promote a7R II Camera

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 5, 2016 | 0 comments

Sometimes you just need to use all capital letters with a massive font size to get your point across. What’s funny is that the more I watch the short promo for the Sony a7R II, the more I like it. At first, it comes off a bit strong or pompous with large text flying on the screen but the reality of it is that an ad like this is exactly what Sony needs.

Not that they are actually running this ad on TV but what the piece does brilliantly and unapologetically is get to the point. What makes this camera worthy? Here are a few points to note. If I had to fault the short piece on anything, it’s that there is more time spent with words on the screen then actual results from what the camera is capable of outputting. Side note, the ad has been viewed nearly 5.5 million times!

‘Gran Turismo Sport’ Trailer Fails to Thrill

by Sohrab Osati | Jan 4, 2016 | 5 comments

Gran Turismo games have always been one of the staples of PlayStation in graphics and gameplay. Having been on the system since PSone, Gran Turismo, developed by Polyphony Digital, is one of those rare franchises that cannot be simply recreated despite the best effort of other studios. From the depth of tracks and cars to the smallest of details when tuning your car, Gran Turismo, especially with a proper seat and steering wheel, is likely the closest most of us will ever get to taking an exotic (or Mazda Miata) on the race tracks.

Apparently announced during Paris Game Week (which I completely missed since I was too busy getting married), Gran Turismo Sport is the latest iteration of the franchise that will arrive on PS4 sometime in 2016. Sadly, from what should have been an easy trailer to nail, we’re left with an awkward piece that fails to thrill and opts to show us a parked Mazda Miata and its interior.

More, including the trailer after the jump.

Sony Adds ‘Sky HDR’ to PlayMemories Camera Apps

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 21, 2015 | 0 comments

Sony is beefing up their PlayMemories Camera app with a new addition, Sky HDR. According to Sony

This application lets you optimize the exposure when you shoot scenes containing vastly different brightness levels, such as dark landscapes with the sun in a clear blue sky. By capturing the scene twice at different exposure and shutter speed settings, then combining the best of both images in a single image, this feature expresses a wide dynamic range without using a graduated ND filter. Moreover, when you want to highlight hues such as those in a sunset, you can depict them with even greater expressive power by individually adjusting the White Balance setting of the sky and ground.

More details, including a trailer of the app after the jump.

Sony Developing Phone Batteries With 40% Longer Life

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 18, 2015 | 0 comments

Compared to a few years ago, our phones have come a long way. Not only are they nearly as powerful as some computers, but they’re able to last a considerably longer time despite brighter and larger displays. Still, getting a phone to last more than a day with normal usage is nearly unheard of. Sony, who developed the first commercial Li-ion battery, is believed to be tackling this problem by

working on new types of batteries that could carry 40 percent more energy than lithium-ion counterparts.

Key to Sony’s next-gen batteries are sulfur-based electrodes. Lithium-sulfur cells are well known to have better capacities, but the sulfur degrades so rapidly in this environment that commercial, rechargeable batteries of this kind have been out of the question. Presumably, Sony’s solved or is close to solving this issue. More interesting, though, is that the company is also developing magnesium-sulfur batteries, removing lithium from the equation altogether. Magnesium is the significantly more abundant element, making for cheaper batteries that also last longer. They should be safer, too, since lithium-based batteries degenerate over time to the point of becoming a fire risk.

But I wouldn’t hold my breath on it.

Behind the Scenes of ‘The Wonderful Life of a PS4 Player’ Ad

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 10, 2015 | 0 comments

A month or so ago, Sony released a cheeky ad in Europe dubbed ‘The Wonderful Life of a PS4 Player’ which featured a ton of PlayStation characters, dancing, and wonderful visuals. I’m not a huge fan of the ad as Sony’s had similar ad campaigns in the past. While wonderful for hardcore gamers catching all the references that are being lobbed at them, I’m not sure it does much to sell the console. Then again, with how well things are going for PS4, maybe Sony doesn’t need to push the console as much as keep the fanbase happy with content that’s very much geared at them.

The ad:

Whether you like the ad or not, after the jump, you’ll find a behind the scenes video on how the ad was constructed which is quite fascinating.

Sony Mobile to Develop its Own Chips for Xperia Devices?

by Sohrab Osati | Dec 8, 2015 | 0 comments

Sony at times has some amazing ideas and products that never catch on – look no further than the Xperia Z4 Tablet to understand what a flagship Android tablet should be and yet sales have been nearly nonexistent. But Sony has also had some bad ideas, like the Sony Tablet P. Then there is the rumor that Sony might develop their own chips to power Xperia devices like smartphones and tablets. The rumor goes as such:

Sony Mobile is considering the development of its own application processors for use in mobile devices, according to a report from DigiTimes. The report says that both Sony Mobile and LG plan to develop in-house chips, following on other manufacturers that already do this such as Apple, Samsung and Huawei.

If true, this could eventually mean a move away from Qualcomm and MediaTek as the two main chipset suppliers for Xperia devices to date. The report goes on to say that Global Unichip, the Taiwanese-based dedicated fabless ASIC provider, has won development orders from “Asia-based handset vendors”.

Genius or terrible idea? Let’s talk after the jump.