New PlayStation 3 Series K Blu-ray Security

JULY 13, 2011 • Newer PlayStation 3s Series K and after, will no longer be able to output Bluray movies to HD TVs via a component cable. To fall in better line with content security standards, such output will only be possible via HDMI cables. High definition game output will still be possible via component cables, however. Despite the change, Sony is not including an HDMI cable with new PS3s. In other news, SCEA announced that it will spend $20 million during .....

Ra. One for India

JULY 11, 2011 • Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is developing a Bollywood-based game for the Indian market. Ra. One – The Game, is based on this fall’s science fiction film starring Shahrukh Khan. The title is a prequel to the movie, with PS2 and PS3 versions in production. Impact: Listen to Sony executives in India and you’ll hear a lot of realism. The potential within the I.....

Goodbye MiniDisc Walkmans

JULY 7, 2011 • The Nikkei newspaper has reported in Japan that Sony Electronics will cease production of MiniDisc Walkmans in September due to shrinking demand. The company will still publish content in MiniDisc format, however. Impact: So much of Sony’s recent history has been wrapped up in establishing dominating media formats – Blu-ray being the most recent example. What the demise.....

Analysis: SCEA Analyst Event

JUNE 1 , 2011 • In early April, before PlayStation Network security was breached and the personal data of more than 100 million user accounts was compromised, Sony Computer Entertainment of America held an analyst-only event at its Foster City, Calif. campus. The event was headed by SCEA chief executive Jack Tretton with an upbeat outlook for the PlayStation business in North America. The division believes it has a story to te.....

Sony’s New Android Tablets

APRIL 26, 2011 • Sony Electronics will widen the field of tablet computers available this fall with two new units: codenamed S1 and S2. Both devices are slated to be built around Google’s Android operating system. Both tablets will feature 3G and 4G mobile Internet support, as well as WiFi connectivit. The S1 is a 9.4-inch model, while the S2 sports a clamshell design that comes with two 5.5-inch touch screens. .....

Kaz Hirai Promoted at Sony

MARCH 11, 2011 • In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Sony Corp. chief executive Howard Stringer said the promotion of Sony Computer Entertainment head Kaz Hirai to oversee the consumer electronics division makes Hirai the leading candidate to replace Stringer some day. Impact: Kaz Hirai started in the music business but came on with Sony Computer Entertainment America right around th.....

Xperia Play Unveiled

FEB. 13, 2011 • Sony Ericsson unveiled the Xperia Play, a new  smartphone that can play video games. Similar in format to the PSP Go, the Xperia Play runs on the Android OS, and supports the new PlayStation Suite of classic titles. The new smartphone is the first handset to b.....