Aug 23rd - Samsung to supply CPU for Sony PSP Vita

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA UNVEILS
EXCITING DETAILS ABOUT NEXT GENERATION HARDWARE AND
EXCLUSIVE SOFTWARE
SCEA Continues Long-Standing Tradition of Delivering Groundbreaking Technology and
Unrivaled Content at the 2011 E3 Media & Business Summit

Los Angeles, California, June 6, 2011– Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. (SCEA) today announced at its annual press conference at the E3 Media & Business Summit in Los Angeles, Calif., a stunning line-up of PlayStation® products, services and exclusive content that will change the way consumers experience their favorite games and entertainment at home and on-the-go.

"We are dedicated to providing our consumers with the types of entertainment offerings that have made PlayStation a definitive leader in the gaming and portable entertainment industries for more than 15 years," said Jack Tretton, CEO and President of SCEA. "With the official North American unveiling of PlayStation®Vita as well as the introduction of an extensive line-up of software, hardware and services, the PlayStation platform has never been stronger or more exciting for our customers. We believe that 2011 will be a defining year as we usher in a new era of portable gaming and drive widespread adoption of 3D through our content and hardware offerings."

Introducing PlayStation®Vita

In March 2005, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system defined new standards in portable entertainment and provided game enthusiasts worldwide with a new way to experience games outside of their living room. The PSP system broke through traditional boundaries then and has gone on to sell more than 70 million units since its launch. In January, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced a new portable device for a new generation of gamers --- the next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP).

Today, SCE announced PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) as the official platform name for NGP. A Wi-Fi model will be available for 24,980 yen (including tax) in Japan, $249 MSRP in US and €249 in Europe, while a 3G/Wi-Fi model will be available for 29,980 yen (including tax) in Japan, $299 MSRP in US and €299 in Europe. PS Vita will launch in the global market starting at the end of 2011.

Derived from the Latin word "Vita", which means "Life" this next generation portable entertainment system enables a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context.

The PS Vita system incorporates a beautiful 5-inch multi-touch organic light emitting diode (OLED) as the front display and a unique multi-touch pad on the rear. Together with the front touch screen and the rear touch pad, the PS Vita system offers new game play allowing users to interact directly with games in three dimension-like motion, through "touch, grab, trace, push and pull" finger motions. Also the PS Vita system features two analog sticks which enable a wider range of game genres to be brought into the portable experience.

In addition to the PS Vita system pricing, SCEA also revealed today that AT&T, which powers the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, will be the exclusive service provider in the United States for the PS Vita system. The speed and coverage of AT&T’s mobile broadband network will ensure that PS Vita system users will remain connected to content and each other on the go.

On the content front, SCEA showcased a robust collection of software titles developed exclusively for the PS Vita system. Featured titles including UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss™, LittleBigPlanet™ and Ruin (working title), utilize the platform’s groundbreaking technology to make unprecedented immersive, interactive and social game play available on-the-go. UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss takes full advantage of PS Vita’s stunning OLED screen to deliver vibrant cinematic visuals and combines input from the front-touch screen and dual-analog sticks to create the most intuitive 3rd person shooter experience available on a portable system. Also making use of PS Vita’s unique feature set, LittleBigPlanet allows users to Play, Create and Share like never before with the system’s front touch screen and rear touch pad as well as its front and rear cameras. Finally,Ruin brings the ultimate social action RPG experience and also delivers interoperable compatibility for players to save their game on the PS Vita system and continue on at home using the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system. Adding to this selection of innovative games, SCEA unveiled a collection of PS Vita titles that will be available including wipEout®, ModNation™ Racers, Reality Fighter (working title), Super Stardust™ Delta,Sound Shapes, Hot Shots Golf®, Hustle Kings™ and more.

Additionally, conference attendees received a look at Capcom’s STREET FIGHTER® x TEKKEN® for the PS Vita system which will feature Cole MacGrath as a playable character from the popular PS3 franchise,inFAMOUS™.

PlayStation®3 system

Currently in its fifth year, the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system continues to experience tremendous momentum, recently surpassing 50 million units sold worldwide. To-date, more than 2,300 games have been made available for PS3 including 108 stereoscopic 3D titles and 184 PlayStation®Move titles, and that momentum continues into 2012. Expanding PS3 system’s industry-leading catalog of stereoscopic 3D games, SCEA presented a selection of new entries from fan-favorite series featuring full stereoscopic 3D support including UNCHARTED 3: Drake's Deception™, Resistance®3 and God of War®: Origins Collection. SCEA also announced the return of one of PlayStation’s most beloved franchises, Sly Cooper®: Thieves in Time™, which will treat players to an all-new adventure in stereoscopic 3D featuring classic characters, Sly, Murray and Bentley. In addition, SCEA introduced new titles utilizing the innovative PlayStation Move controller to deliver unique motion gaming experiences such as Everybody Dance™, Carnival Island (working title), and Medievil Moves: Deadmund's Quest™.

In addition to an unprecedented line-up of first-party titles, third-party support for the PS3 system has never been stronger. Content shown at the conference includes the highly anticipated first-person shooterBioShock Infinite from 2K and Irrational Games which will support the PlayStation Move motion controller, and will also include the original BioShock on the PS3 Blu-ray disc.

Additional exclusive content that will only be found on the PS3 system was announced for titles includingSaint’s Row: The Third from THQ, Electronic Arts’ SSX™, Need for Speed™ The Run, and Battlefield 3™. For Battlefield 3, the PS3 version promises to be bigger than any other as Electronic Arts will be using the extra storage capacity of the Blu-ray to add a second game to the disc, Battlefield 1943, one of the most popular games available on PlayStation®Network.

Innovations in stereoscopic 3D

As a leader in 3D entertainment and gaming, SCEA kicked off the 2011 press conference at E3 on the world’s largest 3D screen – showcasing a breadth of first- and third-party titles coming this year in 3D that is unmatched.

SCE today also announced the upcoming availability of the new PlayStation branded 3D Display. The 24-inch full HD LCD display will give PS3 users easy, affordable access to stereoscopic 3D entertainment. Available this fall, the 3D Display comes bundled with 3D Glasses, an HDMI cable and the highly anticipatedResistance 3 title from Insomniac Games for PlayStation®3 (PS3®) at an attractive recommended retail price (MSRP) of US$499.99. The 3D Glasses will also be sold separately, concurrently with the 3D Display launch for MSRP of US$69.99.

Designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience, the 3D Display comes equipped with a special two-player feature, which allows two players playing a multi-player game to see individual, unique, full-screen images of gameplay using the bundled 3D Glasses and supported software title.

PlayStation®Network

With more than 77 million accounts worldwide, PlayStation®Network continues to be one of the largest networked entertainment platforms in the world and is the premier destination for games, TV and movies, sports and music entertainment. Today, SCEA announced that coming this fall , BestBuy’s CinemaNow video service will be accessible to PS3 owners, providing consumers with access to more than 12,000 of their favorite TV episodes and movies for rental or purchase.

Publisher support for PlayStation Network continues to remain strong as CCP introduced a new PlayStation Network exclusive title, Dust 514®, which will feature PlayStation Move support and also be made available for the PS Vita system. Another exciting game coming exclusively to the PS3 system and PlayStation Network in 2012 is Star Trek™ from Paramount Digital Entertainment. The game, which continues the adventure that director and producer J.J. Abrams envisioned with Star Trek™ (2009), boasts a story filled with action- packed combat and will be fully PlayStation Move enabled. Paramount Digital Entertainment will also offer an exclusive prequel to the game only on PlayStation Network.

About Sony Computer Entertainment LLC.

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. serves as headquarters for all North American operations.

* AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

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PlayStation, PS3 and PSP are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Aug 21st - Sony introduces Digital Recording Binoculars

Life’s “can’t miss” moments are now easier to observe and capture with the world’s first digital binoculars to record in AVCHD™ 2.0 format, from Sony. The new models, DEV-3 and DEV-5, are ideal for nature/bird watching, they can record Full HD video with stereo sound at the touch of a button, and even add a 3D mode that records scenes as thrilling stereoscopic video footage for playback on most 3D HDTVs.

“Now consumers can watch birds, wildlife, sports action and more in steady, sharply-focused close-up views, while capturing their subjects in crisp Full HD,” said Andy Bubala, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “These new models add entirely new levels of flexibility and convenience to viewing, recording and enjoying your favorite images and scenes.”

Users can select the variable zoom on both models to scan a wide area at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint a subject, such as birds in a field. Turning on the digital zoom at magnification settings over 10x boosts the DEV-5 model’s total magnification range from 0.9x up to 20x digital (image quality is reduced when digital zoom is on and recording 2D video at magnifications higher than 10x), rivalling many high-powered conventional binoculars. The DEV-3 model pulls wildlife, sporting subjects and architectural details closer with a maximum magnification of 10x optical. In 3D mode, the binoculars’ maximum magnification is 5.4x optical.

Aug 12th - Sony launch 'WhiteMagic' LCD for better brightness and lower power

Sony Corporation has succeeded in commercializing “WhiteMagic™ ”, an LCD module for digital cameras that utilizes the newly-developed ‘RGBW method’.

“WhiteMagic™ ” incorporates a 3-inch VGA low-temperature polysilicone TFT LCD module that adds a white (‘W’) pixel to the Red-Green-Blue (‘RGB’) pixels. By improving the brightness of the entire screen, Sony has been able to develop a module that offers one mode to reduce the power consumption of backlight by around 50%, as well as another mode that approximately doubles the brightness to improve outdoor visibility. Even adding the W pixel, the analysis of the input picture data and Sony’s unique signal processing algorithm enable images to be displayed without any deterioration.

In recent times, devices such as digital cameras and Smartphones have been gradually calling for even larger screens and higher resolutions. There are also increasing demands to reduce the power consumption of the displays. The conventional RGB display, however, has a major difficulty in simultaneously achieving both high resolution and low power consumption.

By incorporating the newly-developed ‘RGBW method’ that adds a white (‘W’) pixel to the conventional RGB pixels, Sony has succeeded in enhancing the brightness of the entire screen of its new LCD module.
The addition of a white pixel tends to result in deterioration of the image quality. However, Sony’s “WhiteMagic™” analyzes the input picture data and performs suitable signal processing (using its new algorithm), thus enabling a deterioration-free display.
As a result, Sony has succeeded in equipping its LCD modules with a new ‘low power mode,’ which enables brightness equivalent to that of conventional RGB LCD modules, even the power consumption of the backlight is reduced by approximately 50%. There is also an ‘outdoors mode,’ which successfully improves outdoor visibility of the display by enhancing the display brightness to roughly double, even without the use of any additional power. Consequently, the ‘Low power mode’ increases the battery life of the devices, while the ‘outdoors mode’ facilitates focusing of the camera and/or checking of the images being filmed even under strong sunlight.

“WhiteMagic™” is also applicable to displays for Smartphones. Sony hopes that “WhiteMagic™” module will meet the demands of customers across a wide range of mobile devices.

Aug 12th - Sony’s latest car stereos feature SiriusXM and Pandora tuners

Sony is expanding its mobile audio lineup with eight new in-dash CD receivers. The new models range from entry-level units to advanced receivers and digital media players that offer SiriusXM satellite radio and Pandora internet radio connectivity in the car.

“Consumers want their audio choices personalized to match their individual needs and preferences, especially while they are in their cars,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Audio Product Division at Sony Electronics. “Sony is redefining content selection in the car. Whether someone wants convenient access to commercial-free music and sports, news, talk and entertainment from SiriusXM, music discovery services like Pandora or iPod® and iPhone® compatibility, we now have a solution at lower prices than ever before: We now offer SiriusXM compatibility from as low as $90 SRP and Pandora compatibility from as low as $130 SRP.”

Universal SiriusXM™ Satellite Connectivity

Four of the new models (CDX-GT565UP, CDX-GT660UP, CDX-360MP, CDX-GT56UI) feature SiriusXM compatibility, using the new SXV100 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit (sold separately, XM subscription required). The compact SiriusXM vehicle tuner has a simple connection, providing integration of SiriusXM in an inexpensive and easy-to-install package. The SiriusXM vehicle tuner also provides numerous new features including the ability for listeners to pause and rewind live SiriusXM satellite radio.

The entry-level CDX-GT360MP model is SiriusXM compatible plus offers great sound quality from its built-in equalizer and powerful 52×4 watt high power amplifier – all at an affordable price point of $90 SRP. The step-up CDX-GT56UI model offers all the features of the CDX-GT360MP receiver and adds iPod and iPhone control, allowing users to control digital music using the USB 1-wire, and 7 Band Digital Equalizer, Time Alignment and Automatic Level Optimizer.

The CDX-GT565UP model, also SiriusXM compatible, allows users to stream Pandora from an iPhone, customize the receiver’s illumination to complement existing lighting components with the Dynamic Color Illuminator and create an impressive listening experience with the Advanced Sound Engine. Users can also control digital music players using the USB 1-Wire feature. The receiver features Automatic Level Optimizer, which analyzes each track’s playback levels and adjusts output level to optimize transitions between tracks and sources. The CDX-GT660UP unit adds a drop down panel design, two line LCD display and SensMe™ channels to organize music into playlists that perfectly match any mood, scene or location.

“The SXV100 connects drivers and their passengers to entirely commercial-free music and exclusive entertainment they can only find on SiriusXM,” said Sean Gibbons, Vice President, Consumer Electronics Product Marketing, SiriusXM. “We are thrilled that Sony is introducing a car stereo lineup that is SiriusXM-Ready, giving customers the ability to control and enjoy satellite radio on the road.”

Sony offers SiriusXM capability, starting at only $90 SRP, on the CDX-360MP, CDX-GT56UI, CDX-GT565UP and CDX-GT660UP models.

Stream Pandora Wirelessly – From Any Device
Sony’s two newest Digital Media Players, the DSX-S210X and DSX-S310BTX models, feature an integrated Tune Tray to connect and control an MP3 player without unsightly and distracting wires, dual USB 1-wire inputs and an easy to read 4-line OEL display. Both also feature the SensMe application, to better organize playlists.

The Pandora integration on the DSX-S210X and the Bluetooth® enabled
DSX-S310BTX digital media players allows listeners to stream Pandora via the application on their smartphone, and transfers the Pandora-related controls to the head unit. Both models allow listeners to access their personalized Pandora stations and the ability to fine-tune the listening experience by offering thumb ratings directly on the receiver. The DSX-S210X digital media player is iPhone compatible; the DSX-S310BTX is iPhone compatible and is also the first aftermarket product to offer Pandora integration with the Android™ and Blackberry® smartphone platforms.

“The car is the most popular place to listen to the radio,” said Jessica Steel, executive vice president of Business Development at Pandora. “We are excited that Sony is making Pandora available in its in-dash receivers, enabling seamless access for iPhone, Android and Blackberry users alike.”

Sony offers Pandora compatible receivers starting at only $130 SRP and up to $280 SRP on the CDX-GT565UP, CDX-GT660UP, DSX-S210X and DSX S310BTX models.

Entry-Level Value, Top-of-the-Line Sound
Also joining the car audio lineup are the CDX-GT260MP and the CDX-GT40U receivers. The CDX-GT260MP model is a front auxiliary model with a slot panel design that features crisp and clear sound at an affordable price. The receiver delivers 52 watts of peak power to all four speakers for powerful output (208 watts total power) while the red key illumination helps users locate buttons quickly during evening playback. The CDX-GT40U unit additionally offers a front USB connector and intuitive search features Quick-BrowZer®, which finds music by artist, album, genre, song or playlist, and ZAPPIN™, which plays a 6/9/30 second introduction clip to help find a specific song. Also included in the CDX-GT40U model is Automatic Level Optimizer. All six CDX models also feature a Digital Clarity Tuner™. A conventional tuner loses stereo sound of FM radio when further away from the station, but the new digital processing tuner expands stereo area, improving sound performance. 

Aug 8th - Sony: PlayStation Vita will launch in US and Europe early next year

Gamers waiting for the PlayStation Vita finally have a somewhat clearer idea of when the handheld is coming. Unfortunately, the handheld won't be coming as soon as some gamers had hoped.

Kaz Hirai has said that the Vita will be available in Japan before the end of the year and in U.S. and Europe early next year.

The report says Hirai gave no dates for Vita's arrival.

Hirai also denied a potential PlayStation Vita price cut in reaction to Nintendo's 3DS price cut.

"We packed so much into the device and made it very affordable," Hirai told reporters at Sony's Tokyo headquarters. "There is no need to lower the price just because somebody else that happens to be in the video game business decided that they were going to lower their price."