I watched the webcast. It has some rather interesting info.
(1) The executives highlighted user experience improvement as a key goal and mentioned 1-2 use cases (e.g., buy one movie and watch on different devices, accessing personal media on a "cloud"). I think this goal is much more important than 3D, since the latter is only a technology. Unfortunately, they didn't demo the use cases. Steve Jobs' presentation works because he always has easy-to-use demoes to illustrate his points. If I need many clicks to get a movie from PS3 to iPod and PSP (cloud or no cloud), then Sony's "buy one movie and watch on different devices" doesn't work. In the analyst presentation, Sony had an opportunity to play a video for 3D tech, and it sounded like just a montage (Useless !).
They have not demonstrated any benefit for 3D yet. This is ironic because at the beginning of their presentation, they claimed that Sony will focus on user experience differences, and no longer drive from tech perspective. I think they will need to demonstrate a strong case for 3D in the near future.
(2) The PS3 slides is also telling since it mentioned 5 key advantages. However they are just bullet points that may not work together to create a real advantage. Wii works because of Wii Sports and great marketing. While Uncharted 2 is a great achievements, it may not connect with the masses because gaming -- in its current form -- is a specialized entertainment. They still have *a lot* to prove for the new controller. The EyePet game has good potential but it may be too shallow to change the landscape.
I'd rather Sony extends the sketch recognition to other applications that everyone needs (As a random example, searching for photos on PCs and Internet using sketches). IMHO, Pranav Mistry's "Sixth Sense" presentation looks more impactful.
(3) Sony will be launching a new phone and a new eBook reader in December. It sounds like both will use the new Sony Online Services (PSN based). Will have to see how they can compete with Apple and Microsoft in those areas. The eBook reader reviewed well against current gen eBooks, but I think Apple and MS will leapfrog all of them with great software and exciting UI. I haven't seen any breakthrough in Sony's eBook and phone yet. Might as well just pool resources on one good idea instead of spreading between phone, eBook reader, and PS3.
I think one of the analysts' questions is spot-on. Introducing new application like 3D or clouded media may not work for the masses (us geeks may love it). Sony should focus on existing needs/issues, articulate and do them best. Instead of saying "media in the cloud", it's really just "easy to use/access". The DRM simplicity may be more important than the cloud (Hear movie execs scream).
So all in all, I think it's still the same Sony. However, they have done a sh*t load of work to simplify the group, and also connect the scattered units. This is by no means an easy task. But I don't think they are "there" yet.
So here's good luck to Kaz and all.
In a very real sense, if we still get this infinite pop-up dialog for every PS3 web browser page after 3 years; then I have less faith in Sony solving a more complex problem. Yes, the dialog may be there for a technical reason, but from a consumer's perspective, it's wrong.
I hope after the presentation, the execs throw away their slides and just work based on their gut feel of what the consumers truly want. They also need to use their own products -- for real -- in order to understand and catch some of these issues.