Sony's content platform and business strategy *spawn

[patsu]

PS Suite can be an extension for Playstation though. Sort of an insurance for developers to write games for Playstation, and then later port easily to other platforms.

The old customers Sony lost to cellphone and tablet gaming may be interested in these familiar games, 'specially if Sony allows them to buy-once-play-on-Playstation.

 

[Carl B]

Sure, I can see that. I am a fan of the tools that Sony has emphasized allowing for multi-platform development, I just don't want to see their own ecosystem abandoned for false hopes of a payday through Google's ventures.

 

[patsu]

Yeah, I don't think they will abandon their platform. Poor jeff_rigby may be vindicated if Sony wants to build up Vita OS as their crown jewel consumer OS. All his old (and weird !) predictions about GStreamer, Open Max IL, blah may turn out to be relevant if Sony go down that path.

[size=-2]What a slap in my face ![/size]

 

[liolio]

HOnestly not to break enthusiasm here but I find the idea of SOny using Vita OS as a basis in their product line less than underwhelming.
If they were to pursue this road they should have gotten there way earlier. Now it looks somehow doomed. I mean in the mobile sector Microsoft "the Lord that ruled personal OS computing for 2 or 3 decades" is no even sure that bringing "windows" to the party will change the tide in the sectors where the growth is. I mean "windows" how bigger can it be?

"Smart" CE devices is a new trend, it may be a bit different, but the difference in fire power between, Google, Microsoft, Apple and Sony are to me world apart.
Trying to differentiate them-selves now with something like Vita OS is a lose in advance fight and out dated. iOS & Android are where they are because they won't this, Sony did not take part to it by the way. Symbian, BB, Winphone 6xx/7, they were defeated.

So Vita OS may make sense in the niche Playstation handlet or not compete in but in other realm... I hope Sony is not as fool as the "author" of this article.

 

[patsu]

Yes, I expect Sony to take baby steps. I'm sure one of those steps will explore porting Vita elements to run on top of a custom Android for example.

Creative Technologies tried dual boot approach a few years ago. It may be a possible route for Sony too.

It's going to be a long haul process. I doubt we will see Vita on Sony cellphones in 1-2 years time.

At the very least, they may need to find a successor to the XMB UI.

 

[liolio]

Yes, I expect Sony to take baby steps. I'm sure one of those steps will explore porting Vita elements to run on top of a custom Android for example.

Creative Technologies tried dual boot approach a few years ago. It may be a possible route for Sony too.

It's going to be a long haul process. I doubt we will see Vita on Sony cellphones in 1-2 years time.

At the very least, they may need to find a successor to the XMB UI.

It's more the things I consider for Sony dual boot may be too slow may be something like Ubuntu on Android.
Both "game mode" and Android execute at the time, Android may/might be be in sleep mode during gaming (real big AAA games not Android market ones), it will mostly sleep but still handle phone calls, various notifications.

But ultimately when searching a successor for XMB they may not have choice, that's what I say/said. I don't expect Samsung, Lenovo, LG, etc. not to know that why they leverage Android even though the main winner is Google, WIN/win situation, but point is they have no choice.

The war it's mostly over depending on how things turn in a few years Android/iOS will be the main consumer OS-s, Microsoft may be a new IBM and focus on professional sector only. The game is that big.

OS are too critical in this world, only a few selected giants are allowed to win, they will be found so they bleed competition to death.

 

[Arwin]

Sure, I can see that. I am a fan of the tools that Sony has emphasized allowing for multi-platform development, I just don't want to see their own ecosystem abandoned for false hopes of a payday through Google's ventures.

I don't think that was ever the idea. They're just seeing an opportunity. They won't abandon their own ecosystem unless they have to, but stuff like PS Suite could help their own ecosystem as much as it brings in new platforms and opportunities. One won't necessarily succeed without the other.

 

[patsu]

It's more the things I consider for Sony dual boot may be too slow may be something like Ubuntu on Android.
Both "game mode" and Android execute at the time, Android may/might be be in sleep mode during gaming (real big AAA games not Android market ones), it will mostly sleep but still handle phone calls, various notifications.

But ultimately when searching a successor for XMB they may not have choice, that's what I say/said. I don't expect Samsung, Lenovo, LG, etc. not to know that why they leverage Android even though the main winner is Google, WIN/win situation, but point is they have no choice.

The war it's mostly over depending on how things turn in a few years Android/iOS will be the main consumer OS-s, Microsoft may be a new IBM and focus on professional sector only. The game is that big.

OS are too critical in this world, only a few selected giants are allowed to win, they will be found so they bleed competition to death.

There you go. You get the idea. Sony hinted that the Vita OS is designed with "expandability" in mind. In particular, it's applicable to smartphones and tablets to achieve high responsiveness. How they do it will be subjected to the usual time to market, risk, cost and benefit analysis.

Because of Xperia and Tablet P, Sony should already have expertise customizing Android for their own use. I believe they will reveal new UI for their latest Xperia phone soon (It's called UXP 2.0 I think).

At the same time, they have worked with other real time embedded OSes before, like the ones in PS3 and Vita (Linux, BSD-flavor, eCOS, and who knows what). They also tinkered with Windows quite a bit for their Vaio Z work (e.g., LightPeak integration).

A middleware like Playstation Suite sits in between. At some point, the tech teams will have to come together and figure out a common strategy for Kaz's consumer division. I hope they keep PS3 OS up-to-date too. The WebKit browser was a nice surprise.

 

[patsu]

Speaking of expandability...

3G PlayStation Vitas Receive Text Messages
http://uk.vita.ign.com/articles/121/1219139p1.html

In a bit of strange news, 3G PlayStation Vitas can receive text messages. ...

it turns out that the 3G Vita can receive text messages via that Settings phone number. The messages appear as "Notices from Operator" and are listed along with the sender's phone number. There is no way to respond to the texts.

Probably just a simple test for support and QA purposes. Would be cool if I can text from my Vita though. ^_^


Not really surprising, but Hulu Plus should be coming to Vita also:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ne...r/news+(The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+Top+Stories)

"This is a new distribution platform for Hollywood," Longworth suggested. "We have a partnership with Netflix and Hulu; this is a new way for them to distribute content. Sony also has a video delivery store. … We have been talking [with Sony Pictures] about how we can bring some of their content to the platform."

They are listed as a SEN partner.

 

[Arwin]

Yeah, I was wondering about that ... the Vodafone thing said it would sms me a code for WipeOut 2048 later, and then I got the texts from the operator when I put some money into the 3G account as well. I have four texts from them so far.

 

[TheChefO]

Both "game mode" and Android execute at the time, Android may/might be be in sleep mode during gaming (real big AAA games not Android market ones), it will mostly sleep but still handle phone calls, various notifications.

The way android is designed, all services have equal access, so something like this would be impossible.

Dual boot would be the way to go, if they wish to stick with Android OS.

Or, they could modify the OS (since it's open and built on Linux anyway) and provide a new OS which is compatible with android apps, but has a priority mode for gaming which allows notification switching.

Problem with such an approach is it would prohibit future versions of android apps from running without updating their OS (cost prohibitive).

Might be worth it anyway as I'm not seeing revolutionary jumps in Android OS anytime soon and the majority of apps target Android 2.2 anyway.

 

[jonabbey]

People have already successfully hosted the Android user space on top of a standard (kernel.org) Linux kernel, and Sony has lots of experience with Linux and with hypervisors hosting Linux. No reason they couldn't add a complete Android environment running alongside the main Vita OS if they wanted, down the line.

 

[patsu]

Sony Tablets to get Android 4.0 update in April; Wi-Fi-only Tablet P announced
http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/21/2892546/sony-tablet-android-update-april

Aside from updating the user interface to bring it in line with Android 4.0 smartphones, Sony will bundle in additional photo functionality like the ability to activate the tablets' cameras directly from their lock screens, edit photos in the gallery application, and take panoramic photographs — a trademark feature of Sony's NEX and Alpha series digital cameras. The update also allows Sony Tablet users to watch programs they've recorded on their compatible Sony Blu-Ray recorders with a downloadable app.

Another interesting feature is the addition of "Small Apps." With them, users will be able to fire up a small calculator, remote control, or browser window on top of the currently running app. Although this sounds like it will only be available for apps that support the feature, Sony's press release shows it being used with YouTube, Google Maps, and the web browser.

Small Apps is an interesting multi-tasking idea. I wouldn't mind if it's available on Vita or even iPad !
It allows overlapped app window(s) in Android.



As for their Sony-Ericcson integration...

http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/28/2830401/sony-stephen-sneeden-interview

On the relationship between Sony and Sony Mobile

There aren’t currently any products being co-developed by Sony Mobile and other groups within the company — they share some support staff, but the products themselves are entirely siloed. Likewise, Sneeden made it clear that Sony Mobile isn’t responsible for Sony’s Android-powered tablets.

Following the article, Sony released the following statement to The Verge

Sony Mobile Communications is part of the Sony Group and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation. Sony and Sony Mobile Communications, formerly Sony Ericsson, have collaborated very closely on product development since the start of the Sony Ericsson joint venture. The integration between the different divisions of Sony will continue to grow and evolve. Now as part of the Sony group, Sony Mobile Communications is in an even stronger position to bring connected entertainment experiences to consumers and to bring these experiences to market even faster.

Looks like both organizations have not integrated tightly yet.

According to here:
http://blog.gsmarena.com/interview-with-sonys-nikolaus-scheurer/

Xperia NXT was designed by the Bravia designer.

The designer for the Xperia NXT series is a former Sony designer, and was actually deeply involved, if not the lead, into creating the monolithic design for the Bravias. Knowing that, you can actually read into this design with much more an understanding. ‘Oh, this follows a certain design style.’

 

[patsu]

Sony Music Unlimited app coming to iOS 'in weeks'
http://beta.techradar.com/news/comp...-unlimited-app-coming-to-ios-in-weeks-1073111

"We will be launching our music service on iOS in the next few weeks," said Layden, who was speaking at the IP&TV World Forum with TechRadar in attendance.

"We want to be on as many devices for users who want to be part of Music Unlimited."

 

[patsu]

Sony Computer Entertainment (Japan) Announces New Corporate Structure
http://andriasang.com/con0eg/scej_restructure/

Sony Computer Entertainment announced today changes to its corporate structure, specifically targeting Sony Computer Entertainment Japan.

Starting April 1, SCEJ will have new "First Party Publishing" and "Online Service" divisions. The First Party Publishing division falls under the category of publisher and developer relations. The Online Service division falls under the category of sales & marketing and communication.

Also starting April 1, SCEJ president Hiroshi Kawano will directly oversee business strategy for SCEJ. Previously, Sony executive vice president Norio Sasaki had the lead in this area.

Sony also announced a number of new positions ...

 

[patsu]

Sony Establishes New Management Structure
- To Drive Revitalization and Growth of Electronics Businesses and Deliver Compelling User Experiences as “One Sony” -
http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/201203/12-043E/index.html

Sony Corporation (“Sony” or “the Company”) today announced the establishment of a new management structure. Led by President and CEO Kazuo Hirai, these changes are intended to drive revitalization and growth across Sony's core electronics businesses, and deliver compelling user experiences through convergence of the unique assets in place throughout the Sony Group. With Mr. Hirai at the center of a management team that will work together with the heads of each business group and platform, this new business structure is intended to establish rapid and optimized decision making processes as “One Sony,” that significantly reinforce and accelerate Sony's overall business management. The changes are effective April 1, 2012.

Under the leadership of Mr. Hirai, Corporate Executive Officers Masaru Kato, EVP and CFO, and Tadashi Saito, EVP and CSO (Chief Strategy Officer) will oversee the Sony Group's overall financial management, corporate and business strategies. With respect to the electronics businesses, in addition to Mr. Kato and Mr. Saito, Shoji Nemoto, Corporate Executive Officer and EVP who will oversee technology strategy, and Kunimasa Suzuki, Corporate Executive Officer and EVP, who will oversee product strategy, will take key roles in the management team that will support Mr. Hirai and work together with the heads of each business group, platform and headquarters function to quickly engage in the revitalization of Sony's electronics operations.

[Blah...]

 

[patsu]

Sony sees record $6.4 billion loss on tax hit
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/10/us-sony-idUSBRE83907220120410

Japan's Sony Corp flagged a record $6.4 billion annual net loss, double an earlier forecast and a fourth straight year of red ink, as it writes off deferred tax credits, heaping more pressure on its new CEO to turn around the electronics giant.

Sony, which plans to axe 10,000 jobs - around 6 percent of its global workforce - according to media reports this week, has been hammered by weak demand for its televisions and overtaken by more innovative gadget rivals such as Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics.

Yet, in a bid to ease investor concerns over its deteriorating bottom line, Sony forecast it would bounce back in the current year to end-March 2013 with an operating profit of 180 billion yen ($2.2 billion).

...

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai to host meeting on April 12th, 'One Sony' strategy likely focus
http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/5/2928390/sony-ceo-kaz-hirai-corporate-strategy-meeting

Hirai, who officially became President and CEO on April 1st, will be speaking at a corporate strategy meeting taking place on April 12th — though no real details were given about what exactly he'll be discussing.

...

The meeting will be available to watch as a webcast starting at 5:00PM JST (4:00AM EST), viewable at the source link below.

 

[patsu]

Sony Cancels PSN's Qore
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/122/1222701p1.html

"With this April episode, Qore concludes its run on the PlayStation Network. As a send off, the Qore team built one final DLC package: the Qore Ultimate Arcade features a compilation of 11 mini games offered through the series. Our thanks to all involved in the creation and production of Qore and to the many fans who regularly watched each month."

...

Should have done that long ago. They also have that Pulse monthly video update that does essentially the same thing for all PSN users.

 

[jonabbey]

Should have done that long ago. They also have that Pulse monthly video update that does essentially the same thing for all PSN users.

It was a nice production, but charging for an ad magazine never made much sense. They should have had the content up on YouTube and everywhere else.

 

[patsu]

It was a nice production, but charging for an ad magazine never made much sense. They should have had the content up on YouTube and everywhere else.

Yea, they launched Qore first. The subscription came with exclusive content and some freebies.

Then Pulse offers the same video magazine/newsletter + female presenter format, and is available to everyone for free.

Later, Sony rolled out Playstation Plus which offers more goodies and discounts than Qore. At which point, they should have terminated Qore.