VAIO P Continues to Tease Us

Sony Japan and its professionally done flashy (no pun intended) web pages continue to tease public with the forthcoming notebook. I really doubt it will be a netbook type, as Sony is not interested in that type of market, and I am pretty sure it will be a subnotebook, sort of the come back of VAIO Picturebook – C1 series.

Back to the story, check out the teaser preview and you will be able to catch some of the pictures of the keyboard and it looks like there is a tracking ball/nub. Not many VAIOs have those nubs and it will be definitely a nice addition to the notebook of this size.

Well, just a few more days left before this baby gets unveiled, so hang in there we will bring you all the deets soon enough!

Japan Is No Stranger To Financial Crisis

Japan’s industrial output dived at a record pace and core consumer inflation fell faster than forecast in November, putting the shrinking economy on course for a spell of deflation next year. With much of the developed world in recession and emerging economies quickly losing steam, many analysts think Japan‘s export-oriented economy could go through one of its sharpest contractions ever this quarter and next. As exports crumble at an unprecedented pace, Japanese companies are not only halting factory lines but also scrambling to slash jobs, which in turn is hurting domestic consumption.

“Production is falling like Niagara Falls. What’s going on now is beyond what Toyota and Sony had ever imagined.” – Mitsuru Saito, chief economist at Tokai Tokyo Securities.

Users Reporting Cracks Appearing On Certain XPERIA X1 Hardware

A forum topic on xda-developers.com has exploded with responses in regards to cracks showing up on certain Silver XPERIA X1 cell phones. The affected range of phones, with most made in Europe, seem to be somewhere around 08W44-08W46 production week (found on your phone’s information sticker), with consumers reporting cracks near the stylus compartment and some near the battery compartment. Read more comments at EngadgetMobile, or XDA-Developers.

Grundig Elektronik To Make Sony Bravia Televisions

No matter how you view it, Grundig Elektronik is one of Europe’s largest TV companies, making some 7 million units a year. In fact, they are the second largest TV manufacturer in Europe. On Friday, Grundig reported a deal with to produce Sony LCD TV’s, boosting their shares considerably. Grundig, which was formally known as Beko Eletronik, noted that they will produce two Sony Bravia models at the in-house plant in an exclusive deal with Sony United Kingdom Limited.

Shares in Grundig jumped 18.4 percent to 0.45 lira, while the main Istanbul share index was up 0.98 percent, a considerable reaction considering slow Christmas trading.

Photo courtesy juanxavier of flickr.

Rumored Vaio Netbook Is Going To Be Called The Vaio Pocket

Wow, and just like that SonyStyle has accidentally released specifications and a picture of the new Sony Vaio netbook that has been a source of rumors and speculation for the last few weeks. Specifications include a 1.33ghz Intel processor, Windows Vista (Home Premium or Basic), a 8′ LED display (1600×768), up to a 60GB hard drive (128GB SSD available), unknown battery life and unknown price. This will be referred to as the P series, for Pocket. Awesome!

It appears the P series will have the same aesthetics found in the TZ and TT series, and will be available in Crimson Red, Champange Gold and Black Silk. However, we cannot confirm or deny at this time if the picture included in the placeholder at SonyStyle is just a reused TT image or not. Pictures and information courtesy of SonyStyle. Happy Holidays!

Final Playstation Store Update For 2008

The last Playstation Network update for 2008 is impressive, and we give serious kudos to the Playstation team for keeping the Playstation store updated every week for most of 2008. Jeopardy’s price has been permanently reduced to $9.99. LUMINES Supernova arrives to the delight of many fans – and LittleBigPlanet gets a slew of Metal Gear Solid themed updates. Also, be sure to check out the The Lord of the Rings: Conquest Demo!

PULSE

PULSE 12/23 Edition
Today, as requested, we’re making PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network available as a free video download through the PlayStation Store. This original program is a high definition video showcase of what’s happening right now on PlayStation. You’ll find the current edition of Pulse in the New Releases section of the PS3 store.
File size: 184 MB (HD)

Price Update

Jeopardy (permanent price drop to $9.99)

Downloadable Games

LUMINES Supernova ($14.99)
Indulge in the fusion of puzzle, lights and music! The latest installment to the blockbuster franchise from Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Q Entertainment is packed with brand new skins and modes, exclusive to the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Puzzles, block-dropping beats and video entertainment combine to create a pulse-pounding experience that will keep you playing day after day!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 669 MB

Add-on Game Content

BUZZ! Quiz TV National Geographic: Undersea ($7.99)
The world famous National Geographic archives brings you the ultimate quiz on aquatic trivia. This BUZZ! Quiz TV quiz pack features over 500 new questions about everything undersea to play in any of your favorite BUZZ! Quiz TV game modes. Download this quiz pack today and turn your party into the ultimate trivia showdown. Challenge your friends and family with new questions and “Show ‘em Your Trivia!”
File size: 340 MB

High Velocity Bowling: Patches Pack One (free)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add this free downloadable Trick Shot Pack to your High Velocity Bowling selection, and get another opportunity for a gold star and some of those tough patches.
File size: 100 KB

High Velocity Bowling: Gutter Bird Ball (free)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool custom “Gutter Bird Ball” bowling ball, complete with a turkey inside cooked to a delicious golden brown. Download this free bowling ball today.
File size: 1.20 MB

Hot Shots Golf New Character Toro (free)
Happy Holidays everyone from your friends on the Hot Shots golf development team. As a gift from us to you, please enjoy this new playable character “Toro”. Toro is a fun loving character who likes to do things the easy way especially in the ways he plays golf.
File size: 100 KB

LittleBigPlanet – Solid Snake Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this costume to dress up like Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid.
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet – Meryl Silverburgh Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this costume to dress up like Meryl Silverburgh from Metal Gear Solid.
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet – Screaming Mantis Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this costume to dress up like Screaming Mantis from Metal Gear Solid.
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet – Raiden Costume ($1.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this costume to dress up like Raiden from Metal Gear Solid.
NOTE: to download this costume, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet – Metal Gear Solid Costume Kit($5.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this costume kit to dress up like Screaming Mantis, Meryl Silverburgh, Raiden or Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid.
NOTE: to download these costumes, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Metal Gear Solid Level Kit ($5.99)
Send Sackboy into a covert world of stealth and intrigue with this downloadable collection of Metal Gear Solid goodies.
NOTE: to download this Level Kit, you must already own LittleBigPlanet.
File size: 1.04 MB

PAIN: Ao No Kutsu Character ($0.99)
Say hello to PAIN’s biggest launchee yet (literally), Ao No Kutsu! Sumo wrestler by day, and Rock & Roll idolizer by night, “The King of Sumo” is available now to serve up the PAIN in mammoth portions.
File size: 100 KB

Disgaea 3 Adell DLC ($1.99)
This package file adds a new custom character called Adell from Disgaea 2.
File size: 100 KB

Disgaea 3 Disgaea 2 Character Pack ($4.99)
This package file adds a new custom characters Adell, Rozalin, Nekomata. You also receive the Disgaea 2 Main Char Theme for free with purchase!
File size: 100 KB

Disgaea 3 Nekomata DLC ($0.99)
This package file adds a new custom character called Nekomata.
File size: 100 KB

Disgaea 3 Rozalin DLC ($1.99)
This package file adds a new custom character called Rozalin from Disgaea 2.
File size: 100 KB

LUMINES Supernova Holiday Pack (free)
This free LUMINES Supernova download pack contains 20 special holiday-themed skins! Seasons greetings from Q Entertainment!
File size: 148 MB

Guitar Hero World Tour
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com

• “Because of You” by Nickelback ($1.99)
• Light It Up” by Rev Theory ($1.99)
• “Use Me” by Hinder ($1.99)
• Hard Rock Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring “Light It Up” by Rev Theory, “Because of You” by Nickelback, and “Use Me” by Hinder.
• Reggae Rock Track Pack (free) – Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring “Your Face” by Pepper, “Jimi” by Slightly Stoopid, and “Sacrifice” by Expendables.

File sizes: 38 MB – 44 MB (singles), 118 MB – 123 MB (track packs)

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2
Expand your Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 library by purchasing these tracks.

• In the Air Tonight ($1.49)
• Time Of The Season ($1.49)
• Too Little Too Late ($1.49)

File sizes: 18 MB – 29 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “DOA” – Foo Fighters ($1.99)
• “This is a Call” – Foo Fighters ($1.99)
• “Times Like These” – Foo Fighters ($1.99)
• Foo Fighters Pack 1 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Foo Fighters Pack 01. This pack includes: “DOA,” “This Is A Call,” and “Times Like These” by Foo Fighters.
• “Blue Christmas” – The Pretenders ($0.99)
• “Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You” – Billy Squier($0.99)
• “Hanukkah Blessings” – Barenaked Ladies ($0.99)
• Rockin’ the Holidays 2008 Pack ($2.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Rockin’ the Holidays 2008 Pack. This pack includes: “Blue Christmas” by The Pretenders, “Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You” by Billy Squier, and “Hanukkah Blessings” by Barenaked Ladies.

File sizes: 15 MB – 35 MB (singles) 65 MB – 94 MB (track packs)

Shaun White Snowboarding Glamour Pack – Regular Edition ($4.99)
Get ready for new gear that’s guaranteed to turn heads on the mountain! With new boards, jackets, pants and a bunch more, we will get you outfitted from head to toe in style with this first Shaun White Snowboarding gear pack. Not compatible with the Target Edition. The Target Edition version of this pack is available separately – please be sure to download the correct one for your edition of the game.
File size: 44 MB

Shaun White Snowboarding Glamour Pack – Target Edition ($4.99)
Get ready for new gear that’s guaranteed to turn heads on the mountain! With new boards, jackets, pants and a bunch more, we will get you outfitted from head to toe in style with this first Shaun White Snowboarding gear pack. Only compatible with the Target Edition. The regular edition version of this pack is available separately – please be sure to download the correct one for your edition of the game.
File size: 44 MB

Game Demos (free)

The Lord of the Rings: Conquest Demo
Download The Lord of the Rings: Conquest online multiplayer demo and choose your side! Fight for either Good or Evil in the battle for Middle-earth!
File size: 1.28 GB

Game Videos (free)

PULSE 12/23 Edition
PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network is a free high definition video showcase of what’s happening right now on PlayStation. Featuring new game releases, demos, movie and television arrivals available for your PS3 and PSP systems, PULSE is a fast-paced new source to keep you connected and informed about the world of PlayStation. Hosted by Christina Lee.
File size: 184 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice Disgaea 2 Character Theme ($0.99)
File size: 1.38 MB

The Dark Knight: Batman Theme ($1.99)
File size: 2.37 MB

The Dark Knight: Harvey Dent Theme ($1.99)
File size: 1.92 MB

The Dark Knight: Joker Theme ($1.99)
File size: 2.36 MB

Resident Evil: Degeneration Theme (free)
File size: 7.59 MB

University of Virginia ($1.99)
File size: 5.20 MB

School Girls ($1.49)
File size: 4.82 MB

Digital Blast ($1.49)
File size: 5.92 MB

Bikini Photo Shoot ($1.99)
File size: 5.29 MB

Alpine Winters ($1.49)
File size: 6.16 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)

Savage Moon Wallpaper 1
File size: 223 KB (HD) 949 KB (1080)

Savage Moon Wallpaper 2
File size: 198 KB (HD) 953 KB (1080)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games

* Suikoden ($5.99) (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Enter an ancient world full of bravey, mysticism, and romance as you discover your true destiny in this epic RPG. Head up the Liberation Army and gather up to 108 companions to join your struggle, and call the shots in large-scale warfare. Download this PS one classic today!
File size: 332 MB

Entertainment Weekly Says Raphael Saadiq’s ‘The Way I See It’ Most Overlooked CD Of 2008

Raphael Saadiq (born Charlie Ray Wiggins on May 14, 1966 in Oakland, California) is an American singer, songwriter and record producer associated with the soul music movement. In September of this year, he released The Way I See It, “a truly cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable body of work that pays tribute to the golden era of iconic soul labels like Motown, Stax, and Hot Wax.” Entertainment Weekly goes on to state that his sound “is a foot-tapping, finger-snapping delight.”  The album was nominated for three 2009 Grammy Awards nominations, including Best R&B Album, Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. The Way I See It was produced by Pookie Entertainment/Columbia Records, and Sony BMG.

Saadiq said, “While making the album, I watched videos by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Green, The Four Tops … And fused them all together.”

Happy Holidays From Sony Insider

On behalf of myself and the other staff of Sony Insider, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for making Sony Insider one of the most popular destinations for Sony news on the Internet. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our trusted sources, readers, and Sony.

Here are some common holiday phrases used around the world, courtesy of Wikipedia:

• Maligayang Pasko- Tagalog for Merry Christmas
• Happy Holidays – United States, Canada
• Sretan Božić – Croatian for Happy Christmas
• Kales yortes” or “Kala Christouyenna” – Greek for Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas
• Buon Natale – Italian for Happy Christmas
• Buone Feste – Italian for Happy Holidays
• Feliz Natal – Portuguese for Happy Christmas
• Boas Festas – Portuguese and Galician for Happy Holidays
• Feliz Navidad – Castilian lit. “Happy Nativity”
• Felices Fiestas – Castilian for Happy Holidays
• Shin Jileen Mend Khurgey – Mongolian for Happy New Year
• Bon Nadal – Catalan for Happy Christmas
• Crăciun Fericit! Romanian for Merry Christmas
• Season’s Greetings – United Kingdom Christmas cards, not usually spoken
• Happy Halloween – Canada, United States
• Trick or Treat – Canada, United States , the combined threat and request for candy of children at each door they visit on Halloween.
• The sky is blue, the grass is green, may we have our Halloween – Scotland
• Happy Thanksgiving – Canada, United States
• Merry Christmas – United Kingdom, Australia, United States, The phrase is often immediately followed by and a Happy New Year.
• Happy Christmas – United Kingdom
• Merry Xmas – Written English (often informal), referencing the Greek word Χριστος, for Christ.
• Yuletide can generally refer to the period of cultural festivities surrounding Yule, Winter solstice, Christmas and the New Year.
• God jul – Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, lit. “Good Yule”
• Hyvää joulua – Finnish
• Häid jõule – Estonian
• Prettige Kerstdagen en een gelukkig nieuwjaar – Dutch
• Geseënde Kersfees en ‘n voorspoedige nuwe jaar – Blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year – Afrikaans speaking South Africans
• Glædelig jul – Danish
• Joyous Yule – Usually a Wiccan or Neopagan greeting for the Winter solstice
• Joyeux Noël – France, French Canada, Louisiana, Switzerland
• Joyeuses Fêtes – French for Happy Holidays used in French Canada
• Frohe Weihnachten/Fröhliche Weihnachten – German for Merry Christmas
• Mele Kalikimaka – Hawaiian, is preferred over the traditional American “Merry Christmas” in the U.S. state of Hawaii; made popular worldwide by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters in 1950 in song
• Nollaig Shona Duit – Ireland, (Irish Language), Gaeilge, lit. “You have a happy Christmas”.
• Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda – Wales (by Welsh speakers), “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”
• S’Rozhdestvom Kristovym! (С Рождеством Христовым!) or, more commonly, simply S Rozhdestvom! for the informal Christmas greeting, while the traditional religious greeting is Khrystos razhdayetsya! (Христос рождается, meaning “Christ is born!”) and the traditional response is Slavite! (Cлавите!, meaning “Let us glorify him!”). – Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholic countries
• Happy Kwanzaa – English greeting used before Kwanzaa.
• Wesołych Świąt – Polish greeting used before Christmas (literally ‘Happy Holidays’).
• Habari Gani – Swahili for “What’s the news?” is the daily greeting for each of the seven days of Kwanzaa.
• Happy Hanukkah or Happy Chanukah – English
• Chag Sameach – Hebrew for “Joyous festival”, used for most Jewish festivals.
• Gut Yontiff – Yiddish for “good holiday” used for non festival holidays.
• L’Shanah Tovah – Hebrew, Lit. “a good year”. Common greeting during Rosh Hashanah and Days of Awe. It is derived from L’shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem, lit. “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year”.
• Have an easy fast – the solemn greeting for Yom Kippur.
• Happy New Year – often yelled at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
• It’s a Festivus for the rest of us! – yelled enthusiastically to explain the meaning of the holiday Festivus
• ‘A’yād Sa’īdah أعياد سعيدة – Arabic for “Happy Holidays”
• Mīlād Majīd ميلاد مجيد – Arabic for “Merry Christmas” as used in Syria and several other countries
• Kull ‘ām wa ‘antum bikhair كل عام وأنتم بخير – Arabic for “May every year find you (plural) in good health”
• ‘Īd sa‘īd عيد سعيد – Arabic for “Happy Eid” or “Happy Holiday”
• Taqabbala Allāhu minnā wa minkum تقبل الله منا ومنكم – Arabic for “May God accept from us, and from you”
• Īd mubārak عيد مبارك – Arabic for “Blessed Eid” is used to greet at the end of Ramadan on Eid ul-Fitr
• Ramaḍān Karīm رمضان كريم – Arabic for “Blessed Ramadan” is used to greet at the beginning of Ramadan
• Bayramınız Mübarek Olsun – Turkey – “(is a celebration of Ramadan (religious holiday)”
• Iyi Seneler – Turkey – “Happy New Year”
• Selamat Hari Raya or Salam Aidilfitri – Malay and Indonesia
• maaf zahir dan batin – Lit. “Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)”
• Bon Carnaval – A French, Creole, or Cajun carnival greeting often used for Mardi Gras.
• Happy Easter – English
• Christ is Risen, replied to with He is Risen Indeed – Spoken in various languages, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholic countries – Christos Voskresse! (Христос возкресе) replied to with Vo istina voskresse! (Во истина Воскресе!) – Bulgarian – Kristus syntyy, kiittäkää! (Finnish) – Kristus födes, lovsjungen (Swedish) – Kristõs šõdd, spä’ssbõõžžâd (Skolt Sami) – Hrisos rodieu, kiittäkkiä (Karelian)
• Saehae Bok Mani baduseyo – Korean “Happy New Year”
• Linksmų Šv. Kalėdų ir Naujųjų Metų – Lithuanian “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”
• Gëzuar Krishtëlindjen dhe Vitin e Ri – Albanian, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”
• کریسمس مبارک – Persian “Merry Christmas”
• Vrolijk Kerstfeest en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar – Dutch, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”
• С Новым Годом (S Novim Godom) – Russian, – Happy New Year Lit. “With a New Year”
• “Шинэ жилийн мэнд хүргэе” Shini jiliin mend hurgie, -Mongolian,- Happy New Year
• Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!! Filipino, greeting for “merry Christmas and Happy New Year”
• Среќна Нова Година и Божиќни празници, Srekna Nova Godina i Bozikni praznici – Macedonian (Makedonski)
• “Христос се роди!” answer: “Воистину се роди!” or: “Srećan Božić” (Serbian) “Merry Christmas”
• Boldog karácsonyt/Kellemes karácsonyi ünnepeket : Merry Christmas/Pleasant Christmas Holidays in Hungarian, Kellemes húsvéti ünnepeket: Pleasant Easter Holidays– in Hungarian( Magyar)
• gōng xǐ fā cái – Chinese (Mandarin), “Congratulations and Prosperity”
• xīn nián kuài lè – Chinese (Mandarin), “Happy New Year”.^[7]

What’s Wrong With This Sony Walkman Ad?

Sony invests a lot of money in marketing in just about every region of the world. In this advertisement, we see singer Eva Avila listening to a Walkman. However, sometimes artists have to digitally alter an image to ensure the best possible picture. Sometimes, those alterations don’t exactly look natural. Can you spot the problem with this ad?

Image courtesy Photoshop Disasters.

More Vaio Netbook Hype By Sony Japan

Sony Japan updated their VAIO site today with a teaser flash introduction featuring the Vaio netbook that is set to debut on January 9th. Sony New Zealand had put up a countdown clock to the said date as well, which signals that employees in the marketing and Vaio divisions are really freaking excited about this product. It’s good to see Sony feeding into hype-driven marketing schemes that technically savvy Internet users love to eat up. Sony wouldn’t have done a marketing campaign like this five to ten years ago. If you click here, you can see a woman getting out a small UMPC-like object out of her hand bag.

Clicking on the flash animation takes you to another page where you can sign up for an email newsletter (provided you can read Japanese and have a Sony Shop ID).