Sony Makes It Easier For Independent Publishers To Get On The eBook Store

Continuing to deliver on its promise to provide customers access to the widest selection of content available, Sony today announced relationships with Author Solutions and Smashwords. Together with Sony, these companies will give independent authors and small publishers the opportunity to offer content through The eBook Store from Sony.

Starting today, established publishers as well as independent authors and smaller publishers can access Sony’s newly re-launched Publisher Portal. This portal serves as an easy way for larger publishers who may not already have a relationship with Sony to get in touch and also provides a way for individual authors or publishers with just a handful of titles to work with market-proven solution providers to publish books and make them available on Sony’s eBook store.

“We’re committed to providing our customers access to the broadest range of eBook content available and believe these collaborations will allow us to expand the store selection with a host of compelling works from independent sources,” said Chris Smythe, director of the eBook Store from Sony. “Additionally, we recognize that it is important to provide independent authors and publishers the opportunity to quickly and easily bring their ideas and content to a wide audience of readers.”

New authors can select a self-publishing path and get their work published and for sale on Sony’s eBook Store in as little as ten days. As Sony completes the conversion of its eBook store to the industry-standard EPUB format, Smashwords and Authors Solution will expand the offer to all existing Author Solutions and Smashwords authors to get their titles up on the Sony site.

“Author Solutions is pleased to work with Sony to make our titles available through the Sony eBook store,” Author Solutions, Inc. CEO Kevin Weiss said. “ASI is the leader in the fastest-growing segment in book publishing — bringing to market more than 20,000 new titles annually. To best serve our authors, it is imperative that we make their content available digitally to a multitude of readers.”

“We’re thrilled to help power the new Sony Publisher Portal,” said Mark Coker, founder and CEO of Smashwords, a publisher and distributor of multi-format eBooks. “The free Smashwords service makes it easy for any author or publisher, anywhere in the world, to distribute their eBooks via the eBook Store from Sony. Authors and publishers simply upload their manuscript to Smashwords as a Microsoft Word document, select the price, and then we manage the conversion and distribution.”

Author Solutions and Smashwords will offer authors the option to publish content in the EPUB format, the International Digital Publishing Forum’s (IDPF) XML-based standard format for reflowable digital books and publications. EPUB has gained acceptance among major trade book publishers with dozens of publishers already producing the majority of their eBooks using the standard. Sony recently announced that the company is transitioning its content library to the EPUB format.

Some Upcoming Sony Blu-ray Movies To Include PSP Digital Copies

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced that they will be adding digital copies of movies compatible with the PSP on future Blu-ray releases. The digital copies will not be playable on PCs or other digital devices, the studio said. So, future Blu-ray releases from Sony could have not one digital copy, but two – one for your PC, one for your PSP. Pretty wild. The first Blu-ray Disc titles containing the digital copies are slated to appear Nov. 10 and include “Godzilla” and “The Ugly Truth.” Consumers will be able to transfer the digital copy of the movie to the PSP via the Blu-ray drive on a PS3. What’s bothersome however is that there is no word if this feature is available for standalone Blu-ray players. Also, I was wondering – is this what Sony was hinting at back during CES 2008?

“This latest enhancement to Blu-ray and Digital Copy demonstrates the versatility of the format and its ability to deliver a multi-platform video experience,” said Rich Marty, VP of new business development at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. “It also showcases the unique advantage that the PlayStation 3 brings to the Blu-ray consumer.”

Sony’s New DPP-F700 Digital Photo Frame Has A Printer, Too

I’m seeing some information pop up on the web about the upcoming Sony DPP-F700 digital photo frame, pictured here in black. Slated for a November release, the DPP-F700 is proof that Sony is really trying to unionize their hardware where possible and offer unique, stylish multitasking gadgets. Adding a printer to a digital photo frame is really an amusing principle. 10-15 years ago a photo frame was where a picture was immortalized and hung on a wall or sat on a desk somewhere in your home/office. Today, Sony’s vision of the photo frame has a 7 inch (16:10, WVGA 800×480) screen, 1GB of memory, the option of showcasing time/date in up to 21 different templates, and can print pictures. It would be cool to have this in your house somewhere common so friends could print out their favorite pictures while visiting. I can see some people saying that this device is too fancy, unnecessary when you can just go to the drug store and so forth to get pictures, but this is a smart device. It’s also an electronics company consolidating resources into a single product that can satisfy more consumers. Sony already had a similar portable printer line earlier this year anyways and this evolution makes sense.

Its also compatible with both Windows and Mac via USB, and the DPP-F700 digital photo frame has multiple direct inputs that support a wide range of card storage formats such as Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, SD Card, SDH Card, CF Card, and xD-Picture Card.

The DPP-F700 allows users to print photos instantly at professional quality through Dye-Sublimation in 4 x 6-inch printouts at 300 x 300 dpi. Integrating TruFast technology, printouts are resistant to fingerprint marks, water, as well as discoloration when exposed to light, allowing them to easily preserve vivid memorable moments. With a simple touch of the button, users can also print pictures from the frame in under a minute. Compatible color print packs include SVM-F40P, F120P, F40L1, and F120L. Simple editing functions such as rotating, zooming, and cropping photos are available on the DPP-F700. Additionally, the supplied remote control makes it easier for users to highlight specific pictures by searching for them via folder or marks. Users can also personalize their photos with more than 30 Calendar and Layout designs available, or print ID photos (with or without borders) for use with formal documents.

However, there is no Alarm, no auto dimmer, no HDMI (and therefore no PhotoHD TV compatibility), and several other items of interest. Read the complete specifications for the DPP-F700. A german website who saw spotted it way early at IFA 2009 quoted “200 Euros” for the price. With it listed in Asia Pacific as well, it’s a good indicator this could be a worldwide product coming to America/Europe around November or CES.

Information gathered from Sony Singapore, Sony New Zealand, and heise Foto.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs Still #1

I recently saw Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs in 3D (Sony Pictures Animation) at the theater with my girlfriend here in Roswell, Georgia. This was the first time I had actually seen a full animation in 3D as well, and my girlfriend’s first polarized 3D movie. I was not surprised that the glasses they gave us were RealD’s polarized 3D glasses, which I saw earlier in the year at CES 2009. It really seems that RealD has solidified the 3D market – I see them absolutely everywhere. I’m surprised Sony hasn’t purchased RealD by now, as they have consistently used RealD 3D glasses in every single major Sony corporate, tradeshow, and 3D theater presentation for a considerable amount of time.

Cloudy was a really good flick – as I reported back in 2008 it was a based on the bestselling children’s book written by Judi Barrett. The animation was outstanding, the story was amusing and charming all over. It’s no surprise that a smart comedy with a little bit of drama being told in stunning graphics can pull good numbers in. Cloudy only had a 19% drop in revenue compared to last week and made a respectable $24.6 million, while most movies will drop 50% on average. This is a great family flick – it’s also cute enough for a date (if they are lighthearted).

As for the 3D experience, I truly believe the movie was made for 3D, and I wouldn’t want to see it regularly. A kid would absolutely cherish this movie, and probably be hungry afterwards. So try and feed them before you go. Each item falling from the sky was more impressive than the next (namely because they got bigger), and the overall wide shots felt like they had incredible detail because of the dimensionality of 3D. I’m not so sure if the sense of depth was as good as live 3D, but I’ll deal with it. My girlfriend liked the movie alot, and for someone who gets headaches easily the 3D didn’t bother her. She was impressed with the 3D and would gasp at times, and even afterwards kept the glasses. How naughty.

The movie didn’t feel too long and I felt interested to keep along with the story. It seems like often when I watch things the story loses me after a while but this was fun. Cloudy will definitely be a hit in the long run, and it’s Blu-ray release could coincide with the launch of 3D at home. Highly recommended.

Violinist Joshua Bell’s Latest CD, At Home With Friends, Full Of Instrumental And Vocal Duets

Joshua Bell, the Grammy-winning Sony Masterworks violinist, fulfills a life-long dream of recording a CD of instrumental and vocal duets with a colorful roster of musicians in his upcoming album At Home With Friends (available September 29th), including Josh Groban, Sting, Kristin Chenoweth, Regina Spektor, and Chris Botti, among others. The concept of At Home With Friends was inspired by Bell’s long-time practice of holding “musical soirées” at his New York residence — eclectic gatherings of musicians, actors, comics, literary figures, and others who convene for the sheer joy of sharing their art in an informal setting. With this in mind, Bell has spent the past four years designing and building his home in Manhattan to accommodate the ideal stay-at-home venue.

Of his inspiration for the album, Bell says: “Some of my most precious memories of childhood recall the ‘family musicales’ in my home — my sisters, my parents, my cousins all playing music together and for each other during the holidays. Since then I went on to have many thrilling experiences in concert halls, but I still enjoy the experience of making music with my friends and family in a small, intimate setting. There’s nothing like sitting on a pillow by the piano surrounded by passionate artists, not quite sure who’s going to get up next to perform. It’s my hope that this recording figuratively transports listeners into the room with us.”

Bell’s instrument is a 300-year-old Stradivarius violin called the Gibson ex Huberman violin, which was made in 1713 during what is known as Antonio Stradivari‘s “Golden Era.” This violin had been stolen twice from the previous owner, Bronisław Huberman; the last time the thief confessed to the act on his deathbed. Bell had held and played the violin, and its owner at the time jokingly told Bell the violin could be his for four million dollars. Shortly thereafter, by chance, Bell came across the violin again and discovered it was about to be sold to a German industrialist to become part of a collection. According to his website, Bell “was practically in tears.” Bell then reportedly sold his current Stradivarius, the Tom Taylor, for a little more than two million dollars and made the purchase of the Gibson ex Huberman for a little under the four million dollar asking price.

Here is the tracklisting:

• 1 Porgy & Bess/I Loves You Porgy / Chris Botti 4:16
• 2 Come Again 3:59
• 3 Oblivion / Carel Kraayenhof 3:57
• 4 Cinema Paradiso / Josh Groban 4:31
• 5 Para Ti / Tiempo Libre 3:48
• 6 My Funny Valentine / Kristin Chenoweth 5:49
• 7 Maybe So / Mike Marshall 4:53
• 8 Allegretto Espressivo Alla Romanza from Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Pi 6:44
• 9 Eleanor Rigby / Frankie Moreno 4:03
• 10 Oh, Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair, Op. 4 No. 4 / Nathan Gunn 4:16
• 11 Il Postino/Theme / Carel Kraayenhof 3:44
• 12 Left Hand Song / Regina Spektor 3:29
• 13 Chovendo Na Roseira / Dave Grusin 4:18
• 14 Look Away / Chris Thile 9:05
• 15 Variant Moods, For Violin & Sitar/Abridged / Anoushka Shankar 3:33
• 16 I’ll Take Manhattan 4:11

There is also a bonus track included with the Barnes and Noble edition of At Home With Friends – White Christmas (Bonus Track) / Chris Botti  4:10.

Sony Cuts Price Of Regular PSP In Japan

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan President Sean Ladyen revealed a price cut for the regular PlayStation Portable model at Tokyo Game Show in Makuhari near Tokyo yesterday. This includes the Black, Grey and White models as well as the Carnival Colors. Layden announced a price cut in Japan for its PlayStation Portable model called PSP-3000 by 15 percent to 16,800 yen ($190) from 19,800 yen ($220), starting Oct. 1. The price had already been cut in the U.S. to $169. In comparison to the Slim and Lite, the PSP-3000 has an improved LCD screen with an increased color range, five times the contrast ratio, half the pixel response time to reduce ghosting and blurring effects, a new sub-pixel structure, a microphone, a new disc tray design, new button designs and logos, and anti-reflective technology to improve outdoor playability.

Sony Offers New Backstage Remote Computer Service

Sony Electronics is offering additional choices for consumers to optimize their experience with their VAIO PCs. A new Backstage Remote service allows online technicians to diagnose, repair, and upgrade devices remotely so consumers don’t have to leave their homes. Backstage Remote complements the existing Backstage services offered at all 44 Sony Style stores nationwide.

“We know consumers are extremely busy and when they need PC support they don’t always have time to come into our stores,” said Steven Nickel, Vice President, Backstage Services Group. “Backstage Remote allows us to provide a high level of support at the convenience of the customer.”

Customers can select from a menu of services starting at $39.99, like PC Tune Up, PC Software Repair, Data Back-up and setting up your digital camera to transfer pictures to your PC. For PC support, a technician assumes control of the PC remotely and provides the diagnosis and repair or upgrade. Upon completion, the technician provides a receipt of services rendered A complete list of services includes:

• Tune Up
• PC Diagnosis
• PC Software Repair
• Data Backup
• Online Data Backup
• One-On-One Orientation
• Setting up your VAIO
• Setting up your Printer
• Setting up a Home Network
• Setting up your Digital Camera

Additionally, Backstage Premium Technical PC Services and Hardware Repair are available in-store, and are provided by Sony Certified Technicians. Services include new VAIO(R) PC Set-up, software installations, memory upgrades, post-sales PC service and repair facilitation for VAIO PCs. Backstage services enrich VAIO PC ownership throughout the life of a VAIO PC, offering value and peace of mind. Regardless of where the product was purchased, Backstage services provide personalized care at each of our Sony Style stores through dedicated and Sony Certified Technicians.

Backstage Remote services are available starting September 23, 2009. To purchase services, customers should call 866-807-7616 or log on to www.backstageremote.com. Currently Sony Backstage Remote offers Premium Fee-based Support services. For In-Warranty Sony support under the original manufacturer warranty, please contact (888) 476-6972. For extended service plan support, contact your plan provider:

Sony: (866) 374-0134
Best Buy: (888) 237-8289
Circuit City: (800) 555-4615

Sony Electronics Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In the month of October, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized by survivors, family and friends of survivors and/or victims of the disease. A pink ribbon is worn to recognize the struggle that sufferers face when battling with the cancer. Sony Electronics will donate $110,000 in conjunction with sales made in October from the Reader Pocket Edition bundle in Rose, and Vaio W series Mini Notebook bundle VPCW111XX/PC to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. We were not able to locate ordering pages for these items yet, but we imagine they will be available soon at SonyStyle.  BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Internet Uproar Over Sony PSP Go Lack Of UMD-to-PSP Conversion For USA

The big PlayStation story of today is definitely the revelation of no UMD-to-PSP conversion for PSP Go owners. This means you can not play or download digital versions of the UMD game you already own, and Sony Computer Entertainment America has scrapped plans for any type of conversion service. This is a tough move for Sony, and from some of the comments I’ve seen around the web they will lose some prospective customers from this choice. But how expensive and tedious would it be to court every single developer and have digital versions of every game? I’m not really clear about the logistics of it all but it sounds like an enormous task. It could be done, though. Just imagine if Sony DID have digital versions of every game to download. It would be the true gaming app store.

Of course, there are other issues. “We were evaluating a UMD conversion program but due to legal and technical reasons we will not be offering the program at this time,” a Sony representative told IGN.

I can see the logic in a move like this, though. The regular PSP is at a very attractive price point, is available right now with an unbelievable wealth of games, and has a solid base of users. For new gamers getting into the PSP scene the PSP Go is an attractive product because it is small, gorgeous, and has a large gaming library to choose from as well. All games released after October 1st on UMD will have a downloadable version. It is a shame they won’t be offering some free games to existing PSP owners purchasing it. Sony Europe is offering several free games for UMD owners, so why can’t the USA?

Sony Sells 1 Million PS3′s Globally In Three Weeks Since Price Cut

Well, while I always thought a price cut on the PS3 would be a strong play for Sony, I didn’t realize it would be that strong. Sony released word that they have sold one million Playstation 3 (and PS3 slim) devices since the cut and introduction of the PS3 Slim 3 weeks ago. Sony really played the price cut right by lowering the price of  the existing Playstation 3 immediately, and also informing people that a slimmer, more enhanced model was coming. It gave consumers the two things they wanted: options, and a lower price. I think I could make some pretty crazy economic formulas to represent how  just $50 can totally change momentum for console like this. Sony is looking alot stronger going into the holiday season, and I think interest in the PS3 and new PSP Go will drive great sales for the company.

Anyway, he PS3 is priced at 29,980 yen in Japan, 10,000 yen less than its earlier version. The recommended retail price is 299 dollars in North America and 299 euros in Europe.

However, I feel that the Playstation team is lagging behind in America – it is time to bring a network of streaming television channels. Why can’t we have a Playstation Network Channel listing with videos from Engadget, Gizmodo, gdgt, the dozen or so awesome Playstation-related sites and so forth? The Playstation 3 content teams need to start forming relationships with all these new young websites that are venturing further into video. There also needs to be a way to enjoy movies we’ve purchased or rented off the Playstation Store with others in Home.

Regardless of my ideas, Sony is still sailing strong with the Motion Controller. While some have found rather interesting ways to negatively describe it, I still consider it a strong play for Sony to capture interest in new areas – kids and those other elusive market segments gobbled up by the Wii. The Motion Controller is a way to attract those audiences who felt the console was too complicated, and cater to those who are already a fan of it. What’s more impressive is that Sony can now say that this is an intelligent console for kids; the Motion Controller could fuel education games in a way never before possible. The Wii is also capable of this experience, but the PS3 has much more advanced graphics and storage capability with Blu-ray discs.

Jack Tretton, chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, said he expects the price cuts and a lineup of popular games due ahead of the Christmas holiday will lift the entire video game industry, following some six months of sales declines.

“In a very difficult economy, I couldn’t be more optimistic about our fortunes for the rest of the year and for the future,” he said.

But he noted that higher demand for the PS3 could leave some retailers out of stock.

“If things continue at this pace, it is conceivable that there will be product shortages,” Tretton said.