A Sony TV With An Intel Atom Processor And Google Services Coming Soon

Rumors of Sony integrating Intel hardware and Google software into a television are heating up once again, thanks to the WSJ and Bloomberg. Sony is apparently moving forward with integrating a custom Atom processor (usually found in netbooks) and a special version of Android (codenamed Dragonpoint) in TV’s.

Why? The purpose of this venture is running Android-based software on Sony TV’s and set-top boxes, which could enable new functionalities and create a new software development ecosystem. Currently, the “app” world is pretty much limited to mobile devices. The possibilities are endless – a web browser for your TV, for example. Android integration into your TV could also enable a Google-styled search service, which allows users to access and search programming from the Internet and satellite (and possibly cable) providers.

Logitech, a juggernaut in computer peripherals, may also be on board with a keyboard that can also work as a remote control, according to Bloomberg.

The news may possibly become official as early as next month at the Google I/O conference on May 19/20th, according to “people familiar with the matter.”

Sony Electronics HQ In San Diego Awarded LEED Gold Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council Institute recently announced the newest U.S. facility to earn the prestigious – the Sony Electronics (SEL) headquarters building in San Diego. The LEED certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

“When we began laying out initial plans for our headquarters, we knew we wanted green to play a major role in its construction,” said Ed Cotter, Executive Vice President, Sony Electronics. “As a major consumer electronics company, we take sustainability very seriously and seek out efforts to reduce our environmental footprint wherever possible.”

The building design integrated a number of green elements in accordance with the Green Building Council’s LEED requirements, including 80 bicycle racks, 140 spaces reserved for vehicles opting to carpool, and 76 set aside for fuel-efficient vehicles, to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Climate change remains a big environmental problem throughout the globe,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “But innovative companies like Sony Electronics are helping address the issue through local solutions such as building sustainable facilities.”

SEL maneuvered more than 92 percent of the building construction debris away from local landfills. In addition, open space accounts for 29 percent of the lot, with vegetation making up 52 percent more than double the requirement.

Building materials, local resources

Nearly 15 percent of the buildings materials are local, garnered from within 500 miles of the sites location in the Rancho Bernardo community. A minimum of 75 percent of the wood used in the framing, flooring and furniture is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council a non-profit organization that promotes the responsible management of the world s forests and 47 percent of the building materials have been manufactured using recycled materials.

Water efficiency

The buildings use of low-flow water fixtures ensures rates of water usage up to 47 percent lower than current codes, in conjunction with the use of condensate water from air-conditioning units. The building also captures 90 percent of storm water runoff onsite.

Energy and atmosphere

SEL designed its headquarters to maximize energy performance by 22.6 percent with the installation of lighting sensors throughout the building in addition to variable speed drives for A/C units.

Solar panels are installed on the building’s parking garage to collect energy for the local utility company, a feature that offsets nearly five percent of the total energy cost. The buildings designers also optimized the use of natural lighting in its construction 75 percent of the facilities total square footage receives natural sunlight.

This information is a press release that originally appeared on Sony Electronics News; photos by Costea Photography.

PS3 Slim Redesigned

Sony has made a few changes to the core hardware of the PS3 that should hopefully get them closer to the hardware break even point.

The Reality Synthesizer (RSX) Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) has seen some changes during the PS3 life-cycle. Initially it was 90nm during launch, later it was reduced to 65nm, and now another change to 40nm. Reducing the chipset is not only inline with industry reductions of larger chips, but it also serves to reduce power consumption and heat which is crucial in a relatively tight space. To date the PS3 Slim units have not experienced the YLOD (yellow light of death) in mass quantities, and this revision should help to reduce that phenomenon.

This new version CECH-2100A contains a few other changes as well. The power supply weighs less, the heatsink is more simple,the internal cooling unit is much smaller as well resulting in an overall lighter console. Further the XD DRAM configuration was changed from being 4x512Mb to 2x1Gb. This is very similar to the future layout that Goto-san described back in 2006.

PocketNews performed the tear down and examination of the system. They also took a look at power consumption and how it relates to the new version:

While it’s not currently available in the US yet, Amazon.co.jp has it available. Lower power consumption, less heat and cheaper manufacturing costs is a win for everyone.

Images courtesy of PocketNews

Sony Dash Now Available

The Sony Dash, a device with a 7 inch touchscreen with access to personalized Internet content via Wi-Fi, is now available to US consumers at SonyStyle and various retailers for $199. Think of it as the alarm clock for the 21st century. After being introduced at CES 2010, it was quickly apparent that the Dash was the biggest hit of the show and easily generated the most interest. And there’s a good reason for that – this is the adult version of a Chumby device (as twitter follower @glynnjamin put it). I’d have to agree – if you look at the current Chumby product, which the Dash is based on, there is something left to be desired in its design.

Sony changed that with the introduction of the Dash – it is a black, monolithic looking product with minimalistic styling that compliments nearly any environment it is placed in. Looks aren’t everything, either – the Dash is full to the brim with functionality.

We wish the Dash was portable (it requires a power source), was a little slimmer in size, and had a iPod/iPhone dock. Regardless, the 7 inch color touchscreen on this device utilizes Wi-Fi to serve more than a 1,500+ free applications, many provided by chumby; examples of apps include news, calendars, weather, sports, and social networking. This is great for people who are tired of waking up to the same old alarm clock that has remained relatively unchanged for decades. You can now wake up, quickly check the essentials online and not have to activate the laptop or phone. Every morning when I wake up I have to check my e-mail, twitter, weather, and baseball/football scores like many of you out there.

However, the applications aren’t just limited to those simple examples; the Dash is actually quite advanced for its $199 price tag. Through BRAVIA Internet Video, Dash can bring you TV episodes, films and additional video content and music from providers such as CBS, Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, Slacker and more. That’s pretty amazing.

And fortunately it’s not a one application at a time ecosystem, unlike other products currently on the market. Sony has noted, “Dash can multitask. For example, if used on a kitchen countertop, internet radio can be playing in the background while you use your Dash to follow a recipe step-by-step.”

Here’s the rest of today’s press release which highlights some other things I didn’t mention above -

With Dash, a playlist of your own personalized internet world is constantly refreshed and pushed to you, reducing the need to search for your favorite content or to log onto your favorite sites. Dash also allows you to “wake up a whole new way” with music videos, internet radio, or any video content available on the Dash instead of a traditional alarm clock buzzer.

Further, Dash can multitask. For example, if used on a kitchen countertop, internet radio can be playing in the background while you use your Dash to follow a recipe step-by-step.

Adding to Dash’s impressive content offerings, CNBC(TM) and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia will each be offering apps for the Dash, displaying business news and market information as well as enabling you to access the highest quality simple recipes. In addition, Dr. Oz will provide a series of video health tips for Dash users.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia’s app for the Sony Dash, titled “Dinner Tonight(TM) Recipe of the Day,” will come pre-loaded on the device and will provide a daily recipe from Martha Stewart’s vast library of Everyday Food magazine recipes consisting of eight ingredients or less, as well as allow you the ability to utilize any of the daily “Dinner Tonight” recipes from the past month.

CNBC’s app will also be pre-loaded in the Sony Dash and will feature real-time financial and business news, market information, stocks to watch, and more.

The video health tips provided by Dr. Oz are especially well suited for your wake-up experience. Each video is approximately one minute in length and provides specific steps you can take to live a healthier life.

In the coming weeks, Dash will be highlighted on several national broadcasts including Dr. Oz, Martha Stewart, CNBC, as well as in music videos from several high-profile Sony Music(TM) artists.

Check out the offical Sony Dash website, or the Dash fan page on Facebook.

New VAIO Ultra Mobile Teaser

SonyStyle Japan is teasing with a new ultra mobile VAIO and their VAIO website is also showing a new campaign called We are Coming-Out Generation mentioning the same ultra mobile term.  Their current ultra mobile option that is still being sold is a VAIO P notebook and according to Engadget tipster we may very well see an updated VAIO P colored in Orange. I remember SonyStyle Japan once ran a promo called “Feel Orange” and released a VAIO E series in that color. Follow us and we’ll let you know what this new Ultra Mobile VAIO is all about with all those coming-out kids featured.

PS3 Firmware 3.30 Detailed

With no major reports from users of the console being rendered inoperable since it’s release, firmware 3.30 is safely in the wild. Here is a rundown of all the new features:

Trophy enhancements –- Now you can more easily sort trophies in the [Trophy Collection] and [Comparing Trophy] sections. Sorting can be done with [Trophy Collection] in the [Game Category] and also when comparing trophies with your friends in the [Friend Category]

Trophy Folder (Title List) can be sorted by game name/ by title according to the date in which you earned your last trophy (ascending/descending)

Add-on list (Group list) can be sorted by original/the date in which you earned your last trophy (ascending/descending)

Trophy list can be sorted by original/trophy name/grade/date of obtaining the trophy (ascending/descending)

3D Support – System prepped for stereoscopic gaming

Now for a few not so obvious ones, as the sixthaxis noted below:

BD Audio Output Settings Direct and Bitstream

Direct – Set to output audio with the original digital signal prioritized.
Mix – Set to output audio that is first mixed with sound effects such as button sounds and then converted to bitstream  format.

PC Remote Play – Arriving on set VAIO PC’s, users will be able to register a PC as a remote play device.

Having tested the firmware personally, I approve this posting

Update 1:  PS3 Dragon Age  players are reporting issues with the latest firmware. In reading through the Bioware forums, it doesn’t appear to be related to one specific area in the game, affects multiple levels and DLC. It happens to some users after a few minutes, others after few hours, but the end result is the same:freezing. The one commonality is that audio continues to play.

Fernando Melo/Online Producer is working Sony on the issue but he remains quite active on the forums. Unfortunately there isn’t a fix yet, but Fernando is not only active on the forums but encouraging everyone to tabulate their experiences, and looks as though he has a few ideas what could be causing it as indicated here. The best thing to do is if your having issues, report it, so that your data can be tabulated

Taylor Swift Is The New Face Of Sony Cyber-shot Cameras

Taylor Swift, the lovely Grammy Award-winning country pop singer, songwriter and actress is the latest addition to Sony’s never ending cast of celebrity endorsers. We figured it wouldn’t be much longer before Swift popped up on the radar again after CEO and President Sir Howard Stringer introduced her at the beginning of Sony’s CES 2010 press conference. Swift’s work with Sony will appear on national broadcast TV, online, mobile as well as print mediums and focus on the sleek and powerful Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 digital still camera and its intelligent iSweep Panorama feature that captures ultra-wide panoramic shots in one easy “press and sweep” motion; a technology innovation currently only available by Sony. In the commercial, Taylor discovers just how easy it is to take a panoramic shot with the touch of a button – it’s positioned as Taylor gets all of her fans in the picture during a concert.

“My fans are on the cutting edge, and I’m very interested in the newest and best technologies out there,” said Swift.  “I’m super excited to be working with Sony and using the TX7 camera. The iSweep panorama mode is amazing.”

The commercial will air tonight on Fox (“House”), CW (“Gilmore Girls”), and on NBC (“Chuck.”) and continue on those networks throughout the summer. Expect the print and radio ads in June.

Taylor Swift fans can also take advantage of an exclusive series of TX7 cameras that have been engraved with Taylor Swift’s signature and will be on sale at SonyStyle.

“This campaign with Swift and the TX7 camera is the start of a year-long campaign designed to demonstrate the quality, innovation, style and design that only Sony-branded products stand for,” said Stuart Redsun, Sony Electronics’ senior vice president, corporate marketing. “Sony is the only electronics company that creates entertainment and the only entertainment company that makes electronics. The ‘wow’ factor in our newest ad is clearly illustrated when Taylor puts the TX7 in action.”

This marketing push is merely the beginning of a larger campaign about innovation. Swift and other celebrity guests will stop by the Sony Innovation Center where all of Sony’s electronics and entertainment assets unite. All aspects of this year-long advertising campaign with interactive content and Sony’s latest innovations will be highlighted at Sony’s Innovations website.

We gave the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 several good words in a recent review – it’s pretty great with HD movie recording, MS Duo/SD card compatibility, 3.5 inch touchscreen, TransferJet capability, and much more.

Sony PS3 Now Has MLB.TV

One of the things that other systems, like Boxee, have going for them is app support. The ability to integrate apps into an existing system and expand it’s capabilities is something that more and more devices are adding and the PS3 is now no exception.

MLB.tv is now available on the PS3 in quite an impressive way. According to PLAYSTATION.BLOG, the app supports the following:

MLB Scoreboard – See a schedule of today’s games (and set options to control whether or not you see the scores)

Home and Away Feeds – Choose to watch either the home or away broadcast feed

HD quality video and DVR functionality – watch a live game in HD (with Live Game DVR functionality that lets you pause and rewind live games of fast-forward back to live game action)

Season Archive – Want to re-live a great moment? Go back and watch games you’ve missed from earlier in the season.

Scrollable Linescore – Go directly to any half-inning to watch only that portion of the game.

Favorite Teams/Calendar Schedule – Scroll through the entire 2010 Major League Baseball schedule in calendar format or designate your favorite team(s) to see the schedule for that team.

To see it in action, check out the video here:

Talk about a feature list. What effectively makes me say “Like zoinks Scoob!” is the integration of DVR functionality. It’s now starting to approach the utopian IPTV future of a la carte services I have always dreamed of…ok well it’s a start.

Given the PS3′s growing install base, let’s hope more and more content providers make the leap to the PS3.

Sony’s Qriocity Video On Demand Service Now Available

Qriocity is a streaming video on demand service (e.g. no download) partially introduced by Sony earlier this year during CES, and was set to debut on 2010 Sony BRAVIA TV’s, Blu-ray players, and several home theater systems in February. The service wasn’t activated until yesterday for the aforementioned devices and the related website is now live. It’s significance is so strong that it is a main icon on the XMB and as a button on many 2010 Sony remote controls that belong to networked TV’s and Blu-ray players.

Qriocity has hundreds of HD ($5.99) and SD ($3.99) movies initially available, with titles from 20th Century 20th Century Fox, Disney, Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, The Weinstein Company, Lionsgate, Warner Brothers, Universal, MGM, and of course Sony Pictures. You can view on the Qriocity website which movie titles are available.

According to several of my sources, the catalog will receive consistent, healthy updates to make it attractive to consumers. The interface was very quick, and is aesthetically pleasing – miles beyond what the traditional consumer is probably using with cable or satellite on-demand services. Every movie has a trailer.

I’ve already watched a HD movie trailer on Qriocity, and with the wireless connection the TV was using (an EX series BRAVIA with the included UWA-BR100 Wi-Fi adapter on a 802.11g connection) the results were pretty good – somewhere around 720p-1080i. Qriocity judges your Internet connection and plays a bandwidth optimized version. With higher bandwidth connections (very easy in many markets), it could be that kind of solid 720p/1080i that leaves you satisfied. I would definitely love to see what the picture quality looks like in a 802.11n environment, or hardwired through ethernet.

What’s also interesting is that the PlayStation Network Terms of Service was altered yesterday with specific mention of Qriocity, which basically reveals that Qriocity is also coming to the PS3 (and possibly PSP):

To access Sony Online Services, you must create an appropriate Sony Online Service account (either a PSN account or Qriocity account). Through Qriocity’s Video on Demand service (“VOD”), you may purchase and view content using selected BRAVIA televisions or Sony Blu-ray Disc players (“VOD Devices”). Through PSN, you may purchase content and services offered on either PSN or Qriocity, such as new levels for your favorite games, comics, movies, television shows or original programs. You may view your content using SCEA-authorized devices, including a PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) systems, personal computers and VOD Devices. You will also be able to participate in SCEA’s online community in PSN and PlayStation Home, (including chatting via voice and video with your friends) and play games online. Existing PSN accounts will not have to create a separate Qriocity account to enjoy the benefits of Qriocity. If you’ve created a Qriocity account, you may transition that account to a PSN account. Sony Online Services may not be available, or may not be supported, in some countries and some languages.

How to enable Qriocity now -

Connect your BRAVIA, Blu-ray Disc Player or home theater system to the Internet.

Use your remote control to navigate to the Qriocity icon on the XMB (XrossMediaBar) and select ‘Link an Account’. Here you will find your device activation code needed. Go to the Qriocity website and sign into your account (you can use your PSN ID, or create a new account). Select your device and click the “Activate” button. Follow the instructions. It’s very easy, and after trading a few letters around I was watching a trailer quickly.

* – If you already purchased a 2010 BRAVIA TV, Blu-ray Player or home theater system and the Qriocity service is not active, go to Settings > Network > Refresh Internet Content. Run the update, and then return to the XMB – several new Qriocity options should be available on the far right.

Sony Ericsson Satio Selling Unlocked On SonyStyle USA For $650

The Sony Ericsson Satio, announced last May, is can now be purchased at SonyStyle USA for $650. If you don’t remember, the Satio is a S60 5th edition Symbian OS cell phone with 12.1 megapixel camera (and xenon flash), and has full 3G and Wi-Fi support. The touchscreen on the phone is a 3.5 inch, 16:9 display that has 16.9 million colors, which is nothing short of wonderful. We also loved how the phone comes with a 8GB MicroSD card, and has thoughtful features such as FM radio, GPS, A2DP stereo Bluetooth, and a Webkit browser.

The Satio has been moderately successful since its debut and is available on several carriers around the world on a subsidized plan for quite a while now. Sadly, this is yet another highly advanced handset from SE that is arriving in the USA far after it was announced, and at a heavy price as its unlocked. It’s pretty crazy how the XPERIA X1, XPERIA X2, Aino and now the Satio have all sold here in the US without being available in a low cost, packaged plan from a major wireless carrier.

The Satio faired pretty well in our “Sony Ericsson “Satio” vs. Apple “iPhone 3G S” Specs Comparison” post.