Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Dated

The highly anticipated prequel to Kingdom Hearts now has a release date.

Square Enix has revealed that Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep is set for release in North America on September 7^th exclusively on the PSP.

Adding an outstanding voice cast of Mark Hamill (most excellent), Willa Holland, Jesse McCartney, Leonard Nimoy and James Woods along with exclusive content included just for the North American release Square gives a much needed boost to the PSP library.

To accompany the release, a limited edition Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep PSP Entertainment Pack will be available on release day from Gamestop:

• “Mystic-Silver” PSP-3000 system
• KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep on UMD (Universal Media Disc)*
• Movie (to be announced)
• 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo

Until September 7th arrives, in the interim, enjoy the trailer below:

The Lenses Of The Sony NEX

The official introduction of the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 (APS-C) interchangeable-lens cameras rocked the photography world last week with its slick design, thin exterior and light weight. How can it not be droolworthy when the first version packs so much power in practically the same (body) size as a point and shoot camera? The feedback to Sony’s new camera system was overwhelmingly positive, and many found the NEX system to be better in specifications and appearance than competing interchangeable-lens cameras from Samsung, Panasonic and Olympus.

After the smoke clears from the excitement of a new product announcement, it is inevitable that questions start to arise. One of the most important questions is – what type of lens are available for the NEX cameras?

This camera uses E-mount lens, which is an entirely new system – its important to note that Sony will offer a E-mount to A-mount converting adapter, which allows you to use your previous A-mount lenses with this new camera. This is a huge sigh of relief for many of you photographers out there who have expensive lenses and were worried that they would have to reinvest their money in a whole new system. The hit won’t be so big with this adapter. Here is a picture of the adapter (LA-EA1), which includes a detachable tripod attachment:

Now that we got that out of the way, lets take a look at the official first generation NEX lenses and attachments:

Here’s the 16mm Wide-Angle Lens (SEL16F28). Stylishly designed to match the camera, it’s a portable and versatile lens that’s perfect for both movies and photos. It’s light, compact and easy to carry. This lens has smooth, quiet AF operation and you can expect exceptional low-light performance.

Next we have the 18-55mm Zoom Lens (SEL1855). This is great zoom lens for everything from scenic photos to snapshots and formal portraits. The SEL1855 excels in shooting at slower shutter speeds. We’re also impressed with the fact that its one of the first lenses to have built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization, which was usually a feature found in a camera, not the lens.

Don’t think Sony would launch a new camera system without a 11x Telephoto Zoom Lens (SEL18200). It’s a wide-range zoom that covers virtually all shooting situations and features performance optimized for movie capture as well. The lens is light, compact and easy to carry and has smooth and quiet operation. There’s also an advanced Active Mode for steadier movie shooting.

The high quality and sleek designed E-mount Ultra Wide Converter (VCL-ECU1) offers excellent depth of field and exaggerated perspective, instantly expanding your photographic horizons. It attaches easily and securely to the front of the lens and is designed for use with the SEL16F28.

The high quality and sleek designed E-mount Fisheye Converter (VCL-ECF1) captures dynamic dramatic images with curvilinear distortion, exaggerated perspective and extreme depth of field. It attaches easily and securely to the front of the lens and is designed for use with the SEL16F28.

Contest – Win A Sony Dash In A Dash

The Sony Dash is your favorite parts of the internet customized the way you choose, available in a dash. Over 1,000 free apps can be displayed at the touch of a finger. Choose from your favorite information and entertainment content including weather, traffic, social networking, movies, music and more – pushed right to your kitchen, bedroom, or office. The dash Personal Internet Viewer connects quickly and easily to your existing wireless network and features a vibrant 7 inch LCD touch screen for accessing a variety of video services for online music and viral videos, full-length feature movies and TV shows. You can also listen to MP3s and internet radio via the built-in stereo speakers, or by using the headphone jack (headphones not included).

And now, in a Sony Insider exclusive contest, you can win a Sony Dash by simply taking a picture of yourself in a dash (definition of the word dash is available here). Please submit all entries to contests@sonyinsider.com with the subject title Dash, or leave a comment in this blog post with a link to your picture, or tweet us a photo to @SonyInsider by May 21st, 2010 at 11:59pm. You read that right – just simply take a picture of yourself in a dash and you may win one Sony Dash. We will choose the best picture, so a little effort can go a long way! One entry per person. This contest is worldwide and not exclusive to the USA.

Submissions can be disqualified if the submission either subjects the submitter or Sony Insider to legal jeopardy or compromises Sony Insider’s good will and reputation, intellectual property or trade secret interests. This includes words or imagery that are sexually charged or suggestive, that depict acts of violence or cruelty, that attack or disparage or present in a false light any individual or group of people, that are otherwise vile, nasty or otherwise uncivil, that makes false performance claims about Sony products and technologies, or that use the likeness, words, or other intellectual property of a third party or celebrity (for example, a movie star, rock star, or company) without appropriate permission to do so.

Potential winner response to their e-mail notifications must be received within 7 days of receipt, or be disqualified. The follow-up response with address must be received within 7 days of the date mailed to the potential winner. If the appropriate information is not received within those 7 days, an alternate winner will be selected. If prize notification is not responded to or any prize is released as undeliverable, prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate. Potential winner who is a minor in his/her state of residency will also be required to have a parent or legal guardian complete the personal information and publicity release and prize will be awarded to the parent or legal guardian.

Sponsor and judging organization are not responsible for late, lost, stolen, misdirected, damaged, incomplete, or illegible entries; or entries that are lost due to computer, Internet, or electronic malfunction. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or modify contest and award the prize through an alternate means if fraud or technical failure compromises the integrity of the contest, as determined by sponsor in its sole discretion. Entrants agree that the sponsor, its promotion partners, related companies, agencies, and their respective employees or officers shall not be liable for injury, losses, damages, or costs of any kind resulting from participation in this contest or acceptance of or use or misuse of a prize or parts thereof. By entering, participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules. In the event of a dispute regarding the identity of the person submitting an electronic entry, the entry will be deemed to be submitted by the person in whose name the e-mail account is registered.

Prize: One (1) Sony Dash Personal Internet Viewer, (Total ARV $199) – sponsored by Sony.

Sony Introduces A “Green” Mercury-Free Mini Alkaline Battery

Sony has introduced five new Mercury-Free (0%) Mini Alkaline battery models set to debut around August, which are “green” power alternatives for consumers to use in a range of everyday applications, such as watches, calculators, toys and portable game consoles, without any compromise in performance and safety. In general, when Mercury is not disposed properly, it can infiltrate the food chain. Mercury has therefore been identified as a material that has the potential to cause serious damage to the human body and environment.

“Sony believes that it has a part to play in building a greener world, which is why we invested in innovative technologies that would benefit the environment and our consumers,” says Mr. Henry (Hakuyu) Yoh, Director, Recording Media and Energy Center, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. “The 0% Mercury Mini Alkaline battery is environmentally friendly to produce and use, without diminishing performance. The invention of 0% Mercury Mini Alkaline battery now completes Sony’s 0% Mercury micro battery line-up of Mini Alkaline, Silver Oxide and Mini Lithium batteries.”

The new 0% Mercury Mini Alkaline battery leverages on Sony’s more than 30 years of micro battery technology expertise and the world’s first 0% Mercury Silver Oxide battery technology introduced in 2005.

Today, Sony sells approximately 300 million Silver Oxide and Mini Alkaline batteries worldwide annually. With the introduction of the 0% Mercury Mini Alkaline batteries and existing 0% Mercury Silver Oxide batteries, Sony estimates the reduction of Mercury usage by 470kg annually.

Sony will continue to pursue innovative technologies that will contribute to the environment.

How it works

Mini Alkaline batteries use Zinc for the anode, manganese dioxide as the cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte. Zinc, used as the activator in the anode, corrodes when dissolved in alkaline solution. Zinc also causes electrolysis in the electrolyte, generating hydrogen gas which causes increased inner pressure and expansion of the battery cell. For these reasons, Mercury, which is effective in suppressing Zinc corrosion, had been added to the battery.

Block System 1: 3 Key Technologies to Restrain Hydrogen Gas Emission

1. Zinc-alloy powder is included as an active ingredient with improved resistance to corrosion.
2. Addition of anti-corrosion material into the anode material to prevent generation of hydrogen gas.
3. Anti-corrosion material is extended to the surface collector material to prevent leakage.

Block System 2: Invention of New Hydrogen Gas Absorbent

The cathode material used in conventional Mini Alkaline batteries was known for having a low rate of hydrogen gas absorption compared to Silver Oxide batteries. In order to prevent hydrogen gas causing battery expansion, Sony has invented the new hydrogen gas absorbent to the cathode material of Mini Alkaline battery, enhancing the unique hydrogen gas evaporation block system of 0% Mercury Silver Oxide battery.

Sony Disc and Digital Solutions Aims To Vastly Improve Holograms

Sony Disc and Digital Solutions has detailed their development of new mass production technology which adds an additional layer of security to Lippmann holograms by recording individually distinct identification codes. Lippmann holograms with individually distinct identification codes are extremely resistant to counterfeiting and forgery, and are most suitable for credit cards, smart IC cards and authentication stickers.

In addition to developing and mass producing Lippmann holograms with individually distinct identification codes, SDAD also envisions launching a new business whereby it will operate an authentication server via the internet, for CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ‘trace-and-track’ services which utilize the individually assigned code on the holograms. SDAD will eventually introduce the Lippmann holograms with individually distinct identification codes as authentication stickers for Sony products. It will deliver sample holograms to product manufacturers in May 2010.

Recently, there has been an increase in the production and sales of counterfeit products and illegal imitations – in addition to credit cards, ID cards and bank notes – which violate intellectual property rights. In reaction to the progression of illegal fabrication technology, the demand for highly secure hologram technology, with faster and more accurate authentication has rapidly increased.

The mass production technology for individually coded holograms, which is based on Sony’s optical recording and digital image processing technologies, has been researched and developed for years. In addition, Sony’s optical disc production technology has been applied to the mass-production and quality control processes of the Lippmann holograms. By utilizing its advanced manufacturing facilities and master-form production equipment, and taking advantage of its know-how such as effective material control, SDAD and Sony DADC which operates a global supply chain for the Entertainment and Information industries, aim to build a world class hologram manufacturing and sales business. In the future, SDAD will also explore the application of Lippmann holograms with individually distinct identification codes, which can store animation and motion picture, for advertising and marketing.

Key features:

Developing mass production technology for highly-secure holograms which store unique identification codes
Conventional Lippmann holograms were mass-produced by contact copy in which the master forms of these holograms were optically replicated. This conventional method allows for the simple mass production of identical holograms, but does not allow for the mass production of holograms containing individually variable information. However, SDAD has successfully developed mass production equipment with the optical recording capability to record an individual identification code into Lippmann holograms during mass production. SDAD will mass produce Lippmann holograms with up to 21 encrypted digits in a single hologram.

Master-form Production by Holographic Stereogram Technology
SDAD will use master-forms of holograms which are made by holographic stereogram technology with digital image processing which records more than one hundred images onto a single hologram sheet. Therefore it can store flying logos (three-dimensional computer graphics) and moving animation. Lippmann holograms can be applied as advertising and marketing tools because it can display photographic images, pictures, and computer graphics. This was not possible with conventional holograms made by irradiating laser to modeling objects.

Higher Level of Security Function
Based on the differentiated technology described above, SDAD is readily able to mass produce unique Lippmann holograms that display smooth three-dimensional motion pictures horizontally and numerical codes vertically. Such uniquely featured holograms are extremely difficult to replicate and thereby offer the highest level of security for anti-counterfeit measures.

Operation of Authentication Server System and Offering Solution Services
SDAD plans to operate an authentication server to identify individually coded holograms and to explore new business opportunities for CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ‘trace-and-track’ services.

And for those of you unfamiliar with some of the terms:

Lippmann Hologram is an optical interference fringe is formed by refractive index modulation in the special photo-sensitive material. When white-light is illuminated onto the photo-sensitive material, a holographic image appears through a diffractive phenomenon. The Lippmann hologram’s unique features include a three-dimensional effect – in both horizontal and vertical directions (called “full parallax”) – and natural full color presentation even with vertical parallax. Conventional embossed holograms are formed by fine concavo-convex interference fringes and are incapable of recording images with vertical parallax. The unique production materials and the manufacturing process make the Lippmann holograms extremely difficult to counterfeit.

Holographic Stereogram Technology is a three-dimensional imaging technology that displays different images depending on the standpoint from which the hologram is viewed. Stereogram technology which uses a lenticular lens (array of cylindrical lenses) can display two to tens of viewpoint images through light refraction. On the other hand, a holographic stereogram can express more than 100 different images within a thin medium of only a few tens ofμｍ through light diffraction.

Sony’s Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX Now Boasts 30MB Per Second Transfer Speed

Sony has refreshed its Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX memory cards, delivering the fastest data transfer speed when compared to other Sony Memory Stick media. The HX boasts rapid transfer speed of up to 30MB per second, increasing the convenience for consumers who often need to transfer large files of AVCHD movies and high quality RAW-JPEG files. With HX, users can copy a three hour movie in FX mode to PC only in 17 minutes, while with current Memory Stick PRO Duo, standard model, it takes 69 minutes (Transfer time may vary depends on the measurement condition).

Ideal for Handycam, Cyber-shot or α DSLR users, the Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX serves the storage needs of consumers who enjoy capturing high resolution images and HD videos with its large data capacity up to 32GB. For α DSLR photo enthusiasts, the HX also enhances burst shooting, so consumers can afford to shoot more pictures in one minute without missing any key shots during shooting compared to using any SD Memory Card now available in the market.

With the new HX, consumers will additionally enjoy free bonus software for download, including Memory Card File Rescue and x-Pict Story for Memory Card. Keeping users’ memories safe, the Memory Card File Rescue software will allow users to recover their important photos, music and movies that they have accidentally deleted — in a few simple steps. Empowering the more creative users, the x-Pict Story for Memory Card software is able to create distinctive, original movies from their family photos for example, that can be easily created and shared their memories with family and friends.

Bravia Internet Video Platform Adds a New Channel

Attention all Bravia Internet enabled TV users and classical music lovers – Sony just made a deal with the Berlin Philharmoniker and added the Digital Concert Hall, the orchestra s online service, to Sony’s roster of BRAVIA Internet Video content. The concerts are said to be streamed in full HD high picture quality and stereo sound quality. And the best thing about it, it is provided for your enjoyment for zero dollars! Learn more about this new channel addition below.

“Sony today announced that owners of the company s Internet connected BRAVIA HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc”! players in the United States will be able to access premium performances of the Berliner Philharmoniker through the BRAVIA Internet Video platform. In addition to the US, the performances will also be available to Sony customers in Japan, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other European countries.

Based on the agreement with Berlin Philharmoniker, Sony will offer access to the archived concerts from the Orchestra s Digital Concert Hall, dating back to the beginning of the 2008/2009 season (approximately 60 concerts in total), via BRAVIA Internet Video. The concerts will be streamed in full HD high picture quality and stereo sound quality.

The agreement with the Berlin Philharmoniker adds the Digital Concert Hall, the orchestra s online service, to Sony s roster of BRAVIA Internet Video content. Streamed directly to connected select BRAVIA and Blu-ray Disc players, the service enables a worldwide audience to enjoy the orchestra s concerts with the touch of a remote control. Thanks to this collaboration, the orchestra will be the world s first cultural institution to deliver their artistic content to networked home entertainment products.

It s a wonderful opportunity for our customers to enjoy the concerts of the Berliner Philharmoniker from the comfort of their own home, said Norio Ohga, Executive Advisor of Sony Corporation. I am really excited that we re able to make a host of first-rate concerts accessible to BRAVIA and Blu-ray Disc owners across the world.

Olaf Maninger, solo cellist and board member of Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation sees this project as a great chance to embrace our worldwide audience. He said that the Orchestra is excited to continue the collaboration with Sony and believes that it makes a real difference to people to access concerts just with their remote control whenever they like.”

Want To Get Low? Buy A Funeral

Get Low is a film starring Robert Duvall and Bill Murray. The film is written by Chris Provenzano and C. Gaby Mitchell, and directed by Aaron Schneider. It also stars Sissy Spacek, Bill Murray, Lucas Black, Gerald McRaney, Bill Cobbs, Andrea Powell, Rebecca Grant, and Scott Cooper. The film is slated for a July 30th, 2010 release date and had a lot of buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will be distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.

For years, townsfolk have been terrified of the backwoods recluse known as Felix Bush (Robert Duvall). People say he’s done all manner of unspeakable things — that he’s killed in cold blood; that he’s in league with the Devil; that he has strange powers — and they avoid him like the plague. Then, one day, Felix rides to town with a shotgun and a wad of cash, saying he wants to buy a funeral. It’s not your usual funeral for the dead Felix wants. On the contrary, he wants a “living funeral,” in which anyone who ever had heard a story about him will come to tell it, while he takes it all in. Sensing a big payday in the offing, fast—talking funeral home owner Frank Quinn (Bill Murray) enlists his gentlemanly young apprentice, Buddy Robinson (Lucas Black), to win over Felix’s business.

Buddy is no stranger to Felix’s dark reputation, but what he discovers is that behind Felix’s surreal plan lies a very real and long—held secret that must get out. As the funeral approaches, the mystery– which involves the widow Maddie Darrow (Sissy Spacek), the only person in town who ever got close to Felix, and the Illinois preacher Charlie Jackson (Bill Cobbs), who refuses to speak at his former friend’s funeral – only deepens. But on the big day, Felix is in no mood to listen to other people spinning made—up anecdotes about him. This time, he’s the one who is going to do the telling about why he has been hiding out in the woods.

Snake From Metal Gear Solid Kicks Ass With A Sony Wearable Walkman (Updated)

Update: In the US, Sony will be selling these (model NWZ-W252CAMO) at SonyStyle.com and you can save a little if you buy a bundled PSP as well. It should be available soon.

In Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, the main character Old Snake (one of the greatest video game heroes of all time) exclusively used an iPod within the game. Fans around the world relished in a broad music collection and it seemed likely that the old adage applied: once an Apple, always an Apple. However, in conjunction with the launch of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP), Sony has released an exclusive limited edition 2GB NWD-W253 (aka NWD-W252) wearable Walkman that has a green, beige, white, black and gray camouflage print and great looking red Walkman logo. It will be available in limited markets starting in June. And as you can see, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has released an exclusive image of our hero Snake wearing the W253, clearly showing that traditional earbud fitting just can’t cut it when things get tough. And this Walkman is plenty tough, as it is water resistant (far better than last year’s model, apparently).

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Six pre-installed music tracks from the Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker soundtrack are also included in the Walkman, and a special in-carton code unlocks original designed characters in the game. Konami was true to the 70′s timeline of the game by including iconic past Walkman models in Peace Walker as collectible items, including the first-ever cassette-based TPS-L2 that made its debut in 1979.

The W253/252 features MP3/WMA/AAC/Linear PCM (DRM not supported) compatibility, ZAPPIN song search, and has integrated 13.5mm EX Series headphones which offer a secure, comfortable fit and that sweet Sony Walkman sound. quick 3-minute charge gives enough power for 90 minutes listening time. A fully charged battery offers up to 11 hours uninterrupted listening time. Supplied Content Transfer software allows simple drag-and-drop transfer of music files and playlists from Windows Media Player or iTunes.

Many 2010 Sony Cyber-shot Cameras Compatible With SDXC Memory Cards

Sony Japan has notified its users that many of its 2010 Cyber-shot camera models are compatible with SDXC memory cards, which are currently available at 64gb (and will one day be offered up to 2TB). This is pretty exciting news for people who wish to use such media with cameras, as there is up to 15MB per second write speed and huge capacities. The compatible cameras include DSC-HX5V, DSC-TX7, DSC-TX5, DSC-W380, DSC-W350, and DSC-W350D – which are also compatible with traditional SDHC / SD Memory Cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, and Memory Stick (with adapter). According to one Sony Japan support website, I see however that you may have problems viewing/transferring content on a SDXC card that is inside a camera or camcorder connected to a Playstation 3, certain Blu-ray Players, and certain external Sony DVD writers.

Sony also links to a support page (near the bottom) that updates Window Vista and Windows 7 to support SDXC cards above 32GB storage space. This would fix the issue where a Cyber-shot with a SDXC card inside cannot transfer photos or video because Windows can’t comprehend a card of that size.