The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has rolled into Las Vegas once again and even though the show floor hasn’t opened yet, things are already happening. Sony held a press conference to announce some facts & figures, as well as some new products and services, including a 3D visor headset, 3D cameras and camcorders, Google TV, a new line of Bravia TVs and more. After the jump you will find a more detailed summary of their presentation.
A Message From the King
Sir Howard Stringer (Chairman, President, and CEO of Sony Corporation) was the first on stage for Sony, announcing that the PSN now has 60 million registered accounts worldwide. He also claimed that by March 2011 more than 50 million televisions in the US will be internet enabled thanks to Sony products such as Internet TV, Blu-ray players and of course the PS3.
3D, Bluray, & Prototypes
Hiroshi Yoshioka (Executive in charge of Consumer Products at Sony) then hit the stage to talk about some upcoming products that Sony are working on. These included a 3D-capable VAIO laptop using glasses; a glasses-free portable 3D blu-ray player, with a rotatable screen; a portable 3D headset unit (pictured below) including two separate panels (one for each eye) allowing for more distinctive 3D imagery, with built-in surround sound; and he also announced that Sony are working on glasses-free TVs. When discussing the 3D headset, Hiroshi mentioned using it to play Gran Turismo 5 in a private realm.
Damage Resistant TV’s & 3D Cameras
Sir Howard then returned to the stage to discuss Sony’s new relationship with Google and their new Google TV products, which also won a CES Best Innovations Award alongside several other winners (including Microsoft for Kinect). Phil Molyneux (President and COO of Sony Electronics Inc.) followed by stating that Sony’s goal is to be the #1 consumer electronics company in the US by 2030. He announced Corning® Gorilla® Glass, an extremely tough damage resistant glass, would be used in several upcoming Sony TVs, and a few other new features coming to their TV range. Next were their new range of 3D-capable camcorders and digital still cameras, and the new 3D Bloggie, offering HD 3D and full HD 2D video, 5.1 megapixel photos, and a glasses-free 3D display. They also announced a new line of Cybershot cameras which can take 3D still photos, and allow you to take still photos while filming video.
Sony Ericsson, PS Phone/Tablet Hints, & Uncharted 3
Steve Walker (head of product marketing at Sony Ericsson) came on stage to announce their Xperia(tm) arc phone running of course on Android with a 4.2” Reality Display with the Mobile Bravia Engine, and a “super slim design” and an HDMI out. Despite high hopes from the the public, Steve did not announce anything about a PlayStation Phone, however Kaz Hirai (President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment) did perhaps hint at it and perhaps a PS tablet’s existence. While discussing the future direction for Sony Computer Entertainment he had this to say:
“Strategy encompasses driving the development of a variety of new strategic products and services including tablets currently in development as well as smartphones, all the while of course integrating the knowhow and the assets that we’ve accumulated from our PlayStation business.”
Kaz Hirai also announced that Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo has sold over 5.5 million copies worldwide since its launch in November last year. They then played the Uncharted 3 trailer that was revealed at the Spike TV VGA’s however this time it was shown in 3D.
Hideaki Nishino (director of Sony Network Entertainment) was the last on stage to talk about Sony’s Music Unlimited service and Qriocity on the PS3. He was followed by a Cirque du Soleil performance of Viva Elvis.
