Playstation 3 outselling Wii, Xbox 360 in Australia: Sony director

While the Playstation 3 is losing ground to the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii in North America, it is flying off store shelves in Australia according to Sony Computer Entertainment Australia's managing director Michael Ephraim.

In an interview with Gamespot Australia, Ephraim proclaimed that that Playstation 3 has been outselling both the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii almost every week.

According to Ephraim, the Playstation 3 has sold 50,000 units since its launch March 23, 2007. The Wii, which launched December 7, 2006 has accumulated 100,000 consoles sold.

"Based on GfK since launch, PS3 has been the number one next-gen console, outselling Wii and Xbox 360 every week, except for last week," says Ephraim.

"Since March 23, PS3 has been the number one-selling next-gen console in Australia, and this is GfK figures. We've now sold 50,000--and we're very excited about the fact that it's being sold in retailers that are gaming retailers as a gaming device and other things, but as you'll notice it's now being sold in Harvey Norman consumer electronic stores as a Blu-ray player."

Sony Launches Vaio CR Laptop Range

Sony has launched and made available its new CR series of Vaio laptops which are designed for the fashion conscious and at the same time pack in substantial performance upgrades as compared to previous generation Vaio machines. This new range of laptops come with an 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo T7100 processor, system memory of up to 4GB RAM, storage space of 200GB hard drive (optional external 100GB drive), a dual-layer DVD drive, full support for 802.11n Wi-Fi, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X310 onboard graphics, an LCD panel capable with a native resolution of 1280x800, a 1.3 mega-pixel webcam, and Windows Vista. These new laptops as their specifications show, are based on the new “Santa Rosa” platform.

Apart from the performance upgrades, this new line of laptops will also ship in some funky colors such as sangria, cosmopolitan, dove, indigo and black.

These new laptops will be available by the end of this month and will ship at prices starting at US$ 1,399.

Sony Ericsson,K850, 5MP Cyber-shot phone

Sony Ericsson has announced the launch of a 5MP camera phone, due for release towards the end of the year.

The K850 is the latest camera phone to reach the 5MP mark, following hot on the heels of Nokia's N95, and signals a trend towards advanced camera-phone functionality.

The main upgrade from Sony Ericsson's previous flagship camera-phone, the K810, is the size of the sensor increasing from 3.2MP to 5MP. The user interface has also been upgraded to provide improved functionality, with a dedicated function button to control camera modes and an on-off button that also controls the opening and closing of the lens cover.

Additionally, the K850 includes a new media browser, much like that of Sony's PS3, which allows you to scroll through images by month, thumbnail or full-screen mode.

Sony Ericsson President Miles Flint commented, 'Sony Ericsson is all about offering the right phone for you, whether that's one that lets you snap quality pictures, listen to favourite songs on the move of just stay in touch', adding that '…the K850 offers a viable digital camera alternative'.

Sony Plays Down Latest PSP 2 Rumours

UK, June 13, 2007 - Over the past few weeks there's been a lot of speculation that Sony is due to announce an updated version of the PlayStation Portable - with some saying it will have internal memory and a better screen - but Sony has played down the claims as just "rumours/speculation".

John Koller, senior market manager for PSP, said he wanted to "clear the air" about the recent rumours. Speaking on the official PlayStation blog he said: "I'm thrilled to hear that there's so much interest in the platform, but sorry folks, these reports floating around fall into the rumours/speculation category."

Koller also tackled claims that mobile maker Ericsson was working on a phone version of the PSP. "We haven't announced anything about a new PSP, much less one that would have phone capabilities," he explained.

PSP 2 rumours have been around for quite some time now and even Sony UK boss Ray Maguire admitted earlier this year that Sony was looking at making a smaller and lighter version of the PSP. So, it looks like we'll just have to wait until E3 to see if Sony has anything up its sleeve for sure.

Truly the golden age of gaming: Xbox 360, Sony PS3 and Nintendo Wii

After reading many comments from everyone over a few different posts about the 3 main next-gen consoles (Xbox 360, Sony PS3 and Nintendo Wii), all I see is everyone trying to convince everyone else which is the better games system.

The facts are that all have qualities in their own right and while each may also have faults we all certainly have our favorites (well I like all 3).

What I do not understand is why most people are fighting each other when this truly is the golden age of gaming.

We have read the problems that people claim the 360 has had and the lack of this and that on the Playstation 3 and the lack of this and that on the 360, then there is the Nintendo Wii where many talk of gameplay before graphics and PC Gamers say they have the best graphics overall…lets all stop fighting.

Who here can admit we are in the golden age of gaming? and should all talk how good games are (or bad) and not which is the better games system (as you will never change people’s minds when they have a strong belief).

Sony unveils The Agency

Sony Online Entertainment has confirmed that it is developing The Agency, a fast-paced online action shooter, for the PC and PS3. Assume the role of an elite agent in a modern day setting as you live among spies and mercenaries. Enjoy cooperative and competitive story driven missions set in exotic locales and enjoy ‘espionage, intrigue and explosive game play.’

Live the life of an elite agent

“The inspiration for The Agency came from the spy and espionage genre. We want to put players in the heart of the action to experience what it’s really like to live the life of an elite agent,” said Hal Milton, Lead Designer, Sony Online Entertainment. “Players will jet set around this virtual world to exotic locales, infiltrate enemy organizations to steal secrets and perpetrate sabotage, all the while building their own agency with an eye towards global domination.”

The beginning sees players choosing to be a UNITE spy or a ParaGON mercenary. Whatever you choose, The Agency will immerse you in illicit activities including drug smuggling, assassinations, espionage and counter intelligence. Increase your influence by gaining ranks within the agency, eventually building your own agencies as well as joint agencies with others.

Recruit operatives

Players can recruit operatives who will gather intel, provide satellite scans or even build a new sports car. Operatives become more powerful as players advance and players can decide whether to use them to help themselves or their team or trade them with other players. Operatives are collectible non-player characters, providing the goods and services players need and allowing them to concentrate on the mission. Working 24/7, regardless of whether players are logged in, operatives can be kept up to date through email and instant messages.

Players will be immersed in hundreds of unique missions in The Agency, each with varied end-goals requiring combat, stealth and style. Engage in varied game play including sneaky assassinations, all out assaults, vehicle challenges and mini-games in casinos. Players will need to collect the right weaponry, gadgets, gear, attire and aliases to gain access to locales and eventually acquire influence over them.

With no typical class restriction, players can supplement their gear with exotic and powerful skills thanks to persistent character development. Players can customize their character’s attire based on which mission they are on, some emphasizing combat or support, others stealth and even cover identities. Players can also engage in other activities in The Agency including taking on other players at the card tables, the shooting range or in head-to-head combat.

Fun now, no waiting

“SOE is looking to take the online gaming industry to new places with The Agency, not only in terms of its theme, but also in its design. It’s accessible to all types of players, blending genres and changing up established conventions. It’s different from anything SOE has released before,” said Matt Wilson, Director of Development, SOE Seattle. “Our goal is to break from traditional online games and provide players with a ‘fun now, no waiting’ game play experience in a dynamic, ever-evolving online world.”

Sony Ericsson files a patent for a mobile device with gaming capabilities

Sony Ericsson has filed for a U.S. patent application for a mobile device which is also capable of videogaming features.

This could potentially form a base of a PSP based mobile phone device. But the company said in a statement that they are not currently working on a phone based on its PlayStation Portable (PSP) video game brand.

Sony Ericsson spokeswoman Merran Wrigley said in a statement: “We’re continually evaluating other propositions but they have to be credible propositions. We’re not interested in sticking parts on phones that destroy the brand equity that’s been built up by Sony.”

Sony has been quite successful with their Cybershot and Walkman branded mobile phone devices. Cybershot branded mobile phones are equipped with digital camera features while the Walkman branded mobile phones feature advanced music capabilities.

Sony added that they are currently scheduled to launch products featuring music and imaging capabilities at an event scheduled to take place in Berlin on June 14. Looks like we can see a potential challenger to the upcoming Apple iPhone from Sony.

Sony Vaio goes Colourfull

Sony has introduced a new line of notebooks featuring eye-popping colours and a chic design -- Vaio CR series. Trimmed in silver, the CR notebooks come in what the company calls five "fashion-forward" colours: sangria, cosmopolitan, dove, indigo and black (matte finish). The notebooks will also have an LED light that pulsates when the machine is booting, shutting down or hibernating. Sony has long led the laptop-as-fashion-accessory movement (remember the C series models and the FJ series), offering laptops in varied hues when other manufacturers were just starting to experiment with colours beyond black and grey. The CR series is no different, featuring a case that is brimming with colour, right down to the touch pad. Completing the look, each CR notebook comes with its own funky VAIO branded wallpaper and optional colour-coordinated carrying bag and mouse. As for specs, the 5.5-pound thin-and-light laptops comes with Intel's latest Centrino Duo platform, with Core 2 Duo processors, integrated graphics, and an 802.11n wireless card. The 14.1-inch wide-screen display includes a fairly standard 1,280x800 native resolution, and the display bezel has room for a built-in Webcam and microphone. The laptop also packs Sony's LocationFree software that lets users watch live TV, access their personal video recorder or DVD player, and view that content on their notebook via the Internet. The six new CR series models start at $1,350 and will start shipping by the end of June.

Sony BDP-S300 - sub $500 Blu-ray player

Those of you expecting a Blu-ray player for under $500 have just got your wish granted. Sony has announced that its BDP-S300 will be released for $499, making it the first Blu-ray player cheaper than the 60 GB Playstation 3 which is priced at $599.

Fully capable of supporting 1080p signals, HDMI 1.3 as well as Dolby Digital Plus and 5.1 surround audio, the BDP-S300 seems quite a reasonable alternative for those who don’t want to spend an extra $100 for the gaming and multimedia capability of the PS3. This will probably mean fewer kids will be able to persuade their parents to get a PS3 as their Blu-ray player, because it’s not the cheapest one anymore. I wonder how many complaints and protests Sony received from teenagers begging them to rethink this matter after this latest announcement.

In related news, Sony has also cut the price of its larger BDP-S1 player by $200, effective immediately. I’m still confused about the S1’s purpose, since the S300 seems to have all the same features plus audio CD playing capability, in a smaller size. Maybe some readers can enlighten me on this?

High Definition Handycam® Camcorder HDR-CX7

For the first time ever, record high definition directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo® media. The compact size of this camcorder combined with its miniscule recording media make the HDR-CX7 high definition Handycam® camcorder a joy to use. Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry, it features a professional-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lens and Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization for stunningly sharp high definition video. Plus, its large, 2.7" wide Clear Photo LCD Plus® display featuring touch panel SwivelScreen® technology makes it simple to view what you're recording?at almost any angle.

Estimates Price : Rs.36,000

Features

3.2 Megapixel (Gross) ClearVid™ CMOS Sensor
1/2.9" ClearVid CMOS Sensor provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (1080 lines of resolution - HD Mode or 530 lines of horizontal resolution - SD Mode) and still image performance (6.1 Megapixel). Unlike traditional CCD Imagers, CMOS Sensors require less power, providing better battery performance.

Switchable HD/SD Format Recording
The HDR-CX7 is capable of recording and playing back both High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) video recorded on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media (sold separately)

x.v.Color™ Technology
x.v.Color technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than currently possible. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.

10X Optical / 20X Digital Zoom
The optical zoom helps to bring the action close up from far away. In addition, the Digital Zoom Interpolation means that extreme digital zooming is clearer, with less distortion than previous types of digital zoom.

Professional Quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens
Carl Zeiss lenses have an advanced optical multi-layer coating that offers less glare and flare with increased contrast. This results in vivid image brilliance, true-to-life color saturation and perfect renditions of subtle tones. The additional T* coating on the lens further reduces unwanted glare and flare.
2.7" Wide4 (16:9) Hybrid Touch Panel Clear Photo LCD Plus™ Display (211K Pixels)
The 2.7" Wide (16:9) LCD screen provides excellent viewing clarity with improved resoltuion. The 211K pixel LCD screen rotates up to 270 degrees for multiple viewing angles providing sharp, detailed images for monitoring or playback, and the widescreen format makes shooting in 16:9 mode and composing shots even easier.

Smooth Slow Record
By increasing the record rate from 60 fields per second (fps) to 240 fps for 3 seconds allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is great for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, record an audio track to narrate what is being seen in the video.

Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media Slot
Capture still images up to 2848x2136 resolution, directly onto Memory Stick PRO Duo™ Media for easy trasfer to PCs for emailing, printing or shairing with other compatible Memory Stick PRO Duo™ devices.

Dual Record
While recording video in High Definition you have the ability to capture a 4.6 Megapixel still image directly to Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media.

Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization System
An advanced form of Sony's SteadyShot Image Stabilization system that controls an even higher range of shake and vibration frequencies. This optical stabilization system achieves an even higher level of smoothness without degradation of vide like some digital stabilization systems.

Tele Macro Function
Useful for shooting close up shots, but without having the camcorder casting a shadow on the subject. Images shot in the Tele Macro Mode will have the subject properly focused with the background unfocussed so that the subject stands out.

Active Interface Shoe
Provides a location directly on the camcorder on which to add optional accessories while providing power and two-way communication to those accessories.

Built-in Intelligent Flash
For added clarity and detail when taking pictures in low-light situations, the built-in flash improves pictures and reduces shadows.

Super NightShot® Infrared System
With Sony's NightShot® infrared system, capture video in total darkeness (0 lux) up to 10 feet away. Super NightShot mode automatically adjusts the shutter speed to increase picture brightness and clarity. Color Slow Shutter mode allows you to record in low light situations with full color detail by slowing down the shutter speed.

Scene Selection Modes
Scene Selection modes make recording easy even when filming in challenging situations. Choose from Beach, Candle, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Sports Lesson, Spotlight, and Sunrise & Sunset.

Picture Effects
Get creative when recording or playing back your videos with Sony's Picture Effect Modes. Effects available in Camera mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia. Effects available in Playback mode: Monotone, Pastel and Sepia.

Fader Effects-2
Enhance your personal videos by adding professional looking fader effects. Choose from Black and White.

InfoLITHIUM® Battery with AccuPower™ Meter System1
Charge the battery at anytime because unlike NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) batteries, Sony's rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries are not subjected to a life shortening "Memory Effect". Sony's exclusive AccuPower™ meter displays the battery time remaining in minutes, in either the viewfinder or on the LCD screen.

Stamina® Battery Power Management System
Using the optional NP-FH1000 InfoLithium® Battery, the HDR-CX7 can continuously record up to 5 hours (LCD) on a single full charge, providing extra long battery life.

On Screen Zoom and Record Buttons
For additional control of the camcorder, the HDR-UX7 features Zoom and Record buttons on the frame of the LCD screen. This allows the user more flexibility when holding the camcorder, especially in overhead or low angle shots.

Easy Handycam
Using a camcorder can be intimidating for some people, so with a press of the Easy Handycam Button, most of the advanced features of the camcorder are "locked out" leaving only the buttons essential for recording operational.

One Touch Wide Angle Shooting
Easily switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios for shooting, with just the touch of a button.

Manual Focus
Allows the user to manually adjust the focus of the camcorder using the touch panel. Manual focusing also allows the user to control the focus in difficult situations where either the environment or the subject does not allow the camcorder's auto focus to perform optimally, such as when shooting through a window or in a crowded environment.

Multi-Language Menu
Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese.

VAIO® FZ Series Notebook PC with Blu-ray Disc®

Fusing mobility, power and style, the VAIO® VGN-FZ180E/B notebook is designed to exceed your entertainment and computing needs.

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7300 (2GHz, 4MB L2 Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium


Features

Mobile entertainment and power to spare. The VAIO® VGN-FZ180E/B notebook features Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology and the Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor for lightning-fast speed and embedded A/V controls for one-touch access to your music, movies and pictures. An included CD/DVD burner and the streamlined instant search and automated security features of the Windows Vista™ Home Premium operating system make burning discs and navigating through programs fast and easy. And viewing your friends and family while video chatting on the gorgeous 15.4" widescreen LCD with XBRITE-ECO™ technology is so lifelike, it's almost like being there.

More display for your dollar
The thin-and-light VAIO® FZ notebook packs big power and even bigger entertainment into a small, portable package. This unique 5.75 pound1 with standard battery PC combines all the benefits of a 15.4” widescreen display2 with the dimensions or “footprint” of a much smaller notebook. The VAIO FZ is designed to maximize LCD space with advanced space-saving engineering techniques implemented throughout the chassis, including a reconfigured battery and motherboard design. The result is a brilliant, 15.4” widescreen display2 in the body of a portable, thin-and-light notebook.

Experience Blu-ray Disc® media playback
Watch movies in the best high-definition picture quality available today with the VAIO® FZ Premium notebook, the world’s first thin-and-light Blu-ray Disc®-enabled notebook12. Until you experience movies and concerts on Blu-ray Disc® media, you won’t know just how good high-definition can be. With pristine Full 1080 HD resolution and stunning clarity, Blu-ray Disc® technology is an impressive new way to enjoy your entertainment. Blu-ray Disc® also enjoys the most extensive industry support as it is backed by more than 85% of consumer electronics companies, seven of the biggest movie studios, the world's two largest music labels, plus PLAYSTATION® 3 and leading game companies.

Elegance and sophistication
With subtle sophistication and undeniable elegance, the lightweight VAIO® FZ notebook is crafted with an aesthetic touch and careful attention to detail. From its exciting entertainment functions to its brilliant XBRITE-HiColor™ display, the VAIO FZ is a beautifully designed, thin-and-light mobile entertainment center.

XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology
By applying engineering techniques from our BRAVIA™ high-definition LCD TVs to our new and improved XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology, we've created a notebook PC display that reaches an incredible color contrast of 90% - without increasing LCD power consumption. With richer greens and fresher blues than ever before, the new and improved XBRITE-HiColor™ LCD technology reproduces vivid colors and delicate contrasts with uniform brightness. Far superior to the 40-50% color reproduction of most notebook PCs, the VAIO FZ notebook with new and improved XBRITE-HiColor LCD technology delivers an incredibly luminous display that reproduces 90% of the color spectrum.

Entertainment controls
An A/V fan’s dream PC, the VAIO® FZ notebook includes a full set of dedicated multimedia controls just above the keyboard. A round A/V interface jumps out of the clean design of the VAIO FZ, adding a unique and practical touch to its sophisticated appearance. These intuitive music and video controls are user-friendly, so you can easily control your CDs, DVDs, pictures and home movies with the push of a button.

Sony Releases PSP Firmware 3.50

A few days ago, Sony had come out with firmware 1.80 for the PlayStation 3. One of the striking features of that update was the ability to use the PSP to access their PS3 via the internet. Now, the PlayStation Portable firmware update 3.50 will add the Remote Play functionality to Sony’s handheld.

Though you won’t be able to play PS3 games (obviously) or access DVD or Blu-ray movies using the PSP Remote Play, you will be able to listen to music, watch compatible videos, pictures and access your friend lists. The PSP firmware update 3.50 will also allow gamers to receive news and other RSS feeds as Sony has added an RSS channel guide for the handheld console.

Hmm… it is nice of Sony to add such features to the PSP, which will make it more cool than before. It would be even better if they include more interactive features to the PSP in the future.