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Sony Entertainment Network's Shawn Layden on security, indie content creators and more
Roughly a year and half ago, PlayStation Network IDs transformed into Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) accounts, and since then we've been introduced to the next-generation of console gaming for PlayStation. We caught up with Sony Network Entertainment COO Shawn Layden at IFA for a progress report on how the platform is doing on the eve of the PS4's launch. Considering a 2011 security breach was arguably the largest hiccup the PSN and PS3 have experienced, we wondered just what the firm had done to shore up its defenses for the next-gen wave. As it turns out, operations have been re-tooled, but Hirai and Co. aren't forthcoming with details. "As a result of that (the hack), we've instituted a number of measures, systems and protocols inside the platform, which you'll understand why I can't speak to that in any detail whatsoever," Layden said. "We had our baptism by fire early in 2011, and we've come out stronger and with more users from that point forward." In fact, Layden sats the PSN storefront saw more business the month it came back online than it had garnered up to that point.
Sony Entertainment Network and PlayStation Store add carrier billing for AT&T and T-Mobile
If you're stateside and still leery about using your credit card with Sony following 2011's hacking scandal, the company has a new way for you to pay: your cellphone bill. Following its UK debut, Boku carrier payment processing is on our shores now, allowing you to top-up your virtual wallet via, specifically, an AT&T or T-Mobile account. Oddly enough, these funds can only be used for purchases on the Sony Entertainment Network website and the PS3's PlayStation Store -- not the PS Vita's. We emailed to clarify this, but Sony only told us that it has "no plans to announce at this time."
Sony Entertainment Network introduces carrier billing in the UK
Sony Network Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment are teaming up with payments processor Boku to support carrier billing in the United Kingdom. The new feature, which is reportedly compatible with all UK-based carriers, will enable consumers to top up their account wallets by charging the addition directly to cellular accounts. You'll be able to add funds through Sony's account management website and the PlayStation Store on PS3 by choosing "mobile" as the payment option, typing in your phone number and authorizing the transaction by responding to an SMS. You'll be on your way to charging games, themes, Music Unlimited subscriptions, video content and add-ons in no time.
Sony Entertainment Network web store launching in Japan on May 29th
The Sony Entertainment Network, which is already live in the US and Brazil among other countries, will launch in Japan on May 29th. As you may recall, the service is a browser-based marketplace with games, movies and other media available for download. SEN is especially targeted at PlayStation users; games and videos purchased will automatically show up in the PlayStation store. Given that Sony calls the Land of the Rising Sun home, it's high time its Entertainment Network opened its doors to Japan. And with E3 less than a month away, the world may get a taste of Sony's next-gen hardware for enjoying this service -- stay tuned.
PSN online purchases now automatically queue to download on your PS3, like your Xbox already does
There's now no need to dig around your PlayStation's downloads section for that fresh digital copy of Ni No Kuni you just picked up online at Sony's Entertainment Network store. Finally catching up to the likes of Steam (and other competition), your orders will now automatically start downloading a few minutes after booting up your PS3. PSN Stores has even uploaded a guided tour of the new function -- you'll find it after the break.
Sony upgrades Music Unlimited to 320Kbps streaming on Android, PS3 and the web
Higher quality audio is a staple of the experience for a growing number of streaming music services, most notably Spotify. Sony won't let itself become the exception to the rule: Music Unlimited now has an option for a much more detailed 320Kbps bitrate. The quality upgrade is staggered and is initially active on Android devices, the PlayStation 3 and the web player, while desktops, iOS, the PlayStation Vita and home theater gear will get improved tunes later on in the year. Music Unlimited won't appease those who want a consistent experience in the near term, then -- still, it might be enough for listeners whose Xperia serves as a primary jukebox.
Sony Entertainment Network web store now live in North America and Brazil
As promised, Sony's delivering its web accessible Sony Entertainment Network store before the end of January, today lighting up the store for North Americans and Brazilians. Beyond just games, you can snag any content available on SEN and snag it later for full download and install on your PlayStation 3, Vita, PSP, and Xperia devices. Sadly, it's not anywhere near as convenient as its Xbox 360 equivalent -- after queuing up downloads, users have to dig around in the My Downloads section of their XMB and manually select which content to pull down. Still, a step in the right direction (and only two months after Europe got the service). Head over and check it out right here.
Sony hopes to turn on PlayStation web shop in US this month
Sony is way beyond fashionably late to the console web store party in the US next to the likes of Microsoft, but it told CNET here at CES 2013 that it hopes to officially bring its Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) store stateside this month. Though we already spotted the service recently (which allows you to order movie, TV and video content and set it to download automatically to your PS3), it was still in beta at that point and only in Europe. Residents there can place orders, with items appearing on Vita or PS3 download lists, but until the official launch happens, nothing will download for now -- at least not without some hacking, from what we saw before. It's not clear whether it'll launch stateside in the same fashion or go live, fully functional, on both sides of the pond at the same time. If Sony's words ring true, though, we shouldn't have to wait long to find out.
Sony launches web store for PlayStation games, movies and TV shows (update: Europe-only, PS3 downloads work!)
Catching up to Microsoft's own web-based Xbox store, Sony's unleashed a new online store for its movie, TV and video content-- but neglected to mention it. Titled the Sony Entertainment Network, and separate to its own book store we were able to login to the UK site and found that content pricing matched what we've seen on the PlayStation Store and other Sony digital shops. As an example, the complete Mass Effect trilogy rings in at £60 ($96), although Sony is kind enough to offer links to discounted titles, PlayStation Plus highlights and other offers at the top of the browsing sidebar -- Tokyo Jungle is today's holiday deal at £5 ($8). Purchases can be done through the store, with the product downloaded to your game console when it's turned on next. Video content, meanwhile, can be purchased and then played on your PC, as well as on the PlayStation 3, PS Vita, PSP, Sony Tablets and compatible Xperia smartphones. Even if you're balking at some of those early prices, it might be worth browsing through some more palatable festive deals by visiting the source below. We'll have more when we hear the official line from Sony. Update: We've been unable to access our downloads just yet, something that was also noted by Eurogamer, which spotted that content can also be purchased through Paypal. PlayStation Blog manager Fred Dutton has added that the store is currently under testing, and that Sony are set to announce the full details of the service soon -- no harm in taking an early look, however. Update 2: After digging around in our PS3's network settings, we were able to discover our web-based purchases and start downloading them to the console, although it wasn't the most clearcut way to get to them. Unfortunately, it looks like the service won't officially launch until next week and our US editors have had no luck connecting to the service so far, suggesting that at this stage it's still being tested before being rolled out further.
Sony Network Entertainment prez Tim Schaaff retires, will remain on board of directors
Tim Schaaff came over to Sony from Apple back in 2005 with a mission of aligning its vast consumer electronics and entertainment interests, and today the company has announced he's retiring from his post as Sony Network Entertainment President at the end of the year. Schaaf's responsibilities will be taken over by current Sony Computer Entertainment president Andrew House to start 2013, although Schaaf will retain his seat on Sony Network's board of directors. In place and SNEI prez since 2010, he was around for the infamous PSN hack and subsequent outage in 2011, calling it a "great experience"... that he would not like to do again, of course. While Sony has made great strides in reorganizing the way its disparate arms work together since '05 (remember Sony Connect? No one else does either.) his departure comes amidst new company head Kaz Hirai's "One Sony" turnaround efforts along the same lines. A rebranding of PlayStation Network to Sony Entertainment Network hasn't pushed the Music and Movie Unlimited properties to the top just yet, nor connected devices like its tablets and phones -- we'll see if this executive shuffling has any effect on the company's fortunes going forward.
Sony unveils two new ES receivers that are the first with Control4 built-in, plus one without
Wondering where Sony would go next with its high-end line of ES receivers? The answer is apparently home automation. As we've seen the segment heat up with competition from companies like your cable TV provider and even Google (does anyone remember Android@Home?), Control4 and Sony have announced at CEDIA 2012 that they are partnering up to create a simpler option for the custom install market. While it doesn't address our main gripe with Control4 -- that it needs an authorized dealer to install it or tweak the setup, with all the associated costs -- it does make the STR-DA5800ES (announced last week at IFA) and STR-DA2800ES receivers an easy choice for custom builds by integrating the company's software directly into them. That means less wiring and complication for setup, and not only do the receivers themselves tie in with the system, Sony's ES control apps for iOS and Android can also control the home's automated features. The necessary license to activate the software costs $300 if you buy it along with the receiver, which will cost $2,099 for the STR-DA5800ES and $999 for the STR-DA2800ES. Still want the ES-level build quality, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay support but aren't keen on home automation? Opt for the STR-DA1800ES, priced at $699 -- more details are in the press releases after the break.%Gallery-164473%
Sony sets US pricing for 55-, 65-inch HX950 HDTVs: $4,499 and $5,499
We had to wait an extra week for the US details, but Sony has revealed Stateside pricing for its new top of the line HDTVs at CEDIA 2012. The 55- and 65-inch BRAVIA XBR-HX950 HDTVs have pricetags of $4,499 and $5,499, respectively and the press release promises immediate availability online, at Sony stores and through "select" retailers although we heard they may arrive in force around the same time as the 84-inch 4K monster. The press release also has all the specs for these refreshed versions of the old HX929 champ, which bring along all the local dimming, Gorilla Glass and connected TV features we've come to expect without any additional surprises, although we suspect that won't slow down orders from any fans of the monolith TV style with $5k or so burning a hole in their pocket.
Sony unveils top of the line HX95 HDTV for Europe at IFA 2012
Sony's latest and greatest HDTV popped up in Japan earlier and now it has made its European debut as the HX95 series at IFA 2012. We're not seeing pricing information or a release date listed, but the benefit of a native English press release confirms it features full LED backlighting as well as the company's latest image processing technology. All that's left now is to find out any US release details, we'll see if we get any more information today or have to wait until CEDIA 2012 next week. In the meantime, check the PR after the break and browse through a gallery of sweet images showing off the slim monolithic design.%Gallery-163685%
Sony unveils latest HX950 flagship HDTV in Japan with 'Intelligent Peak LED' backlighting
While Sony's current lineup of HDTVs has so far topped out with the HX929/920 series that's been kicking around since 2011, in Japan it has just unveiled a new top of the line model: the HX950. Often rumored in the last few months, it's available in 65- or 55-inch varieties and features Sony's now-trademark monolithic style as well as "Intelligent Peak LED" backlighting. Although Sony's brand name for the tech doesn't exactly reveal how it works, information leaks have suggested it is full array LED backlighting and not edge based, although we don't know how many zones (individually controlled light sources) are in play. What we do know, however is that it claims to outperform the LED backlighting in the old 929 quite handily, although we'll let our eyes be the judge of that. It also includes MotionFlow XR960 (800 in the US) motion processing tech that can create 240fps from 60 frames and a glass panel mounted to the LCD itself with a special type of resin designed specifically to reduce glare. Finally, there's also the usual add-ins like 3D and Sony Entertainment Network streaming video. We haven't seen any European or US information for this model yet, although with IFA 2012 under way and CEDIA coming up that may change quickly. Currently pricing in Japan for the 65-inch is expected to be around 650,000 yen or $8,269 when it ships November 10th, but we should mention actual US prices are typically much lower than a direct conversion. Unofficially, one retailer is already listing the 55- and 65-inch models for sale in the US for $3,499 and $5,499, respectively, although we'd take that with a grain of salt until we know for sure.
Sony STR-DN1030 AV receiver with AirPlay, WiFi and Bluetooth starts shipping
Right on schedule, the AirPlay sporting, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth AV receiver we told you all about last month is officially available. The 7.2 channel, 145-watt per channel STR-DN1030 retails for $499 and is the first AV receiver to not require some sort of dongle or other accessory, to connect wirelessly to your other gadgets. That means it is all that much easier to stream music to it from your Apple AirPlay, DLNA, or Sony Entertainment Network source. All seven of the inputs on the back support HD and of course the usual assortment of audio codecs and video up conversion features you'd expect are included. Still not sure it's right for your home theater? Maybe the additional details in the press release after the break will push you over the edge.
Sony STR-DN1030 7.2-channel home theater receiver with Airplay and Bluetooth hands-on
Truth be told, we spend a lot of time listening to music, movies and hands-on video clips through our headphones and laptop speakers, but when it comes time to sink into the plush leather seats in a proper home theater, you better believe high-quality audio is a top priority. Sony's STR-DN1030 serves as an update to last year's STR-DN1020, and promises to deliver on that quality promise, with a bounty of connectivity options to boot. WiFi and built-in Ethernet enable the 7.2-channel digital receiver to stream from AirPlay, along with Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) music services including Music Unlimited, Pandora, Slacker and vTuner. The device is also DLNA compatible, IP controllable and it can power on (from standby mode) whenever you begin to stream a song over AirPlay or Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR connections. We dropped by Sony's NYC headquarters for a quick peek at the DN1030, which we're told very quietly made the rounds at CES but has yet make its official debut. The receiver, which boasts 145 watts per channel (not including those dual powered-sub connections), was paired with seven high-end Bowers & Wilkins speakers and a powered Sony subwoofer. It's nearly impossible to pass complete judgement on any high-end audio product after a brief demo in a room that isn't optimized for sound, so audiophiles should certainly hear this thing for themselves before coming to any conclusions of their own. Still, we were quite pleased with performance from what we saw today -- Bluetooth and AirPlay connections appeared to be seamless, Slacker loaded quickly and audio quality was quite solid from all of the wireless sources, along with Avatar and a recorded Cream concert on Blu-ray. Best yet is the receiver's price -- the STR-DN1030 will set you back just $499 when it hits stores in mid-July. %Gallery-158292% Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Sony exec confirms IPTV aspirations, says they're on hold due to bandwidth caps
CES came and went without an update on the status of an alleged cable TV alternative the Wall Street Journal claimed Sony was building to push ahead its four screen strategy, but now Sony Network Entertainment VP Michael Aragon has given the rumor new life. Variety reports that during its Entertainment & Technology Summit Monday Aragon confirmed the company is considering offering TV services over the internet, but is waiting to see what happens with ISP bandwidth caps. Specifically referring to the Comcast 250GB limit that has recently come under fire from Netflix and others now that its Xfinity TV app on Xbox 360 skirts the cap entirely, Aragon noted cable companies have the pipe and the bandwidth and can restrict competing services. We've heard Netflix has been trying to negotiate its own path around such restrictions even as Redbox partners with Verizon on a video service, and rumors have periodically popped up linking Apple, Microsoft and any other tech giant you could name to similar plans. What does all this mean for the future? No one can say for sure yet, but unless some of the key players start to partner up instead of go to war we may need the FCC to step in before anything significant changes.
Netflix brought into the Sony Entertainment Network fold for British Bravia buffs
Britons and citizens of the ROI! Sony's bringing Netflix to all Sony Entertainment Network-connected devices. It looks like Kaz Hirai's plan to "unify" the company and its media offerings is beginning to gain a little momentum. If you have a SEN-connected 2012 Bravia TV or Blu-ray player, then the app should be available soon -- although no-one seems to know precisely when. If you're on PS3, or in the States, then Netflix is old news, so don't bother with the press release after the break
PS3 v4.10 update is live with an improved browser, Sony Entertainment Network nameplate
The latest update for Sony's PlayStation 3 is live and available for download from via your PlayStation Netw...oops, Sony Entertainment Network account. While we get used to the new branding (nothing we could see in the system UI has actually changed at all), there's a few tweaks included in v4.10, like some sorely needed upgrades for the web browser and the ability to set the time and date automatically upon each sign-in. A scan of the forums reveals a few who noticed problems with Netflix post-update (which may or may not be update related, deleting Netflix data from the Game Data utility section and/or installing the newest version seems to fix the issue), however most are just seeing significantly better scores in browser benchmarks like Acid3 and HTML5 Test, better compatibility with most webpages and improved YouTube playback (still 240p). Let us know if you notice any other changes, the system should prompt you the next time you log on for a quick round of Final Fantasy XIII-2.
PlayStation Network ID moniter sacked, falls under Sony Entertainment Network umbrella on Feb. 7
Listen up, those of you with PlayStation Network IDs. Sony Computer Entertainment International has announced that, as of February 7th, PSN IDs will change into SEN IDs as a part of its existing Sony Entertainment Network The company has aimed the move at clearly unifying the services of PSN and SEN, such as Music Unlimited. Fret not, however, as Joystiq notes that the change is basically a looks-only affair, meaning your current account information and related services will remain the same. Notably, the moniker refresh won't apply to the PSP, which will curiously remain under the PSN moniker for network services. The news comes as a part of SCEI's updated Terms of Service and privacy policy, both of which take effect on the same day. Those changes, by the way, appear to mainly be regarding location-based services for PS Vita, and parental controls for sub-master accounts. After all of the bad times PSN has been through, partnering up closer to SEN might just be the refreshed outlook on (online) life it needed all along -- and hopefully with less downtime. Hit up the source link below for the full details.Update: We've adjusted the post to clarify that the PlayStation Network will remain named as such, but that PSN IDs have now become SEN IDs.
