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PlayStation 4 surpasses 1 million sales in the UK
The PlayStation 4 is the first current-gen console to hit one million sales in the UK, making it the second-fastest of all to reach seven figures in the country's history. The Sony system took 42 weeks to pass the million barrier, four weeks less than the PS3 and eight less than the PS2. However, the crown for fastest seller remains atop the Nintendo Wii, which shifted a million to UK customers in just 38 weeks. Sony Europe's Chris Owen confirmed the figure as "sell-through," meaning it represents sales to customers rather than retailers. Sony UK boss Fergal Gera explained to Eurogamer the figures come from data compiler Chart Track.
Sony UK has 'pool of stock' to deal with 'dead on arrival' PS4s
Sony UK has prepared for any malfunctioning PS4 consoles, including the dreaded "blinking blue light" error. PlayStation UK Managing Director Fergal Gara told Eurogamer Sony has a stock of PS4s ready to deal with any consoles that are "dead on arrival." "One thing we've done within our stock allocation is make sure we've got a pool of stock to deal with any 'dead on arrival' issues," Gara said. "It's not a vast volume, because there's no evidence to suggest we need a vast volume to deal with that. But our consumer services helpline is there to support gamers and solve any problems that do emerge." When the PS4 launched in North America on November 15, reports of isolated issues started to surface. Now, with the PS4 enjoying the most successful launch week in UK video game history, Sony says the roll-out has benefitted from the extra time between regional launches. "[There has been] no major panic or changes required, but little bits of fine-tuning, not just on our side but also on the publishers' side," Gara said. "So, some small little glitches on some games that can be ironed out, patched and tweaked before it comes into Europe." Gara concluded, "the great news is there isn't anything serious."
Sony rep confirms some 2011 Xperia handsets won't be tasting Google's Jelly Bean
Some of you might be familiar with Sony's earlier struggles to successfully (and in a timely manner) deliver Google's Ice Cream Sandwich to a slew of Xperia handsets. And, as we all know, Android 4.0's no longer the freshest treat around, thus the Walkman maker will now have to answer all the Jelly Bean questions to come. The first one to do so was a resident Sony mobile expert on the company's UK Facebook page, revealing that the Xperia Arc S and the itty-bitty Xperia Mini Pro won't be receiving the latest and greatest OS from Mountain View. Meanwhile, he also stated there's nothing buttery in the works for the elegant Xperia S, though he did say "ICS should now be approved" for the device. Perhaps this is a sign it's time to start looking for an upgrade, no?
Sony Tablet P available online, the P is short for pricey
Sony's second avant-garde tablet a la Android, the Tablet P, has finally made its high-fashioned self available online in the UK. The 3G-capable model has been slapped with a hefty £500 ($774) price tag, possibly explained in part by the pair of 5.5-inch touchscreens, which both tap into the same TruBlack technology used in Sony's Bravia TV range. The dual screen setup means that controls can be split to the lower half -- ideal for PlayStation-certified gaming or the occasional email barrage. If curiously curved clam shapes are doing it for you, offer up your pound sterling at the source link below.
Sony's AR tool lets you put big screens in small apartments (video)
It may not be a slick as Panasonic's dream-TV AR app, but at least Sony's keeping up with the competition. Live from the company's UK outfit is an online AR tool enabling you, dear reader, to visualize all sorts of boob tubes you can (and can't) afford. After printing, affixing and photographing a marker, prospective buyers can get a better sense of what sets fit in their humble abodes. Interested in giving it a go? Mosey on past the break for PR and a video, and then hop beyond the source link to begin your adventure. [Thanks, Matt]
Sony UK sales boss quits before impending PS3 launch
Man overboard! MCV reports that Kevin Jowett, head of sales for Sony UK, has resigned in order to pursue a career outside of the games industry. With the March 23 Euro PS3 launch just over five weeks away, his timing has likely caused quite a stir, with MCV commenting that the move may briefly disrupt negotiations between Sony and UK retailers. A UK high street executive is noted as saying, "Kevin is going just as Sony is talking to everyone about terms and arranging pre-orders and in-store marketing campaigns. Obviously, Sony is a big organisation and there will be people there who can fill Kevin's position. But this can't be helpful to them."Though the launch is unlikely to be overtly affected, you can be sure that an already challenging task just became tougher for those behind the curtain.
Gangs of London code leaked, Sony not amused
An internal beta of Gangs of London, a forthcoming spectacle of urban violence on the PSP, has been leaked onto BitTorrent sites across the net. After vowing to never again take firewall advice from Gabe Newell, Sony Computer Entertainment UK urged gamers to avoid downloading the game -- not because it's illegal or morally reprehensible, but because the game is so full of bugs. "It is not the complete game and it has anomalies in the code since it hasn't been through our QA process yet."Content with having spared code kleptomaniacs the inconvenience of encountering technical anomalies, Sony's David Wilson goes on to condemn piracy, noting that "there are proven links that exist between counterfeiting and organised crime and that has some serious consequences (and victims) that people should give due consideration."Be sure to give this issue your due consideration before purchasing the game later this year and running about London, stealing and killing things.
