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The Morning After: Thursday, November 17, 2016
We put the 4K-ready Chromecast to the test, saw increasingly less snow around the US, and gawp at the first hybrid Mini -- as well as a whole bunch of new cars coming out of the LA Auto Show. There's also the discovery of a "Watch Dogs 2" character that has fully rendered sex organs for no apparent reason whatsoever. Not just another Thursday.
Spend $100 on PSN in October, get $15 back
Sony's latest promotion is dishing cash back to those that buy goods on PSN this month. As of October 1, players that spend at least $100 using their Sony Entertainment Network wallets will receive $15 in credit. The credit will be delivered to those taking advantage of the offer "on or before November 7" via email or PS4, PS3 or Vita system notification in redemption code form. The promotion runs through Tuesday, October 28. Players will have until December 5 to redeem their $15 credit codes. Now the question is: What ever shall you spend that $100 on? PS4 players may consider the recently-launched and excellent Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, or may choose to pre-order Alien: Isolation via PSN. Or you could just blow it all on repeated rentals of Hocus Pocus. Your call. [Image: Sony]
PSA: PSN gets knocked down again [Update: Back online]
The PlayStation Network servers are currently out of commission for the second time in as many days. Sony posted a notice to its official Twitter account that its engineers are "aware of connectivity issues" and "are working to resolve" them. PSN suffered an outage for the majority of Sunday thanks to an apparent DDoS attack (distributed denial of service). Sony noted that no personal information was accessed in the attack. b=Both PSN and Sony Entertainment Network were "impacted by an attempt to overwhelm our network with artificially high traffic," though it's unclear if that's also causing today's issues. We'll update this post when PSN is up and running again. Update: Sony said that "network connectivity is being restored," and thanks players for their patience. [Image: Sony]
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Marvel Super Hero Squad: Infinity Gauntlet unavailable on XBLA, PSN
Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet's band of superheroes can no longer assemble on the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network. The game's PSN listing now notes that the game is available in a "disc only" format, while the XBLA listing doesn't offer a price or way to purchase the game. Revealed in 2010 as a sequel to Marvel Super Hero Squad, Infinity Gauntlet's cast brawled their way through hordes of Lethal Legion followers in a plot related to the second season of a Cartoon Network series. Infinity Gauntlet's digital unavailability follows the disappearance of several Marvel-branded games earlier this month, as well as Capcom's pulling of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 in December. It's possible that Disney's acquisition of Marvel in 2009 is resulting in lapsed licensing agreements, but no explanation has been given as to why these games have been removed from console storefronts. In contrast, the more recent LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is still available in both stores. Of course, you can still hunt down retail copies of any Marvel games you were still considering purchasing. Considering warnings for some of these delistings were scattered across social media accounts, retail copies might be the easiest option to keep track of anyway.
PSN adds Call of Duty: Ghosts, three other games to PS4 pre-order list
In its ongoing efforts to push players toward the PlayStation 4, Sony has added four new games to the PlayStation Network Store, all of which can be pre-ordered right now. This initiative kicked off last week, as Knack and Warframe pre-order options appeared on the PlayStation Network Store. Today, these games are joined by Assassin's Creed IV, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts and Killzone Shadow Fall. Additionally, the PSN also offers pre-orders on the limited Gold Edition of Assassin's Creed IV, as well as the Hardened Edition of Call of Duty: Ghosts. As you'd expect, these special versions cost more than their standard counterparts, but they also include physical bonus items for truly dedicated fans. Alongside this news, Sony has also revealed that those who have already pre-ordered current generation versions of Battlefield 4, Assassin's Creed IV or Call of Duty: Ghosts can upgrade their pre-order to the PlayStation 4 iteration of those games for $10. You can find full details on how this process works by visiting Sony's upgrade page, or you can visit the Sony Entertainment Network to place your pre-orders.
Diablo III starts console digital downloads
Who needs boxes when you've got the convenience of digital downloads, am I right? I am always right; you need to learn that lesson right now. Well, console fans of Diablo III are not shackled to the box-and-chain any longer, as digital downloads for the game are available on both the Sony Entertainment Network and Xbox Live. The game is $59.99 on both sites and graciously allows you to purchase a few add-ons, such as an Infernal Helm or a Treasure Goblin.
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.
PSA: PlayStation Store returns to South Korean PS3s May 16
After being taken offline last July, the PlayStation Store will finally reopen for business on South Korean PlayStation 3 units on Thursday, May 16. The service was originally removed to comply with new South Korean legislation that made it illegal for persons under the age of 18 to verify online accounts with their real name or age. As a result, use of the PlayStation Store is now restricted to users 18 and older, regardless of whether the service is actually being used to buy something. As an apology to all users affected by the months-long outage, Sony Computer Entertainment Korea is gifting all eligible users one free month of PlayStation Plus.
Sony launches web store for PSN content, only in Europe for now
A new Sony Entertainment Network web store quietly launched in Europe this morning, now making it possible to buy PSN content via a PC. We've confirmed the store is accessible in certain European regions, including the UK, but it's not available in the United States or Canada as yet. Approached for comment, a Sony Computer Entertainment UK rep told us, "We are testing a new web store, which we look forward to announcing and launching to the PlayStation/Sony community shortly."The SEN store offers a slick black look in line with the redesigned PS Store. Content can be filtered by platforms, genre, type (games, add-ons, demos etc.) and release date, and then further filtered by things like price range and required accessories. Much like the Xbox Live Marketplace via Xbox.com, purchases made via the web store then appear on download lists of compatible Sony devices, a process we verified on both PS3 and Vita. However, unlike with Xbox.com, purchases cannot be set to automatically download.Sony converted PSN accounts into SEN ones earlier this year, a move clearly intended to give its online content a more universal umbrella. That changeover surely reached its logical conclusion this morning, one will that evermore save us from finding out about a cracking PSN deal and then being forced to boot up and navigate our PS3s and Vitas to actually purchase it.[Thanks, Simon!]
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.
PSA: Sony Xperia Ion lands in US today, yours starting at $50 with two-years of commitment
You've likely read our review of Sony's Xperia Ion by now, so just consider this a reminder for those who've yet to peruse it. After nearly half a year from being christened at CES, the Ion can officially be purchased today in the US. Agreeing to a two-year commitment and laying out 100 smackers at AT&T -- or just 50 at Sony or Best Buy -- will net you this handset and its curious match-up of dated and up-to-date specs. On the one hand, this Xperia disappointingly runs Android Gingerbread (2.3.7) atop a dual-core 1.5Ghz Snapdragon S3 processor. However, it also packs a 4.6-inch HD Reality display (1280 x 720), 1,900mAh battery, 1GB of RAM, a 12MP (720p video) Exmor R sensor-loaded rear shooter, NFC and PlayStation certification. Hit up your local AT&T, Best Buy or Sony store to see if it feels better in your hand than it did in ours, or shop for it online at the source links below. [Thanks, Jason & Oliver]
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
US PlayStation Vita now able to access PlayStation Store (if you have one)
Despite not being available to most consumers for another week or two, the PlayStation Vita's online store is now ... online, offering five Vita titles and a handful of other content to purchase. The available Vita games mirror those already available in meatspace from GameStop and online via PS3 (Hot Shots Golf, ModNation Racers, Super Stardust, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Wipeout 2048), while the PSP games and video content mirror the other PS Store content.We also managed to get an online game going with Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, so it looks like at least some of the online infrastructure is now live (the game was directly between two Vitas over the internet, but we had issues searching for public lobbies). If you're one of the lucky few within the US who already has a Vita, now would be a good time to claim an extremely limited opportunity at topping the leaderboards, not to mention beating us handily at UMvC3.[Image above features Japanese PS Vita Store]
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.
