Posts tagged with sony
Sony UX voice recorders pass 1000 hour mark
Posted on November 23, 2009 4:55 AM
Sony's latest range of UX series voice recorders are now capable of passing the magical 1,000 hour mark when it comes to keeping copies of lecture after boring lecture. The UX200 is the base model with 2GB of internal memory, while the UX300 and 300F both feature double the storage space, which translates to over 1,000 hours of recording. All models can record in stereo MP3 format with the added benefit of noise cancellation, while playback can be performed at 21 different speed steps. You get up to 15 hours of battery life when recording, or 80 hours plus of non-stop audio playback. Expect to see these hit Europe early next month in time for Christmas.
PSP firmware update 6.20 offers extras
Posted on November 23, 2009 3:05 AM
Nice to know that the latest firmware update 6.20 for the Sony PSP will introduce an additional column in the XMB called “Extras.” Under this column lies the “Digital Comics” category that will kick off in December when Sony starts to roll out digital comic books via the Playstation Store. Alongside that addition to encourage little ones to read more, Sony also increased the potency of their compatibility with Media Go software, enabling users to view videos and listen to audio playlists created within Media Go.
Modified Vaio UX Is Awesome
Posted on November 22, 2009 8:35 AM
Do you think that the VAIO UX series UMPC is old fashioned and boring? Well, check out what some folks over at MicroPCTalk did to the UX490 (the latest UX model from Sony, which was released back in November 2007). Modifications include:
- The original 48GB SSD has been replaced with a 128GB SSD
- Core 2 Solo U2200 1.2GHz processor replaced with a Core 2 Duo U7700 1.33Ghz processor, overlocked to 1.438GHz
- Included E169 Huawei terminal for 3G
- Quad-boots Mac OSX Leopard, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Vista Business and Windows XP Pro
PS3 Units Can Support 3D Via Firmware Update
Posted on November 21, 2009 9:29 AM
Could be all be gaming on the PS3 in the future with 3D stereoscopic technology? Well, according to Sony, it seems like that’s what the future will be like, and your current PS3 can support it with a firmware update (we've seen the PS3 demo at CEATEC in Tokyo). Sony is aiming to lead the 3D market (here's Sony's plan) and will be offering 3D-specific tools to developers making games on its platform. Now we’ll have to see what Nintendo and Microsoft plan to do about 3D technology. The Xbox 360 could easily support something similar. The Wii might lack the muscle to render everything twice per frame (left+right image)
Sony Xperia X1 misses out on Windows Mobile 6.5 update
Posted on November 20, 2009 9:13 PM
Sony Ericsson has confirmed that their Sony Xperia X1 smartphone will not be getting any Windows Mobile 6.5 update, which is rather disappointing since it points toward cellphone manufacturers who don't seem to offer long enough support for their devices these days.
Sony demos 3D LED Wall
Posted on November 20, 2009 7:39 AM
Sony certainly thinks that the future lies in 3D technology even when you're viewing your favorite sitcom right in the comfort of your living room. In order to accentuate their faith in 3D technology, they placed 70 LED displays together at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition 2009 in Japan, where you'll need to wear a pair of dorky-looking glasses to enjoy the benefits of 3D shows.
Check out our previous thoughts about Sony's bet on Stereo 3D
Playstation Network to get fee-based subscription
Posted on November 20, 2009 7:16 AM
In what would most probably be an unpopular move, Sony looks set to introduce a fee-based subscription for the Playstation Network sometime in 2010 or the year after that. It isn't meant to replace the free Playstation Network access but complement it instead, where they reiterate the mantra that money gets you places - in this case, perhaps an increased download speed or more detailed profile online among other exclusive benefits. What do you think of this development?
Sony to launch online portal
Posted on November 20, 2009 6:49 AM
An online store is a big thing thanks to the iTunes' unprecedented success on a global scale, and Sony doesn't want to lose out on this potentially lucrative market if executed rightly, having announced plans to roll out an online portal for music, movies, books and other content including applications. The new Sony Online Service is supposed to assist the company in hitting Apple where it hurts - iTunes. Hopefully they won't introduce all the crap DRM and proprietary formats in the process.
Is Firefox Coming To The PS3?
Posted on November 19, 2009 10:36 AM
While the PS3 is a very good gaming machine, the built-in web browser is certainly nothing to shout about. Granted the PS3 wasn’t designed to replace your computer as a web browsing machine, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a better browser. Would going around the Internet is that Sony is in talks with Mozilla to port Firefox over to the PS3. Of course, this is still firming in the rumor bin at the moment, but we’ll have to sit back and see how this works out. Stay tuned!
Sony MHC-GZR33i arrives in Europe
Posted on November 19, 2009 5:10 AM
At first glance, the Sony MHC-GZR33i might seem extremely familiar to many of us Stateside, as it also known as the Muteki Shelf System LBT-LCD7Di. The US model comes with a tang orange color scheme on the speakers and light, while the European version which we're talking about offers a more subdued look, boasting a 7" LCD display, a 3-disc DVD/CD player and an iPod dock. It pumps out 360 watts of power with GROOVE and Z-GROOVE bass boost, while a karaoke feature helps you bring the house down (or complaints from the neighbors to turn things down a notch). While it retails for $499, anyone wants to make a guess on how much it'll cost in Europe?
Sony Turnaround Plan: We see 3-D as a pillar of our strategy
Posted on November 19, 2009 12:35 AM
Sony is still working very hard to turn a profit. To do so, the company is betting on (stereo) 3D, among other things, to charge a premium, in a bid to increase its margins. This was largely visible during our recent trip to CEATEC in Japan: stereo 3D was everywhere, in TVs, but also in the PS3 graphics driver itself. With it, Sony can turn the PS3 (an Uber10) user interface and most games into "3D Stereo" games. So what's in it for Sony? Sell more expensive TVs, for one.
It is not surprising to see Hollywood and TV makers are pushing (stereo) "3D". While customers have sometimes been willing to pay an extra to go from 60Hz to 120HZ, I doubt that the same is true for 240Hz. Thinness is also worth only so much: when it comes down to it, customers aren't willing to pay twice the price to get half the thickness. Instead most will patiently wait until the prices fall into the 1500-2000 range.
PSP 3000 Gets Police Lights
Posted on November 17, 2009 9:05 AM
Ever wanted to modify your PSP 3000 to make it looks like the lights on top of a cop car? Well, that’s what somebody out there in the world did, and he even posted the video of it on YouTube. It looks simple, but we’re fairly sure it’s not as easy as it seems. Have you modified your PSP before? What was your experience? Let us know via the comments section.
Sony offers e-reader trade in
Posted on November 16, 2009 9:32 PM
Sony's previous PRS-500 eBook reader has just obtained the ability to support the ePub format, although the price of that would be to send in your PRS-500 to a nearby Sony Service Center, where they will then update your firmware and return it to you within a fortnight. Another way would be to trade in your older device, where you will get a $50 discount off the $199 Reader Pocket Edition or $75 off the $299 Reader Touch Edition. Since both models already support ePub, there ain't no firmware update to grapple with this time round.
Sony could integrate TransferJet into Memory Stick Pro cards
Posted on November 13, 2009 9:04 PM
Word has it that Sony recently applied with the FCC concerning its AK8MSJX8G, which is basically the MS-JX8G Memory Stick Duo card. What makes this MS Duo card interesting is the fact that it will be associated with the TransferJet service, which means it could very well be the first MS Duo card with TransferJet technology built in on the market.
PSPGo hacked by Team Typhoon
Posted on November 13, 2009 9:02 AM
The Sony PSPGo has been hacked by Team Typhoon with custom 6.1 firmware to boot. Here's what the hacked PSPGo looks like in the video above, alongside an excerpt from the person who uploaded the video.
This video is for bragging rights ONLY (since it’s very cool nowadays) and shows our Proof of Concept 6.10 Custom Firmware running on the PSPgo. This will never be released to the general public or anyone else at all whether you are a dev or not, this is Team Typhoon internal material, we have no reason whatsoever to waste a perfectly good exploit. So don’t ask for release dates. We don’t care about your complaining, whining and everything remotely related and it’s your own damn fault since you brought this on yourselves. Better version of the video showcasing more homebrew coming next week. Thanks go to Sony for this awesome piece of new hardware, finally a decent hardware revision. Also thanks to all historied PSP Homebrew developers for paving the way for us to be able to do this.
Would this piece of news make it harder for you to sleep, or will you just brush it aside?
Sony Vaio X Harder To Assemble Than MacBook Air
Posted on November 13, 2009 8:55 AM
We all know that Sony is able to come up with some really sleek and pretty looking laptops, and the company favors a lot of proprietary technology, such as the Memory Stick. It looks like the Vaio X is going to stick with the company’s history of making its hardware hard to disassemble. After an engineer took it apart and examined it in detail, he reached the conclusion that the Vaio X is more difficult to assemble than the MacBook Air, and will probably cost twice as much to assemble. No wonder the Vaio X burns a hole in your pocket, eh?
Sega Genesis emulator on PSPGo
Posted on November 13, 2009 8:43 AM
The Sony PSPGo hasn't exactly broken sales charts to date, but that doesn't mean it does not deserve good things coming its way. The Sony handheld console has been hacked to make it more likeable, where it now features a Sega Genesis emulator that ought to rock the socks off folks who grew up on a steady diet of 16-bit gaming and uncensored finishing moves in the original Mortal Kombat.
Sony KDL-ZX Series could debut at CES 2010
Posted on November 13, 2009 6:51 AM
Sony's KDL-ZX Series of OLED TVs looks likely to be introduced at CES 2010, although nothing is confirmed yet as at press time. OLED TVs are still far from becoming mainstream due to the prohibitive price point, but with time and advancement in this technology, we could see more affordable units being released by manufacturers as consumers take a step up the upgrade ladder.
Sony VGP-BMS80 VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse
Posted on November 13, 2009 6:21 AM
Phew - what a mouthful, at least that's what we think about the Sony's VGP-BMS80 VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse. This device doesn't look as though it was designed by the folks at Sony, but it does pack in technology that is more serious than the rest, featuring wireless control of a PS3 or PC as long as it remains within range. The presence of an optical sensor on top allows you to use this mouse in the air just like a trackpad, making it ideal for presentations while you flail your arms about to stress on a point. Would you fork out around $80 for this piece of hardware?
PSP Go undergoes survey for new colors
Posted on November 12, 2009 8:17 AM
Nintendo is the master when it comes to introducing new colors for the same handheld, selling millions of units in the process. This is a fact that is not lost on Sony so far, with the Japanese company conducting a survey on the type of colors one would like the PSP Go to come in, hopefully to add to the current Piano Black and Pearl White systems once the survey is done. Variety, after all, is the spice of life.
