Category Archives: Sony

Sony Hopes Release of PlayStation Suite SDK Will Bolster Games Catalog

Posted by on September 15, 2011 No comments

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Sony has announced today that it will begin offering a PlayStation Suite SDK to Android content developers in an effort to grow the platform as it become available on more devices. Currently the PlayStation-certified Xperia Play is the only device to offer PS Suite compatibility, but that will change with the release of Sony’s Tablet S and Tablet P. The PS Suite SDK, which becomes available in November, will provide developers with the tools necessary to create new games and experiences on these devices as well as the the Sony portable PlayStation Vita. Sony hopes to expand the lineup of PlayStation-certified devices further over the coming months.

SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT TO OFFER SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT FOR PLAYSTATION®SUITE STARTING THIS NOVEMBER
SCE to Provide Strong Support to Content Developers for PlayStation®Suite With the Distribution of the Newly Developed Content Starting Next Spring

Tokyo, September 15, 2011 - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it will offer software development kits (SDK) for PlayStation®Suite (PS Suite), called "PlayStation®Suite SDK," * for content developers starting this November. PS Suite is an initiative solution to deliver the world of PlayStation® to Android™ based portable devices.

Through PS Suite SDK, content developers can create content for PlayStation™Certified (PS Certified) devices, hardware certified through the PS Suite license program, as well as for PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita).

Supporting C# as the programming language, PS Suite SDK can run programs developed in C# on virtual machine equipped on both PS Certified devices and PS Vita. By supporting development for multiple devices and by adopting libraries to create a variety of content not only limited to games, PS Suite SDK will not only help developers save their cost in creating new content but also allow them to efficiently create their content on one SDK and without having to create on several different SDKs.

Through PS Suite SDK, SCE will provide to game developers and publishers the potential to further expand their business opportunities to Android based portable devices. In addition, SCE can approach to a wider range of content developers, non-gaming developers and individual programmers. The detailed information of PS Suite SDK, including how to download, will be announced via a dedicated PS Suite section on SCE’s official website.

As of September 15th, 2011, PS Certified device line-up includes Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB’s Xperia PLAY, Sony Corporation’s “Sony Tablet” S, “Sony Tablet” P, and SCE will continue to further accelerate the expansion of PS Certified devices in addition to the current hardware line-up.

Furthermore, SCE will provide a variety of content towards these PS Certified devices from end October through PlayStation®Store*2 on PlaySation®Network, starting with original PlayStation games (PS one® classics). The service will start in nine countries including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia and with more countries to follow. In next spring, SCE will enhance the PS Store for PS Certified devices and provide content created by PS Suite SDK, further prevailing the world of PS Suite.

Through PS Suite, SCE will deploy various measures to support content developers in their business for rapidly prevailing Android based portable devices and will expand the PlayStation entertainment experience on an open operating system.

*1 Software Development Kit is a set of development tools and software libraries. Developers are able to obtain this SDK by signing a license agreement with SCE and by purchasing tool products.
*2 Users can download vast digital content including games through PS Store for PS Network for PS3, PSP, PS Vita and PS Certified devices.
*3 Number of content differ by regions.

Playstation Suite SDK Coming In November to Playstation Certified Devices

Posted by on September 15, 2011 No comments

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The Tokyo Game Show is taking place right now in Japan and Sony is dropping a world of hurt on the gaming industry thanks in part to their new PlayStation Vita handheld gaming device. To help capture the mobile market, Sony is introducing the Playstation Suite SDK for developers to be available this November. This new SDK will allow developers to make cross platform games and apps that work with any Playstation Certified device like (of course) the PSVita as well as Android powered devices like the Xperia Play and Sony’s new brand spankin’ new Tablet S and Tablet P. Sony expects C# developers to have some content up and running by Spring of 2012. This is HUGE news for Android as Sony hopes to have their own Android game market for all Android users regardless of your device. Check out the full press release below.

Sep 14, 2011 23:37 ET
Sony Computer Entertainment to Offer Software Development Kit for PlayStation®Suite Starting This November

SCE to Provide Strong Support to Content Developers for PlayStation®Suite With the Distribution of the Newly Developed Content Starting Next Spring

TOKYO, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it will offer software development kits (SDK) for PlayStation®Suite (PS Suite), called “PlayStation®Suite SDK,” *1 for content developers starting this November. PS Suite is an initiative solution to deliver the world of PlayStation® to Android™ based portable devices.

Through PS Suite SDK, content developers can create content for PlayStation™Certified (PS Certified) devices, hardware certified through the PS Suite license program, as well as for PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita).

Supporting C# as the programming language, PS Suite SDK can run programs developed in C# on virtual machine equipped on both PS Certified devices and PS Vita. By supporting development for multiple devices and by adopting libraries to create a variety of content not only limited to games, PS Suite SDK will not only help developers save their cost in creating new content but also allow them to efficiently create their content on one SDK and without having to create on several different SDKs.

Through PS Suite SDK, SCE will provide to game developers and publishers the potential to further expand their business opportunities to Android based portable devices. In addition, SCE can approach to a wider range of content developers, non-gaming developers and individual programmers. The detailed information of PS Suite SDK, including how to download, will be announced via a dedicated PS Suite section on SCE’s official website.

As of September 15th, 2011, PS Certified device line-up includes Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB’s Xperia PLAY, Sony Corporation’s “Sony Tablet” S, “Sony Tablet” P, and SCE will continue to further accelerate the expansion of PS Certified devices in addition to the current hardware line-up.

Furthermore, SCE will provide a variety of content towards these PS Certified devices from end October through PlayStation®Store*2 on PlaySation®Network, starting with original PlayStation games (PS one® classics). The service will start in nine countries including Japan, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia and with more countries to follow. In next spring, SCE will enhance the PS Store for PS Certified devices and provide content created by PS Suite SDK, further prevailing the world of PS Suite.

Through PS Suite, SCE will deploy various measures to support content developers in their business for rapidly prevailing Android based portable devices and will expand the PlayStation entertainment experience on an open operating system.

*1
Software Development Kit is a set of development tools and software libraries. Developers are able to obtain this SDK by signing a license agreement with SCE and by purchasing tool products.
*2
Users can download vast digital content including games through PS Store for PS Network for PS3, PSP, PS Vita and PS Certified devices.
*3
Number of content differ by regions.

[Via Engadget]

Sony Walkman Z Gets Video Preview

Posted by on September 13, 2011 No comments

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We’ve finally got video of the Walkman Z that Sony announced earlier. We expected this thing to take cues from Sony Ericsson’s latest crop of Android phones but Sony has instead decided to go in a different direction and create the UI specifically for Walkman.

After watching the video, we’re glad they did. From this first glance, media management and playback seems robust and flexible and the UI is smooth for the most part. We’re not sure if this device will give us the genuine Android experience (homescreens with widgets) but at least Android market will be in tow. Take a look above, courtesy of DigInfo.

Sony Walkman Z Officially Announced for Japan

Posted by on September 13, 2011 No comments

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Sony wants the Walkman brand to make a comeback and will aim to make that happen with Android at the helm. While this isn’t the first time we’ve seen and heard of the device (Sony Ericsson made quick mention of it at IFA in Berlin earlier this month) it is the first time we’ve gotten concrete details and pricing/availability information.

We’re apparently getting three different configurations with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB for 28,000 yen, 33,000 yen and 43,000 yen, respectively. It’s a 4.3 inch WVGA device with a 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor, Android 2.3, microHDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, DLNA and an FM Radio alongside Sony Ericsson’s smattering of music apps to make this an ultimate multimedia device.

I must say – I certainly wouldn’t mind carrying one of these around. The nostalgia alone would be enough to justify the cost of admission but a PMP device this powerful is something many of us have been waiting for (only Samsung previously offered a respectable model). Unfortunately there’s no word on when this will make its way to other regions but we’re hoping it’ll be here in time for our friends at the North Pole. [Sony, Press Release (Japanese) via TIMN]

HSN Now Selling the Sony Tablet S for $599

Posted by on September 12, 2011 No comments

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The Home Shopping Network is now taking orders for the Sony Tablet S. It was revealed a couple weeks back that we could expect the Tablet S sometime in September. There are no reports of other outlets selling Sony’s first Android slate, but Sony has been offering a pre-order on the device for $499. HSN, on the other hand, is selling the Tablet S for $599. It’s just four easy payments of $150, the price to pay for being among the first to take the brand new tablet into your hands.

[HSN via AndroidCentral]

Sony Tablet S Versus the iPad 2: Not So Appealing Sony Gear (Video)

Posted by on September 1, 2011 No comments

With Sony Tablet S and Tablet P official during the IFA 2011 preview event, it’s now time for a brief hands on experience, one that’s shown in the video below. What we can see here is the Honeycomb Sony device pretty much doing nothing but staying in the web browser, if I’m not mistaking.

The comparison with the iPad 2 is a pretty brief one and focuses more on the thickness of the two products, with the winner being of course the slim Apple unit. I’m not a very big fan of that folded magazine design of the Sony Tablet S and the buttons on its side seem pretty hard to reach, if you ask me.

Also. I consider Honeycomb a not so mature OS and look forward to see how Sony customized it and what they brought as extras. The display looks great though and I sure hope that that wasn’t the maximum brightness on it, or else we have a problem. We’ll be back with more details on this newcomer straight from IFA 2011 in the following hours!


Sony Tablet S and Tablet P Officially Announced in IFA 2011 Preview Event (Video)

Posted by on August 31, 2011 No comments

This week is all about IFA 2011, an event taking place in Berlin these days and including the debut of many gadgets, tablets and smartphones. Among those we uncovered two slates we already knew, but under different names: Sony Tablet S and Tablet P. Previously known as the S1 and S2, these models were introduced today in Berlin.

While the tablet S has been compared to a folded magazine, some people are starting to say that it actually resembles an iPad 2 and I don’t even want to hear the conspiracy theories here. But here’s the specs list to keep you busy:

  • Display: 9.4 inch, WXGA, 1280 x 800 pixels
  • CPU: Nvidia Tegra 2, 1 GHz
  • Connectivity: WiFi, 3G
  • Memory: SD slot
  • Camera: 5.11MP rear, 0.3MPfront
  • Battery: up to 8 hours
  • Other feats: IR remote control

This asymmetrical gadget weighs 598 grams in the WiFi only version and 625 grams in the 3G one. Also, it comes with Android 3.1 in the WiFi only unit, while the one with 3G uses the upgraded Android 3.2. Expect the WiFi Sony Tablet S in Europe at the end of September, priced at 479 euros in the 16GB flavor and 579 euros in the 32GB one. Mid-November will bring you the 3G unit with a 599 euro price tag.

Moving on to the clamshell tablet, the Sony Tablet P offers these specs:

  • Display: dual 5.5 inch screens, ultra wide VGA, 1024 x 480 pixels
  • CPU: Nvidia Tegra 2, 1GHz
  • Memory: microSD, 2GB card included, 4GB internal memory
  • Camera: 5.11MP back, 0.3MP front
  • OS: Android 3.2
  • Battery: 7 hours

The device weighs about 372 grams, which is incredible for any tablet out there, regardless of the screen size. Tablet P will be offered only with a WiFi+3G combo and it will come to Europe in mid-November with a 599 euro price tag. Here’s a video of the official debut:


Sony Takes Wraps Off Tablet P and Tablet S

Posted by on August 31, 2011 No comments

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With Sony being so secretive regarding their forthcoming Android tablets lately, we expected them to finally show us everything we’ve been waiting to see at IFA. Welp, they’ve done just that. Let’s take a look at what we’re getting here.

Let’s start with the Tablet S, Sony’s 9.4 inch (IPS with Sony TruBlack and Bravia display technology) Honeycomb tablet (the one I’m sure most of us are looking at more closely).

We don’t have much in the way of specs that most of us here care about (such as processor speed/type and amount of RAM) but Sony has confirmed that there would be both 16GB and 32GB WiFi-only configurations. We’re also getting a full-sized SDHC card slot and a front-facing camera along with other usual bells and whistles.

As for the Sony Tablet P, Sony’s odd-looking Clamshell dual-screen tablet, we’ve got two 5 inch displays (effectively making it a 10 inch tablet, I suppose). The dual-screen design opens up a few exciting possibilities here.

Perhaps you want to use the bottom display for the keyboard while the top one is used for something else. Or perhaps that bottom screen will be a nice to put all of those virtual PlayStation buttons to play games.

Sony has given a “within the coming weeks” release window for $499.99 and $599.99 for the Tablet S 16GB and 32GB models, respectively. As for the P, they haven’t mentioned anything about the United States but Europe will get it at the end of November for 599 quid. They’ll also be getting the S in September for 479 quid. We’ll be on the lookout for more details in the meantime.

Sony Inviting Canadian Consumers to Sony Tablet S (S1) Event in Toronto Mid-September

Posted by on August 29, 2011 1 comment

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If the Sony S1 – Sony’s first Honeycomb tablet (the 10.1 inch single display model) – interests your pique even a little bit, Sony’s willing to let you into their main Canadian offices to check the tablet out at a “Customer VIP” invite-only event. The event takes places September 14th and 15th. The tablet isn’t all that exotic put up against contenders – it has a 1GHz dual-core processor, Android 2.3, a 10.1 inch display and more. It will be unique, though, thanks to the ergonomically-designed form factor and its Playstation Certification. I know I can’t be the only one excited to hear more about this. If any of you lucky Canadians out there happen to get this invite and are planning on attending, let us know and be sure to hit us up in a couple weeks’ time if you’ve got impressions to share! [Mobile Syrup]

Sony S2 Launching as Sony Tablet P

Posted by on August 26, 2011 2 comments

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A few new details have emerged about Sony’s upcoming tablet duo. After learning of the Sony Tablet S branding for their 9.4-inch slate, Engadget reveals that their dual-screened device headed for AT&T will be dubbed the Sony Tablet P. The Tablet P will include 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage,  and weigh in at a light 370 grams. The clamshell device has AT&T 4G (HSPA+, we assume) connectivity out of the box and ships with a 2GB microSD card inside. It sports an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, the same as will be found in the Tablet S. The S will be available in 16GB and 32GB models and pairs its dual-core CPU with 1GB of RAM. It weighs in at 600 grams on the nose.

[via Engadget]