Sony @ CES

Posted by Kevin in Articles, Sony | 2 comments

Sony hit the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with a bang, announcing a whole slew of new technology due to hit the market in 2010 – whether or not you can afford it.

A huge portion of the show went into discussing 3D tech. Sony are launching cameras (high end pro equipment) for the industry to film with alongside OLED TVs for us rich folk to buy for our homes. ESPN will be the first 3D-exclusive based channel with “ESPN 3D”, funnily enough. FIFA 2010 (the real one, not the game where Ibrahimovic plays for Bayern Munich, in my manager mode anyway) will be shot on 3D cameras, and so on.

How does that tie into gaming? Well, the PS3 only requires a software update to support 3D gaming – but your TV will need some new hardware to support it. It’s not likely to take off in 2010, but in a few years time it could be as standardised as HD is now.

Next up was a new Vaio that had all the mod-cons, but specifically mentioned gaming.

A load of other non-gaming stuff came up before our friend Kaz Hirai came on stage to announce stuff in his typically over-enthusiastic manner. They announced a single user-ID for both PSN and other consumer products -like laptops and blu-ray players- so these other devices aren’t getting true PSN, but they’re “looking at making a single experience” in the future.

Premium video content via PSN will go to other types of device, like the PSP (via PS3).

Next came some stats-padding. 1.7million PS3′s were sold in the last quarter in the US alone. At this point Kaz’s smirk appeared wryly. Sony know they beat Microsoft this Christmas.

Overall not a huge amount to go on for gaming, but that’s what E3 is for. Mainly, Sony want to push the next generation. They jumped on HD before everyone else, not it’s 3D’s turn, and with the PS3 sales figures finally on track they can use that as a linchpin to push the format and force us rich youths to buy 3D TV technology. Just like DVD. Just like Blu-Ray. Just like HDTV.

Sony also coincided the event by sending me a press release announcing a whopping 76% rise in sales based on the same period in 2008. A huge number by any standards. Worldwide figures reaching just under 4 million PS3′s. That’s in a 3-month period, keep in mind. That is a staggering figure for a console that was in last place only a few months ago.

The press release goes on to say;

In 2010, SCEI will continue to deploy various measures to further expand the PS3 software line-up, including highly anticipated titles such as God of War 3, Gran Turismo™ 5, MAG, Heavy Rain and ModNation Racers. The company will also vigorously enhance the network content and services, while tapping into a wider audience through the introduction of a new Motion Controller supported with a variety of software titles as well as delivering outstanding 3D experience in homes with 3D stereoscopic games and movies, that is possible only on the PS3 platform.

All in all, Sony are pretty happy with themselves.