PS3 Adds HBO on Demand
Posted by Steve Fravel on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 · 
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The Sony Corporation has agreed to provide access to HBO on Demand content via the Playstation 3 game system. Combined with access to programming including Major League Baseball, network television episodes, NetFlix and movies, this creates a formidable alternative for some television viewers looking for content sources.
Initially, HBO will allow PS3 owners to pay for access to at least 11 of its original series. Priced at $2.99 per episode, PS3 owners will be able to watch programming like True Blood, Entourage, Big Love and Curb Your Enthusiasm when they become available for sale via DVD. The access window is roughly 11 months after the show’s original run on the network. HBO will introduce additional titles once each month to build the library of content.
The availability of programming via game platforms like Sony’s Playstation 3 and the Microsoft X Box creates just one more venue for program producers to develop revenue generation. It will be interesting to see if other “premium” program services join HBO and Major League Baseball in providing access to their content via game systems.
GoogleTV Coming Soon?
Posted by Kevin McGuire on Monday, May 17, 2010 · ·
The Financial Times is reporting today that Google, Sony and Intel are expected to announce a “significant breakthrough” this week with their launch of a “Smart TV” platform. It is rumored that Intel’s Atom processor and Google’s Android operating system will bring their “Smart TV” platform to TVs, set top boxes, and Blu-ray players.
“The revolution we’re about to go through is the biggest single change in television since it went colour,” Paul Otellini, Intel chief executive, told analysts last week.
Stay tuned for more on this story as soon as it breaks. For more, Bloomberg News and The New York Times first reported rumors of Google TV back in March.
Sony Developing iPad Rival?
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, May 14, 2010 · ·
The big tablet story this week is that Google and Verizon are working on a competitive device to compete with Apple’s iPad that will utilize the Android operating system. But there is also a rumor that Sony may be in the game as well. What isn’t clear is what Sony might use as its operating system.
Sony has been offering a line of electronic ”readers” for some time. Indications are that Sony and its supplier E Ink Corp. are working on improvements to battery life and and wireless conectivity in the readers. They are also thought to be working on the introduction of color to the products.
While a tablet may seem to be the next logical step, Sony is thought to be planning with caution. The competitive market for iPad type devices may already be too crowded.
Sony PS3 leads the Pack with Connected Consoles
Posted by Steve Fravel on Friday, April 16, 2010 · ·
A recent study by The Diffusion Group has determined that roughly one third of households in the United States with broadband service have a video game console connected to the Internet. It is the opinion of some that game consoles are likely the solution of choice for delivery of mainstream over-the-top (OTT) video content.
Of the three primary game consoles sold in the United States, the study determined that the Sony Playstation 3 leads the way in terms of users connecting the consoles to the Internet. Sony is followed closely by Microsoft’s XBox 360, with the Nintendo Wii having Internet connection in over 50% of consumer homes that have chosen that platform. Read more
Studios, Cable Companies Partner to Promote VoD
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, March 22, 2010 · ·
Eight Hollywood studios and eight cable companies have joined forces for a $30 million advertising campaign during the next three months to promote awareness of movies available on cable video on demand (VoD). This is the first time rival studios have come together to push consumers to rent more movies through their cable boxes.
The TV, print and online ad campaign will feature the theme “The Video Store Just Moved In” and will promote the ease of ordering movies at home, via the click of a remote. It also includes a dedicated Web site at CableVideoStore.com and a Movies on Demand logo. Read more
Google and Partners Developing Web-TV Project
Posted by Jesse Ward on Friday, March 19, 2010 · ·
According to published reports in Bloomberg News, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, Google is partnering with Intel, Sony and Logitech to develop a Web TV platform called Google TV, including a new line of set-top boxes and televisions that will utilize the software platform.
Reportedly, the Google TV interface will allow users to perform Internet functions like search, enable downloadable Web applications, like games and social networks, and also compile Web programming
According to the media reports, Intel is supplying the computer chips for the venture. Logitech, which specializes in remote controls and computer speakers, is developing peripheral devices, including a remote with a tiny keyboard. For its part, Sony is reportedly developing the first line of appliances and TVs with the Google TV embedded software. Read more
24 Carriers Form Global App Alliance
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, February 15, 2010 · ·
Twenty-four of the world’s largest telecom operators are teaming up to create an “open international applications platform” — in other words an app market. The initiative is obviously modeled after Apple’s successful Applications Store.
The announcement was made this morning at Mobile World Congress. The GSMA and three device manufacturers—LG, Samsung and Sony Ericsson— also support the initiative. Together, these telecom companies reach more than 3 billion subscribers worldwide, making this a noteworthy undertaking. (And begging the question, might the app model be the telecom storefront of the future?) Read more