IFA 2011 – BERLIN. Sony’s Qriocity is no more – the VOD service will from now on be part of the new Sony Entertainment Network, said Kazuo Hirai, executive deputy president, Sony Corporation at the Sony press conference.
“Through ‘Sony Entertainment Network,’ we can provide everything that Sony customers value – and want – in a convenient, comprehensive manner that is uniquely Sony in its presentation and delivery,” said Hirai.
As the first step, “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” will be called “Video Unlimited” and “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will become “Music Unlimited.“ The Playstaion Network will also be part of the new service.
Sony CEO Howard Stringer said at the press conference that its PlayStation Network, which had come under massive cyber attacks earlier this summer, has fully recovered.
New markets are on the map for Music Unlimited, with the service set to roll out in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden by the end of the year. “Music Unlimited” will also expand to more devices including Walkman during the fourth quarter.
In other news, Sony announced a deal with MUBI, video portal for foreign, classic and independent films from around the world.
Starting in the UK on September 12, MUBI will launch in different countries across Europe throughout the autumn. The service is available through Sony Entertainment Network on Bravia TVs, Blu-ray disc players, Blu-ray home theatre devices and Sony’s Network Media Player.
Sony also announced the launch of the SMP-N200 Network Media Player, which will be available from October 2011 with the exact date of release varying by country. The device promises to easily turn any TV into an internet connected TV; to stream movies, music and more in HD and 3D and play content from other devices via built-in Wi-Fi or USB.
And, one more thing, Sony also announced the launch of its first tablets. Available in Europe from the end of September 2011, the Sony Tablet S is optimised for “rich media entertainment” on its 23.8cm (9.4”) touchscreen display. A Wi-Fi/3G version of Tablet S will be available from November 2011.
Also available from November, “Sony Tablet” P is geared for “mobile communication entertainment”, with an innovative folding design and dual screens for maximum portability. The tablet offers connectivity via Wi-Fi and 3G mobile networks. Dual 13.9cm (5.5″) touch screen displays can be folded to achieve dimensions of just 79x180x26mm (approx.) to fit in a pocket.
