SonyRumors

Samsung Profits Dip Nearly 60% and What Sony Can Learn From It

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 9, 2014 | 5 comments

In its upcoming earnings report, many analysts expect Samsung to report a significant dip in its quarterly profits. For Q3 2014, the electronic giant will likely report a profit of 4.1 trillion won ($3.8 billion) from the $10.6 trillion won operating profit that the company booked in Q3 2013. That means in just one quarter, Samsung profits will have dipped nearly 60%! With continued pressure from Apple in the high-end market and increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Lenovo, Samsung is beginning to find itself unable to compete. It’s also worth noting that during Q3 2014, Apple held a 0% market share for smartphones with a screen size larger than 4-inches. Since that time, Apple has introduced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6+ which command 4.7- and 5.5-inch displays, taking the only advantage Samsung may have had in the high-end market.

Translation? Next quarter will likely be even worse for Samsung. If this all sounds too familiar, we need not look further than Sony to see a company who is plagued by the same issues. Sony just recently revised their FY 2014 estimate and announced a larger than expected $2.1 billion loss. Samsung’s pain, however, might be Sony’s gain if Sony can learn some key lessons from this massive blow to Samsung.

Dear Sony, Please Exit the Smartwatch Market

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 2, 2014 | 13 comments

Soon to be available in select territories like Europe and Asia, the Sony SmartWatch 3 is actually the company’s 5th iteration to take on the growing wearable market. Announced at IFA 2014 in Berlin, the SmartWatch 3 is the first device from Sony to incorporate Android Wear, the OS from Google that’s specifically designed for wearables. As a recap, the SmartWatch 3 offers a sporty, rugged design which incorporates a steel-backed case with interchangeable silicone straps that can last for for two days (four days on standby) and charges via micro-USB. On the functionality end, you can get messages from your friends, appointment notifications, and weather updates among other things like flight information, tips based on your interests, or messages from other apps that support Android Wear. There is also a built-in mic with which you can use your voice for search, though, curiously, cannot be used for answering calls.

Alongside the SmartWatch 3, Sony also announced the SmartBand Talk which features a 1.4-inch e-paper display (like the Pebble). Much like the SmartWatch 3, the SmartBand Talk can track your activities, and displays notifications. As the name suggests, the SmartBand Talk is based around communicating. To that end, Sony incorporated a built-in microphone and speaker which allows for short call functions with HD Voice support. Priced nearly 100 euros under the SmartWatch 3 at 159.99, it makes for a curious choice that this unit offers call functionality while the SmartWatch 3 doesn’t.

Either way, whether Sony had incorporated talk functionality in the higher end model or not does not change the fact that it’s time for Sony to exit the wearable market and specifically smartwatches. Let me explain.

Sony Pictures Crackle Offers Hollywood Without Being Hollywood

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 28, 2014 | 5 comments

Last week on Sunset Boulevard, Sony Pictures held a premiere party for Sequestered and The Cleaners: Season 2. Both shows are original series in the vein of House of Cards on Netflix and star some noteworthy actors. In the case of Sequestered, you can find Jesse Bradford (Flags of Our Fathers), Summer Glau (Firefly), Patrick Warburton (Rules of Engagement), and Bruce Davison (X-Men) on the freshman 30-minute show while Cleaners, going on season 2, has Robin Thomas Grossman (Pacific Rim) and David Arquette (Scream). As you’d expect with any red carpet event, there were plenty of beautiful people and enough camera flashes to make you dizzy with a fun premiere party to follow that, with full disclosure, we attended.

When you step back and look at Crackle and the event, you notice something interesting – it’s a media platform from Hollywood that isn’t Hollywood. Yes, we attended a red carpet event, but it wasn’t on Hollywood Boulevard. Yes, the shows have star power, but they are not Kevin Spacey, and yes, the service is available on just as many devices that support Netflix, yet their business model is completely different and that’s when it hits you. Crackle, from a distance, is a lot like the establishments we know, yet it’s completely different from them. Instead of creating a Netflix clone, Sony Pictures is taking a different approach with Crackle that gives it the Hollywood ties when it requires it to produce compelling content, and yet also keeps it away from them to give you something different.

So what the heck is Crackle and its shows, like Sequestered? Let’s talk after the jump.

Why I Took the ALS #IceBucketChallenge and Why You Should Too

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 25, 2014 | 3 comments

I’ve been gathering my thoughts on this subject for the better part of the last two weeks while the ice bucket challenge has gained enormous attention on social media and sometime after by the mainstream news. For those not familiar, the #IceBucketChallenge was created in order to raise awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Some quick facts about ALS:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert.
Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS — more than 5,600 people per year. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS. Annually, ALS is responsible for two deaths per 100,000 people.
The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from time of diagnosis. With recent advances in research and improved medical care, many patients are living longer, more productive lives. Half of all those affected live at least three years or more after diagnosis. About 20 percent live five years or more, and up to ten percent will survive more than ten years.
ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. ALS can strike anyone. Every single American is threatened by this disease.

The challenge itself goes like this. Somebody you know challenges you to take the ice bucket challenge where as you’d guess, you will have to pour a bucket of ice on your head or donate $100 to ALS foundation to help fund research. The challenge itself has been conducted by many industry leaders like Tim Cook (Apple), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), and celebrities like Patrick Stewart, Tom Cruise, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Chris Pratt (one of my favorite ones). Even those in the gaming community like Lisa Foiles have answered the call. While all have decided to take a bucket of ice on their heads (except Patrick Stewart… you’ll just have to watch it.), all have donated to the cause as well.

As you’d expect with all things on the internet, it wasn’t long before the naysayers and the cynics of the world turned their attention to the ice bucket challenge. Complaints varied from it being a thing for the rich, to too many people doing it, to simply just stop with these videos. But I say ‘frak’ them and think you should join me, among others and take the #IceBucketChallenge. Let me explain why.

Looking For Writers (Android)

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 11, 2014 | 0 comments

Thanks to an amazing community of fans that are fueled by a talented group that helps bring the daily Sony and PlayStation news you count on, SRN has continued to grow. In the past year alone, we’ve had a chance to head to industry events like CES, E3, and will soon be heading to PAX. In addition to that, we’ve been busy at expanding our scope and presence so that we can better interact with you. You can now find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Google+ and Flickr and more.

Due to this growth, it’s once again time for us to look into our talented fan base and expand our team so that we can push further and bring you some really exciting things.

Why the iPhone 6 Could Render the Release of the Sony Xperia Z2 on Verizon Moot

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 19, 2014 | 8 comments

The Sony Xperia Z2 launched globally in March and with it, the advent of 4K video in smartphones. The Sony Xperia Z2 features an impressive 5.2-inch full HD (1080p) Triluminos display that’s powered by a 2.3 GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 801 with 3GB RAM. Thanks to the powerful processor and 20.7-megapixel Exmor RS camera, the Xperia Z2 can capture video in 4K 30fps, which can be played back on any 4K television. Not bad for a smartphone right? The problem? It’s now been 5 months since the rest of the world got their hands on the Xperia Z2 and it’s yet to make a debut in the US.

During the last few months, we’ve seen what I believe are intentional leaks of the Xperia Z2 with a Verizon logo from Sony though the company swears they’re for internal mockups only. Now more and more info is indicating that the deal between Sony and Verizon will likely happen which would see the Xperia Z2 arrive in the US in Q3 2014. That means that the Xperia Z2 will have been released in other territories for nearly 6 months before the flagship smartphone makes its debut in the US and that’s not even the biggest problem facing Sony if the release window actually holds true.

After the jump, we discuss the obstacles that face the Xperia Z2 in the US come this holiday.

Which PlayStation Character Could Take Down Godzilla? [poll & prize]

by Sohrab Osati | May 16, 2014 | 0 comments

Let’s face it. We’ve all thought about it. What if one day you’re minding your own business and out of nowhere, Godzilla attacks your town? Mind you, Godzilla doesn’t care if you have a pass to E3 or that you just bought a fancy brand new car. Oh no. Godzilla will just ~~run~~ walk around and stomp on everything and likely in the process destroy/kill everything and everyone that you love. So this got me thinking. If I could have one PlayStation character on my side to defend me from Godzilla, who would it be?

Let us know by casting a vote in our poll below. Don’t see your character of choice listed there? No problem; just add your own. For those who take the extra time to hit the jump button and give a reason why they think their character of choice would win, a prize is likely in their future.

Hey! We’re Back Up Again

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 18, 2014 | 0 comments

Those who may have tried to visit our site in the last 24-48 hours may have noticed that we were down for quite bit of that time. Early Wednesday morning, it became apparent to me that the site was beginning to run slow and soon after, we were completely down. At first, I attributed this to two large stories we’d published that day (2014 Sony 4K Television Prices Officially Unveiled, Lower Than Previous Leaks and 2014 Sony 4K Televisions to Include PlayStation Now, Can Stream PS3 Games In 4K) that had us down to a crazy traffic spike. Unfortunately, the cause wasn’t nearly as exciting though much more devastating.

Instead, we learned that a whole bunch of other websites and email services were down. The culprit? Our host. Unfortunately without much notice, BlueHost went dark (I still attribute it to a Hydra attack) and stayed down for well over 24 hours. The reason behind the downtime is still unclear, but we, like you, were furious that we couldn’t have our site up and running for you. Also a big thanks to our team, and specifically Ricardo, for helping us get things up again once BlueHost had resolved things on their end.

The readership and friendship we’ve built over the years is everything to us and the reason we continue to push SRN to be the biggest and best destination for Sony and PlayStation fans. It seems like we’re now in smoother waters and the entire staff and I are excited to bring you coverage once again, starting with a review of The Raid 2. However, if you notice anything finicky, don’t hesitate to drop us a line in the comment section below or contact us on Twitter and/or Facebook.

Sony Further Discounts 2013 4K XBR Televisions (updated)

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 17, 2014 | 1 comment

Sony’s 2013 line of 4K XBR televisions already saw a massive price cut in late January. At CES 2014, Sony announced an entirely new fleet of 4K XBR TVs, which include the X850B (good), X900B (better), and X950B (best). The 2014 models, as you’d guess, are here to replace their predecessors, and that means that Sony needs to clear out what’s left of the old fleet. Now that we’re approaching Spring 2014, the timeframe Sony has given for the new fleet to be released, the company has decided to do another round of price cuts. Just how much? Let’s talk numbers.

Save Up to 60% Off at Closing Sony Stores

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 16, 2014 | 5 comments

Unfortunately, the old saying that “one mans loss is another mans gain” continues to echo true. Late last month, Sony announced that they’d be closing 20 of their 31 retail stores in the US. While a significant reduction of the company’s retail presence, the closing of the store more importantly has drastic consequences for all employees who will soon find themselves without a job. With little retail stores left, Sony has no good destination to send the products that reside in each store. This has resulted in the company announcing a huge sale at each of these locations with up to 60% off.

After the jump, we’ve got more details about the sales but your milage may very.

PS4: Will You Buy Disc or Digital Copies of Games? [poll]

by Sohrab Osati | Nov 11, 2013 | 0 comments

While the PlayStation 4 will be able to play games off of a Blu-ray disc like its predecessor, the PlayStation 3, it still represents the most forward looking machine from Sony. In fact, the PS4 from its core was designed to embrace digital downloads. This can be seem in the console’s ability to allow you to play a game while it downloads. In previous generations, you’d have to wait for the download and install to finish before you could jump into the game’s world. To further push the convenience of digital downloads, the PS Vita and your iPhone/iPad or mobile device of choice can be turned into a remote control for the device thanks to a free app. The PlayStation App will even allow you to make purchases and begin the download on your PS4 and have it ready once you’ve arrived at your house or office. So this begs the question, will you buy your game of choice on Blu-ray disc or will you download a digital copy of the game?

After the jump, let’s further debate the pros and cons of each format.

Editorial: The Community of PlayStation and SRN

by Brien Bell | Nov 5, 2013 | 2 comments

How Sony, PlayStation, and the SonyRumors Community Make a Difference

It is often said that you don’t know who your true friends are until times are hard. This axiom has never been more true for me than it has in the last two months. One of the greatest fears for any fan of tech and gadgets is that someone will one day come along and take them all. In late September, that fear came to life in a very real way when I came home to find that the house I share with a good friend had been burglarized. Both he, and I, were not present and were not physically harmed in the event, but the thief was very specific in his or her selection: the only items taken from our residence were our gaming devices.

One early model PlayStation 3, one launch model PlayStation Vita, and an Xbox 360 S that I had borrowed from my friend Justin for a series on the end of a console generation were the only items taken. No televisions, no computers, just the items that made it possible to pursue a path in video game journalism and criticism. This invasive act shattered the safety of my home, and despite assurances from friends and family, discouraged my love of games for a time. It was a violation of our privacy, and of my dreams and aspirations. I knew not all was lost; these were just material objects, and could be replaced. But for the better part of two weeks, I didn’t think this path was going anywhere.

There’s something unique about the gaming community, however. You see it in events like Extra Life, in which two of our team members just participated; in the wake of gun violence when gamers – despite being misrepresented by non-games media – symbolically call an internet cease fire in games like Call of Duty and Battlefield; you see it at gatherings like Gamescom and Tokyo Games Show and Blizzcon and PAX. Gaming is a uniting force. It draws people together – whether literally in multiplayer matches, or through the communities formed around systems, developers, internet personalities, or the games we love. SonyRumors is one such community where people come to gather around a brand of product to which they are loyal, and end up finding like-minded fellows, and some really good friends if you’re lucky.

I’m grateful to be one of those lucky people. Just a few weeks after the unfortunate events at my home, a package arrived in the mail. Within, a letter. And underneath that letter, another box:

I count myself fortunate to be part of an amazing community of writers, editors, web designers, video producers, and talented individuals who make me proud to be a writer for this site. This is the type of community that gaming should engender, but is so often overlooked in favor of flashy headlines and provocative news bytes. I count myself fortunate to be among such generous and caring people.

Let’s Reconsider: Sony Xperia Tablet Z

by Sohrab Osati | Oct 22, 2013 | 6 comments

For those unaware, Apple today announced some new products, the iPad Air and the iPad mini with Retina display. Those who know me are aware of my incredibly close ties with Apple yet this article isn’t about the iPad vs Xperia Tablet. Instead, the announcement got me thinking about Sony’s tablet ambitions and how they’ve evolved with the less-than-stellar Tablet S and the improved Xperia Tablet S and finally, the highly-refined Xperia Tablet Z. As I tell a lot of my friends, clients, and colleagues, Sony is the electronic industry’s best kept secret. They tend to have innovative designs and breakthroughs in hardware, and they even release them prior to their competitors. Yet Nikon sells more mirrorless cameras than Sony thanks to their ad campaign starring Ashton Kutcher. This happens despite Sony pioneering the product category with the NEX series, and this is not an anomaly related to just the NEX cameras. At this time, Sony has the most aggressive 4K television lineup with the 55-inch XBR (XBR-55X850A) starting at $3,500 yet wait till Samsung jumps into the market with their own version and I guarantee they will be the center of the conversation. Speaking of Samsung, while the company has just released their first foray into the SmartWatch category, Sony has been busy releasing their second generation SmartWatch with a four day battery life versus the 12-24 hours from Samsung yet no one knows of Sony’s watch ambitions outside of the hyper tech crowd and the same holds true for the company’s tablet ambitions.

This is a pressing matter for Sony and one that they need to address boldly if they want success on a larger scale. In fact, this issue isn’t about Sony vs. Samsung or Sony vs. Apple. Instead, it’s what Sony must do to reach everyday consumers who make up the majority of consumer electronic sales. So with that as backdrop, I’d like to introduce you all to a new series called “Let’s Reconsider” where we look at Sony products that have come and gone. No, we’re not looking at old devices from a decade ago or even a year ago. Instead, the series will highlight Sony products that have been released within the year and/or are still relevant, yet have little publicity and public awareness. Unlike a product review, this series will be designed as a reminder about what the given product has to offer and we’ll leave you, our educated readers, to make up your mind if it deserves your purchase. So with the announcement of the iPad Air and a continued strong growth of tablets in the post-PC world, our first series will focus on the Sony Xperia Tablet Z.

Gaming With Heather: ‘Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus’ Demo

by Heather Atkinson | Oct 19, 2013 | 0 comments

I had the opportunity to attend The Escapist Expo in Durham, North Carolina this year. It was my first year attending so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Expo or even what we would see. Insomniac Games was a sponsor of the convention and I was curious to see what kind of presence they would have since they have a studio located in Durham. If you are not familiar with Insomniac Games, the studio has produced some amazing PlayStation franchises like Ratchet & Clank, Resistance, and the original Spyro the Dragon. To my surprise, the studio had a large booth dedicated to their upcoming title Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus. At the booth they had several stations where you could play a demo of Into the Nexus. Being a fan of the series, I jumped at the opportunity to play the game before it is released and I even scored a really cool poster for completing the demo.

Everything I’ve heard about Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus mentions the game’s return to the classic gameplay that Ratchet & Clank fans know and love. It would seem that they pulled elements from previous games and the result is a ver story driven adventure. It is still packed with Into the Nexus is also packed with some new weapons, like the Winterizer, and some fantastic Clank specific trips into The Netherverse.

Gaming With Heather: ‘Beyond Two Souls’ Demo

by Heather Atkinson | Sep 29, 2013 | 3 comments

Welcome back to another week of Gaming With Heather, friends! I apologize for my recent absence, and I’m going to entirely blame it on all the new releases of September. This week though, I was fortunate enough to snag an early access code for the demo of Beyond: Two Souls. The rest of you will be able to experience the demo on October 1st, but until then I wanted to share with you why I think you my thoughts! If you’re not familiar with Beyond: Two Souls, it is an upcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive from Quantic Dream, who developed Heavy Rain. It is another interactive movie-style game that really raises the bar on how we play games. I personally don’t think Beyond: Two Souls has been hyped as much as it should be. If you read my last post I talked about too much hype, but in this case I have to wonder why everyone isn’t as familiar with this game as they should be.