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Tag: Sony

  • Microsoft Signs 10-Year Nintendo Contract Over ‘Call of Duty’

    Microsoft Signs 10-Year Nintendo Contract Over ‘Call of Duty’

    Microsoft has signed a 10-year contract with Nintendo, ensuring the popular “Call of Duty” game remains on the platform.

    Call of Duty (CoD) is at the heart of the issues surrounding Microsoft’s proposed purchase of Activision Blizzard. Sony, in particular, has made the case to regulators that Microsoft will use the purchase to favor its own Xbox platform, withholding CoD from the PlayStation and other platforms.

    Eager to put those claims to rest, Microsoft just signed a binding legal agreement with Nintendo that will see the latter’s gamers playing CoD for at least the next decade.

    Microsoft President Brad Smith tweeted the news:

    https://twitter.com/BradSmi/status/1627926790172811264?s=20

    The announcement should go a long way toward undermining Sony’s claims.

  • E3 2023 May Be Missing Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony

    E3 2023 May Be Missing Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony

    Despite being the first E3 in four years, E3 2023 may be missing the biggest console makers: Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony.

    IGN reports that none of the three biggest console makers plan to attend E3, citing unnamed sources. No reasons were given for the three companies skipping the event, and none of the three replied to IGN’s request for comment.

    The news is even more interesting since Xbox CEO Phil Spencer seemed to voice support for E3 and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) just a week ago.

    “E3 is just, to me, one of the seminal moments of gaming. I love the history of going down to LA, thousands of people there, getting to see great new things…getting to see people in the industry, the fan events that we’ve had. I definitely want that to continue,” Spencer told IGN.

    “Xbox is on the board of the ESA, and I think a successful and healthy ESA is critical to what we’re trying to go do. So we place our showcase, like we always have done, at a time where hopefully it’s convenient for press and even consumers that are going to the E3 event, and that’s what we’re trying to do now. We will continue to work with ESA in terms of their plans. As I said, we’re on the board, and we want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to help make the E3 successful.”

    It’s likely Xbox plans on timing any announcements it may have to coincide with E3, giving it a chance to cash in on the hype without having a presence at the event. It’s unclear if the other two console makers have similar plans.

  • Xbox Boss Fires Back at Sony Over Activision Deal Objections

    Xbox Boss Fires Back at Sony Over Activision Deal Objections

    Xbox boss Phil Spencer has fired back at Sony over the latter’s objections to Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal.

    Microsoft announced plans to purchase Activision for $68.7 billion in early 2022, a move that was met almost immediately with criticism and regulatory scrutiny. Sony has been one of the most vocal critics, claiming Microsoft will use the purchase to unfairly favor its Xbox console in the gaming market.

    According to VGC, Spencer is firing back, accusing Sony of trying to unfairly keep the Xbox a small contender to its PlayStation.

    “Sony is trying to protect its dominance on the console. The way they grow is by making Xbox smaller,” Spencer said in an interview on the Second Request podcast.

    “[Sony] has a very different view of the industry than we do. They don’t ship their games day and date on PC, they do not put their games into their subscription when they launch their games.”

    Much of Sony’s objections revolve around Activision’s Call of Duty franchise, which Microsoft has committed to keep on the PlayStation long-term.

    “Sony is leading the dialogue around why the deal shouldn’t go through to protect its dominant position on console, so the thing they grab onto is Call of Duty,” Spencer told Second Request.

    “The largest console maker in the world raising an objection about the one franchise that we’ve said will continue to ship on the platform. It’s a deal that benefits customers through choice and access.”

    It’s unclear if the Microsoft/Activision deal will go through, with regulators on both sides of the Atlantic increasingly objecting to it. The FTC most recently filed a lawsuit to block the deal from proceeding.

  • Microsoft Commits to Keeping ‘Call of Duty’ on the PlayStation Forever

    Microsoft Commits to Keeping ‘Call of Duty’ on the PlayStation Forever

    Microsoft has just made a major commitment, with an executive saying it will keep Call of Duty on the PlayStation forever.

    Sony has been raising objections to Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard, claiming it will give Microsoft too much control over the gaming market. Microsoft already controls one of the leading consoles, and Activision Blizzard will give it one of the leading game publishers with some of the most popular titles. Call of Duty has become the main sticking point, with Sony raising concerns that Microsoft may eventually make it an Xbox-exclusive.

    Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has set the record straight, saying that “as long as there is a PlayStation out there to ship to, our intent is that we continue to ship Call of Duty on PlayStation.”

    It’s unclear if the declaration will do much to assuage Sony’s fears, but Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to make sure it’s acquisition goes through. The company has even taken the unusual step of acknowledging that Sony’s PlayStation sales dwarf that of its Xbox.

  • Sony Launches First OTC Hearing Aid in the US

    Sony Launches First OTC Hearing Aid in the US

    Sony has launched an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid in the US following a change in regulation that paved the way.

    Hearing aids in the US required a doctor’s prescription until recently. In mid-August, however, the FDA changed its regulations to allow consumers to acquire hearing aids without a prescription and said they should start arriving on the market as early as mid-October.

    Right on time, Sony has announced its first OTC hearing aids for the US market, building on a century of leadership in the hearing aid market.

    “At Sony, we strive to realize an inclusive world where everyone can participate, and we see this new product line as an opportunity to increase accessibility for many,” commented Mike Nejat, Vice President, Engineering with Sony Electronics, and head of Sony’s U.S. Accessibility Promotion Office. “With our unique technology heritage, we can help bridge a gap between individuals and their environment.”

    Sony’s news was praised by industry experts:

    “As a company dedicated to advancing the cause of Wonderful Sound for All, we welcome the introduction of these self-fitting hearing options, with the knowledge that more than 65% of the total U.S. consumer market– that needs better hearing care has not yet achieved it,” 4 says Carsten Buhl, President, WSA Americas. “We expect these over-the-counter hearing aids to help people begin the journey to better hearing health.”

    Sony has initially brought two models to the market:

    The first two products to debut from the partnership are the CRE-C10 and the CRE-E10 self-fitting OTC hearing aids, designed with the understanding that one size does not fit all, and that people deserve options that best fit their unique needs, situations, and lives. Utilizing the app, the CRE-C10 and CRE-E10 intuitively adapt to each user’s speech and surroundings, blending the latest technology with comfort to meet each individual’s hearing goals.

    Sony and advocates hope OTC availability will help more individuals get the assistance they need:

    “Many people have ongoing challenges related to hearing loss and because of the negative feeling around it, they often don’t seek the help they may need,” says Tyler Ishida, President of Consumer Business Group, Sony Electronics. “As a leader in the audio innovation space, we are thrilled at the opportunity to improve the hearing assistance landscape with cutting-edge yet quite accessible devices that will ensure new over-the-counter solutions for those living with hearing impairment and also help general consumers engage with their surroundings in a deeper, more connected way.”

  • Microsoft Admits Sony PlayStation Outsells Xbox Two-to-One

    Microsoft Admits Sony PlayStation Outsells Xbox Two-to-One

    No company likes to admit its competitor has a leg up, but Microsoft did just that in an effort to avoid antitrust issues.

    Microsoft is trying to purchase Activision Blizzard, one of the biggest tech acquisitions of all time. In order to convince Brazil’s antitrust authority the deal isn’t a threat, Microsoft is admitting that Sony’s PlayStation sales outpace the Xbox by a factor of two-to-one, according to TheStreet.

    “Sony has surpassed Microsoft in terms of console sales and installed base, having sold more than twice as many [as] Xbox in the last generation,” the company writes in this 25-page document in Portuguese. (TheStreet translated the document. The disclosure is at the beginning of page 18.)

    The revelation is especially notable given the issues Sony has faced keeping up with demand amid the semiconductor shortage. It is widely believed the company would have sold far more units if it could have kept production at higher levels.

  • Epic Receives $2 Billion to Invest in Metaverse Development

    Epic Receives $2 Billion to Invest in Metaverse Development

    Epic has received $2 billion from Sony and KIRKBI to help it invest in metaverse development, a major focus of game studios.

    The metaverse is becoming an increasingly important area for the tech industry, and especially game studios, as companies races to stake their claim. Epic is already the creator of one of the most immersive, traditional games on the market, Fortnite. Sony and KIRKBI, the company behind the LEGO brand, obviously believe Epic is in a good position to capitalize on the metaverse, with each company investing $1 billion in the game-maker.

    “As a creative entertainment company, we are thrilled to invest in Epic to deepen our relationship in the metaverse field, a space where creators and users share their time.” said Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation. “We are also confident that Epic’s expertise, including their powerful game engine, combined with Sony’s technologies, will accelerate our various efforts such as the development of new digital fan experiences in sports and our virtual production initiatives.”

    “Epic Games is known for building playful and creative experiences and empowering creators large and small,” said Søren Thorup Sørensen, CEO, KIRKBI. “A proportion of our investments is focused on trends we believe will impact the future world that we and our children will live in. This investment will accelerate our engagement in the world of digital play, and we are pleased to be investing in Epic Games to support their continued growth journey, with a long-term focus toward the future metaverse.”

    This latest investment brings Epic’s valuation to $31.5 billion, and should help position for the next evolution of immersive experiences.

  • Honda and Sony Partnering on Electric Vehicle Efforts

    Honda and Sony Partnering on Electric Vehicle Efforts

    Honda and Sony are working together, forming a new company to sell electric vehicles (EVs) as the entire industry pivots away from gasoline engines.

    Sony showed off its Vision-S SUV at CES 2022, a sleek-looking EV born as a result of the response Sony received from unveiling the Vision-S sedan a year earlier.

    “The excitement we received after we showed off the Vision-S really encouraged us to further consider how we can bring creativity and technology to change the experience of moving from one place to another,” CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said at the time. “This is our new Vision-S SUV. Vision-S has been developed on a foundation of safety, adaptability and entertainment. Safety has been our No. 1 priority in creating a comfortable mobility experience. That has not changed when building this SUV. A total of 40 sensors are installed inside and outside of the vehicle to monitor safety.”

    Sony has found a partner in Honda, a company that has the engineering and manufacturing capabilities to help bring Sony’s vision to life. According to Reuters, the two companies will form a joint venture, with plans to bring EVs to market in 2025.

  • Microsoft Takes Shot At Apple and Google With ‘Open App Store Principles’

    Microsoft Takes Shot At Apple and Google With ‘Open App Store Principles’

    Microsoft is throwing down the gauntlet in the app store market, releasing a set of “Open App Store Principles” that take aim at Apple and Google.

    Apple and Google have increasingly come under scrutiny for how they run their respective app ecosystems, the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Epic sued both companies in an effort to force major changes, including the ability to use external payment systems and sideload apps. Although Epic lost, a majority of US states are backing its appeal.

    Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Open App Store Principles are a declaration of how Microsoft will manage its digital ecosystem, and seem to address many of the complaints Apple and Google are facing. Company President Brad Smith also makes it clear the company hopes this action will help ease any regulatory issues surrounding its attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard, a deal that is already being reviewed by the FTC.

    Today we’re announcing a new set of Open App Store Principles that will apply to the Microsoft Store on Windows and to the next-generation marketplaces we will build for games. We have developed these principles in part to address Microsoft’s growing role and responsibility as we start the process of seeking regulatory approval in capitals around the world for our acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

    Whatever the motivation, the company has outlined 11 principles, as well as three commitments. These include not locking developers into Microsoft’s payment systems, treating apps equally, not using private information to compete with third-party apps, holding its own apps to the same standard as everyone else, and respecting people’s privacy, among others.

    Smith also makes it clear that, not only will Microsoft honor existing agreements for Call of Duty on PlayStation, but the company will keep the franchise on Sony’s console into the future, beyond the current agreement. Smith says the company is also make similar arrangements to continue supporting Nintendo’s platform. The news should come as a relief to gamers concerned that Microsoft would hoard Activision’s top titles, making them Xbox-exclusives.

    It remains to be seen if Microsoft’s overtures will influence legislators and regulators but, at this time, it’s certainly more than either Apple or Google have been willing to concede. That alone may keep Microsoft out of the line of fire, when it comes to any future regulatory action.

  • Sony Purchasing Game Make Bungie for $3.6 Billion

    Sony Purchasing Game Make Bungie for $3.6 Billion

    Less than two weeks after Microsoft announced it was purchasing Activision Blizzard, Sony has announced a deal to purchase Bungie.

    Bungie rose to fame as the original makers of Halo. Microsoft quickly swooped in, purchasing the company in 2001. Just a few years later, in 2007, Bungie was spun off as a privately held company. Since becoming independent again, Bungie has continued releasing games, most notably the Destiny franchise.

    Bungie will once again be purchased by a larger company, this time Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). The two companies announced the deal, worth some $3.6 billion, on Monday, January 31.

    “In SIE, we have found a partner who unconditionally supports us in all we are and who wants to accelerate our vision to create generation-spanning entertainment, all while preserving the creative independence that beats in Bungie’s heart,” reads Bungie’s blog post. “Like us, SIE believes that game worlds are only the beginning of what our IPs can become. Together, we share a dream of creating and fostering iconic franchises that unite friends around the world, families across generations, and fans across multiple platforms and entertainment mediums.​“

    Bungie says it will continue to have the same creative freedom it has enjoyed for years.

    “We remain in charge of our destiny,” the blog continues. “We will continue to independently publish and creatively develop our games. We will continue to drive one, unified Bungie community. Our games will continue to be where our community is, wherever they choose to play.​“

    As the video game market heats up, larger companies are snapping up smaller ones that fit in with their plans. The metaverse — the intersection of physical, augmented, and virtual reality — is speeding up this consolidation, with companies seeing game makers as a way to game a foothold.

    It should be interesting to see what Bungie will be able to develop with Sony’s deep pockets backing the company.

  • Sony Looks to Building and Selling EVs

    Sony Looks to Building and Selling EVs

    Move over Tesla: Sony is looking get in on the electric vehicle (EV) market.

    Sony used CES 2022 to show off its Sony Vision-S sedan, which the company first revealed at last year’s CES. The company also took the wraps off a new prototype, the Sony Vision-S SUV.

    According to TechCrunch, before unveiling the SUV prototype, President and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida credited interest in last year’s reveal as the motivation behind the new prototype.

    “The excitement we received after we showed off the Vision-S really encouraged us to further consider how we can bring creativity and technology to change the experience of moving from one place to another,” said Yoshida. “This is our new Vision-S SUV. Vision-S has been developed on a foundation of safety, adaptability and entertainment. Safety has been our No. 1 priority in creating a comfortable mobility experience. That has not changed when building this SUV. A total of 40 sensors are installed inside and outside of the vehicle to monitor safety.

    “In terms of adaptability, we have connectivity that enables us to build a vehicle that continuously evolves. It also makes it possible to personalize the cabin for each user. With 5G, it enables high speed, high capacity and low-latency connectivity between the in-vehicle system and the cloud. The Vision-S also evolves mobility as an entertainment space,” said Yoshida. “The Vision-S also evolves mobility as an entertainment space, including gaming experience and audio. We have learned more about mobility through our exploration of Vision-S and through our partners who have supported this effort.”

    As part of the reveal, Sony announced it is establishing Sony Mobility. The goal of the new company is to “make the best use of AI and robotics technologies, help realize a world where everyone can live in harmony with robots on a daily basis, fill people with emotion, and contribute to society. With VISION-S, which contributes to the evolution of mobility, together with the autonomous entertainment robot aibo, and the drone Airpeak, Sony will seek to continue to create new value in a variety of fields.”

  • TSMC and Sony May Team Up on New Chip Factory in Japan

    TSMC and Sony May Team Up on New Chip Factory in Japan

    TSMC and Sony may team up on a new semiconductor factory in Japan, in an effort to hep ease the semiconductor shortage.

    The semiconductor shortage has impacted multiple industries, from computers to automobiles. Companies are working to address the shortage, opening new factories and foundries in an effort to boost production.

    According to Nikkei , TSMC and Sony are looking at the possibility of opening a new factory in Japan. The project could be worth an estimated $7 billion. The proposed factory would manufacture camera image sensors, automotive chips and other products.

    The proposed project would seem to have the support of the Japanese government, with the project supported by government subsidies. Nikkei’s sources said the new factory could go into production as early as 2024.

  • Sony PlayStation and Discord Announce Partnership

    Sony PlayStation and Discord Announce Partnership

    Sony PlayStation has announced a partnership with Discord, to integrate Discord with PlayStation’s social experience.

    Discord is a popular platform for gamers to communicate and message each other. The company was recently in talks with Microsoft, with the latter looking to purchase Discord for $12 billion. Discord ultimately ended the talks, opting to go public instead.

    Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) CEO Jim Ryan announced on the company blog that SIE had made a minority investment in Discord, and the two companies will work to integrate their services.

    At PlayStation, we’re constantly looking for new ways to enable players around the world to connect with one another, form new friendships and communities, and share fun experiences and lasting memories. It’s in this spirit that we’re excited to announce a new partnership with Discord, the communication service popularized by gamers and used by more than 140 million people every month around the world.

    Together, our teams are already hard at work connecting Discord with your social and gaming experience on PlayStation Network. Our goal is to bring the Discord and PlayStation experiences closer together on console and mobile starting early next year, allowing friends, groups, and communities to hang out, have fun, and communicate more easily while playing games together.

    With Discord planning to go public, rather than be bought out, it’s a safe bet this won’t be the first such partnership for the company.

  • Google Pulls Out of Mobile World Congress Event

    Google Pulls Out of Mobile World Congress Event

    Mobile World Congress (MWC) is one of the biggest phone events of the year, but it will go on without one of its biggest attendees, as Google pulls out.

    MWC is one of the biggest electronics events of the year, and serves as a place for phone manufacturers to showcase their upcoming models. It’s especially helpful for smaller companies that may not have the same pull in the press as Apple, Google or Samsung.

    Last year, MWC 2020 was canceled as a result of the pandemic. This year, planning has resumed for an in-person event, using only standard protective precautions. In contrast, most other major events in the tech industry are still being held digitally.

    It seems Google isn’t willing to take the risk, given the ongoing pandemic.

    “Following our current COVID-19 travel restrictions and protocols, Google has made the decision to not exhibit at Mobile World Congress this year,” read Google’s statement. “We will continue to collaborate closely with GSMA and support our partners through virtual opportunities. We look forward to this year’s activities and seeing you in Barcelona in 2022.”

    Ericsson was the first company to announce they would not be attending because of the pandemic. They were quickly joined by Nokia, Sony and now Google. It remains to be seen if MWC will change course, given the high-profile pull-outs. Interestingly, MWC organizers insisted on continuing with the conference last year, only to abandon those plans when enough major companies withdrew their support.

  • $550? There’s a Reason AirPods Max Cost So Much

    $550? There’s a Reason AirPods Max Cost So Much

    When Apple released the over-ear AirPods Max in December, the headphones came with a staggering $550 price tag. According to iFixIt, there’s a good reason.

    iFixIt is well known for its teardowns of popular tech. Whenever a device or gadget comes out, the site is quick to break it down to its component parts and give readers the low-down on what makes it tick

    The AirPods Max didn’t disappoint, with iFixIt’s teardown showing the sophistication of Apple’s most recent headphones.

    With all their intricate, precision-engineered parts, AirPods Max remind us more of a mechanical watch than of any pair of headphones

    There was no comparison between the AirPods Max and competitors.

    And after tearing down some of the competition, we’re more understanding of that $550 price tag. Sony and Bose both charge less, but internally, the AirPods Max’s obsessive craftsmanship makes those other extremely capable devices look like toys by comparison.

    Perhaps most significantly, these are also the first AirPods that are user serviceable, earning a score of 6 out of 10.

  • Microsoft, Nintendo & Sony Announce Shared Commitment to Safer Gaming

    Microsoft, Nintendo & Sony Announce Shared Commitment to Safer Gaming

    Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony are collaborating to make gaming safer, especially for those most vulnerable.

    Video gaming has grown far beyond its original audience and is now enjoyed by people across all demographics. In fact, a recent survey shows the biggest area of growth is among those 35 years-old and up, with the single biggest jump among 45 to 54 year-old individuals.

    As the pandemic has forced people to social distance, gaming has become an important social interaction for many people. Some games have even found their way into Esports, with video gamers playing professionally. This widespread adoption has increased the call for video game companies to do more to be inclusive and protect participants.

    “We believe gaming is for all people of all ages, including our youngest and most vulnerable players,” writes Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Operations. “Technology makes compelling entertainment experiences possible, and we want to ensure that those experiences – especially when they involve interaction with others – are positive and respectful. All players deserve to have fantastic social gaming experiences in settings where respect and safety are mutual.

    “At Xbox, we are aligned with both Nintendo, on behalf of the community of Nintendo Switch players, and PlayStation in our belief that protecting players online requires a multidisciplinary approach – one that combines the benefits of advanced technology, a supportive community, and skilled human oversight. We can accomplish more when we work toward the same goal, and so we will each continue investing in, evolving, and amplifying our approaches to user safety. As we continue this work, we will prioritize protecting the safety of our players, especially those most vulnerable.”

    The three companies are working to prevent issues through more control over the gaming experience, as well as partnering with trade organizations, industry members, law enforcement and regulators to create better safety initiatives. The three companies will also make it easier for individuals to report abuse and violations of their code of conduct.

    The three biggest names in gaming backing such an endeavor should go a long way toward making video games a safer environment for all players.

  • Sony Invents Virtual Reality Display Visible To the Naked Eye

    Sony Invents Virtual Reality Display Visible To the Naked Eye

    Using spatial reality to combine the virtual and physical world, Sony’s new Spatial Reality Display creates an incredible 3D optical experience that is viewable to the naked eye.

    “It’s unlike any conventional display,” says Sony Product Designer So Morimoto. “It’s like you’re looking at the real thing. The Spatial Reality Display compared to other displays is amazing. Obviously, conventional 3D displays can show things in 3D, but this actually follows your eye movements, making it feel like a real object. I love that the display feels so natural to the human senses.”

    For designers, this is a huge breakthrough says Sony Product Designer and Mechanical Engineer Tatsuhito Aono. “If we could share designs that are life-size with this kind of clarity, it would make things much smoother. We could get the planner, the designer, and everyone else on the same page, so I think efficiency would improve and so would the quality. It’s almost like you are looking at the same image side by side.

    “I quickly realized that I’m seeing a whole new world here,” says Morimoto. “

    https://youtu.be/HY2uI39-r9I

    “Every single person I’ve seen observing this display is just like wow… I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Dan Phillips, Executive Producer for Emerging Technology at The Mill, a technology creative partner for agencies, production companies, and brands. “I mean you are literally looking at magic happen on the screen. At The Mill, we always take a brief and try to expand on it, whereas this is no kind of precedent.”

    “We’ve all seen holographic effects but this is one that you can see with your own eyes in a very physical sense. It tracks your eyes and it’s just got this depth that is just pretty magical.”

    “Seeing it was kind of mesmerizing and kind of mind-blowing,” says The Mill Creative Director Andrew Proctor. “You’re not designing a set frame but you’re giving a window. Look deeper, look further. You find yourself leaning around and seeing something.

    https://youtu.be/lBnJ9PV6OMA

    Here’s how it works according to Sony:

    High-speed Vision Sensor – The SR Display is based on an innovative high-speed vision sensor that follows exact eye position in space, on vertical, horizontal, and depth axes simultaneously. The display monitors eye movement down to the millisecond while rendering the image instantaneously, based on the location and position of the viewer’s eyes. This allows creators to interact with their designs in a highly-realistic virtual, 3D environment, from any angle without glasses.

    Real-time Rendering Algorithm – Additionally, the SR Display leverages an original processing algorithm to display content in real-time. This allows the stereoscopic image to appear as smooth as real life, even if the viewer moves around.

    Micro Optical Lens – The micro optical lens is positioned precisely over the stunning 15.6 inches (diag.) LCD display1. This lens divides the image into the left and right eyes allowing for stereoscopic viewing with just the naked eye.

    https://youtu.be/KrLMnQM0_Ps
  • Google Unveils New TV Service, Google TV

    Google Unveils New TV Service, Google TV

    Google made a surprise announcement today, unveiling its take on television: Google TV.

    In the blog post announcing the release, Google acknowledged the myriad of options people have to watch TV. From movies, to live TV to streaming and DVR content, the supply of content is virtually limitless. Unfortunately, the plethora of services can make it difficult to find content. In addition, it can be an annoyance switching back and forth between a bunch of different services.

    Google is looking to address these issues, with a service that pulls content from a variety of sources and serves as the central hub from which to watch it. The new service will be heavily integrated with Google Assistant, providing the ability to interact via voice.

    “The new Google TV experience brings together movies, shows, live TV and more from across your apps and subscriptions and organizes them just for you,” writes Shalini Govilpai, Senior Director, Google TV. “To build this, we studied the different ways people discover media—from searching for a specific title to browsing by genre—and created an experience that helps you find what to watch. We also made improvements to Google’s Knowledge Graph, which is part of how we better understand and organize your media into topics and genres, from movies about space travel to reality shows about cooking. You’ll also see titles that are trending on Google Search, so you can always find something timely and relevant.”

    The new Chromecast with Google TV is available for $49.99 and comes with a remote and 4K support. The Google TV app will begin rolling out to Android devices in the US today, and will start showing up on Sony televisions and other Android TV OS-powered devices starting next year.

  • Sony Announces $50,000 PlayStation Bug Bounty

    Sony Announces $50,000 PlayStation Bug Bounty

    Sony has announced it will pay significant bug bounties for PlayStation 4 bugs.

    Bug bounties are an important part of the cybersecurity and software development scene. Companies pay hackers and researchers bounties to encourage them to find and report bugs and security vulnerabilities. Bounties are often high enough to provide full-time income for dedicated security researchers and hackers.

    In a blog post Sony announced they are taking their program public.

    To date, we have been running our bug bounty program privately with some researchers. We recognize the valuable role that the research community plays in enhancing security, so we’re excited to announce our program for the broader community.

    According to the payout breakdown, PlayStation 4 bugs can pay as much as $50,000. With that kind of money on the line, it’s a safe bet Sony will have no trouble attracting help.

  • Akamai Throttling Game Download Speeds to Ease Network Congestion

    Akamai Throttling Game Download Speeds to Ease Network Congestion

    Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Akamai has announced it’s going to start slowing down video game downloads during peak times.

    As millions of people shelter in place and work from home, networks are being tested like never before. Internet providers, social media platforms and wireless companies alike are having to make adjustments to ensure their infrastructure can keep up with demand.

    Akamai, as the world’s largest content delivery network, is working with major video game distributors, such as Microsoft and Sony. Since a single video game download can be the equivalent of 30,000 web pages worth of traffic, game downloads during peak times can have a crippling effect. As a result, Akamai will begin throttling game downloads during peak times, resuming normal speeds late at night when traffic is less.

    “Playing video games enables people all over the world to connect with friends and family and enjoy much needed entertainment during these uncertain times. Our goal is to partner with other leaders in the industry to help ensure gamers are able to enjoy engaging experiences,” said Jim Ryan, President and CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment.

    “As people look to gaming for play and social connection, we’re seeing record engagement across Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Live, and Mixer. We’re actively monitoring usage and making temporary adjustments as needed to ensure the smoothest possible experience for our gamers. We appreciate the collaboration with partners like Akamai to deliver the joy of games in these unprecedented times,” said Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Product Services.

    While gamers may not be happy with Akamai’s announcement, it’s understandable given the challenge the pandemic is posing for internet companies around the world. Akamai’s main goal is to make sure critical network infrastructure remains fully functional and performs at the necessary level.

    “It’s important to note that Akamai fully expects to maintain the integrity and reliability of website and mobile application delivery, as well as security services, for all of our customers during this time,” writes CEO Tom Leighton. “In particular, Akamai customers across sectors such as government, healthcare, financial services, commerce, manufacturing, and business services should not experience any change in the performance of their services.”

  • Microsoft Sees Amazon and Google As Primary Xbox Competition

    Microsoft Sees Amazon and Google As Primary Xbox Competition

    People love rivalries. Apple vs Microsoft, Ford vs Chevy, Patriots vs the Bills and Xbox vs PlayStation are just a few of the greats. According to Protocol, however, the Xbox vs PlayStation rivalry may be nearing its end as Microsoft’s focus has shifted to Amazon and Google as its primary rivals.

    “When you talk about Nintendo and Sony, we have a ton of respect for them, but we see Amazon and Google as the main competitors going forward,” Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft’s games business, told Protocol in an interview. “That’s not to disrespect Nintendo and Sony, but the traditional gaming companies are somewhat out of position. I guess they could try to re-create Azure, but we’ve invested tens of billions of dollars in cloud over the years.”

    The change in focus is another indication of the growing importance of the cloud, and Microsoft’s determination to continue gaining ground in the market. While the company has enjoyed phenomenal success with its Xbox line, it sees the future of gaming in cloud-based streaming, according to Business Insider.

    Google has already released its streaming game service Stadia, and Apple has a similar service called Apple Arcade. While Amazon doesn’t currently have a gaming service, it has the underlying cloud architecture to support one. Unlike Microsoft or Sony’s current offerings, for a low monthly price Stadia and Arcade stream a myriad of games to devices people already own and use, meaning there is a far lower barrier-to-entry. This is significant when taking into consideration the cost of a gaming console. Suddenly the potential market goes from hundreds of millions to billions.

    Microsoft’s changed focus is just the latest thing that illustrates the many different fronts the cloud wars will be fought on—including gaming.