Thursday, July 27, 2006
By Kiyoshi Takenaka

TOKYO, July 27 (Reuters) - Sony Corp. <6758.T> swung to a better-than-expected quarterly operating profit, propelled by robust sales of its Bravia brand LCD televisions and Cybershot digital cameras, in a sign that its recovery is on track.

A weaker yen also helped the electronics and entertainment conglomerate overcome valuation losses at its life insurance unit and start-up costs for its PlayStation 3 game console.

“It (the first-quarter result) was not a huge surprise, but was a relief, particularly because the result shows a substantial improvement in electronics division’s profitability,” said Mitsushige Akino, chief fund manager at Ichiyoshi Investment Management.

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UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE:
PSP Firmware 2.80: Japanese | US | European | Chinese

Sony Computer Entertainment (Japan) released today a new PSP firmware version 2.80. As usual the new firmware update will be available for all other region shortly; via network update and manual download.

In conjunction with the firmware 2.80, Sony Computer Entertainment (Japan) will be offering a demo version of tama-run (tama-run is a puzzle game; available for download from July 27 to August 31). US and European version should expect World Tour Soccer 2 as its game demo. Update: World Tour Soccer 2 game demo is now available for the EU market.

Noteworthy improvement includes the ability to download video and image content via RSS Channel. In addition, Sony has made available a new user manual and documentations relevant to the new firmware: “Guidelines for Creating Contents for the PSP Internet Browser” [JP|EN] and “Guidelines for Creating Contents for the PSP RSS Channel” [JP|EN].

PSP FIRMWARE 2.80 UPDATE INFORMATION PAGE:
Japanese | US | Europe | Chinese

Firmware 2.80 includes the following changes:

NETWORK
★ You can now download video and image content under [RSS Channel]. Note: support for download but not streaming content.
★ You can now register devices via a wireless LAN access point under [LocationFree™ Player]

MUSIC
★ You can now play AAC files with file extension .3gp under [Music]

  SETTINGS

★ [Automatic] has been added as an option under [Network Settings] > [Infrastructure Mode].

OTHER
★ You can now play content saved in “MUSIC”, “PICTURE” and “VIDEO” folders on a Memory Stickâ„¢

To enjoy the music and image files stored on your PC using your PSP system, save the music and image files in these folders. Example: When saving a music file on the PSP system, create a folder with the name “MUSIC” on the Memory Stick Duoâ„¢ media, and then place the music file in the folder.

When employing a good portion of a high capacity device such as the NW-A3000, there are instances where the internal disk can become fragmented from numerous transfers, indexing, and so forth. After some discussion in the colloquium, apparently running the defragment application within Windows upon the device will render more steadfast operation. Give it a shot (disregard Windows telling you its not fragmented), and tell us what you think..

Sony has revealed that Playstation Spot UK will debut on July 28, 2006. Akin to its Japanese counterpart, the kiosk will enable PSP users to download specifically selected game demos and firmware upgrades. However, unlike its Japanese counterpart, the UK Playstation Spot will allow users to also enjoy music tracks, movies and photos.

It’s difficult to discuss information on the Internet about products a company has not even mentioned yet. Timing is everything in the news world, and all cards cannot be revealed in one sitting. Obviously, ATRACLife has had a undefeated record of releasing information that has been nothing short of entirely accurate. If its posted on ATRACLife (and not quoted from another source), there is complete assurance that the information is valid; there are no rumors here.

Nonetheless, cNet has taken advantage of their contacts and pushed Sony to release full information related to the NW-S20* series! Whilst we covered the basics, there are some unique features in this this little device that weren’t initally reported. A brief review from cNet follows:

To the lack of surprise of most industry professionals, who generally put more stock in Apple’s ability to keep secrets than in Sony’s, the Japanese consumer electronics giant fessed up to having a unique, fitness-friendly MP3 player in the works, the NW-S200 series. After an Amazon.com leak that briefly displayed product information on the seller’s Web site, we contacted Sony to find out if the rumors were true. Here’s what we discovered.

(thanks, Old Surinam)
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Sony Japan released today an exclusive CONNECT Player Playlist Export Tool [1.0.5.6160] for users of WALKMAN A series - A3000/A1000/A1200/A608/A607/A605. The new CONNECT Player Playlist Export Tool will simplify transfer of tracks from CONNECT Player to the recently released SonicStage CP 4.0.

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After a moderately mild integration rate in consumer electronics since its conception, Bluetooth seems to be the rage with Sony’s upcoming product line and will be employed in Sony’s latest CMT-series bookshelf offering, the CMT-U1BT.

As the FCC filings reveal, there are many attractive options available within this unit: FM/AM capablity; ATRAC/mp3 CD capable playback; bluetooth sync that enables wireless music playback from portable device to CMT-U1BT; USB sync that allows NW-E and NW-A series (along with NW-HD5 and MicroVAULT units) music playback from portable device to CMT-U1BT. A USB connection between a portable music player and bookshelf for speaker listening with no complications is a wonderful offering.

In terms of I/O, there is an analog stereo minijack input along with the aforementioned USB integration. Output is limited to a headphone jack along with two speakers that should provide sufficient sound for small areas with the 40W amplifier. Sony’s S-Master Digital Amplifier is also included to round out a colorful sound that should appeal to most.

The CMT-U1BT will arrive in September and should retail for about £250. This unit will most likely prominent in Japan, Europe and the general Asia-Pacific regions, as CMT-series releases in the North America have been slim to nil in the last few years. Click for one more picture..

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