Tag: Sony

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Sony to Sell VAIO Division, Exit PC Business.

From Sony Press Release:

Sony and Japan Industrial Partners Inc. (“JIP”) today concluded a memorandum of understanding confirming the parties’ intent for Sony to sell to JIP Sony’s PC business currently operated under the VAIO brand.

Sony-sells-VAIO-Divison

I just had the conversation about Sony VAIO computers last night. I almost bought a Sony VAIO PC as my first computer ever back in college. Throughout the years I owned two high-end Sony VAIO notebook computers, before I bought the first MacBook Pro in 2006.

In recent news, it was revealed that Steve Jobs offered Sony to run Mac OS on VAIO computers.

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Still Lazy Tuesday: PlayStation Network Information Breach

PlayStation Network went down on Wednesday April 20th, 2011 as a result of “external intrusion” that prompted Sony to take down the service. As many have feared, the problem was worse than just malfunctions.

From PlayStation.com:

We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network. In response to this intrusion, we have:

  1. Temporarily turned off PlayStation Network and Qriocity services
  2. Engaged an outside, recognized security firm to conduct a full and complete investigation into what happened
  3. Quickly taken steps to enhance security and strengthen our network infrastructure by re-building our system to provide you with greater protection of your personal information.

We greatly appreciate your patience, understanding and goodwill as we do whatever it takes to resolve these issues as quickly and efficiently as practicable.

According to official statement from Sony, an authorized person managed to obtain information provided by PlayStation Network users including:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Email address
  • Birthdate
  • PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers

Sony also added that user’s credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date might have been compromised.

Sony has suspended PlayStation Network indefinitely.

The group Anonymous stated that they had nothing to do with the breach nor the outage.

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The Apple and Sony eReader plus Amazon Kindle App Drama.

Following the fallout of Sony eBook Reader App rejection, many speculates that Apple would axe Amazon Kindle App from the App Store.

What is Apple’s angle here?

The sensationalistic headline from Ars Technica might start another mini revolt against Apple, as usual. In a short time we all would forget this all ever happened and everyone would be none the wiser. Apple will not remove Amazon Kindle App from the App Store because there is no good reasons to.

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Upcoming Review: Sony DSC-HX5V Digital Camera.

Sony has been airing the ad with Taylor Swift using DSC-HX5V for the past few weeks (months?). I finally got my hands on one. On loan, of course. I can’t spend my money on it, not in this economy. P.S. Simon, where’s my paycheck?

Anyway, this camera is the next generation of point and shoot digital camera. It records AVCHD video, and it has GPS built-in. The “iSweep Panorama” is the killer feature of this camera. No more the awkward picture stitching to make that panoramic one. It is really easy to do on this camera.

Anyway, I’ll be taking this camera on Saturday to a wedding; Carlos Alazraqui’s.

Expect a full review really soon!

In the meantime here’s a picture taken using Sony DSC-HX5V iSweep Panorama feature, re-compressed using Adobe Photoshop.

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Sony HDR-XR520V Camcorder Raw AVCHD Sample

Sony HDR-XR520V – Retail Price $1,499.99
Sony HDR-XR520V is priced as low as $1,240.99 at Amazon.com (July 14th, 2009).
Sony HDR-XR520V is priced as low as $1,248.00 at Buy.com (July 14th, 2009).

Check out the sample video from Sony HDR-XR520V below.

sony_hdr_xr520v_sample

ISO of the raw AVCHD files is also available here.

Sony HDR-XR520V features:

  • 1920×1080 HD video recording
  • 12.1 MP still image capture
  • 240GB hard disk drive
  • 1/2.88″ Exmor R CMOS sensor
  • Geotagging support with built-in GPS receiver

One of the first consumer grade High-Definition AVCHD camcorders with GPS receiver that I have ever played with. Another feature I really like about Sony camcorders is the NightShot capability which is practically absent from other brands. Sony HDR-XR520V is also capable to record up to 240 fps.

Smooth Slow Record:

The Smooth Slow Record mode increases the record rate from 60 frames per second (fps) to 240 fps, allowing you to capture 3 seconds of fast motion and play the video back in 12 seconds. This is a great tool for analyzing a golf swing or a viewing a bird in flight. In addition, you record an audio track to narrate the video footage.

I only have a short time to play with this camcorder, I found the on-screen menu is a little bit less intuitive. Overall I like this camcorder, the sticker price is a little bit high.

sony_xdr_hr520v_side

sony_xdr_hr520v_gps

sony_xdr_hr520v_manual_ring

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Disclaimer:

If you bought anything through Amazon link above, and I get some kickbacks.

“If you buy Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Fifth Season, I can buy this Canon Vixia HV40 HDV Camcorder” to paraphrase the great Robert Schimmel.