LaptopMemo | Tech & Then Some » Sony

PlayStation Vita US launch bundle: 8GB card, 3G, and PSN game for $299

Stefan Etienne — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:41:56 +0000

This is sweet. Near the launch (February 22 in the U.S.), the PlayStation Vita (we want one so badly, Sony. *wink*) will have a bundle that retails for $299 and contains an 8GB memory card, 3G + WiFi Vita, a PSN game (of unknown title), and an AT&T DataConnect Session pass “good for one free 250MB session.” It is reasonable and Amazon seems to be the only retailer with the limited edition bundle currently available for pre-order — at least for now.

Kudos to Sony for getting an attractive package available at launch to boost sales.

Via: PlayStation Blog, Amazon

PlayStation Vita 3G Data Plan Pricing For AT&T Changes

Stefan Etienne — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:02:16 +0000

There is going to be an AT&T 3G version of the upcoming PlayStation Vita. However, the prices for the accompanying data plans has changed since the Vita’s debut at E3 2011. There’s the $15, 250MB plan and a higher $30, 3GB plan. Previously AT&T announced a cheaper $25 2GB plan instead of the 3GB change. Anyways, since there’s 1,024 megabytes per gigabyte, paying double for 12x the space is fair. Via: AT&T

Sony announces the Xperia S at CES 2012

Stefan Etienne — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:43:28 +0000

This is another Sony Xperia device. The Xperia S packs in a large 1280 x 720 4.3-inch display, a quick 1.5GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM, Android 2.3 (with Ice Cream Sandwich coming soon), and will be available in both 16GB and 32GB versions. There’s also a 12 megapixel camera featuring Sony’s Exmor R backlit sensor, NFC support, PlayStation certification, and a useable 1.3 megapixel cam up front for video chats. The Xperis S will launch sometimes in Q1 of this year in “select markets”.

Sony Xperia ion with 4G LTE revealed on AT&T

Stefan Etienne — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:35:36 +0000

The Sony Xperia ion has a 4.6-inch 1280 x 720 HD Reality display with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and a massive 12-megapixel Exmor-R rear camera that can capture 1080p video. Additionally, there’s 4G LTE connectivity, 16GB of internal storage, and a 1.3MP front-facing camera that can record 720p video, as well as being “Playstation-Certified” like the Xperia Play. The ion will be released running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, in the 2nd quarter of this year, with an Ice Cream Sandwich update in the coming future. Sony’s press release is seen after the cut.

Xperia ion revealed – first LTE smartphone from Sony available exclusively from AT&T

• HD powerhouse – two HD cameras, 4.6-inch1 HD screen and HDMI-out support
• Unmatched Android camera experience in the US with 12 megapixel rear camera
• Effortless sharing of content with easy connectivity across multiple screens within the world of Sony
• PlayStation™ Certified and access to entertainment services from Sony Entertainment Network

January 9, 2012, Las Vegas, Nev. – Xperia™ ion, the first LTE smartphone from Sony®*, was introduced today at the 2012 International CES and will be available exclusively in the U.S. from AT&T in the second quarter.

Xperia ion from Sony enables easy connectivity with multiple screens for consumers looking to share and enjoy content on whichever screen they choose, whether it’s TV, smartphone, laptop or tablet.

Xperia ion from Sony has a stunning 4.6-inch HD display (1280 X 720 pixels) that provides a visual brilliance for superior viewing experiences. For photo enthusiasts, Xperia ion features a new Fast Capture innovation to make sure life’s unexpected moments are not missed: the HD camera goes from standby mode to first shot in 1.5 seconds.1 The impressive images taken with the 12-megapixel rear camera are unmatched by any other Android smartphone.

Additionally, both rear- and front-facing cameras deliver HD recording capabilities.
“With Xperia ion, we’re bringing together several firsts that will take users beyond the smartphone,” said Paul Hamnett, President, Sony Ericsson North America. “Designed to deliver a seamless experience across the multiple screens we use to play, watch, listen, and share, Xperia ion is the gateway to entertainment when and – most importantly – where you want it.”

Xperia ion users will be able to access the richest entertainment experiences from Sony Entertainment Network. Music Unlimited offers a global catalogue of 15 million unique songs while Video Unlimited has the latest Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows from all major studios.

Xperia ion is also PlayStation™ Certified, guaranteeing a high quality smartphone gaming experience.

Key Features for Xperia ion: 4.6-inch HD Reality display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine with HD resolution screen (1280 x 720), as well as rear (1080p) and front (720p) cameras for HD recording. 1.5GHz dual-core processor for fast browsing and content download, which can be stored on the internal 16GB flash storage. 12MP rear camera with Sony Exmor R™ for mobile with fast-capture to go from standby to first shot in less than two seconds. HD sharing through DLNA, HDMI and BRAVIA Sync to quickly and easily stream content on other screens.

Sony Tablet S now costs a $100 less

Stefan Etienne — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:37:36 +0000

Perhaps as part of a New Year strategy, Sony has made the Sony Tablet S, their 9.4-inch Honeycomb tablet $100 less, making it $400 for a 16GB model and $499 for a 32GB model. So they’re lowering prices to try and make demand — a practice seen with Samsung, Toshiba, and even ASUS tablets. Via: Sony