Looks like Sony wants to take on the likes of Apple, Netflix, and Amazon in the digital content business: in an interview, Sony executive VP Kaz Hirai has said that Sony is hoping to launch its own online content service by early 2010. The service, provisionally called the “Sony Online Service,” would build on the company’s existing PlayStation Network to bring movies, music, books, and more forms of digital content to devices like Sony Bravia TVs, walkman personal media players, devices like the Sony Reader, Sony Vaio PCs, and Sony Ericsson phones.
Category: Entertainment
3 Charged for Diverting Comcast Traffic
Federal prosecutors have charged three men with diverting traffic from the Web site of Philadelphia-based telecommunications provider Comcast Corp.
Authorities on Thursday charged a 19-year-old from Newark, Del., a 20-year-old from Tumwater, Wash., and a 27-year-old from Kalamazoo, Mich. The men are accused of conspiring to disrupt service of Comcast’s consumer site, comcast.net.
The site features news, sports and entertainment stories and has sections for shopping, games and dating. It also has links to Comcast’s customer support for its cable television, Internet and telephone services.
Investigators say the men on May 28, 2008, redirected traffic to a site they controlled, costing Comcast $128,000.
Best Hollywood High-Tech Vehicles: 10 Geekiest Cars in Movies and Television
We’ve watched our fair share of geeky movies at Digital Trends and high-tech cars play a big role in many of our favorite flicks. Even though automotive technology is advancing quickly, most of these cars are still a little farfetched for present day operation– but some do have components based in reality. They may not be street legal but they’re fun to look at, so check out our 10 favorite futuristic cars from the movies and television.
Meet the Ferrari Guitar from Blackbird
What you’re looking at is quite literally the Ferrari of guitars. Ferrari commissioned San Francisco-based Blackbird Guitars to build a limited edition version of their Rider travel guitar done up with a subtle touch of Ferrari livery. The Ferrari version of the carbon fiber guitar sports a red A string, a Maranello Red interior, and is finished off with a Scuderia emblem on the head. The Ferrari series starts at $1500. Here are its main features:
- Exceptional Carbon Fiber strength and environmental stability
- Hollow neck with Stereo Sound Port® in head of the guitar
Hulu and EMI Team Up for Music Videos
Online video site Hulu and music label EMI have announced a new partnership that will bring music and concert video from EMI artists to the popular service. The first offering under the deal will be a special channel dedicated to Norah Jones, who has a new album coming out this week.
“We think Hulu is an excellent, high-quality environment and a great place to connect with fans,” said EMI Music North America’s Ronn Werre, in a statement. “We look forward to making more content available from other artists as well.”
MySpace is Trying to Acquire Imeem
Online social hub MySpace is in talks to acquire struggling free music streaming site imeem, two people familiar with the matter said Tuesday.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because talks are confidential.
An announcement could be weeks away, and terms are still being negotiated, but MySpace is trying to revamp itself and its MySpace Music joint venture with the major recording companies.
An acquisition could bolster the unit of News Corp. by adding imeem’s approximately 4.5 million users, its technology and its executives, including founder and CEO Dalton Caldwell.
“YouTube Direct” is Helping Media Find Free Videos
YouTube is trying to help shrinking newsrooms expand their video coverage without increasing their payrolls.
The assist comes in the form of “YouTube Direct,” a free tool made for media interested in amateur video of calamities, protests or other newsworthy events. The application launched Tuesday as a way for news organizations to solicit and show videos on their own Web sites.
As the Internet’s most popular video site, YouTube already has become a prime outlet for so-called “citizen journalism” — visual or written reporting submitted by people who don’t work in a newsroom.
Xbox Live Adds FaceBook, Twitter, Last.fm, and Zune HD Video
Microsoft has rolled out an update to its Xbox Live online service that integrates the gaming platform with widely-use social networking platforms, and rolls in more music and video options to expand the appeal of the service beyond merely logging in and fragging enemies. Beginning today, Xbox 360 owners with Xbox Live memberships can tap into social networking service Facebook, microblogging service Twitter, plus tap into music from Last.fm and instant-on HD videos from Zune.
Clicker.com Aims to Become Internet’s TV Guide
Web surfing is becoming more like channel surfing as television shows, movies and music videos pour onto the Internet.
That’s why pointing people to their favorite TV episodes and flicks could emerge as next big opportunity in Web navigation. Former online search executive Jim Lanzone is hoping to lead the way with Clicker.com, a free service debuting Thursday.
“We are trying to build the ultimate programming guide for the coming age of Internet TV,” said Lanzone, who ran IAC/InterActiveCorp’s Ask.com until last year.
Billboardlive.com to Let Viewers Watch Concerts for Free
A new Web site allows music lovers to watch concerts for free online, choosing from five different camera angles as they watch.
BillboardLive.com says its new concert-viewing Web site offers visitors different perspectives on performances by Alicia Keys, Usher, David Archuleta, Daughtry and other artists yet to be announced.
Music fans can select from five different views as they take in full concerts by these artists, focusing solely on the drummer or guitarist if they choose.
The site also allows visitors to use Twitter or Facebook during the Webcast without leaving the show. The application is also available on the iPhone. New concerts will be added through February.
