Sony to Beef Up PlayStation 3's Content Capabilities (VIDEO)
Sony is planning on bolstering the video and music services for their video game console, the PlayStation 3.
The company is in direct competition with other types of hardware that enables Internet videos to be seen on demand. Microsoft's XBox 360, Apple, Google, Samsung Electronics and start-ups like Boxee and Roku all occupy this space.
In order to combat them, Sony is launching a new version of its video-download service for its system later today. PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to download a preview of the new features. Come October 11, all owners of the PlayStation 3 will be able to access the application.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The new video service will be called "Video Unlimited." Users will have a easier time viewing title names and recognizing content because of the large text and cover artwork for movies and television shows. The format can be compared to the Metro-style Microsoft uses for Windows Phone 7 and Windows 8. Those who have already tested the service point to its fast browsing capabilities as a major plus.
Video Unlimited will also come with a search engine interface that can be controlled with the arrow buttons on remote controls. As the user types, the system suggests various content results. This feature also makes movie and TV recommendations based on a user's complete search results.
Michael Aragon, a vice president for Sony Network Entertainment, said in an interview "We want you to be able to search and browse in a nonlinear way. We want people to get lost in the experience." Aragon went on to say that the redesigned video service will be coming to Sony set-top boxes and Bravia TVs in the next few months."
Sony's Music Unlimited, a music-subscription service, and Video Unlimited will eventually become a part of the Sony Entertainment Network division. Music Unlimited and the PlayStation Network Store will be redesigned later, Aragon said. Aragon also said the music service currently has about 750,000 active users and 100,000 paying users.
Both programs may soon be joined by Sony's PlayStation Network, Aragon said. The PlayStation Network Store won't be ending its video services anytime soon, either. It will continue to offer the same programming that Video Unlimited already has.
Sony is preparing to unveil its very own early next month. This new device will support Video Unlimited, Aragon said.
Netflix is already one of the video streaming providers available to owners of the PlayStation 3.
Ubergizmondo.com posted a video preview of Sony Video Unlimited today.
