14 DAY TRIAL // Video game hardware developer and publisher Sony has announced at the IFA consumer electronic show that it is creating a new platform called the Sony Entertainment Network, which is set to include all the services that are part of the PlayStation Network as well as music and video delivery features that were initially launched under the Qriocity brand.
The new services will be named Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited and will be offered on newly announced devices such as the Xperia arc S and the new Sony made tablets that will go on sale in September.
A number of other services, like the popular Netflix, Hulu, Pandora and MLB.tv, will now be referred to as being “partners” under the Entertainment Network brand.
Kaz Hirai, who is the executive deputy president at Sony, has said that the new branding means that it is now easier than ever for customers to enjoy the entertainment experience that the company is creating.
He also said that the PlayStation Network will continue to use its own name and will allow Sony to deliver video games on a number of platforms, from home consoles to handhelds and smartphones.
Industry watchers have speculated that the name change to Sony Entertainment Network is a good way of eliminating or pushing into the background a number of brands that have been marred by the April security breach that affected more than 70 million accounts and by the much-criticized Sony response.
The technology company is also trying to show that its content delivery services target more than the traditional console and handheld market and can be seen as competitors to established players like those from Apple or Amazon.
Sony is preparing to launch the new PlayStation Vita handheld, before the end of 2011 in Japan and in the early month of 2012 in North America and in Europe.