Sony to Take On Amazon, Netflix with Download Service

By Geoff Duncan November 20, 2009

sony-bravia-xbr10 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

Sony hasn’t determined what the service offerings will be, but it’s a good bet it will feature content from Sony’s own film and music groups. The PlayStation Network currently carries content from all the major movie studios as well as U.S. television networks; in order to compete with other online services, Sony will likely want to extend those deals into its broader service offerings. No pricing or tiering models have been released: some content may be available for free, some may be available on an a la carte basis, and some may be available via subscription.

Hirai emphasized that Sony hopes to bring something “unique” to the online content business, and envisions devices constantly evolving as new content and applications are delivered to them via the service—those capabilities, as well as the online service itself, will serve as differentiating factors for Sony’s devices in an increasingly crowded consumer electronics marketplace.

Sony’s PlayStation Network currently boasts some 33 million subscribers; Sony has just expanded the PlayStation Network to offer video downloads in the UK, Germany, and France.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Entertainment

3 underrated (HBO) Max movies you should watch this weekend (June 28-30)

A girl looks at a boy in House at the End of the Street.

June is surprisingly over, and with it, a great month for movies comes to a satisfactory close. You've probably watched Inside Out 2 or Bad Boys: Ride or Die or maybe even The Bikeriders. From blockbusters to indie fare, the theatrical movie business has been robust and healthy.

The same goes for streaming. Netflix had a big hit with Richard Linklater's Hit Man, while Amazon Prime Video recently premiered the latest bonkers season of The Boys. HBO and Max have been quieter, but their robust library speaks volumes to the streamer's high quality. The following three films are older, but are just as worth your time as new hits like House of the Dragon season 2.
The Skin I Live In (2011)

Entertainment

3 underrated Amazon Prime Video movies you should watch this weekend (June 28-30)

Two men spy from a car in The Limey.

As we head toward the end of June, it's worth reflecting on how we want to spend the rest of summer. For some, that's going to mean enjoying nice weather or getting some time in at the beach. For others, it might mean escaping from the heat, at least for a while, to check out a great movie.

If you fall into that second category, then we've pulled together a list of three great, underrated, titles available on Amazon Prime Video that are all worth checking out. Prime Video is home to some of the best movies available online, but it can be hard to find the ones you want. These three will at least give you a great place to start.
The Limey (1999)
The Limey | 4K Restoration Trailer | Plays Dec. 19

Entertainment

The best Netflix original series right now

Eric and Benedict Cumberbatch in Eric.

The era of Peak TV was also Peak Netflix, because the streamer seemingly had an endless supply of new original series. So far in 2024, that hasn't been the case. Whether we'll ever get the same level of content again seems unlikely for now. But even in a reduced capacity, Netflix still has a few new additions to its lineup of originals.

For the month of June, we're adding the '80s-set thriller, Eric, which stars Benedict Cumbebatch. Our other pick for the month is Supacell, which is Netflix's new British series that remixes some old superhero archetypes. That's not a very big selection for fans who always want something new, but this roundup of the best Netflix original series really does have all of the top options in one place for you. All you have to do is scroll down and make time to binge watch some shows.