Sony AIBO Returns to Haunt Us
It looks like nothing will get in the way of Sony AIBO’s dominance. Returning with a new paint job and a couple of new features, the AIBO looks to shock and amaze users world wide. Firstly, the Sony AIBO can interface wirelessly with a PSP or PS3. Using a brand new head-cam, the AIBO can stream video to these devices. Secondly, you can now remotely control the robo-dog with your handheld; you can even set it to “guard” your house (scary, right?). Stuff Magazine (the article above) estimates that there is a 53% chance the Sony AIBO PS will become a reality. In truth, Sony would get a lot of business from the hardcore AIBO fans if the AIBO PS were ever produced. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Sony’s Petite NW-E013 Mp3 Player
This December, Sony hopes to regain some of its lost dominance in the Mp3 Market with the adorable NW-E013 mp3 player. Targeted towards women, NW-E013 is a small USB drive player that weighs 30 grams and has 1 GB of memory. In addition to being incredibly small, the NW-E013 also comes in five different colors (purple, light blue, pink, gold, and glossy black)! The NW-E013 is set to launch in Japan on December 19th for a price of 10,980 JPY (about 100 USD), although Sony may expand this offering to the US if sales are successful.
Sony’s Environmentally Friendly Vaio FZs
It’s nice to finally see companies commit to helping the environment–even if they may only being doing it for the PR. Behold the Vaio FZ Graphic Splash Eco Edition laptops with features like a slim design to reduce the use of fabricated materials, and packaging made of recyclables. Additionally, there are four natural case designs (ironically, this includes a leopard print, which isn’t so friendly when you think about it). Prices start at about $1400 for the VGN-FZ290EGS - Spotted Life, VGN-FZ290EGE - “Clay Earth,” VGN-FZ290EGC - “Caribbean,” and VGN-FZ290EGB - “Bloom.” The eco-friendly laptops have a 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 15.4-inch display Vista Home Premium, and other normal FZ specs. The Laptop and batteries are recyclable under Sony’s recycling program, and a very small bit of profits will be donated to the charity 1% For The Planet. And since you are all just dying to buy one, you should know that they launch this November in very limited quantities.
Sony Donates to Breast Research with Pink Gadgets
In a philanthropic move, Sony has agreed to donate some of the profits from its new line of pink gadgets to Breast Cancer Research. There are three pink gadgets: the Sony Walkman, a portable DVD player, and the VGN-CR290EAP VAIO CR Series laptop. The VGN-CR290EAP VAIO CR laptop (starting at $1,369.99) is a 14.1 inch laptop with a 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD burner, 1.3 megapixel web camera, integrated X3100 graphics, and 2 GB of RAM. The 4GB Walkman ($149.99) has a 320 x 240 display, up to 33 hours of battery life, and MP3/WMA/AAC/MPEG4/M4V support. The 8 inch DVP-FX810/P Portable DVD Player ($189.99) boasts a swivel screen and 5.5 hours of playback time.
For every pink DVP-FX810/P Portable DVD Player or NWZ-A816PNK Walkman Video MP3 Player sold, Sony will donate $10. For every pink VGN-CR290EAP VAIO CR Series laptop, Sony will donate $75. This is one of the best Breast Cancer donations schemes that I’ve seen so far. Hopefully, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) progresses, we’ll see more companies supporting such research.
Sony Star Wars Darth Vadar PSP-2000
In a brilliant marketing move, Sony is releasing a limited edition Star Wars PSP that has the likeness of Darth Vadar upon it that is sure to attract fan boys world wide. The Star Wars Bundle, which costs $199, includes the PSP and the new Star Wars Battlefield game. If you’re a bit short on cash, you can try to win one in Joystiq’s latest contest.
