Sony will rename its PlayStation Network user accounts later this week, as part of its move to expand its digital entertainment offerings.
From February 8, the PSN will be known as the 'Sony Entertainment Network', or SEN. All PSN accounts held via the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Vita will be renamed, although accounts viewed via a PSP device will appear unchanged.
Sony noted last month that it was planning to expand the SEN, with it serving as the backbone of the company's wide array of consumer entertainment devices, from TVs to PlayStation hardware to new tablets and smartphones.
The company was keen to stress that the change is in name only, and that users will not be required to complete any action to receive the rebranded account, nor will any options available via the service change.
"This transition is based on Sony's goal to enhance its unique digital entertainment offering," the company explained in a statement.
"This helps us get closer to our goal of establishing a global comprehensive network platform of services across games, movies, music and more, all accessible from one convenient account."
This must be the results of their security audits. Maybe it is too early to be cynical, but this seems likely to be trying to hope people forget about the debacle of the PSN.
Well I think your referring to their consolidation plans regarding single hardware stations becoming full entertainment centers. I think that was the old Sony theory. The new one involves the use of a cloud service to deliver content to multiple devices. The only thing that they should think about is how to use the service. Do they want to only keep it specific to Sony devices, or do they want a delivery system much like iTunes that keeps money in their pockets while consumers enjoy Sony content across a wide range of digital devices.
No, it was always much more complex than that. Sony is one of the most dysfunctional companies on the planet. I think Hirai realizes that. "Holy shit, what now?" is exactly the right sentiment.
This is a good idea for a same platform across all their products. I think a single unified login option will be there as well for games, videos, music ...
So are they actually eliminating all the Playstation Network branding? Like will the logo with the globe and X, triangle, square, and O buttons go away?
The services are still too siphoned from each other. On itunes you can buy and download films and music, and have cloud storage, all in one place. With Music Unlimited to my knowledge you have to subscribe and stream. And with Video Unlimited you're actually only buying/renting individually, as opposed to a Netflix model.
I agree with A W, this is a way to consolidate their brand. This is exactly what I've been saying they need to do.
Open up PSN to their other devices, therefore it's not "playstation' specific.
The services are still too siphoned from each other. On itunes you can buy and download films and music, and have cloud storage, all in one place. With Music Unlimited to my knowledge you have to subscribe and stream. And with Video Unlimited you're actually only buying/renting individually, as opposed to a Netflix model.