Sony unveiled an ambitious new cloud-based TV streaming service Tuesday that will allow viewers to watch live TV, access video on demand, and DVR their favorite shows.
The company is also rolling out a new cloud-based game streaming service, Playstation Now, that will debut later this year.
According to Sony, the two new offerings will allow users to seamlessly access all of their entertainment content across all of their Sony devices—including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and gaming consoles—wherever they may be.
“People will have all of their favorite movies, TV shows and sports programs all through a single destination,” said Andrew House, the president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment.
The as-yet-unnamed TV service will also include streaming content from providers like Netflix. Users will also get personalized channel guides and recommendations. It’s slated to be tested in the U.S. later this year.
“Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan was on hand at the launch event to discuss the impact that streaming services have had on the TV business. He said he doesn’t care if viewers watch his shows on a TV set, or some other gadget.
“We’ll take viewership any way we can get it,” he said.
Playstation Now would allow gamers to stream games from Playstation 1 through Playstation 3 to their Playstation 4 consoles.
Brief Take: Count Sony’s announcement as one more sign that the television industry has moved firmly into the post-television set era.
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