Device Arena

Sony Corporation (hereafter, Sony) has been working to standardize ‘CLEFIA,’ the block cipher algorithm it developed and presented as a state-of-the-art cryptography technique in 2007, and announced today that after final ISO/IEC*1 approval, ‘CLEFIA’ was adopted as one of the ISO/IEC 29192*2 International Standards in lightweight cryptography.

Information security technology to support safe and secure network access for customers has become indispensable in recent years in light of the increase in the wide range of network enabled devices. In particular, there is focus on lightweight cryptography technology suitable for ensuring the security of devices with low-power consumption requirements or those with limited hardware or memory. Under these circumstances ‘CLEFIA’ met the requirements of ISO/IEC 29192, as prescribed by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27*3 − the organization responsible for determining the International Standards for information security.

‘CLEFIA’ has the same interface as the US government’s Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). This block cipher has a block length of 128 bits, while key length can be selected from 128 bits, 192 bits or 256 bits. The most impressive feature of ‘CLEFIA’ is its realization of implementation efficiency while maintaining a high level of security. The development of ‘CLEFIA’ maintains superior security based on the latest block cipher design theory. Furthermore, ‘CLEFIA’ adopts the general Feistel structure*4, which is suited for implementation in constrained environments. Also, the ‘Diffusion Switching Mechanism’ (DSM) is employed to reduce processing operations whilst ensuring security. In addition, components for data processing and key scheduling part are shared. These improvements have made it possible to achieve efficient implementations in hardware and software, which had been difficult with conventional encryption technologies.

This excellent implementation efficiency enables ‘CLEFIA’ to demonstrate high performance in devices with limited resources or those with low-power consumption requirements. Accordingly, CLEFIA is suited for lightweight cryptographic applications as indicated in ISO/IEC 29192 in smartcards, RFID tags, sensor networks, medical devices and more, in addition to conventional applications.

Having been recognized as an ISO/IEC International Standard on this occasion, Sony will strive to expand the application of ‘CLEFIA’ in a variety of devices and services. Furthermore, Sony will continue its research and development in the field of lightweight cryptography, in which further progress is anticipated*5.

Through its efforts, Sony will continue to be involved in delivering information security technology that customers can use safely and with confidence.

sony.net

Connectivity, superb picture and sound quality, and a unique mix of electronics, content and network services are just some of the features that distinguish Sony’s dazzling array of technology at CES 2012.
Sony is introducing consumers to a new world of connected products, from TVs, Blu-ray players, and home A/V receivers to tablets, smartphones, and PCs to camcorders, mobile audio devices and more. Combined with a broad range of online services for movies, TV shows, and games, as well as a cloud-based music service, Sony is giving consumers more access to more content whenever and however they want it. Through this convergence of hardware, content and network services, Sony is offering a new user experience.
“Sony is committed to designing technologies for every aspect of consumer entertainment – in or out of the home, on the go, in the air, at work, at play, or wherever life takes you,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “When these products are combined with Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) which offers innovative services like Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited, as well as PlayStation Network, the user experience is truly unmatched and only made possible by a company like Sony.”
Bringing this experience directly to consumers are Sony’s TVs, personal computers, smartphones and tablets — the primary four devices people use to play, watch, listen and share. Combined, they let consumers enjoy immersive content and unique applications across various screen sizes and devices.
“Our newest products continue Sony’s track record of ground-breaking innovation,” said Phil Molyneux, President and COO of Sony Electronics. “Sony’s goal is delivering the highest level of consumer entertainment, and we’re not satisfied with just making the best electronics. Our movies, music and games, combined with our development of emerging technologies like glass-less 3D and 4K technology, further demonstrate our commitment to consumers.”
At CES, Sony is also demonstrating a revolutionary new display technology called “Crystal LED Display.” This unique device is the industry’s first 55-inch Full HD self-emitting display using LEDs as the light source, and will be capable of much higher contrast, wider color range and superb video image response times. Sony is featuring a 55-inch prototype at CES.

Television/Home A/V
Sony’s expanded BRAVIA® television lineup focuses on three series – the entry-level BX, the step-up EX, and the flagship HX. The new models each deliver the best picture quality available and give consumers flexibility in choosing the right entertainment solution.
Select models incorporate and deliver a brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture with increased brightness and outstanding contrast. Sony’s OptiContrast panel elevates the picture to the front surface of the TV and creates a dark background for rich, vibrant, high contrast pictures even in well-lit rooms. Picture quality is further enhanced with Sony’s X-Reality PRO and X-Reality digital video processors, and Sony’s newest version of Motionflow XR technology helps to reduce blur caused by quick camera movements.
Sony is expanding its line of products using the Google TV platform, with a new network media player and a new Blu-ray Disc™ player. In addition, select 2012 BRAVIA models will link seamlessly for easier use of Google TV features.

Sony Tablet
One of Sony’s newest product categories, tablets elevate the user experience to entirely new levels. The first out of the gate, Sony Tablet S, is optimized for dynamic media entertainment on a large 9.4-inch display. Now, Sony Tablet P pushes the design of a tablet even further. Its unprecedented dual-screen layout allows its two 5.5-inch displays to be used for different functions such as playing video on one screen while using the other as a controller, or checking email on one screen while using the other as a keyboard. Users can also combine the displays into a single large screen and its unique folding design means it can fit easily into a jacket pocket or purse.

VAIO
Sony’s VAIO line of PCs continues to evolve to include more entertainment options and new designs to complement consumers’ productivity and mobility. At CES 2012, Sony is highlighting several new technologies as well as prototypes ranging from slate design PC and Ultrabook to all-in-one computers with BRAVIA technology and glass-less 3D capability.

Smartphones
One of Sony’s highest priorities is increasing its smartphone presence in North America. Sony Ericsson will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony under the new company name of “Sony Mobile Communications,” and new smartphones will be delivered under the “Sony” brand*.

Sony’s newest models combine sleek, slim designs and features to deliver a full HD experience. Users can enjoy movies, TV or Web content, capture HD memories and share them on any screen, and play HD gaming on any screen they choose.
The new Xperia™ ion is Sony’s first LTE smartphone with a stunning HD 720p Reality Display powered by Sony’s Mobile BRAVIA technology. Its thin, lightweight and durable aluminum body houses a 12 MP camera with blazing fast response times. The new Xperia S also provides a full HD experience plus 3D image capture, and more.

Digital Imaging
Sony is unveiling 13 new Handycam camcorder models. The newest Handycam enhancement is the world’s first stabilization system called “Balanced Optical Steady Shot.” By controlling the entire optical path, including the lens and the image sensor, as one floating unit, this technology cancels hand shake blur by up to 13 times more effectively than previous models.
Sony is also evolving its line of camcorders with built-in projectors by introducing a new, higher brightness model and accessories with enhanced audio capabilities, as well as a the world’s smallest and lightest camcorder 3D camcorder (HDR-TD20V). And “Bloggie Live” is the world’s first MP4 full HD pocket camera capable of live video streaming with built-in Wi-Fi. Sony is also introducing new Cyber-shot digital still cameras featuring high performance and compact, stylish designs, as well as a new after-shooting digital imaging solution named “Play Memories.”

Audio
Sony’s Walkman line of MP3 audio players is adding the Z Series. This flagship product adds a multi-application interface and new connectivity options to Sony’s Music Unlimited service and the Android market. Content from Z Series players can be sent wirelessly to certain DLNA enabled devices, or via HDMI to BRAVIA TVs.
Sony is offering up to 11 of its new Balanced Armature line of headphones, which deliver a wide variety of listening experiences. These micro-sized earbud style products are specially designed for style, comfort, sound insulation, sound leakage prevention and noise canceling.
Additionally, a focus on environmental sustainability will continue to result in new products that consume less power and energy and require fewer natural resources both in their design and packaging.
Sony has it all: products, content, services and connectivity to technologies for 2D, HD, 3D, and 4K, plus games and Grammy- and Academy Award-winning music and movies, as well as new releases and upcoming blockbusters like “Men in Black 3.”
“Sony creates and delivers more entertainment experiences to more people than anyone, anywhere,” said Sir Howard Stringer, chairman, CEO and president of Sony Corporation. “We will continue to create the best products in the world, the kind of things that make people say, ‘I have seen the future…and it’s a Sony.’”

sony.com

Sony Corporation (“Sony”) and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (“Samsung”) today announced that the two companies have signed agreements to transition the current business relationship with respect to LCD panels.

Under the agreement, Samsung will acquire all of Sony’s shares of S-LCD Corporation (“S-LCD”), the two companies’ LCD panel manufacturing joint venture, making S-LCD a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung. In consideration for the share transfer, cash consideration of approximately KRW 1.08 trillion* will be paid to Sony by Samsung. Concurrently, the two companies have entered into a new strategic agreement for the supply and purchase of LCD panels with a goal of enhancing the competitiveness of both companies. The agreement also allows Sony and Samsung to continue cooperative engineering efforts focused on LCD panel technology.

For Sony, this transaction will enable it to monetize its shares in S-LCD and aims to secure a flexible and steady supply of LCD panels from Samsung, based on market prices and without the responsibility and costs of operating a manufacturing facility. With whole ownership of S-LCD, Samsung anticipates heightened flexibility, speed and efficiency in both panel production and business operations.

Established in April 2004, S-LCD has continued to deliver advanced and cost-competitive LCD panels to both of its parent companies, contributing to the expansion of the respective parties’ TV businesses, and the large-sized LCD TV market overall. However, LCD panel and TV market conditions have now changed. In order to respond to such challenging conditions and to strengthen their respective market competitiveness, the two companies have agreed to shift to a new LCD panel business alliance.

The share transfer and payment are targeted to close by the end of January 2012, subject to necessary approvals from regulatory authorities.

As a result of this transaction, a non-cash impairment loss of approximately JPY 66 billion is expected to be incurred by Sony in the third quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, due to the reevaluation of its S-LCD shares. This loss includes an impact from the fluctuation of exchange rate. Despite this one-time loss, Sony estimates that the transaction will result in substantial savings on and after January 1, 2012 in respect of costs associated with its procurement of LCD panels. The current estimate of the yearly savings in respect of such costs is approximately JPY 50 billion, compared to LCD panel procurement costs estimated for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. Neither the one-time loss nor the estimated cost savings were included in Sony’s forecast of consolidated financial results for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, announced on November 2, 2011. Sony is currently reevaluating this forecast, taking into account this transaction and other factors that might affect its full year FY2011 consolidated financial results forecast.

Facts about S-LCD
Established
:April 26, 2004
Capital
:KRW 3.3 Trillion
(Samsung Electronics: 50% plus 1 share, Sony: 50% minus 1 share)

Representative
:Donggun Park, CEO
Location
:Tangjeong, Chung Cheong Nam-Do, South Korea
Production Items
:7th and 8th generation Amorphous TFT LCD
*Note: The final amount of such payment will be determined based on S-LCD’s financial statements as of the end of December 2011.

sony.net

HP Enterprise Services and Microsoft Corp. today announced a global, four-year initiative to deliver Microsoft’s leading communications and collaboration applications via global private and public cloud services.

Under the agreement, HP and Microsoft will offer private and public cloud solutions designed to help organizations rapidly scale new users, shift IT resources from maintenance to innovation and change IT from a capital to operating expense. The solutions include the following:

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Private cloud: HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Messaging, HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Collaboration and HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Real-Time Collaboration deliver Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 and Microsoft Lync Server 2010 productivity applications as a service from HP datacenters around the world.
•
Public cloud: Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft’s Office collaboration and productivity tools, will be delivered by Microsoft through the cloud.
•
Hybrid solution: HP will resell Microsoft Office 365 with HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Messaging, HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Collaboration and HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Real-Time Collaboration.1
HP and Microsoft engineering resources will collaborate to deploy, support and enhance the new solutions. The solutions will launch globally, with initial availability this month in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Large organizations, particularly those in regulated industries like financial services and public sector, have demanding functionality and service level requirements,” said Brandt Faatz, vice president, Workplace Services, HP Enterprise Services. “HP and Microsoft help meet these needs with a flexible range of global, cost-efficient, cloud-based productivity solutions running on the latest technology.”

“Microsoft is committed to putting the unique and ever-evolving needs of customers at the core of cloud innovation,” said Mark Hill, vice president, Enterprise Partner Group, Microsoft. “This alliance with HP not only broadens Microsoft’s geographic reach, it gives customers maximum flexibility to choose a cloud computing solution that meets their organization’s specialized messaging and collaboration needs.”

HP and Microsoft have delivered technical innovation together for more than 25 years. They offer joint solutions that help organizations around the world improve services through the use of innovative technologies.

www.microsoft.com

Nokia today announced new content for Ovi Store, Nokia’s global media distribution channel, and additional services for mobile consumers. Available in May, Ovi Store will offer consumers relevant, targeted media across a broad portfolio of Nokia devices.

Strategic Partner, Tim Kring, HEROES
Nokia has begun working with Tim Kring, creator and executive producer of HEROES, one of the most watched shows internationally, to develop innovative, new content for the Ovi Store. Nokia has signed on as a strategic partner and technology enabler for a project created by Kring, Code named TEVA. The multi platform narrative will be an immersive experience with elements of individual action and group participation.

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