LIVE FROM CES 2015: Sony used its press event to reveal its support for Android among many of its latest televisions, as well as its continued efforts in the wearables space – although significant mobile device news was lacking.
While the lack of an update on smartphones on its own may not be especially significant, Kazuo Hirai, the company’s CEO, did reiterate that the company’s focus is on “areas where we are uniquely positioned to outperform the competition”.
Sony has recently taken a large write-down related to its mobile business, as it faces tough competition that is also causing problems for larger players such as Samsung.
With regard to Sony’s smart TV activities, Mike Fasulo, president and COO of Sony Electronics, said that “all of our 2015 televisions will run on the new Android TV platform”.
“We all know that Android is such a widely accepted operating system in the mobile space, and now you can use your TV with the interface you are familiar with, and enjoy content on tablets, smartphones and TVs seamlessly,” he said.
The move is interesting, as rival consumer electronics makers are embracing other platforms for their smart TVs. Samsung is pushing Tizen as its platform of choice, while LG Electronics has WebOS in its armoury, and Panasonic has embraced Firefox.
In a statement, the company said that it has “taken a lead on other TV manufacturers by adopting Android OS”.
The Android TV support also has a Google Cast Ready feature, which enables customers to stream content from a mobile device to a target BRAVIA television. Owners can also access Google Play using the same log-in as on their other devices, including downloading and using games and applications on the big screen.
Also supported is voice search functionality.
While the company highlighted its wearables activities, there was little to see other than incremental updates. Newly available is a stainless steel edition of the company’s SmartWatch 3 (pictured), as well as a modular holder that will enable it to be used with any watch strap.
The company is also continuing to introduce new styles of smart bands designed in conjunction with fashion brands.
“We are delivering more variety and depth in smart wear,” Fasulo said.
On display at the event is a concept product called Smart B-Trainer (pictured), which the executive described as “an all-in-one sports headset which means that you no longer have to carry other devices such as a smartphone or GPS tracker.”
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