Originally published February 6 2006
Sony to re-launch its Connect music-download service
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Connect music-download service will enable users to download hundreds of videos, games, TV shows and even a wide selection of books. No specific movie or video titles have been mentioned.
Nearly 20 months later, iTunes is breaking records, while Connect--which uses Sony's proprietary, non-iPod-compatible ATRAC3 audio format--is used by only a tiny sliver of the market.
Yesterday evening at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Sony executives announced that in March, the company will relaunch a new version of Connect.
The revamped service will offer movies, video, and games for download onto Sony's multimedia and gaming portable, the PSP.
"The Connect service will enable you to download hundreds of videos, games, and TV shows as well as films and other content.
The mention of games raises the likelihood that Connect will have an Xbox Live Marketplace-like section which will let PSP owners download titles.
Currently, games on Xbox Live Marketplace cost between $5 to $20 and feature classic arcade titles like Joust and new casual games like Hardwood Backgammon.
Sony executives did not mention what movie and video downloads would cost.
However, as Connect's music prices mirror those of iTunes--$0.99 per song--expect a pricing scheme similar to iTunes' video offerings, which go for $1.99 per music video or television show.
It offers more than 260 movies for the PSP, priced from 210 yen ($1.78) to 1,260 yen ($10.71) depending on the feature.
It appears Sony wants to emulate the success of iTunes' video venture, which has exceeded expectations, and Microsoft's Xbox Live Marketplace, which has seen four million downloads since it launched in November.
However, one big issue may inhibit the growth of Connect's video and game service.
While video iPods have 30GB or 60GB of storage built in and the Xbox 360 has a 20GB hard drive, the $249 PSP Value Pack comes with only a 32MB Memory Stick Duo, which is adequate only for game saves and very limited audio offerings.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml