Sony profits on TVs, PlayStation (Investor's Business Daily)
Investor's Business Daily - The electronics giant swung to a Q1 operating profit of $766 mil, recovering from last year's loss. The figure also beat views. Sony's result was boosted by demand for its Bravia flat TVs and PlayStation 3 game consoles. The stronger Japanese yen and increasing competition from Samsung and LG Electronics pose risks to future earnings, Sony said. It surged nearly 8% to 31.90.
Mundie: Microsoft's Research Depth Enabled Kinect (PC World)
PC World - Few companies have the research depth to build something like Kinect, Microsoft's forthcoming Xbox add-on that allows a user to control a game through body movements -- in fact, Microsoft itself initially thought it would be impossible, its top research executive said Thursday.
Nintendo DS Sales Sink by Half, Intensify Quarterly Loss (PC World)
PC World - It was inevitable: Nintendo's reporting a substantial loss as sales of its DS gaming handheld fell last quarter, leading the company to a quarterly net loss for the first time in two years.
Video game group spent $1.1M lobbying in 2Q (AP)
AP - The Entertainment Software Association, a trade group for video game companies, spent $1.1 million during the second quarter to lobby on the regulation of video game content, First Amendment protection, parental control technology and other issues, according to a recent disclosure report.
Reuters - Sony Corp lifted its annual outlook and returned to profitability in the first quarter on booming demand for its Bravia flat TVs and PlayStation 3 game consoles.
Microsoft's 'Avatar' Project Builds on 'Kinect' (PC Magazine)
PC Magazine - While Microsoft's Kinect for its Xbox 360 game console uses your body movements as input, the opposite may eventually be true: Microsoft debuted a video of a robotic "avatar" that may interact with humans.
Nintendo Product News Coming in Sept., 3DS Details Likely (PC World)
PC World - Nintendo will announce details of a new product on Sept. 29, it said Thursday. The tight-lipped company wouldn't provide any more details, but with its 3DS handheld due to be launched in the coming months the chances are high it will be detailing launch and price details for the highly-anticipated product.
AP - Sony bounced back to profit last quarter and raised its full-year earnings forecast, fueled by stronger demand for its PlayStation 3 gaming consoles, personal computers and televisions.
AFP - Japanese electronics giant Sony on Thursday said it returned to the black in the fiscal first quarter thanks to strong sales in televisions, its PlayStation 3 console and computers.
Vietnam restricts online games after murder cases (AP)
AP - Vietnam has banned the advertisement of online games and restricted access after several cases in which young people committed murder or robbery to get money to pay to play, an official said Thursday.
Zynga Gets $150M From Japan's Softbank (PC World)
PC World - Zynga, the online gaming company best known for its Farmville Facebook game, has received a US$150 million investment from Japanese Internet company Softbank.
AFP - Japanese electronics giant Sony on Thursday said it returned to the black in the fiscal first quarter thanks to strong sales in televisions, its PlayStation 3 console and computers.
AP - This summer has been so oppressive throughout most of the United States that even driving to the video-game store feels like an ordeal. Fortunately, you don't have to leave home to experience some of the season's most interesting games — you can download them directly to your console.
World of Warcraft Expansion Gets Approval in China (PC World)
PC World - Months after being caught in a dispute between Chinese regulators, World of Warcraft is having a smoother time clearing government hurdles in China. Last Friday, the expansion pack "Wrath of the Lich King" was approved by the country's General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP).
Xbox 360: A Tale from the Red Ring of Death (PC Magazine)
PC Magazine - Microsoft's Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death problem is bigger than I thought. Strange, then, that the company didn't even tell us that the new Slim may have it solved.
Disney to buy social-gaming site Playdom (AP)
AP - The Walt Disney Co. is buying online social-gaming company Playdom for $563.2 million, the latest sign the company is becoming a formidable player in the video-game industry.
AFP - US retail chain GameStop on Tuesday announced a deal to buy online computer game hot spot Kongregate.
Cahill says RI made bad decision luring Schilling (AP)
AP - Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Timothy Cahill says Rhode Island made a "bad decision" by luring Curt Schilling's video game company with a $75 million loan guarantee.
