Sony is highly respected as a consumer electronics, gaming, and media conglomerate. Knowing that, it appears that they have more faith in the gaming portion of their massive business, however, as we have recently discovered that their media services (Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited) will soon be sailing under the colors of the PlayStation Network. Check out the fresh new logos below:
A discussion about whether the “PlayStation” moniker is even appropriate to attach to services involving music and video services would take us down the rabbit hole, so we’ll just keep it simple and say that while Sony is playing to its strengths and bolstering a brand that is likely very profitable, they should consider whether this consolidation will improve or degrade PlayStation itself. Will this turn the iconic gaming name into a jack-of-all trades but master of none? Proceed with caution, as they say.
That being put forward, here’s an updated list of what the PlayStation brand now offers:
PlayStation®Store (PS Store)
Since its launch in November 2006, PS Store has allowed users to discover and download digital game and video content anytime, anywhere from various devices including PlayStation platforms such as PlayStation®4 (PS4™), PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita). SCE and SNEI will continue to offer PS Store as a premier destination for users to purchase exciting content that can be instantly enjoyed on their PlayStation consoles.
PlayStation®Plus (PS Plus)
PS Plus offers members exclusive features and content, such as “Instant Game Collection,” which give users access to full versions of popular titles with no time limits or extra costs, and “Online Multiplayer,” which allows PS4 owners to play with and challenge other gamers over the network. As of January 2, 2015, over 10.9 million users have been taking advantage of the features and benefits of the membership service. PS Plus has been greatly enhanced since the launch of PS4, and will continue to provide a wide array of exciting content and services to PlayStation users.
PlayStation™Video (PS Video)
The video on demand and transactional service, “Video Unlimited,” will be rebranded as PS Video and will continue to offer over 200,000 movies and TV shows across PlayStation platforms, Sony devices and PCs, in 11 countries and regions. With PS Video, users will have immediate access to buy or rent, not only a deep catalog of content, but the latest releases across movies and TV shows, including exclusive content only available on PlayStation, anytime and anywhere on various compatible devices.
PlayStation™Music (PS Music)
PS Music will represent the music listening destination. SCE and SNEI have entered into a global strategic partnership with Spotify, in order to continuously deliver a best-in-class digital music experience with PlayStation Network. Spotify on PS Music will become newly available in 41 countries and regions this spring*2. The music streaming service “Music Unlimited” will close in all 19 countries on March 29, 2015.
PlayStation™Now (PS Now)
The streaming game service PS Now, allows users in the US and Canada to instantly enjoy a wide range of PS3 games on various network-enabled devices, by leveraging cloud-based technology. Currently, the service is available on PlayStation platforms including PS4, PS3, PS Vita, and also Sony TVs and Blu-ray players, and select Samsung Smart TVs.
PlayStation™Vue (PS Vue)
PS Vue, first announced in November 2014, is a pioneering new cloud-based TV service that reinvents the television experience. The beta preview has begun in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia for select PS4 and PS3 owners, and will launch commercially during the first quarter of 2015. PS Vue leverages the power of the cloud to combine the live, on-demand, and catch-up TV content viewers love with a powerful user interface, that delivers unprecedented personalization and simplicity.
Thanks to Crave’s Game Revolution for this PlayStation Network update.
