Mainichi Daily News reported, “Sony Corp. will be opening up the traditionally-closed market for accessories for its Walkman personal music player, it announced on Monday, with a new “Designed for Walkman” licensing scheme similar to that for the iPod, in an attempt to claw back sales from rival Apple.”

“Sony, who has historically insisted on producing all Walkman accessories in-house, will be releasing the specifications for its “WM-PORT” proprietary connector to approved manufacturers, who will then be able to market their products as “Designed for Walkman.”

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The Associated Press reported, “Sony is delaying the start of its “Home” virtual world for its PlayStation 3 video game machine until the latter half of this year — the second time the Japanese electronics and entertainment company has postponed the online interactive service.”

“Home” is a real-time interactive online world much like Linden Lab’s “Second Life” and other so-called “metaverse,” or a virtual world in computer graphics on a personal computer monitor that allows people to walk around and interact with each other.”

“The product had been initially promised for last year. But in September, Sony delayed its debut until early this year to spend more time to create a better product.”

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Chosun reported, “Sony’s announcement Tuesday that it has agreed to set up a joint venture with Sharp for the manufacture of next-generation liquid-crystal display panels has put Samsung Electronics, Sony’s long-time partner in LCDs, on red alert. Huge losses, tangible or intangible, seem inevitable for the Korean conglomerate, which is already battered by a corruption scandal.”"Since establishing LCD panel joint venture S-LCD in 2003, Samsung and Sony have maintained a close relationship, bearing an equal share of expenses in the construction of new factories. When new plants were built in 2004 and 2006, Sony invested some W1 trillion to W1.3 trillion each time (US$1=W947).”

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