I’ve been a critic of Sony for quite a while. They’ve lost more races in attempting to remain a technology leader than they’ve won in recent years. Companies like Apple, Google and Samsung are a few of the companies that are transforming the technology-consumer experience. And in this race, Sony has mostly been mostly a follower, not a leader.
Today, an interesting interview by Charlie Rose with Chairman and CEO of Sony, Sir Howard Stringer was posted over Business Week, titled, Sir Howard Stringer, Why Sony is about to snap back. The interview focuses on the emerging and dominant 3D technology assets Sony has develped and is now beginning to leverage into the broader marketplace. Stringer states:
This year we’re going to swamp the marketplace with innovation and new products, and we’re going to particularly focus on 3D because we have so many assets compared with anybody else—from cameras to projectors to 3D video games to TVs to Blu-ray—everything can be 3D with us. Size finally matters again, so that is an advantage we intend to demonstrate at CES.
The question before the marketplace is simple. Is 3D a really big idea with the potential for a really big footprint? If the answer is yes, then Sony will become a gamechanger. The potential to extend the 3D footprint is huge. It has the potential of being a disruptive technology. However, is the marketplace truly ready for 3D? An interesting perspective over at Endless Innovation ponders if 3D a big deal or not. Dominic Basulto states:
On the surface, it would appear that “3D TV” is poised to become the first breakout innovation hit of 2010. Dig a little deeper, though, and it’s not clear how innovative 3D technology really is. It could turn out to be a “Red Sox” technology - a technology destined to tantalize its fans for decades at a time without achieving its true potential.
Makes one ponder the ultimate impact and fate of 3D, and only time will tell.
Bottom Line: Sony is in a pivotal position. If they’re able to leverage their 3D technology assets, it changes everything. Sony is someone to watch again - maybe.
