Hi Guys,

We have now released the latest PlayTV software update (1.21) for you and here’s what it will do -

• Play TV now lets you Watch, Pause and Record High Definition TV for DVB-T standard broadcast. In countries that are launching free digital HD channels you will now be able to both watch and record them through your PS3 with PlayTV.
• Aino remote play support. If you get the new Sony Ericsson Aino mobile phone with PS3 remote play features, we have optimized the user interface of PlayTV for the mobile phone screen so that you get the best mobile PlayTV experience possible.
• Update of the PS3 to System Software 3.0. The update 3.0 for your PS3, if you haven’t done it already, will make sure that you have the mobile phone function in the remote play settings. You will need this if you want to experience PlayTV on the go with your Aino mobile phone.
• Better standard definition upscaling. We have managed to improve the SD upscaling feature of PlayTV so when you are watching SD channels on an HD screen they will look as good as they possibly can.

Score:

• 104 Comments 11 Replies
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook

Sony Ericsson launches the Aino today, the first handset from Sony Ericsson to feature Remote Play which enables users to seamlessly access and control their PS3 media content anywhere, anytime using Remote Play with PS3 on Aino. We talked to Alex Cardon, Marketing manager at Sony Ericsson to find what benefits PS3 owners can expect.

What can a consumer do with their PS3 via Aino?
Using an Aino, users can:

• turn a PS3 on and off
• browse and control the XMB user interface
• access the internet and any DRM free media content saved on the hard drive
• sign in to the PS3 network and message friends
• shop for items in the PS3 store
• watch and record live television using PlayTV

Is it easy to set up the Aino to work alongside a PS3?
Setting up the Aino to synchronise with a PS3 is easy. Simply register Aino on the Remote Play settings of a PS3 and an eight digit code will be sent to the handset for verification. Input this into Aino and it will automatically connect to the PS3. If you connect through an internet router and find it doesn’t work, you might need to change your router settings. You will need to check the router I/M and the PS3 on-line I/M.

How do I control my PS3?
Once the Aino and PS3 are connected, you can control all the media content on your PS3 through the mobile handset. It’s very intuitive with Aino replicating the buttons of a PS3 controller on its unique touch user interface. For example “0” for O, “8” for ∆, making it quick and easy to control content from the handset.

What key features on Aino accommodate Remote Play?
Aino is designed to work seamlessly with Remote Play and includes the following features to accommodate this:

• 3 inch TFT display
• WiFi DLNA certification
• 3G HSPA

Alex is here with us in the office today and will be responding to comments, so let us know if you have any questions for him to answer.

Score:

• 88 Comments 15 Replies
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook

I recently met Lisa Canning, Lifestyle and Campaign PR Manager for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. First thing on my agenda – trying to blag a new mobile phone. Second – finding out what the new Aino handset brings to PlayStation3 owners. Hint: Remote Play goodness.

What are you offering PlayStation3 users in your upcoming range of phones?
Aino is one of the first handsets in Sony Ericsson’s new Communications Entertainment proposition. It offers a unique multimedia experience for all PlayStation3 fans as they can seamlessly access and control their PS3 media content anywhere, anytime using Remote Play.

Remote Play with Aino lets you turn your PS3 on and off, browse and control the XMB and access the internet browser from anywhere in the world. Remote Play also lets you control and access the HD Drive’s media content on PS3 using the built-in WiFi or 3G connections via Aino.

You can also access PlayStation Store via Remote Play or chat with friends via PlayStation Network. It is also possible to buy and download a new game from the Store via Aino so it is ready and waiting for you when you get home.

How exactly do users access Remote Play?

Users simply start Remote Play by selecting the Remote Play icon in the entertainment menu of their Aino.

The set up is easy and only neccessary once – the PS3 generates the registration code to be entered into Aino.

You navigate the XMB with the Aino keypad.

What other features does Aino offer?

Aino also has the following features:

• Watch the latest videos, podcasts, music, Facebook and YouTube on the 3 inch touch screen with 30 frames per second high quality playback, 16.7 million colours and video recording in VGA 25 frames per second
• Enjoy music with great sound with the Clear audio experience Bluetooth headset, 3.5mm jack, easy-to-use music controls and FM radio
• Personalise Aino with music, movies and games from the PlayNow arena, which offers a full range of mobile entertainment. It also features new, specially developed ringtones, music tones and DRM-free music tracks
• Aino combines a traditional keypad with an intuitive touch user interface when in media mode. The intuitive 3D scrolling media browser gives users a clear overview and one touch direct access to their content
• Play and organise content with Media Go, which automatically formats all content on a computer to be compatible with Aino
• Insert Aino into its charging stand and Media Home automatically pulls new content from Media Go on a PC via Wi-Fi
• Access the PlayTV service to watch, pause and record live TV from a huge range of free to air channels
• Aino features an 8.1 megapixel camera, featuring face detection, Geo tagging, Photo flash and auto focus
• A huge 8GB SD memory card to store downloadable content

When will Aino be released?
This is dependent on local market timings. The first Aino will be released early October in the UK, with the rest of Europe to follow.

Score:

• 77 Comments 4 Replies
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook