Sony Ericsson will tilt more toward U.S., China

According to Sony Ericsson's Chief Executive, Bert Nordberg, the company is open to joint ventures in China's gaming industry, and plans to sell its Xperia Play (their new cellphone-and-videogame device), in the country. Mr. Nordberg, declined to give a timeline for the device's launch in China, but said the handset maker will need at least three months to make preparations.

In recent years, Sony Ericsson, a 50-50 joint venture between Sony Corp. of Japan and Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson of Sweden, has struggled with losses and falling market share in the competitive smartphone race. Its focus now is on higher-end devices, like Xperia Play, running on Google Inc.'s Android OS, in a bid to improve its margins and raise its share of global market revenue. The company unveiled Xperia Play at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona last month.

Xperia Play is a crossover of PlayStation Portable gaming console and a cellphone. This is the first attempt in years by a major manufacturer to combine cellphone and full gaming capabilities in the same product. Mr. Nordberg said he expects the device to reach U.S. stores early April, using network operator Verizon Wireless, and then Western Europe. China is on track to become the company's biggest market for mobile phones around 2013-14, as Sony Ericsson ranked fifth in smartphone sales in China in the fourth quarter, according to Beijing research firm Analysys International.

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Widevine Named a Preferred Provider of Adaptive Streaming and DRM for Samsung Devices

Widevine, a provider of digital entertainment solutions, announced that it has signed a global agreement with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to distribute Widevine's live and on-demand adaptive streaming, virtual DVD-like "trick play" and digital rights management (DRM) on Samsung connected devices. These technologies from Widevine will enable Samsung to support TV Everywhere and over-the-top delivery initiatives from Internet content providers and large cable, satellite and telecommunication companies.

As one of Samsung's preferred partners, the Widevine client will be shipped on millions of Samsung devices in 2010. Widevine's DRM and adaptive streaming software is already included in 2009 models of Samsung connected TVs and Blu-ray players shipped in the United States. This agreement enables Samsung to expand distribution on a worldwide basis.

Consumers can connect to the Internet and access thousands of hours of video content, from the latest blockbuster movies to the most popular television shows, using their TV, Blu-ray player or mobile phone, among other devices. Widevine's video optimization and DRM technology will ensure consumers using Samsung devices will receive the ultimate viewing experience for both live and on-demand content. Samsung will include Widevine's adaptive streaming, virtual DVD-like controls and DRM on many of its most popular connected devices.

Widevine's video optimization and DRM technologies are utilized by major Internet content services and large cable, satellite and telecommunication companies launching TV Everywhere strategies. The company's software platform optimizes the entertainment experience for live and on-demand content delivered over any network to any device. The solution is natively supported in nearly all types of network connected consumer electronics including televisions, Blu-ray players, mobile devices, gaming systems and more. For more information, click here.

Samsung Celebrates the Global Launch of Full HD 3D LED TV at Times Square With The Black Eyed Peas and "Avatar" Director James Cameron

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today celebrated the worldwide availability of the first-ever Full HD 3D LED TVs with a one-of-a-kind special performance by The Black Eyed Peas in Times Square. "Avatar" director James Cameron, who has been a crucial driver in furthering the development of 3D content, also joined today's celebration.

Samsung Electronics 3D LED TV global launch celebration in Times Square was filmed in 3D by James Cameron and Vince Pace's production company Cameron/Pace, and streamed live via Dipdive.com, the popular lifestyle engine for music, arts, action and more. The Times Square surprise performance by The Black Eyed Peas kicked off Samsung Electronics' global campaign to raise awareness for its 3D TV technology leadership, which also includes worldwide launch events and a global television advertising campaign.

Together, these leaders in each of their respective industries showcase a commitment by consumer electronics, music and content organizations to bring the 3D TV vision to life in consumer homes everywhere. It also symbolizes the beginning of a new era of home entertainment.

For the full press release, click here.