Van Baker

Sony has committed to connectivity for their electronics with the company pledging to achieve connectivity with 90 percent of its products by 2010. In a recent meeting Sony USA confirmed that they are on track to hit this 90% target. In their Internet connected television offering Sony has chosen to support Yahoo! TV widget library that ensures that consumers will be able to access a large library of widgets for use on their Sony televisions in addition to those widgets supported and delivered by Sony. This is a very positive step for Sony that allows them to deliver Sony specific value without denying consumers access to additional value. This open approach by Sony mirrors the open access of the Internet as opposed to the walled garden approach that some television manufacturers are following. In short kudos to Sony with just one caveat. When researching the televisions on the Sony sight it is impossible to get much more than the statement that the television supports Internet connectivity. My suggestion to Sony is don’t keep this a secret as it could lead consumers to pick Sony over less open competing brands.