Sony Announces Qriocity, But what is it?

Kris Erickson • Sep 1, 2010 • Comments ()

Ever since the legal brouhaha that was kicked off by Napster, it has been clear that the Internet has forever changed the way people consume content. It was thought that many users turned to piracy simply because digital archives of MP3 music files offered the most convenient way of storing their favorite music. Sony today took the next step in resolving that tension, by announcing a subscription-based service that will give users access to almost unlimited amounts of content 'in the cloud'.

The subscription-based service is called Qriocity (pronounced 'curiosity') and will initially be based around the PlayStation 3 console. Sony says that customers will be able to download high-definition movies and songs over the internet and watch them on other web-enabled Sony devices, including its TVs, laptops and digital music players. The service will launch across Europe this autumn. Initially Qriocity will be compatible with network-enabled Bravia TVs, Sony Vaios and the PS3. However, more devices are expected to support the service in the future.

The Japanese electronics giant revealed the plan in Germany today at the IFA electronics show. Fujio Nishida, Sony's president for Europe, said that the new cloud-based service would allow users to access their music on a variety of platforms, from PS3 to PC to mobile phones. He also indicated that the system would automatically recommend music based on listening patterns, similarly to the service currently offered by Last.fm.

Several major record labels and Hollywood studios are already signed up to deliver content on the service, including 20th Century Fox, MGM, The Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros.