Sony Intros dash Personal Internet Viewer

Last week at CES, Sony launched dash, a new "personal Internet viewer." This tablet-like device features a 7-inch color screen with access to over 1,000 free Internet apps (news, calendars, weather, sports, social networking, etc.), built-in stereo speakers, a USB port, headphone output jack, and uses your home wireless connection to deliver Internet content.

The device features an internal accelerometer allowing you to place it upright or tilted. Multiple user profiles and channels are also supported, so several members of the household can create their own customized view of the Internet.

Sony's dash will be available in April 2010 for about $199 at www.sonystyle.com.

Press release:

SONY'S NEW "DASH" PERSONAL APPLICATION VIEWER OFFERS PERSONALIZED WEB EXPERIENCE AT A GLANCE

January 6, 2010 –Sony confirmed its commitment to providing consumers with innovative networked products with the introduction of the new dash personal Internet viewer.

Featuring a vivid 7-inch color touch screen (measured diagonally) and access to over 1,000 free Internet apps, including news, calendars, weather, sports, social networking and more, dash utilizes an existing home wireless connection to continuously deliver Internet content to its viewers.

"In today's connected world, Sony continues to look for ways to help enhance consumers' entertainment experiences throughout the home" said Brennan Mullin, Sony Electronics' senior vice president of the personal imaging and audio business. "With dash, we're empowering consumers with a fun, interactive way to stay connected with their news, entertainment, interests and ultimately, their lives."

By bundling favorite pieces of the Internet together, dash provides always fresh, personalized content at a glance. The new product offers free access to more than 1,000 apps from chumby industries, inc. as well as the robust audio and video content from Sony's Bravia Internet video platform, including YouTube, Pandora Internet radio, Epicurious, Crackle, Livestrong, Blip.tv and much more.

Other content includes a NAVTEQ app for easily accessible traffic updates on a customized route, and a Cozi app for simple management and synching of family calendars. Further, Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment will be contributing exclusive dash apps for movie trailers, music videos, custom user themes and more, including an app from Dr. Oz offering daily health and exercise tips.

In addition, Sony dash can run multiple sources of content simultaneously, so for example, Internet radio can be enjoyed while browsing through online photo albums. Or, the alarm clock can be set to play selected online videos from music, sports and other news feeds. The device also allows users to choose apps either directly from the device or online through a PC, and new content for dash will continue to be added moving forward.

Within the device, an internal accelerometer supports vertical flip, allowing for two optional viewing angles: upright, ideal for a table or nightstand; and tilted, perfect for a countertop. It also supports multiple user profiles and channels, allowing several members of the household to create and maintain their own customized view of the Internet.

The dash personal Internet viewer also features built-in stereo speakers as well as a USB port for simple connection to a variety of external electronic devices. Additionally, a headphone output jack gives users the option to listen privately through headphones or through external speakers.

Sony's dash will be available this April for about $199 at www.sonystyle.com, Sony Style retail stores and a variety of authorized dealers nationwide.

SOURCE Sony