Sony today announced plans to launch a new networked recorder and media storage device that will go by the name of "nasne".
The new device will have a built-in 500GB hard disk drive as well as digital terrestrial and satellite broadcast tuners that will connect to a home network and converge all of Sony's electronic devices, from the PlayStation Vita to the Sony VAIO PC.
As the ultimate Sony convergence device, nasne will allow users to watch and record digital terrestrial and satellite broadcast shows thorugh dedicated applications such as "torne" for PlayStation 3 and "VAIO TV with nasne" for VAIO. Users will also be able to access recorded content from the PlayStation Vita, Sony tablet, and Xperia smartphone. The nasne will be able to stream live or recorded TV simultaneously to two supported Sony products, allowing multiple users to view the same content within the same home network.
Nasne will also link to a television guide web service for PC and smart phones from So-net Entertainment. Through this, users will be able to schedule recordings from their PS Vita, PC, tablets, and smart phones.
As if that weren't impressive enough, nasne will function as a media storage device. Using its 500GB built-in HDD, users can store their movies, photos, and music which can then be viewed on any DLNA compatible device connected to the home network. Connected external HDD to nasne will allow users to expand the storage memory.
"We are offering a seamless and unique Sony experience through 'nasne,' which serves as a home entertainment hub that connects to Sony's various network products," said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO of Sony Corporation and Chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "'nasne' will give users more freedom to enjoy television in new ways by enabling them to watch programs on various Sony products through dedicated applications. We will continue to offer attractive products and services that inspire customers around the world and spark their curiosity, by further enhancing collaboration within Sony groups."
PS3 users will be able to watch and record digital terrestiral and satellite broadcast though LAN cable by installing "torne" version 4.0 which will come bundled with nasne. Vita users will be able to watch and record content through an app by accessing the home network via a Wi-Fi connection. "torne for PS Vita" will become available within this calendar year. VAIO PC users can do the same through Wi-Fi or LAN connection.
As of this time, nasne has only been announced for Japan. It is set to release on July 19, 2012 for 16,980 yen. There was no mention of a worldwide release, but something like this would definitely give Apple a run for its money.
