However, the landscape has changed in recent years. You can have the best media player around, but if you don't offer users a place where they can easily get content for it, it won't be competitive. And it's been proven twice (first with the iPod, then with the iPhone) by Apple's iTunes. Although a bit late to the game, Sony has now revealed its plans to launch its own iTunes-like online store, imaginatively called Sony Online Service.
The folks at Sony hasn't given details about the store's look or features, but they've said it will sell music, movies, books, and apps for mobile gadgets. Furthermore, it'll also let users upload content (such as photos and videos) to their online accounts, making the store a cross between YouTube and iTunes.
The company also expects the new service to improve their faltering revenues. "We know we have to restore profit in our game and TV business. We must deliver sustainable financial results," said Sony CEO Howard Stringer, speaking at a news conference at Sony's headquarters in Tokyo.