Sony Group Corporation - SONY STOCK NEWS

Sony Electronics introduces the Alpha 1 II, its new flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, featuring a 50.1 MP sensor, up to 30 fps continuous shooting, and advanced AI-driven technology. Key innovations include improved optical image stabilization up to 8.5 stops, 8K 30p video capabilities, and a dedicated AI processing unit for enhanced subject recognition. The camera introduces a new 'Auto' recognition mode and Pre-Capture function of up to one second.

The Alpha 1 II will be available in December 2024, priced at $6,499.99 USD. Notable features include a redesigned ergonomic body weighing 743 grams, compatibility with Sony's Camera Authenticity Solution, and eco-friendly plastic-free packaging.

PlayStation: The Concert, a groundbreaking live music event featuring iconic gaming soundtracks, is set to launch its world tour on April 19th, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland. The concert will showcase music from popular PlayStation games like God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon.

The tour will visit over 200 cities across Europe, the UK, the US, and beyond. Featuring state-of-the-art production, the show promises a unique fusion of multi-layered visuals, immersive surround sound, and an all-star ensemble blending classical and modern instruments. Tickets for the announced UK and European dates are now on sale.

This innovative concert experience aims to redefine live music events, embodying PlayStation's spirit of innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in entertainment.

Sony Electronics has introduced two new gaming monitors to its INZONE lineup: the INZONE M10S and INZONE M9 II. The M10S is a 27-inch 1440p 480Hz OLED gaming monitor developed with esports team Fnatic, featuring a 24.5-inch mode and new FPS Pro picture modes. It offers up to 0.03ms response time and is designed for competitive gameplay. The M9 II is an upgraded 4K gaming monitor with backlight scanning technology for improved motion clarity.

Key features of the M10S include DisplayHDR True Black 400, 1300 nits peak brightness, and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility. It will be the official monitor for the Apex Legends Global Series. The M9 II boasts a 160Hz refresh rate, full array local dimming, and is perfect for PlayStation 5.

The INZONE M10S is priced at $1,099.99 USD, while the INZONE M9 II is available for $799.99 USD. Both monitors are now available for purchase through various retailers.

Sony Electronics has unveiled the MDR-M1 Reference Closed Monitor Headphones, designed for music creators and sound engineers. These headphones feature a closed acoustic structure with high sound isolation, an exclusively developed driver, and a lightweight, comfortable design. The MDR-M1 offers studio-quality sound with ultra-wideband playback (5Hz – 80kHz) and a tuned port for improved low-frequency response.

Developed in collaboration with top industry professionals, the headphones aim to provide an accurate reference point across various production environments. Priced at $249.99 USD / $349.99 CAD, the MDR-M1 is available for pre-order and works seamlessly with Sony's 360 Virtual Mixing Environment (360VME) service.

Sony Electronics introduces a new line of home audio products under the BRAVIA Theater name, including soundbars, a surround system, and a neckband speaker, designed to provide an immersive cinematic sound experience. The products aim to seamlessly integrate with BRAVIA TVs to deliver exceptional acoustic performance and precise room-filling audio. Sony's proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology creates a wide sound field that surrounds listeners with audio from various directions, mirroring the cinema experience. The products also feature Sound Field Optimization and Acoustic Center Sync functions to enhance the cinematic sound at home. The BRAVIA Theater U neckband speaker offers immersive sound for personal listening, while the products are compatible with the new Voice Zoom 3 feature on 2024 BRAVIA TVs, enhancing human dialogue clarity. The new line of products is designed to simplify home theater setups and provide consumers with an upgraded cinematic experience in their homes.

Sony Electronics introduces the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G zoom lens, offering high-resolution image quality, wide-angle zoom range, and portability. The lens is compatible with Sony's α E-mount cameras, providing sharp imagery from 16mm to 25mm with a constant F2.8 aperture. This addition to Sony's G lens series is the smallest and lightest constant F2.8 zoom lens, catering to photographers and videographers seeking creative expression in landscapes, architecture, portraits, and selfies.

AM Best affirms the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of 'a+' (Excellent) of PMG Assurance Ltd. The ratings reflect PMG's strong balance sheet, operating performance, limited business profile, and enterprise risk management. PMG receives rating enhancement from its ultimate parent, Sony Group Corporation (Sony) [NYSE: SONY]. The company exhibits very strong balance sheet strength, strong operating performance, and maintains excellent liquidity, low underwriting leverage, and a conservative investment strategy. PMG consistently outperforms industry averages in combined and operating ratios, with favorable underwriting results and profitability. The captive is susceptible to earnings volatility due to low frequency and high severity losses, but has a comprehensive reinsurance program in place. PMG writes commercial property, marine, directors and officers, cyber risk, and employee benefits insurance for Sony and its affiliates. The ratings also benefit from PMG's strategic role as Sony's only captive insurance company, providing risk management services to Sony group members.

Sony Electronics Inc. has announced an update to mocopi, its motion capture system, integrating it with SlimeVR for VRChat users to connect through PC. The update strengthens mocopi's position in mobile VR and establishes it as a key player in the PC-connected VR space. The integration with SlimeVR allows for improved pose estimation and overall experience in VR spaces. The update also includes new avatars, enhanced functionality, and workflow improvements for a smoother experience.

Sony Music Masterworks (SONY) announces strategic venture with Roast Productions, a live entertainment company. The partnership aims to develop new productions, offering production, general management, and marketing services in the West End and beyond. Roast also secures strategic agreements with National Theatre Productions and Various Productions. Sony Music Masterworks is expanding its multi-faceted worldwide entertainment business, operating in over 30 countries.