Comdex: Sony bids for 'invisible' network

Sony's Kunitake Ando spoke at Comdex Fall 2001 on Monday about the importance of interoperability among communications and entertainment devices, referring to the "ubiquitous value network."

By Daniel Sieberg
CNN Sci-Tech

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- Sony's head used several flashy demonstrations during his keynote address at Comdex Fall 2001 on Monday, as he promoted the company's vision of "invisible" networks for seamless computing.

Kunitake Ando, Sony president and chief operating officer -- often referred to as the "father" of the popular VAIO laptop -- said technology needs to drive people out of the PC-centric world and into one in which information and data can be accessed anywhere, using any type of personal device.

He called this concept the "ubiquitous value network," and predicted that one day all devices will have an Internet protocol (IP) address. (Sony makes a variety of personal devices including MP3 players, CD Discman systems and digital cameras.)

QUICKVOTE How important to you is the seamless computing, or "ubiquitous value network," that Sony's Kunitake Ando talked about in his Comdex address? Very. It all has to work together. I can take it or leave it. Not. The key is the devices, not interoperability. View Results

To help accomplish this goal, Ando announced two business alliances during his speech. Having already aligned itself with cell phone maker Ericsson in October, Ando said Sony will also be working with Nokia to develop more compatible devices.

Although they're all competitors, Sony and its partners, Ando says, realize the importance of interoperability to consumers. He added that the company's aim is to allow users to exchange e-mail, video or images without encountering any snags in the transfer process.

Ando demonstrated a combination digital camera, telephone and Web-based wristwatch or two-way communicator that was able to upload images simply by moving it close to a VAIO laptop. The information can be transferred via the 802.11 wireless standard or through the Bluetooth format. Ando referred to the name of this technology as "feel."

But he also acknowledged that without an increase in broadband penetration at the consumer level, these technologies remain a futuristic vision.

Networking news

Ando's other corporate announcement Monday was an arrangement between Sony and AOL Time Warner to provide network services for the company's consumer electronic products.

COMPLETE COMDEX Get teched-up with our coverage of Comdex 2001  with reports from the floor. The people, the events, the machines, the scene -- it's all here in multiple reports daily.

AOL Time Warner's Steve Case joined the presentation via satellite and said, "Nobody should have to be a systems integration manager to make convergence work in their home."

AOL Time Warner is the parent company of CNN.com.

Ando went on to make an announcement about new online gaming features of the Sony PlayStation 2, released last year. At the time of its release, critics complained that Sony didn't make Internet access available for the PS2. Ando said the company now intends to move in that direction with its first interactive game, "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3."

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Hollywood actors Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire joined Ando on stage at one point. They co-star in the Sony Pictures film "Spider-Man," slated to be released in May 2002. Neither performer appeared to be fully aware of his or her role in the presentation, but both spoke about using e-mail and cell phones to stay connected while on the movie's set.

"Especially Nokia cell phones," Dunst said, eliciting a round of confused laughter from the audience of several thousand attendees at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel ballroom -- the audience at that point hadn't yet learned of Sony's alliance with Nokia.

Comdex Fall 2001 continues through Friday. You can see Ando's keynote address on a video stream at ZDNet's Comdex 2001 site.