The 55-store Sony Style chain is installing “backstage” counters in their stores to provide computer-only services that include one-on-one training sessions, system optimization, hardware and software diagnostics, new software installation and data migration. The new counters mimic some of the services that Apple’s Genius Bars now provide. The Sony stores are a showcase, and to a lesser degree a sales point, for their electronics products, including TVs, digital cameras, camcorders, mp3 players and video titles. Photos by Barry show the counters are barely six-feet wide, with some shelving behind them. A placard describes the new services available at the counter.
Also read... |
e-mail this story
Subscribe to this post comment rss or trackback url
Mark
June 21, 2007 at 8:11 am
tundraboy
June 22, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Your comments...
Wow, this is really something - watching Sony continue to be a shell of it’s former self. Since the demise of the walkman Sony has simply tanked. To start putting in half-effort copies of what Apple is doing is just pathetic and shows us a complete lack of corporate governance.
Perhaps what is the most funny part of all of this is their Backstage area is supporting Windows more than their hardware. I am sure Redmond is saying “thank you for supporting our product for free.” while laughing all the way to the bank.
Someday Sony will finally realize that for its consumer electronics division to survive it will have to enter into a strategic alliance with Apple: i.e. adopt Apple’s media/entertainment software platform –iTunes, Bonjour, Quicktime, AppleTV, etc.
There’s just no way around it. You need an integrated platform these days because managing the devices AND the content is just too complicated without one. Sony just abandoned Connect. Are they going to write a new one? They can’t write shit for software. They’ve plugging away at it for 20 years and all they crank out is buggy, crappy stuff.
They need to start knocking at One Infinite Loop soon while they still have some bargaining power. Or they can wait a few more years and then sell their consumer electronics division to Apple at fire sale prices.