PSN Folded Into 'Sony Entertainment Network' Rebranding

At the IFA consumer electronics conference today, Sony revealed the Sony Entertainment Network, a newly branded platform that will encompass the PlayStation Network service as well as Sony's music and video download services. The rebranding, news of which leaked online last week, includes a renaming of Sony's PlayStation-enabled Qriocity music and video-on-demand services now referred to solely as "Music Unlimited" and "Video Unlimited," respectively. The PlayStation Network name will still exist, though it is "now part of Sony Entertainment Network," according to the new service's web site. In addition, partner services such as Hulu Plus, Netflix MLB.tv, and Pandora which work on Sony devices, including the PS3 and PSP, will also be included as "partner services" under the Entertainment Network brand. Sony executive deputy president Kaz Hirai sold the new branding as a more streamlined way to enjoy the entertainment experience across Sony devices, according to an Engadget liveblog of his announcement. The new name comes months after a user data breach and prolonged outage struck both the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, leaving many consumers with a negative impression of both brands.