Gathering the passion of Sony fans Co-creating charming technology
―― Sony China’s major brand event “Sony Expo” held in Guangzhou
(Guangzhou,3th27)In the sunny days of March, Sony China’s major brand event “Sony Expo” (Sony Expo) was held in Guangzhou, where new flagship products such as Sony Bravia OLEDTVsA1and other innovative products were officially launched, comprehensively showcasing the rich resources of the Sony Group across electronics, music, film, gaming, education, and more,and strongly promoting the Sony spirit of delivering both sensory and emotional value to users through continuous innovation. Sony (China) Limited, Sony Mobile Communications (China) Limited, Sony Music Entertainment (China) Ltd., Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Sony Interactive Entertainment Shanghai, Sony Global Education Inc., and other Sony companies in China jointly participated in the event. The event also invited Sony fans from across the country to gather in Guangzhou, experiencing firsthand the unique customer experience created by Sony’s products, technologies, services, and entertainment content.
※ Sony China’s major brand event “Sony Expo” (Sony Expo) was held in Guangzhou
Mr. Kazuo Hirai, Chairman and President of Sony Corporation,CEOgreeted Chinese Sony fans via video. He mentioned that Sony has established a business structure that enables its consumer electronics business to steadily generate profits and has the capability to continuously launch compelling and differentiated products. “We look forward to connecting with Sony users at the ‘last inch,’ allowing them to feel an emotional attachment to Sony products and take pride in owning them.” Regarding the Chinese market, he pointed out that under the leadership of Mr. Kenichiro Hibi, Sony China has achieved strong business growth.In Sony’s development blueprint, China holds an important position. We will bring more groundbreaking products and tailor-made services to Chinese users, delivering the best of Sony in digital imaging and audiovisual entertainment.
Regarding market observations and target customer positioning inChina, Hibi shared his views: In China, consumption growth aimed at filling gaps has approached saturation, while quality choices and personalized demands during upgrades are becoming the mainstream trends shaping the market; the rapidly developing mobile internet technologies and applications continue to create new business models and product demands. An increasing number of Chinese consumers, when making purchasing decisions, no longer obsess over price, follow the crowd blindly, hesitate excessively, or settle for second best. Instead, they place greater emphasis on the quality of products and services, as well as their personal taste and experience. In this regard, Sony products, with their unique black technologies, powerful functions, and tasteful designs, will undoubtedly become the top choice for those pursuing a quality lifestyle and a youthful, fashionable image.
※ Mr. Yoichi Kawanishi, Chairman & CEO of Sony (China), introduces the brand2017product strategy for the year
Since taking office,steadfastly implementing the "Sony Fan Strategy,"Kawanishi made no bones about it: "The Sony brand is our priceless asset, and Sony fans are our valuable treasure!" As a brand with over70years of history, Sony has had the privilege of cultivating batches upon batches of fans in China who cherish, support, and care about the Sony brand. They fell in love with Sony for different products, yet they share common traits: a pursuit of value brought by technology, attention to design and usage details, and a sense of pride in ownership. Going forward, Sony China will on one hand continue to strengthen its products and services, creating new surprise after new surprise for Chinese Sony fans. On the other hand, it will also strive to tap into the huge potential of quality upgrading in the Chinese market.
2016In the past year,Sony TVshave seen continuous adjustments in product structure, with an increasing proportion of large-screen and high-end models. Moreover, through continuous improvements in operational efficiency and cost control, Sony’s Home Entertainment & Sound business (including TVs and audio-visual products) has raised its full-year operating profit forecast for two consecutive quarters and achieved strong growth in the2017fiscal year.
2016In theHDRfiscal year, leveraging the strengths of its full HDR industry chain, Sony seized a new milestone in TV picture quality technology4K HDRand made a remarkable achievement: with its numerous advanced technologies and rich accumulation in imaging technology, Sony’s flagshipZ9DTVs received enthusiastic market feedback and outstanding sales performance. This year in2, Sony launched its latest masterpieces in the Chinese market for the first time —X9300E,X9000E, and other4K HDRhigh-end new products.X9300ETheX9000Eseries not only revolutionized the visual experience of LCD TVs but also further brought the advanced version of theZ9Dimage processing chip, the4K HDR, previously found in theX1, to the mass market, delivering vivid and lifelike audiovisual experiences to even more consumers.
along with Mr. Kawanishi, unveiled Sony’sOLEDnew TV productsA1
At this Sony Expo event, Mr. Kazuo Hirai, Executive Vice President of Sony Group and President of Sony Visual Products Inc., introduced Sony’s global TV business development strategy and, together with Mr. Kawanishi, launched Sony’sOLEDnew TV productsA1— this new model, introduced earlier this yearCESThe stunning products unveiled at the exhibition are equipped with4K HDR a processing chipX1 (the Advanced Edition,X1!" Extreme), featuring Sony’s proprietaryAcoustic Surface!"Acoustic Surface (Acoustic Surface) technology, which directly outputs sound through vibrations generated by the display screen. By eliminating the traditional speakers usually placed around the screen,A1it achieves a speaker-less and stand-less appearance. The fact that sound comes from the screen itself further integrates audio and visual effects, enhancing visual realism. WithOLEDthe wide viewing angles of the screen and the Acoustic Surface technology that unifies sound and picture, users can enjoy an optimal viewing experience from multiple positions in the living room.A1Its launch not only marks Sony as a leading force driving market transformation in terms of exceptional picture quality, large-screen displays, design aesthetics, and smart applications, but also, followingZ9D, reaffirms Sony’s commitment and capability to continuously lead the innovation and development of TV technology.
Sony is one of theleading brands in professional digital imaging, with deep technical expertise inCMOSprofessional components such as image sensors, as well as upstream technological advantages in the professional imaging industry.2016In the fiscal year, Sony expanded the powerful features of its digital imaging products—including4Dfast autofocus,55-axis image stabilization, high-speed continuous shooting,4Kdynamic video recording, and ultra-slow-motion video capture—to even more models. With their compact and lightweight bodies combined with powerful shooting capabilities, along with a rich lineup of models and lenses suitable for various shooting environments and purposes, Sony mirrorless cameras are becoming the preferred choice for more photography and videography professionals and enthusiasts.2016The4models of theGMaster Series high-end lenses launched in
have further perfected the mirrorless system, making it a significant force in the full-frame camera market.2016Having entered its tenth year, the Sony-sponsored World Photography Awards received over22.7million entries in
, with continuous improvements in photographic technique, artistic expression, and conceptual depth. It has become a truly globally influential photography competition, perfectly complementing Sony’s rising status in the photography industry. China not only became the country submitting the most entries in this competition, but among the countries represented by finalists, Mainland China ranked fourth in the number of photographers selected. Sony will continue to deeply engage with China’s rich soil of imaging art, fully exploring both market and artistic potential.In theaudio productsHi-Resfield, Sony’s High-Resolution Audio () product lineup now includes headphones, audio players, Bluetooth speakers, headphone amplifiers, home theaters, and more, with an increasingly comprehensive range. Sony audio products are characterized by impressive sound quality, stylish designs, and vibrant colors. They cover not onlyhigh-end audiophile products but also offer variations focused on noise cancellation, bass, portability, water resistance, and sports—suiting bothusers who pursue high-quality entertainment experiences and
The flagship product of the premium audio series, which integrates Sony's analog and digital audio technologies developed over the years, was launched last SeptemberSignatureand is regarded asWalkmana strong comeback for the brand. Last10month, theMDR-1000Xheadphones were released, and their powerful digital noise-canceling capabilities, personalized AI noise-canceling modes, and seamless switching between ambient sound and music have received widespread acclaim in the industry. In the audio business, Sony not only has decades of technical expertise but also deep emotional resonance.2017This year, Sony will continue to expand
Hi-Resits product lineup, delivering the emotions artists convey during creation through a wonderful world of sound, and touching users with its craftsmanship spirit.
Sony’s mobile businessachieved consecutive profitability in the2016first three quarters of the year. At last month’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, SonyXperia!" XZ Premium,Xperia
XZs, andXA1 Ultranew smartphone models were launched, receiving positive feedback from both the industry and many Sony fans.Xperia!" XZ PremiumEquipped with the world’s first mass-produced Snapdragon835processor, a newCMOSimage sensor, a4KresolutionHDRdisplay, and other cutting-edge technologies, it was awarded2017theMWCBest Smartphone of! It features the world’s first camera equipped with a memory-stacked sensor, theMotion Eye!, capable of capturing slow-motion video atCyber-Shotframes per second based on960technology.
Among the many cutting-edge electronic products at the Sony Expo, the colorful, versatile, and funKOOVprogrammable educational robot kit stood out. This product, which once won Japan’s Good Design Gold Award, was officially launched in the Chinese market by Sony Global Education in February this year. It aims to gradually cultivate children’s spirit of exploration and creativity through playing with modular components and programming robots to move.
Mr. Hiroshi Takahashi also introduced Sony’s rapidly growingprofessional systems and electronic components business in China. Across four major industries—media program production, education, cinema, and entertainment—Sony leverages its technical expertise in imaging and integrated industry chain solutions to provide comprehensive support in systems, products, and business operations. In addition, Sony utilizes leading electronic components, a highly skilled team of engineers, and robust solution-based technical services to support the technological advancement of domestic Chinese enterprises. These efforts span across smartphones, smart wearables, drones, automotive safety, security, eco-friendly materials, and more, contributing to “Made in China2025” and environmental protection initiatives.
Mr. Hiroshi Takahashi also announced on-site that following the opening of stores in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, Sony’s fifth directly operated store in China will be established in Shenzhen in the second half of this year. As a venue to showcase Sony’s full product lineup, allow customers to experience products firsthand and receive professional services, as well as a hub for fans to gather and connect, the Shenzhen store will undoubtedly play a significant role in driving Sony’s business expansion and market promotion in southern China.
※ This annual flagship brand event, the “Sony Expo,” came to a successful close.
The Sony Expo has sounded the starting gun for Sony’s new year sales season.2017In the fiscal year (starting April 1), Sony China will continue to strengthen its products and services, carry out more targeted and effective marketing activities, strive to expand the overlap between Sony and its target customers, enable more target consumers to conveniently experience the charm of Sony’s products and services, and ultimately become Sony fans who share its vision, emotions, and inspiration.
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Sony Corporation is one of the world’s leaders in consumer and professional audiovisual products, gaming products, communication products, core components, and information technology. Its achievements in music, film and television, computer entertainment, and online businesses have also made it a global leading electronics and entertainment company. For the fiscal year ended2016year3month31day,2015the company reported consolidated annual sales of717billion U.S. dollars.