Sony Electronics Inc. and Comcast will throw open the doors on a co-branded retail store tomorrow in Comcast’s headquarters in Philadelphia.
The retail store, which is called Sony Style Comcast Labs, is designed to give consumers a look at emerging technologies and devices from the two companies. Sir Howard Stringer, chairman and CEO of Sony Corp., and Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast, conceived the idea as a place where consumers could learn about emerging technologies and experience new digital devices.
The co-branded retail store and technology lab will showcase the latest innovative products and services from both companies and will preview future Comcast technology, products and services.
“This is another great example of innovation and consumer technology being showcased in Philadelphia by Comcast. Comcast has attracted great partners like Sony that continue to benefit our citizens with cool products,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
Nutter was a vocal proponent of allowing Verizon to offer its FiOS services in Comcast’s hometown. Comcast also has a deep relationship with Panasonic for tru2way-enabled set-top boxes and TVs, the latter of which went on sale in retail stores in Denver and Chicago last year.
Starting tomorrow, Comcast will showcase a 100 Mbps data service, which is the current top speed of DOCSIS 3.0, at the Sony Style Comcast Labs, as well as a cordless phone with e-mail, IM, text and Yellow Pages.
“Innovation has been the cornerstone of all that we do at Comcast, and this new interactive space is the perfect showcase for our current and future technology,” said Tony Werner, Comcast’s chief technology officer. “We’re thrilled to have this unique space anchor our corporate headquarters as a clear demonstration of innovation. It’s also a terrific, hands-on way for consumers to experience how all our products work together.”
Sony’s offerings include its Bravia high-definition LCD televisions, Vaio PCs, a (alpha) DSLR and Cyber-shot digital cameras, Handycam camcorders, PSP and PlayStation game consoles, and emerging technologies such as Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) TVs.
Comcast will showcase all of its products and services – from voice to video and Internet – and will demonstrate how they each work together seamlessly for the consumer.
The Sony Style Comcast Labs is located at the base of the Comcast Center in Philadelphia at 17th Street and JFK Boulevard.
