Sony faces new security fears

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Chris Morris

Sony has acknowledged another security hole in its PlayStation unit – and while it might not be as catastrophic as the recent security breach, it’s bound to be an embarrassment for the company – and another hurdle officials have to overcome as they work to regain consumers’ trust.

The company has blocked user logins on all PlayStation Websites after being informed of an exploit (or workaround) that could let unauthorized people take control of user accounts using the very same information that was stolen from Sony roughly four weeks ago.

Sony’s Stringer lashes out at critics

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Chris Morris

While Sony has been apologetic over the last month about the breach of its PlayStation Network (and subsequent personal data theft), CEO Howard Stringer is apparently adopting a new tone.

The head of Sony, who found himself personally under a lot of fire for his silence on the matter as it was unfolding, had angry words Tuesday for critics who have accused the company of taking too long to inform consumers that their data had been stolen.

PlayStation Network revived: What you need to know

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Chris Morris

With the PlayStation Network up and running once again, gamers jonesing for some “Call of Duty: Black Ops” multiplayer action or the chance to truly break in their copy of “Socom 4” are finally able to scratch that itch.

But the relaunch of the system is only a partial one – and there are still plenty of questions floating around about what’s next. Here’s where things stand:

Hackers hit another video game publisher

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Chris Morris

As Sony continues to struggle with its recent cyberattack, another video game publisher has had its database hacked.

Square Enix has confirmed hackers gained access to a database on Wednesday, taking 25,000 email addresses along with 350 employee resumes.

Game sales increase for the first time since November

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Chris Morris

For only the third time in the past year, retail game sales saw a year-over-year increase in April. And what a rise it was.

The NPD Group reports that software sales were up 26 percent last month to $503 million. Overall (including hardware and peripheral totals), the industry had brick and mortar sales of $930.7 million – a 20 percent increase.

Nick Jonas scores ‘Wizard 101’ expansion world

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Chris Morris

For the past few weeks, the online multiplayer game “Wizard 101” has been toying with its users. The expansion pack – called “Wintertusk” – came with a soundtrack that the developer teased was from a well-known musician, but it wouldn’t say who.

The guessing game can now end, though: Nick Jonas is the artist behind the music.

‘Civilization’ for Facebook due this summer

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Chris Morris

As if Facebook weren’t a big enough time suck, one of the most addictive titles in the video game industry is set to invade the social network.

“Civilization World,” which has been development for years and in closed beta testing for months, may finally go live to the general public this summer, says developer Sid Meier.

Google unveils new Android version, cloud storage system

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Chris Morris

Google’s planning to get more aggressive in the mobile and tablet markets – and it’s looking to pick a fight in the digital music space as well.

At its I/O developer conference, the search giant announced the next iteration of its Android operating system, codenamed “Ice Cream Sandwich,” which should hit the market by the end of the year. Google also announced its long-awaited cloud-based music storage system, which will compete with Amazon.

Groupon, Ticketmaster team for bargain ticket site

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Chris Morris

The parent company of Ticketmaster and one of the hottest startups around have partnered together for a new site that will offer limited-time deals for concerts, theater and other live events.

Live Nation and Groupon today rolled out GrouponLive. The site will act much like the main Groupon service, offering bargain pricing on a variety of events, targeted near where customers live. The service will begin offering deals at some point before the summer concert season.

Howard Stringer finally addresses Sony hack

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Chris Morris

Hounded by critics for remaining silent despite the theft of personal information from 100 million accounts, Sony’s CEO is finally speaking out.

Sir Howard Stringer, in an open letter to customers, addressed the data breach yesterday for the first time since the crisis began on April 20.

Chris Morris: Journalist

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