Andrew House speaks at an event to announce the Sony Playstation 4 Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
NEW YORK -
Sony unveiled its next-generation gaming system, the PlayStation 4, and promised social and remote capabilities. Wednesday's announcement gives the struggling Japanese electronics company a head start over Microsoft and an Xbox 360 successor.
The new PlayStation's controller resembles that of the PlayStation 3, but adds a touchpad, motion control and a "share" button. The Japanese electronics giant said the console will be part of a new ecosystem focused on hardware, software and "the fastest, most powerful gaming network."
The PlayStation 4 will be Sony Corp.'s first major game console since the PlayStation 3 went on sale in 2006. Microsoft Corp. is expected to unveil the next Xbox in June at the E3 video game expo in Los Angeles. Last fall, Nintendo started selling the Wii U, though it plays catch-up in some respects in bringing the ability to play high-definition games.
Although the Xbox 360 came out a year before PlayStation 3, Microsoft's game machine has been more popular, largely because of its robust online service, Xbox Live, which allows people to play games with others online. The original Wii has sold more units since its launch than both its rivals, but it lost momentum as the novelty of its motion controller faded. Sales of the new Wii U have been slow.
Underscoring the importance of a new PlayStation and the U.S. market, Sony is holding its announcement event in New York rather than in Japan, as it had in the past. The event is at the Hammerstein Ballroom in midtown Manhattan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:30 AM EDT2013-05-21 08:30:12 GMT
There's a huge new development on the horizon in the core of the Triangle coming into public focus. A new technology area known as "Chatham Park" near Pittsboro is seeking official approvals for its newly
A new technology area known as "Chatham Park" near Pittsboro is seeking official approvals for its newly revised master plan.
Thursday, May 16 2013 12:15 AM EDT2013-05-16 04:15:41 GMT
Cars flooded during Hurricane Sandy are back on the road in North Carolina, and the cars' new owners may have no idea their car was once submerged in ocean water.
Cars flooded during Hurricane Sandy are back on the road in North Carolina, and the cars' new owners may have no idea their car was once submerged in ocean water.
Friday, May 10 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-10 12:12:35 GMT
A dairy company is voluntarily recalling ice cream produced in Winston-Salem and distributed to 10 states that don't identify possible allergens because the product is packed in the wrong containers.
A dairy company is voluntarily recalling ice cream produced in Winston-Salem and distributed to 10 states that don't identify possible allergens because the product is packed in the wrong containers.
Friday, May 10 2013 4:20 AM EDT2013-05-10 08:20:05 GMT
Clinical testing company Quintiles Transnational is taking executives and guests to the New York Stock Exchange to ring the bell marking the opening of the trading day.
Clinical testing company Quintiles Transnational is taking executives and guests to the New York Stock Exchange to ring the bell marking the opening of the trading day.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:08:21 GMT
Here are some ways you can help those impacted by the tornadoes in Oklahoma American Red Cross: The Red Cross was setting up shelters in Oklahoma towns Monday. Donations can be made by going to www.redcross.org
Here is how you can help victims of the tornadoes in Oklahoma.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:18 AM EDT2013-05-21 04:18:36 GMT
Dozens of people were being arrested Monday evening as the NAACP-led protests at the North Carolina General Assembly continued Monday afternoon and evening.Activists sang "We shall not be moved!" at the
The NAACP is leading another protest at the North Carolina General Assembly.
Monday, May 20 2013 4:29 PM EDT2013-05-20 20:29:10 GMT
Valonda Calloway and Mike Morse
WNCN is proud to welcome local radio celebrity Mike Morse to co-host "My Carolina Today" with Valonda Calloway. Morse joins Calloway after enjoying nine years of unprecedented ratings success with "The
Mike Morse will join Valonda Calloway on the show.
Andrew House speaks at an event to announce the Sony Playstation 4 Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
