Panasonic Cuts 15,000 Jobs

(AP) - Sony is slashing 8,000 jobs, or 4%of its global work force, aiming to cut costs by $1.1 billion a year as a global downturn and stronger yen batters profits at the Japanese electronics maker. Sony, which has 185,000 employees worldwide, said today it will complete the layoffs by the end of March 2010. Some 80% of Sony's sales come from overseas. More»

High-tech viewing will require low-tech eyewear for at least another decade

(NEWSER) - 3-D television is a reality: LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony will be selling sets by the end of the year. But they'll all require viewers to wear 3-D glasses to get the full effect. 3-D for the naked eye is under intense development that's expected to take at least another decade. "Don't expect 3-D TVs without glasses anytime soon," one expert tells Scientific American . More»

You'll have stuff to watch next year—but you still need specs

(NEWSER) - Admit it, your heart skips a beat at the prospect of a 3-D high-definition TV in your own home. And by this time next year, Sony and Panasonic will have ‘em on the market. But—and it’s a big one, even after the cost—you’re going to have to wear those glasses. Yes, technology seems to have cleared up the headaches, and Ray-Ban’s working up some trendy specs, but … More»

Manufacturers have the tech, but broadcasters lag

(NEWSER) - HDTV is about to become old hat. Sony, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, and JVC all intend to debut new 3D television sets next year. The manufacturers are likening the move to the standard-to-high-def switch—or even the shift from black-and-white to color. “TV finally becomes real,” a Panasonic VP tells CNN. “You’re in it. It’s the next frontier.” More»

Company blames slow economy, strong yen for 25% sales slump across the board

(NEWSER) - Slumping demand, a strong yen, and increased competition knocked Sony’s third-quarter profits off 95% from a year ago, reports CNN. Sony reported profits of $110 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, down from $2.2 billion a year ago. Sony’s gaming segment was hit especially hard, with its popular Playstation logging a 32% decline. Overall, sales were down 25%. More»