Sony has acquired iSize, a UK-based company specializing in AI-driven video delivery technology.
The acquisition signals Sony's commitment to improving video streaming quality and bitrate savings, ultimately benefiting both its research and development (R&D) efforts and its video and streaming services.
What This Holds for Sony
The deal, although not explicitly linked to game development, hints at an intriguing roadmap for Sony's future in the gaming sector, particularly as the industry undergoes transformative changes and heightened competition.
Microsoft's recent $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard has intensified the race for technical competence and cloud gaming capabilities, and Sony is evidently positioning itself for the challenge.
What is iSize?
iSize, known for its expertise in machine learning for video delivery, offers Sony the means to reduce bitrate requirements while simultaneously enhancing video quality using artificial intelligence.
This breakthrough technology holds the potential to reshape the media and entertainment industry, allowing video content to be streamed at lower bitrates while delivering superior visual experiences through AI upscaling.
Sony Interactive Entertainment issued a statement regarding the acquisition, emphasizing its enthusiasm for incorporating iSize's machine learning capabilities into its R&D projects, video processing, and streaming services.
Although the financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, it is clear that Sony views iSize's expertise as a key asset in its journey to enhance its technical capabilities.
Sony and Cloud Gaming
One of the most noteworthy aspects of this acquisition is Sony's increasing focus on cloud gaming.
GameRant notes that the company has been making strides in this direction, having recently launched beta testing for 4K cloud gaming on the PlayStation 5, offering popular titles like God of War Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West, Fortnite, Destiny 2, and more for streaming on its platform.
This investment in cloud gaming underscores Sony's commitment to delivering on its cloud gaming promises, especially as interest in this segment continues to grow.
Job Cuts
The acquisition of iSize comes on the heels of a series of staff cuts at Sony-owned studios, including Bungie, Naughty Dog, Visual Arts, and Media Molecule.
Staff reductions have unfortunately become a recurring theme in the gaming industry in 2023 despite positive developments in other areas, such as acquisitions and successful game releases.
The acquisition positions Sony to meet the growing demand for higher-quality video streaming at lower bitrates, a development that could have far-reaching implications for the media and entertainment industries.
In Other News
Kaiber, known for its AI-driven creative endeavors in music videos, has unveiled its inaugural mobile application, accessible on both iOS and Android platforms.
The app incorporates a suite of enhanced creation tools, including text-to-video, image-to-video, and video-to-video functionalities, all complemented by curated music options.
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