Sony Group Corporation, widely recognized as Sony, is a prominent Japanese multinational conglomerate with headquarters in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Originally known as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. and later Sony Corporation, the company operates through various subsidiaries, including Sony Corporation, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, Sony Entertainment, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Sony Financial Group.
May 1946: Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo is Established
Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita established Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo in May 1946, marking the beginning of what would become the global giant, Sony.
1946: Sony Founded as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo
In 1946, Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita founded Sony as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo, an electronics company that would go on to create iconic products like the transistor radio.
1954: Sony's Entry into Semiconductors
In 1954, Sony, then a young company, made a bold move by becoming the first Japanese company to commercialize the transistor. This decision set them apart from established companies like Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric who were still focused on vacuum tubes.
1955: Sony Introduces the TR-55 Transistor Radio
In 1955, Sony introduced the TR-55 transistor radio, a product that foreshadowed the company's future success in creating revolutionary electronics.
1955: Sony's Transistor Radio Sparks a Consumer Electronics Revolution
Sony's TR-63 radio played a pivotal role in popularizing portable transistor radios in the mid-1950s, contributing to the explosive growth of the consumer microelectronics industry.
1957: Discovery of the Tunnel Diode
Sony employee Leo Esaki and his colleagues made a significant scientific breakthrough in 1957 by inventing the tunnel diode. This invention, which demonstrated the quantum tunneling effect in solids, earned Esaki the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1973.
January 1958: The Sony Brand is Born
The Sony brand officially came into existence in January 1958, signifying the company's ambition and commitment to creating cutting-edge electronics.
1958: Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo Becomes Sony
In 1958, Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo underwent a significant transformation, changing its name to "Sony," a moniker that would become synonymous with innovation and quality electronics.
1959: Sony Introduces World's First All-Transistor Television
Sony achieved a technological milestone in 1959 with the introduction of the TV8-301, the world's first all-transistor television.
1960: Sony Corporation of America is Founded
Akio Morita, Sony's co-founder, established Sony Corporation of America in 1960, a strategic move that expanded the company's global reach and influence.
1968: Transistor Radio Sales Boom
By 1968, the popularity of portable transistor radios, fueled in part by Sony's innovations, led to an estimated 5 million units sold, demonstrating the rapid growth of the consumer electronics market.
1968: Sony Introduces Trinitron Televisions
In 1968, Sony launched its Trinitron line of aperture grille cathode ray tube televisions, which later expanded to include computer monitors.
1970: Sony Lists on the New York Stock Exchange
In 1970, Sony became the oldest Japanese company to be listed on an American exchange when its American depositary receipts were listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
1971: Masaru Ibuka Passes the Torch to Akio Morita
In 1971, Masaru Ibuka stepped down as president of Sony, passing the leadership baton to his co-founder, Akio Morita.
1971: Sony Introduces U-matic Videocassette Format
In 1971, Sony introduced the U-matic, the world's first videocassette format. However, its high price hindered widespread adoption for home use.
1973: Nobel Prize for Leo Esaki
Leo Esaki, a Sony employee, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1973 for his groundbreaking discovery of the tunnel diode, a testament to Sony's commitment to technological innovation.
1975: Sony Launches Betamax Videocassette Format
Sony launched the Betamax videocassette format in 1975. This marked the beginning of Sony's involvement in the videotape format war, where Betamax competed with JVC's VHS format. Despite its technological advantages, Betamax ultimately lost the war as VHS became the dominant standard for consumer VCRs.
1976: Sony Initiates Annual Environmental Conference
Sony established its first Environmental Conference in 1976 to address its environmental impact. The company has since implemented various initiatives, including green procurement, greenhouse gas reduction, and a recycling program.
1977: Sony Demonstrates Optical Digital Audio Disc
Sony showcased an optical digital audio disc in 1977.
1979: Sony Diversifies into Life Insurance
Continuing its expansion into new business domains, Sony established a life insurance company in 1979, demonstrating its diverse portfolio.
1979: Sony Releases the Walkman
Sony revolutionized music listening habits with the release of the world's first portable music player, the Walkman, in 1979.
1981: Sony Demonstrates Prototype of Sony Mavica
In 1981, Sony unveiled a prototype of its groundbreaking Mavica camera, showcasing its early foray into the world of digital imaging.
1983: Sony Introduces 3.5-inch Floppy Disks
In 1983, Sony introduced the 3.5-inch floppy disk, which eventually replaced the then-popular 5.25-inch floppy disks.
1983: Sony and Philips Announce the Compact Disc (CD)
Sony partnered with Philips to establish a global standard for optical storage, and in 1983, they jointly announced the Compact Disc (CD).
1984: Sony Launches the Discman
Sony released the Discman in 1984, expanding the Walkman brand to include portable CD players.
1985: Sony Launches Handycam and Video8 Format
Sony introduced its Handycam line of camcorders and the Video8 format in 1985. Video8, and its successor Hi8, gained popularity in the consumer camcorder market.
1986: Sony Introduces Write-Once Optical Discs (WO)
Sony introduced write-once optical discs (WO) with a capacity of around 125MB in 1986. These discs were primarily intended for archival data storage.
1987: Sony Introduces Digital Audio Tape (DAT)
In 1987, Sony introduced the 4mm DAT, or Digital Audio Tape, as a new standard for digital audio recording and playback.
March 1988: Formation of Sony Music Entertainment Japan
In March 1988, Sony merged four subsidiaries into CBS/Sony Group, renaming it Sony Music Entertainment Japan (SMEJ). This followed Sony's acquisition of CBS Records, which gave them a 50% stake in the company originally formed as a joint venture with CBS in 1968.
1988: Sony Acquires CBS Records
In 1988, Sony made a significant move into the music industry by acquiring CBS Records, expanding its media presence.
1988: Sony Introduces Magneto-Optical Discs
Sony launched magneto-optical discs in 1988, offering around 125MB of storage capacity, similar to the WO discs. These discs were also primarily targeted for archival data storage.
1988: Norio Ohga Leads Sony's Media Expansion with CBS Records Acquisition
Under the leadership of Norio Ohga, Sony made a significant push into the media landscape in 1988 by acquiring CBS Records, setting the stage for its future entertainment industry ventures.
1988: Sony Releases Mavica for Consumer Market
After years of development, Sony released its Mavica camera to the consumer market in 1988, marking a significant step in the evolution of digital photography.
1988: Sony's Acquisition of CBS Record Group
In a landmark deal in 1988, Sony acquired CBS Record Group for US$2 billion. This acquisition not only expanded Sony's music portfolio but also granted them the rights to the ATV catalogue, which included the music of Michael Jackson, considered one of the most successful entertainers of all time.
1988: Sony and Nintendo Begin Collaboration on CD-ROM Add-on
As early as 1988, Sony and Nintendo began working on a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Famicom, marking the beginning of their partnership.
1989: Sony Acquires Columbia Pictures, Expanding its Media Empire
Norio Ohga further solidified Sony's presence in the media industry in 1989 with the acquisition of Columbia Pictures, marking a period of significant expansion and diversification for the company.
1989: Sony Acquires Columbia Pictures Entertainment
In a significant move into the entertainment industry, Sony acquired Columbia Pictures Entertainment in 1989 for $3.4 billion, marking its entry into the television and film production market.
1989: Sony Acquires Sony Trans Com
Expanding its reach into the airline industry, Sony acquired Sony Trans Com from Sundstrand Corp. in 1989. This technology business specialized in in-flight entertainment programming and equipment.
1989: Sony Acquires Columbia Pictures
Furthering its expansion in the media industry, Sony acquired Columbia Pictures in 1989.
1990: Sony Withdraws from the Computer Business
Around 1990, Sony made the decision to withdraw from the computer business, marking an end to its early endeavors in the PC market.
March 1991: Nintendo Denies Deal with Sony
In March 1991, Nintendo publicly denied the existence of a deal with Sony, despite both companies working together on a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Famicom.
June 1991: Sony Reveals "Play Station" Prototype at CES
At the Consumer Electronics Show in June 1991, Sony unveiled its prototype for the "Play Station," a Super Famicom with a built-in CD-ROM drive.
1991: Sony's Entry into Gaming: The Birth of PlayStation
What began as a partnership with Nintendo to develop a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991, quickly evolved into Sony's independent venture into the gaming console market with the PlayStation. This decision stemmed from a disagreement over software licensing, leading Sony to forge its own path in the industry.
May 1992: Nintendo and Sony End Negotiations
After Nintendo offered Sony a "non-gaming role" following their new partnership with Philips, negotiations between Nintendo and Sony officially ended in May 1992.
June 1992: Sony Decides to Continue PlayStation Project
In June 1992, despite internal opposition, Sony held a meeting where it was decided that the PlayStation project, led by Ken Kutaragi, would continue development.
1992: Sony Introduces MiniDisc Format
Sony introduced the MiniDisc (MD) format in 1992, positioning it as an alternative to Philips' Digital Compact Cassette (DCC) and a successor to the Compact Cassette.
1993: Sony Introduces SDDS Surround Sound Format
In 1993, Sony challenged the industry-standard Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound format by introducing its own proprietary format, SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound). SDDS utilized eight channels of audio (7.1) compared to Dolby Digital's six channels. Despite its technological advancements, SDDS failed to gain widespread adoption and was overshadowed by DTS (Digital Theatre System) and Dolby Digital in the motion picture industry. Sony's SDDS format was specifically designed for theatrical use and was never intended for home theater systems.
1994: PlayStation Captures the Gaming Market
The launch of the first PlayStation in 1994 marked a turning point in the gaming industry. Sony's console captured a staggering 61% of global console sales, dethroning Nintendo and establishing a new leader in the market.
1995: Sony Forms Sony/ATV Music Publishing
In 1995, Sony merged its music publishing division with Michael Jackson's ATV Music Publishing to create Sony/ATV Music Publishing, becoming the second-largest music publishing company globally.
1996: Sony Introduces the First Cyber-shot Camera
In 1996, Sony further solidified its presence in the digital camera market with the introduction of its Cyber-shot line, which would become synonymous with point-and-shoot digital cameras.
1996: Sony Re-enters Computer Market with VAIO Brand
In 1996, Sony made a comeback to the global computer market with the introduction of its VAIO brand. Standing for "Video Audio Integrated Operation," VAIO computers were designed to emphasize visual-audio capabilities, a distinctive feature at the time.
1996: Sony's Trinitron Patent Expires
Sony's patent for its proprietary Trinitron technology expired in 1996.
1997: Sony and Philips Join Forces with Toshiba to Create the DVD Format
During the early 1990s, two competing high-density optical storage standards were being developed: MMCD (MultiMedia Compact Disc), backed by Philips and Sony, and SD (Super Density Disc), supported by Toshiba and others. Philips and Sony eventually agreed to abandon their MMCD format in favor of Toshiba's SD format with a single modification. This collaboration resulted in the unified DVD format, which was introduced in 1997.
1998: Sony Launches Memory Stick Format
In 1998, Sony launched its own flash memory card format, Memory Stick, primarily for its digital cameras and portable music players. The format, however, faced limited adoption outside of Sony products, with SD cards becoming more popular.
1999: Sony Introduces First Portable Digital Audio Players
Sony launched its first portable digital audio players in 1999, marking the company's entry into the digital music player market.
August 2000: Sony Executive Highlights Industry Measures to Protect Revenue Streams
In August 2000, Steve Heckler, Sony Pictures Entertainment U.S. senior vice president, emphasized the industry's commitment to protecting its revenue streams. Subsequently, Sony developed a DRM system resembling a rootkit to enforce copyright claims on music CDs.
September 2000: Sony's Market Capitalization Peak
In September 2000, at the height of the dot-com bubble, Sony's market capitalization soared to an impressive $100 billion.
2000: Sony's Limited Presence in the Mobile Phone Market
In 2000, Sony held a marginal position in the mobile phone market, with a market share of less than 1%.
2000: Sony Sells Sony Trans Com to Rockwell Collins
In 2000, Sony sold its in-flight entertainment business, Sony Trans Com, to Rockwell Collins, marking a strategic divestment from the sector.
2000: Sony Faces Backlash for Leaked Document Detailing Surveillance of Environmental Activists
In 2000, a leaked internal document titled "NGO Strategy" revealed Sony's efforts to monitor and counter the activities of environmental groups, particularly those advocating for stricter regulations on electronics manufacturers.
2000: PlayStation 2: The Best-Selling Console Ever
Sony continued its reign in the gaming world with the release of the PlayStation 2 in 2000. This console achieved unprecedented success, becoming the best-selling console of all time, with over 150 million units sold by 2011.
2001: Sony Forms Joint Venture with Ericsson
In 2001, seeking to bolster its presence in the mobile phone industry, Sony formed a joint venture with the Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson, leading to the creation of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications.
March 2002: Sony's Steady Growth in Stockholder Equity
Sony experienced a period of consistent growth in stockholder equity, rising from $17.9 billion in March 2002 to $35.6 billion by December 2011.
2002: Sony Ericsson Experiences Early Losses
The initial years of Sony Ericsson were marked by challenges, with the company reporting losses in both 2001 and 2002 as it navigated the competitive mobile phone landscape.
2003: Sony Ericsson Achieves Profitability
Sony Ericsson reached a turning point in 2003, achieving profitability for the first time since its formation.
2004: Sony Enters Portable Gaming with PlayStation Portable
In 2004, Sony made its foray into the handheld gaming market with the release of the PlayStation Portable (PSP). While the console sold reasonably well, it faced stiff competition from Nintendo's dominant handheld, the Nintendo DS.
2004: Sony Releases Hi-MD Format
In 2004, Sony released Hi-MD, a higher-capacity version of the MiniDisc format that supported 1GB discs. Hi-MD allowed for playback and recording of audio on both standard and Hi-MD discs, and expanded functionality to include storage of computer files like documents, videos, and photos.
2004: Sony and Bertelsmann Merge Music Businesses
Sony and Bertelsmann AG combined their respective music divisions, Sony Music Entertainment and Bertelsmann Music Group, to form Sony BMG in 2004.
2004: Sony Introduces Triluminos Display Technology
Sony unveiled its Triluminos Display technology in 2004, a proprietary color reproduction technology initially featured in the world's first LED-backlit LCD televisions. Triluminos technology was later incorporated into a wide range of Sony products, including computer monitors, laptops, and smartphones.
2004: Sony's Network Walkman Adds MP3 Support
Until late 2004, Sony's Network Walkman line of digital music players did not natively support the MP3 standard, opting instead to promote its own ATRAC audio compression technology. This changed in late 2004 when Sony finally added MP3 support to its Network Walkman devices.
2005: Sony's Digital Camera Market Share Declines
By 2005, Sony experienced a decline in its digital camera market share, dropping from a dominant 20% to 9%, reflecting the increasingly competitive landscape of the industry.
2005: Howard Stringer Becomes Sony's First Foreign CEO
Breaking new ground, Sony appointed Howard Stringer as its CEO in 2005, making him the first foreigner to lead a major Japanese electronics firm.
2005: Sony BMG Faces Copy Protection Scandal
In 2005, Sony BMG was embroiled in a controversy when it was discovered that their music CDs contained malware posing security risks to users' computers. This incident raised concerns about digital rights management practices.
2005: Sony Financial Group's Profitability
In FY 2005, Sony Financial Group emerged as the most profitable arm of Sony's businesses, generating a significant profit of $1.7 billion. Despite its low fees contributing to its popularity, there were concerns that it might impact Sony's premium brand image.
2005: Sony Discontinues Trinitron Computer Monitors
Sony decided to discontinue its Trinitron computer monitors in 2005 as display technologies evolved.
2005: Sony Introduces BRAVIA Brand for LCD TVs
Sony launched its BRAVIA brand in 2005 for its high-definition LCD televisions, replacing the WEGA name used previously.
2006: Sony Loses Top Market Share in Global Television Market
In 2006, Sony faced a setback as it lost its leading position in the global television market after decades at the top.
2006: PlayStation 3: Embracing High-Definition and Blu-ray
In 2006, Sony introduced the PlayStation 3, a high-definition console that was the first to utilize the Blu-ray format. While the console boasted advanced technology, its high price point, largely due to the expensive Cell processor, made it a tougher sell compared to its competitors, the Xbox 360 and Wii.
2006: Sony Pictures and ARccOS Protection Controversy
Sony Pictures faced controversy in 2006 when it implemented ARccOS Protection on some of its film DVDs. This digital rights management (DRM) technology sparked backlash and ultimately led to a recall.
2006: Sony Laptop Battery Recall
In 2006, Sony faced a major controversy when some of its laptop batteries were found to overheat, leading to explosions and fires. The incident resulted in the largest computer-related recall in history up to that point, significantly impacting Sony's reputation.
2006: Sony's Blu-ray Disc Format Prevails in HD Optical Disc Format War
The first Blu-ray disc players were released in 2006. Sony played a leading role in the development of the Blu-ray optical disc format, which became the de facto standard for high-definition media delivery after a two-year format war with Toshiba's HD DVD format.
2006: Sony Enters Digital SLR Market by Acquiring Konica Minolta's Camera Business
In 2006, Sony made a strategic move into the digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera market by acquiring the camera business of Konica Minolta, a well-established player in the industry. Sony rebranded Konica Minolta's camera line as its Alpha line and quickly became a major competitor in the DSLR market.
June 2007: Sony's Ranking Drops in Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics
In June 2007, Sony's ranking on Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics fell to 14th place due to criticisms of inconsistencies in the company's waste management policies.
November 2007: Sony Releases the XEL-1, the First OLED Television
In November 2007, Sony unveiled the XEL-1, the world's first OLED television, showcasing its innovation in display technology.
2007: Apple iPhone Launches, Challenging Sony Ericsson
The release of Apple's iPhone in 2007 sent shockwaves through the mobile phone industry and presented a significant challenge to established players like Sony Ericsson.
2007: Sony Ends Production of Trinitron Televisions in the US
Sony stopped producing its Trinitron televisions in the US in early 2007, marking the end of an era for the company's analog television production.
2007: EU Fines Sony, Fuji, and Maxell $110 Million for Price-Fixing of Professional Videotapes
In 2007, a European Commission investigation concluded with Sony, Fuji, and Maxell receiving a $110 million fine for colluding to fix prices on professional videotapes between 1999 and 2002. Sony's penalty was increased for obstructing the investigation.
December 2008: Sony Announces Job Cuts and Restructuring
On December 9, 2008, Sony revealed plans to cut 8,000 jobs, reduce its contractor workforce by 8,000, and decrease its global manufacturing sites by 10%. These measures aimed to generate annual savings of $1.1 billion in response to the challenging economic climate.
2008: Sony Forms New Sony Music Entertainment
Following the acquisition of Bertelsmann's share in Sony BMG in 2008, Sony established a new entity named Sony Music Entertainment. This move marked a significant shift in the company's music business.
2008: Sony Ericsson Implements Workforce Reductions Amid Global Recession
In 2008, in response to the global economic downturn, Sony Ericsson initiated workforce reductions as part of cost-cutting measures.
2008: Sony Acquires Gracenote
Sony acquired the digital music recognition company Gracenote in 2008 for US$260 million. This strategic move aimed to leverage Gracenote's technology in Sony's music-related products and services.
2009: Sony Ericsson Becomes Fourth-Largest Mobile Phone Manufacturer
Despite challenges, Sony Ericsson rose to become the fourth-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally in 2009, trailing behind Nokia, Samsung, and LG.
2009: Sony Introduces "make.believe" Brand Slogan
In a bid to unify its global operations under a single brand identity, Sony launched the "make.believe" slogan in 2009.
2009: Release of the PSP Go
In an attempt to innovate within the handheld market, Sony released a disc-less version of its PlayStation Portable, known as the PSP Go, in 2009.
2009: Sony's Over-Priced Trading Range
With the exception of the 2009 market bottom, Sony's stock has consistently traded at prices exceeding its earnings yield, suggesting overvaluation in the market.
April 1, 2010: Sony Releases PS3 Patch Removing OtherOS Feature
On April 1, 2010, Sony released a PS3 patch that removed the OtherOS feature, which allowed users to install other operating systems, after hackers attempted to exploit it for running homebrew software.
2010: Sony Ends Production of 3.5-inch Floppy Disks
In 2010, Sony, which held a 70% market share at the time, decided to stop producing 3.5-inch floppy disks due to the emergence of newer data storage formats.
2010: Sony Acquires iCyt Mission Technology
In 2010, as part of its expansion into the medical and biotechnology sectors, Sony acquired iCyt Mission Technology, Inc., a maker of flow cytometers.
2010: Sony Introduces First Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Cameras
In 2010, Sony unveiled its first mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (MILCs), the NEX-3 and NEX-5, alongside the new E-mount lens system.
2010: Sony Ericsson's Market Share Declines
By 2010, Sony Ericsson's market share had declined, placing it in sixth place among mobile phone manufacturers.
2010: Sony Pictures Entertainment's Group Sales
In 2010, Sony Pictures Entertainment reported significant group sales of US$7.2 billion, reflecting its success in the film and television production and distribution industry.
January 12, 2011: Sony Files Lawsuits Against Hackers geohot and fail0verflow for PS3 Exploits
On January 12, 2011, Sony took legal action against hackers geohot and fail0verflow for their involvement in exploiting the PS3's security measures.
November 2011: Greenpeace Ranks Sony Ninth in Guide to Greener Electronics
Sony, alongside Panasonic, secured the ninth position in Greenpeace's November 2011 Guide to Greener Electronics, receiving praise for energy efficiency in its products but criticism for opposing certain energy standards.
December 2011: Sony Agrees to Sell Stake in S-LCD Joint Venture
In December 2011, Sony took a significant step in restructuring its television business by agreeing to sell its entire stake in S-LCD, a joint venture with Samsung Electronics, for approximately $940 million.
December 2011: Sony's Market Capitalization Decline
By December 2011, Sony's market capitalization had plummeted to $18 billion from its peak in 2000, reflecting a decline in the company's outlook and the deflation of the dot-com bubble.
2011: PlayStation 2 Sales Milestone
By 2011, Sony's PlayStation 2 had solidified its place in gaming history, having sold over 150 million units, a testament to its enduring popularity and impact on the industry.
2011: Sony Acquires Micronics, Inc.
Continuing its strategic focus on healthcare, Sony acquired Micronics, Inc. in 2011. Micronics specialized in developing microfluidics-based diagnostic tools, further strengthening Sony's presence in the medical technology field.
2011: Sony Enters Tablet Market with Sony Tablet Line
In 2011, Sony joined the rapidly growing tablet computer market with the launch of its Sony Tablet line, powered by the Android operating system.
2011: Sony Pictures Entertainment's Market Position
Sony Pictures Entertainment held a 12.5% share of the box office market in 2011, securing its position as the third-largest movie studio globally.
2011: Sony's Financial Challenges in the Late 2000s
Sony experienced financial difficulties from the mid-to-late 2000s, culminating in three consecutive years of losses leading up to 2011. Factors contributing to this downturn included the global financial crisis, heightened competition in the PlayStation market, and the devastating impact of the 2011 earthquake in Japan.
2011: PlayStation Vita Launch
Sony's continued pursuit of the handheld gaming market led to the release of its second portable system, the PlayStation Vita, in 2011.
March 2012: Sony and Sharp Amend Joint Venture Agreement for LCD Panel Production
On March 28, 2012, Sony and Sharp announced an amendment to their joint venture agreement for Sharp Display Products Corporation (SDP), established in 2009 and amended in 2011. The agreement, aimed at producing and selling large-sized LCD panels and modules, was eventually terminated as Sony exited the venture.
April 2012: Sony Announces Major Job Cuts and Increased Marketing Spending Following Record Loss
In April 2012, Sony announced a 10,000 job cut, representing 6% of its workforce, in response to a record loss of $6.36 billion for fiscal year 2012. The company planned to counter the losses by increasing marketing expenses by 30%.
May 2012: Sony's Market Capitalization Valued at $15 Billion
As of May 2012, amidst financial struggles and restructuring efforts, Sony's market capitalization was valued at approximately $15 billion.
September 2012: Olympus and Sony Announce Joint Venture for Surgical Endoscopes
On September 28, 2012, Sony and Olympus announced their collaboration to establish a joint venture focused on developing advanced surgical endoscopes with 4K resolution (or higher) and 3D capabilities, combining their expertise in imaging technology and medical devices.
2012: Sony's Television Business Faces Challenges
By 2012, Sony held the position of the third-largest television manufacturer worldwide. However, the business had been experiencing unprofitability for eight consecutive years.
2012: Sony Acquires So-net Entertainment Corporation
In 2012, Sony acquired all shares of So-net Entertainment Corporation, the majority shareholder of M3, Inc., a prominent operator of online portals for healthcare professionals, including m3.com, MR-kun, MDLinx, and MEDI:GATE.
2012: Sony Acquires Ericsson's Share in Sony Ericsson
In 2012, Sony made the strategic decision to acquire Ericsson's 50% share in Sony Ericsson for over US$1 billion, giving Sony full control over the mobile phone business.
2012: Consolidation of Consumer Content Services into Sony Entertainment Network
In 2012, Sony streamlined its digital offerings by consolidating a majority of its consumer content services, including video, music, and gaming, into the Sony Entertainment Network, which would later evolve into the PlayStation Network.
2012: Kazuo Hirai Takes the Helm, Launches "One Sony"
Kazuo Hirai was appointed as president and CEO of Sony in 2012, introducing the "One Sony" initiative to address financial challenges and streamline its organizational structure.
2012: PlayStation Vita Release Expands
Sony expanded the release of its PlayStation Vita handheld gaming system in 2012.
2012: Sony Unveils Crystal LED Display Prototype
Sony showcased a prototype of its ultrafine RGB LED display, dubbed the Crystal LED Display, in 2012.
2012: Sony/ATV Music Publishing Becomes World's Largest
Sony/ATV Music Publishing acquired a majority stake in EMI Music Publishing in 2012, establishing itself as the world's largest music publishing company.
2012: Sony Consolidates Android Products Under Xperia Brand
Starting in 2012, Sony made a strategic branding decision to market all its Android-based products, including smartphones and tablets, under the Xperia brand, unifying its mobile device offerings.
2012: Sony Renames iCyt Mission Technology to Sony Biotechnology Inc.
Sony renamed its previously acquired iCyt Mission Technology to Sony Biotechnology Inc. in 2012, integrating it more closely into the Sony brand.
January 2013: Sony Sells US Headquarters Building for $1.1 Billion
In January 2013, Sony sold its US headquarters building in a deal worth $1.1 billion to a consortium led by The Chetrit Group.
April 2013: Sony and Olympus Establish Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc.
Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Inc., with Sony holding a 51% stake and Olympus 49%, commenced operations on April 16, 2013, marking a significant step in their joint venture to develop cutting-edge surgical endoscopes.
August 2013: Sony Releases First Alpha MILC, the α3000
August 2013 marked the debut of Sony's first Alpha-branded MILC, the α3000, further expanding its mirrorless camera lineup.
November 2013: PlayStation 4 Launch
Continuing its expansion in the gaming market, Sony launched its fourth console, the PlayStation 4, on November 15, 2013.
2013: Sony Mobile Captures 2% of Mobile Phone Market Share
In 2013, Sony Mobile, now operating independently after the dissolution of the Sony Ericsson joint venture, held approximately 2% of the global mobile phone market share, shipping 37 million units.
2013: Sony Releases Televisions with Quantum Dot Enhanced Triluminos Display
In 2013, Sony released a new line of televisions equipped with an enhanced version of its Triluminos Display technology. This iteration incorporated quantum dots in the backlight system, marking the first commercial use of quantum dots in display technology.
2013: Sony Demonstrates First 4K OLED Television
Sony continued its advancements in display technology in 2013 by demonstrating the first 4K OLED television, further pushing the boundaries of picture quality.
January 2014: Moody's Downgrades Sony's Credit Rating to Ba1, Citing Weak Profitability
On January 28, 2014, Moody's Investors Services downgraded Sony's credit rating to Ba1, indicating a "significant credit risk," due to concerns about the company's weak and volatile profitability.
February 2014: Sony Announces 5,000 Job Cuts as Part of Restructuring to Focus on Mobile and Tablets
On February 6, 2014, Sony announced plans to cut 5,000 jobs as part of a restructuring plan that included selling its PC business and shifting focus towards mobile devices and tablets.
February 2014: Sony Announces Sale of VAIO PC Business
On February 4, 2014, Sony announced its decision to sell its struggling VAIO PC business to Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) due to persistent poor sales.
February 2014: Sony, M3, and Illumina Establish P5, Inc. for Genome Analysis Services
On February 28, 2014, Sony, M3, and Illumina came together to establish P5, Inc., a joint venture with the mission of providing genome analysis services to research institutions and enterprises in Japan, leveraging their combined expertise in technology, healthcare, and genomics.
February 2014: Sony Restructures, Sells Vaio PC Division and Spins Off TV Division
In February 2014, Sony underwent significant restructuring, selling its Vaio PC division and turning its TV division into a separate corporation to improve profitability and agility.
March 2014: Sony Finalizes Sale of VAIO PC Business
The sale of Sony's VAIO PC business to JIP was finalized by the end of March 2014, marking Sony's exit from the PC market once again.
March 2014: Sony Unveils Project Morpheus (PlayStation VR)
At the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March 2014, Sony announced its foray into virtual reality with "Project Morpheus," later renamed PlayStation VR. This technology aimed to bring immersive VR experiences, both gaming and non-gaming, to the PlayStation 4 console.
May 2014: Sony Forms Joint Ventures in China for PlayStation
Expanding its gaming presence in the Chinese market, Sony established two joint ventures with Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group in May 2014 to manufacture and market PlayStation consoles and software.
2014: Sony Participates in EV Charging Program
In 2014, Sony joined NRG Energy's eVgo Ready for Electric Vehicle (REV) program, focusing on developing EV charging station infrastructure. This move reflected Sony's interest in the electric vehicle market.
2014: Tribune Media Company Acquires Gracenote from Sony
Tribune Media Company purchased Gracenote from Sony in 2014 for $170 million, marking the end of Sony's ownership of the digital music recognition company.
2014: Sony Pictures Hacked by Guardians of Peace
In late 2014, Sony Pictures became the target of a major cyberattack by a group calling themselves the Guardians of Peace. This attack, which occurred just weeks before the release of the controversial comedy film "The Interview," resulted in the leak of sensitive data and caused significant disruption to the studio's operations.
2014: Sony Releases Successors to NEX Models and Becomes Largest MILC Manufacturer
In 2014, Sony continued to build its MILC portfolio with the release of successors to its popular NEX models, including the α5000 and α6000. The α6000 achieved remarkable success, becoming the most popular MILC at the time, propelling Sony to become the largest MILC manufacturer.
2014: Sony South Africa Closes TV, Hi-Fi, and Camera Divisions
In 2014, Sony South Africa shut down its TV, Hi-Fi, and camera divisions to reassess its local distribution strategy.
2014: Sony Mobile Sales Peak at 40 Million Handsets
Sony Mobile's mobile phone sales reached their peak in 2014, with the company shipping 40 million handsets.
May 2015: Sony Leads in Virtual Reality Patents
A report by LexInnova in May 2015 revealed that Sony was leading the race in virtual reality patents, with 366 patents or patent applications related to VR technology, highlighting their commitment to innovation in this emerging field.
2015: Sony Invests in Self-Driving Technology
Sony's investment of $842,000 in ZMP INC. in 2015 sparked speculation about the company's interest in developing self-driving car technologies.
2015: Sony Acquires Toshiba's Image Sensor Business
Strengthening its position in the image sensor market, Sony acquired Toshiba's image sensor business in 2015.
2015: Sony Partners with ZMP INC. to Form Aerosense
In 2015, Sony partnered with ZMP INC., an autonomous driving startup, to create Aerosense, a company specializing in the manufacturing of aerial surveillance and reconnaissance drones, demonstrating Sony's interest in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
2015: Sony Introduces LDAC Audio Coding Technology
In 2015, Sony introduced LDAC, a proprietary audio coding technology that enables high-resolution audio streaming over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbit/s at 32 bit/96 kHz.
October 2016: PlayStation VR Launch
Sony's PlayStation VR headset was officially released worldwide on October 13, 2016, allowing PlayStation 4 users to experience virtual reality gaming and entertainment.
December 2016: Sony Considers Merging Film and Gaming Businesses
In December 2016, multiple news outlets reported that Sony was contemplating a major restructuring by merging its film and gaming divisions, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Interactive Entertainment. The proposed plan would have placed Sony Pictures under the leadership of Andrew House, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. However, House would not have been involved in the daily operations of the film studio. A final decision regarding the potential merger was expected by March 2017, the end of Sony's fiscal year.
2016: Sony Revives Robotics Operations
After a decade-long hiatus from robotics due to financial difficulties, Sony announced its decision to revive its robotics-related operations in 2016, signaling a renewed focus on this field.
2016: Sony Sells Lithium-ion Battery Business
Despite exploring the potential of manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles, Sony opted to sell its lithium-ion battery business to Murata Manufacturing in 2016.
2016: Sony Gains Full Ownership of Sony/ATV
In 2016, Sony assumed full ownership of Sony/ATV, further solidifying its dominant position in the music publishing industry.
2016: Sony Ends Production of Betacam Video Tape Recorders and Players
Sony announced the discontinuation of its professional Betacam video format in 2016, effectively rendering Betamax obsolete. The company stopped manufacturing all remaining 1/2-inch video tape recorders and players, including those for the Digital Betacam format.
December 2017: PlayStation 4 Sales Reach 73.6 Million Units
By December 31, 2017, the PlayStation 4 had sold an impressive 73.6 million units globally, showcasing its strong position in the console market.
2017: Sony Mobile Shipments Decline to 13.5 Million Units
Sony Mobile's handset shipments continued to decrease, reaching 13.5 million units in 2017, reflecting the increasingly competitive smartphone market.
2017: Funimation Acquired by Aniplex and Sony Pictures
Aniplex and Sony Pictures jointly acquired Funimation, a prominent U.S.-based anime distribution company, in 2017. This strategic move expanded Sony's reach in the global anime market.
2017: Sony Launches OLED Televisions under the BRAVIA Brand
In 2017, Sony marked its entry into the OLED television market with the launch of new models under its renowned BRAVIA brand.
2017: Sony Sells Lithium-Ion Battery Business
In 2017, Sony sold its lithium-ion battery business to Murata Manufacturing.
May 2018: Greenpeace Awards Sony a D+ in 2017 Guide to Greener Electronics
In May 2018, Greenpeace's 2017 Guide to Greener Electronics placed Sony around the middle of the pack among electronics manufacturers, assigning it a grade of D+.
November 2018: Sony's Mobile Phone Division Suffers $480 Million Loss, Leading to Downsizing and Plant Closure
In November 2018, Sony reported a $480 million loss in its mobile phone division for the second quarter, leading to further downsizing in the unit, including the closure of a manufacturing plant and a 50% reduction in workforce.
2018: Sony Maintains Minority Stake in VAIO
Even after selling the VAIO PC business, Sony maintained a 5% stake in the newly independent company as of 2018.
2018: Sony Mobile Shipments Further Decline to 6.5 Million Units
In 2018, Sony Mobile shipped 6.5 million mobile phones, marking a further decline in sales.
2018: Sony Acquires Full Ownership of Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Sony completed the full acquisition of Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2018, solidifying its control over the world's largest music publishing entity.
March 2019: PlayStation 5 Announcement
In March 2019, Sony officially announced the successor to the PlayStation 4, building anticipation for its next-generation console.
September 2019: Sony's LDAC Receives Hi-Res Audio Wireless Certification
On September 17, 2019, the Japan Audio Society (JAS) awarded Sony's LDAC technology with its Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification. At the time, LDAC and LHDC, a competing standard, were the only codecs to hold this certification. Sony contributed LDAC to the Android Open Source Project, starting with Android 8.0 "Oreo." This allowed other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate the standard into their Android devices without licensing fees. However, the decoder library for LDAC remained proprietary, requiring licenses for receiving devices.
2019: Sony Merges Mobile, TV, and Camera Businesses
In 2019, Sony consolidated its mobile, TV, and camera businesses into a single unit.
2019: Sony Ranks Thirteenth in Global Patent Applications
In 2019, Sony held the thirteenth position globally for the number of patent applications, reflecting its ongoing commitment to technological advancement.
2019: Sony Launches ELTRES Wireless Communication Standard
In 2019, Sony launched ELTRES, its own low-power wide-area wireless communication standard.
January 2020: Sony Unveils Vision-S Electric Car Concept
At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2020, Sony introduced its Vision-S concept electric car developed in partnership with Magna International. This move signaled Sony's ambition to expand into the automotive technology sector, particularly in autonomous driving, sensors, and in-car entertainment.
April 2020: Sony Electronics Corporation Established as Intermediate Holding Company
On April 1, 2020, Sony established Sony Electronics Corporation, an intermediate holding company responsible for overseeing its electronics and IT solutions businesses.
May 2020: Sony Announces Name Change and Acquisition of Sony Financial Holdings
In May 2020, Sony announced plans to rename itself Sony Group Corporation, effective April 1, 2021. As part of this change, Sony Electronics Corporation would be renamed Sony Corporation. Additionally, Sony revealed its intention to acquire the remaining shares of Sony Financial Holdings, turning it into a wholly owned subsidiary.
November 2020: PlayStation 5 Launch
The highly anticipated PlayStation 5 was released in select regions, including North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, in November 2020.
December 2020: Funimation Announces Acquisition of Crunchyroll
In December 2020, Funimation declared its intent to purchase AT&T's animation streaming platform, Crunchyroll, for a substantial sum of $1.175 billion. This strategic move aimed to enhance the company's global competitiveness against streaming giants such as Netflix.
2020: Sony's Dominance in the Image Sensor and TV Markets
By 2020, Sony had become a dominant player in the image sensor and premium TV markets, solidifying its position as a global technology leader.
2020: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Expands Product Portfolio
In 2020, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, Sony's chip business arm, showcased a diverse range of semiconductors and electronic components. Their offerings included image sensors, image processors, laser diodes, and even emerging technologies like microLED displays and AI-capable vision sensors.
2020: Sony Launches Intelligent Vision Sensors with AI
Pioneering a new era of sensor technology, Sony launched the first intelligent vision sensors with AI edge computing capabilities in 2020, further solidifying its position at the forefront of technological innovation.
2020: Sony Mobile Shipments Drop to 2.9 Million Units
Sony Mobile's mobile phone shipments dropped significantly to 2.9 million units in fiscal year 2020, indicating the ongoing challenges faced by the company in the highly competitive smartphone market.
2020: Sony Publishes 1,793 Patent Applications
Sony published a significant number of patent applications in 2020, reaching 1,793, showcasing its dedication to research and development.
2020: Sony Corporation's Business Segments as of 2020
By 2020, Sony Corporation had organized its business into different segments: Game & Network Services, Music, Pictures, Electronics Products & Solutions, Imaging & Sensing Solutions, Financial Services, and Others.
2020: Sony Becomes World's Largest Manufacturer of CMOS Image Sensors
By 2020, Sony had established itself as the world leader in CMOS image sensor manufacturing. Their chips became essential components in various devices, including digital cameras, smartphones, and even self-driving systems.
January 2021: PlayStation 5 Launch in Indonesia
The PlayStation 5 launch continued its global rollout with a release in Indonesia in January 2021.
April 2021: Sony Corporation Becomes Sony Group Corporation; Sony Financial Holdings Becomes Wholly Owned Subsidiary
On April 1, 2021, Sony Corporation officially changed its name to Sony Group Corporation, and Sony Financial Holdings became a wholly owned subsidiary.
April 2021: Sony Electronics Corporation renamed Sony Corporation
Sony Electronics Corporation became Sony Corporation on April 1, 2021
April 2021: Sony Mobile Communications Inc. Absorbs Several Subsidiaries and Changes Trade Name
On April 1, 2021, Sony Mobile Communications Inc. expanded by absorbing Sony Electronics Corporation, Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc., and Sony Home Entertainment & Sound Products Inc. Following this restructuring, Sony Mobile Communications Inc. changed its trade name to Sony Corporation.
August 2021: Funimation Completes Acquisition of Crunchyroll
Funimation's acquisition of Crunchyroll, a prominent anime streaming service, reached completion in August 2021, solidifying its presence in the rapidly expanding anime market.
2021: Sony Ranked 88th on Fortune Global 500
Sony's global stature was highlighted in 2021 when it secured the 88th position on the prestigious Fortune Global 500 list.
2021: Sony Unveils Airpeak Drone at CES
Sony made its official entry into the drone market at the CES 2021 with the unveiling of its Airpeak drone.
2021: Sony Ranks Ninth in Global Patent Applications
In 2021, the World Intellectual Property Organization ranked Sony ninth globally for the number of patent applications, demonstrating the company's continuous innovation.
2021: Sony Transitions to a Holding Company
In 2021, Sony underwent a significant restructuring, becoming a holding company and changing its subsidiary electronics company's name to Sony Corporation.
2022: Crunchyroll Becomes Successor to Funimation
In 2022, Crunchyroll, co-owned by Aniplex and Sony Pictures, became the successor company to Funimation after its acquisition in 2017. Crunchyroll absorbed Funimation's subsidiaries, including Wakanim and Madman Anime.
2022: Sony and Honda Form Electric Vehicle Joint Venture
Sony Group and Honda joined forces in 2022, establishing the Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) joint venture to focus on electric vehicle production. The venture aimed to launch its first electric vehicles by 2026, initially focusing on online sales in the United States and Japan.
December 2023: Sony to Remove Discovery App and Content from Gaming Consoles
In December 2023, Sony announced the removal of the Discovery app and its associated content from its gaming consoles, impacting even users who had previously paid for the content.
2023: Sony Honda Mobility Unveils "Afeela" Brand and Prototype
At CES 2023, the Sony Honda Mobility joint venture introduced their new electric vehicle brand, "Afeela," and showcased the first prototype model, generating excitement in the automotive industry.
2023: Sony Climbs to 57th on Forbes Global 2000
Sony's continued growth and success were reflected in its improved ranking on the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2023, where it reached the 57th spot.
January 2024: Sony's Valuation and Cash Reserves
By January 2024, Sony's market capitalization surpassed $112 billion, solidifying its position as one of the largest Japanese companies. Notably, it held the title of the most cash-rich Japanese company, boasting net cash reserves of ¥1.8 trillion.
February 2024: Sony and Disney Partner for Physical Media Distribution in Japan
In a significant deal, Sony entered an agreement with Disney in February 2024, granting Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Corporation of Japan the rights to handle the release of Disney products on DVD and Blu-ray in the region.
2026: Sony Honda Mobility to Deliver First Electric Vehicles
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) set a target to deliver its inaugural line of electric vehicles to the market by 2026, starting with online sales in the United States and Japan.