For many, perhaps, the 'Playstation Network', PSN, is better known than the fledgling 'Sony Entertainment Network', SEN. However, Sony is now looking to unify its branding and return strength to the old phrase "It's a Sony" and, as such, will be integrating the PSN accounts of PS3 users into the SEN service.
SEN has existed only since June 2010 and was originally named 'Qriocity', representing Sony's online streaming services, which include games, video, music and e-books, with the service available to varying extents across the globe and on various devices including the PS3 and BRAVIA televisions.
The move will take place on the 8th and, for the time being, will be purely aesthetic, so no disruption to gaming services. Sony will also use this opportunity to update its terms of service and privacy policy to include the Playstation Vita's location-based services and parental sub-controls.
"This transition is based on Sony’s goal to enhance its unique digital entertainment offering. As a series of these activities Sony started last September, PlayStation®Network will be aligned with “Sony Entertainment Network”. This helps us get closer to our goal of establishing a global comprehensive network platform of services across games, movies, music and more, all accessible from one convenient account.
Your Sony Entertainment Network account also enables use of Sony’s non-game services such as Music Unlimited, Video Store of PlayStation®Store and PlayMemories Online (previously called Personal Space) across a variety of network-connected devices." stated Sony in a press release to PSN account holders.
Personally, we think Sony is making the right move, by bringing its powerful Playstation fan base closer to other Sony products and services, it stands a real chance of strengthening its brand power or at the very least, making it easier for PSN account holders to access the firm's other services.
