Sony's mis-steps

Sony PlayStation in Sony store, Berlin Sony's PlayStation Network hack is the latest in a string of problems faced by the software company. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

October 2005 A Windows expert blogs about a "rootkit" – hidden software – he discovered on Sony BMG music CDs. A month later Sony recalls and exchanges all the affected CDs and releases software to remove the rootkit, which was included to prevent people copying the music.

June 2006 Sony delays launch of its high-definition Blu-ray DVD players after problems manufacturing enough of the blue lasers required.

October 2006 The company recalls 9.6m laptops after a problem with exploding batteries.

June 2007 Sony releases PlayStation 3 in Europe with limited ability to play PlayStation 2 games – meaning some people's catalogues of games are useless. The PS3 is criticised for high prices in the UK and Europe.

September 2008 The firm recalls 438,000 laptops after more reports of overheating and burning.

April 2011 A total of 50m PS3s have been sold worldwide – not many fewer than Microsoft's Xbox 360. The Nintendo Wii, however, has sold about 80m units.

April 2011 Sony PlayStation Network systems are hacked and millions of credit card and personal details are stolen.



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