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Sony AI announced a major breakthrough in robotics with the development of “Ace,” the first autonomous robot to compete at—and in some cases surpass—elite human players in table tennis.

The system combines advanced sensing technology, reinforcement learning, and high-speed robotic control to perceive, decide, and act in real time at the edge of human reaction speed. In testing, Ace achieved multiple wins against elite players and demonstrated strong performance against professional competitors, marking a significant milestone in real-world physical AI.

The research, published in *Nature*, highlights progress in enabling AI systems to operate in dynamic, real-world environments, with potential applications extending beyond sports to areas such as manufacturing, logistics, and safety-critical operations.
Sony Group, Honda Motor, and their joint venture Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) announced a strategic shift, deciding to scale down SHM operations following a reassessment of their electric vehicle plans. The move comes after the companies discontinued development and launch of the AFEELA 1 model and a second planned vehicle in March 2026.

The partners said that, under the current structure, it would be difficult to bring products and services aligned with SHM’s original vision to market in the short to medium term. As a result, they will review the joint venture’s framework and reduce its activities, with employees expected to be reassigned to parent companies where possible.

Despite the scale-down, Sony and Honda reaffirmed their commitment to mobility innovation and said they will continue exploring new forms of collaboration, particularly focusing on software-driven user experiences and advanced driver assistance technologies as the industry evolves.
Sony Group Corporation announced the launch of a new venture capital fund, Sony Innovation Fund 4 L.P., marking the next phase of its startup investment strategy.

The fund, managed by its subsidiary Sony Ventures Corporation, has completed its first closing and begun operations in April 2026. Initial investors include major financial institutions such as MUFG Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

Sony aims to expand the fund to over JPY 20 billion, which would bring total assets under management across its innovation fund platform to more than JPY 85 billion.

The new fund will focus on selectively investing in startups with strong strategic alignment to Sony’s core businesses, leveraging the company’s technologies, partnerships, and global ecosystem to support growth.

Overall, the launch reinforces Sony’s long-term commitment to open innovation and venture investing, with a more targeted approach to scaling high-potential companies.
Sony has released an update to its “My aibo” smartphone app, introducing new AI-powered features designed to enhance user interaction with its aibo entertainment robot.

The update includes “aibo Memories,” an AI-generated daily journal that allows users to revisit moments spent with the robot, and “aibo Party,” a feature enabling users to record and share experiences from events.

Alongside performance improvements and a redesigned interface, the update aims to deepen engagement and strengthen the emotional connection between aibo and its users.
Sony and Honda have announced a strategic review of their joint venture Sony Honda Mobility, following changes in Honda’s electrification strategy and evolving conditions in the EV market.

As part of this reassessment, the joint venture will discontinue development and launch plans for its AFEELA1 model and a second planned vehicle, citing altered assumptions around technology and asset utilization.

The companies stated they will evaluate the future direction of the venture and plan to announce an updated strategy, including its long-term positioning in the mobility sector, at a later stage.
Sony announced it will present “ESQUISSE – A Dialogue with Materials for the Future” at Milan Design Week 2026, showcasing its exploration of sustainable materials and design innovation.

The exhibition will highlight Sony’s Original Blended Material, made from bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and recycled paper, along with Triporous, a carbon material derived from rice husks, demonstrating new applications in furniture and spatial design.

Through the installation, Sony aims to explore the role of materials in future design while supporting its broader sustainability goals, including reducing environmental impact and advancing circular material use.
Sony unveils 4K image sensor with industry-leading low-light and HDR performance

Sony Semiconductor Solutions announced the upcoming release of the IMX908, a 4K CMOS image sensor for security cameras featuring the industry’s smallest 1.45 µm LOFIC pixels. The new sensor delivers high dynamic range imaging of 96 dB with a single exposure, improving image quality in both high-contrast and low-light environments.

The IMX908 leverages Sony’s STARVIS 3 technology to significantly enhance performance, including nearly 20 times higher saturation capacity and around 27% better low-light sensitivity compared to previous models. This enables clearer images with reduced noise, minimized highlight loss, and improved detail in dark scenes.

Designed for AI-driven security applications, the sensor supports high-definition imaging with fewer artifacts, even for moving subjects. Sony expects the product, with sample shipments starting at the end of March 2026, to strengthen its portfolio in advanced security camera solutions and support growing demand for precise image recognition across various environments.
Sony Group Corporation announced that its subsidiaries Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. have completed the acquisition of approximately 41% of Peanuts Holdings LLC from WildBrain Ltd..

The purchase price is about C$630 million (approximately $460 million), subject to adjustments. Combined with SMEJ’s previously held roughly 39% stake, Sony now indirectly owns 80% of Peanuts Holdings, making it a consolidated subsidiary. The remaining 20% stake continues to be held by the family of Charles M. Schulz.

Sony expects to record a remeasurement gain of approximately ¥45 billion as operating income in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, reflecting the fair value of its previously held interest. The “PEANUTS” intellectual property will continue to be managed by Peanuts Worldwide LLC.

Sony battles £2bn lawsuit claiming UK PlayStation users are overcharged for games

Sony is preparing to defend a £2bn lawsuit over claims that millions of PlayStation users in the UK are overcharged for games on the console...

(finance.yahoo.com)
## Sony Corporation to Open Digital Media Production Center in Japan

February 12, 2026 — Sony announced it will open Digital Media Production Center Japan (DMPC Japan) in February 2026 at its headquarters in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The facility will be the company’s third global Digital Media Production Center, following locations in the United States and the United Kingdom.

DMPC Japan will enable end-to-end verification of media production workflows, from filming with the latest cinema cameras to virtual production, XR-based spatial content creation, post-production and test screenings. The center will collaborate with Sony’s existing global facilities to exchange production techniques, expertise and best practices.

The facility will be equipped with CineAlta VENICE 2 cameras, Cinema Line systems, virtual production studios featuring Crystal LED “VERONA,” camera-tracking solutions, live production systems, and advanced post-production tools including reference monitors and BRAVIA displays. It will also incorporate Sony’s XYN™ solution suite for spatial content creation, including motion capture and glasses-free 3D visualization technologies.

Sony said the center will initially serve professional creators and later expand to nurture next-generation talent in spatial and XR content production. Ahead of its official opening, the site hosted a masterclass under Japan’s “Cinematic Quantum” program aimed at developing internationally active cinematographers.

The initiative reflects Sony’s strategy to integrate physical and virtual production technologies and expand creative possibilities through collaboration with global creators.

Source: Sony Corporation press release, February 12, 2026.
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