Sony Bolsters Cloud Streaming with AI-Powered iSIZE Acquisition

Enhancing Video Quality and Streaming Experience

Sony, the manufacturer of the popular PlayStation 5, has made a significant move by acquiring the UK-based company iSIZE, known for its expertise in AI-powered solutions for video processing, streaming, and bitrate improvement. The news was officially announced via a blog post on Sony Interactive Entertainment’s website.

Ueli Gallizzi, Senior Vice President of SIE’s Future Technology Group, explained the importance of this acquisition. He stated, “iSIZE builds AI-powered solutions to deliver bitrate savings and quality improvements for the media and entertainment industry.” This strategic move provides Sony with valuable expertise in the application of machine learning to video processing, which is expected to have a positive impact on their research and development efforts, as well as their video and streaming services.

 

 

While the exact financial details of this acquisition were not disclosed due to contractual commitments, it’s clear that Sony has made this move to enhance its cloud streaming services. The PlayStation 5 has recently added streaming capabilities to the PS Plus Premium service, allowing subscribers to play some of the best PS5 games without the need for downloading. However, cloud streaming still faces challenges related to internet speed and quality during gameplay. Input delay and poor bitrate often result in a less than ideal gaming experience.

Sony’s acquisition of iSIZE appears to be a strategic move to address these challenges in cloud streaming. Similar to Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which improves game image quality and frame rates, Sony and iSIZE could be working towards leveraging AI technology to enhance cloud streaming. This could potentially eliminate the frustrations that currently make cloud streaming less accessible for many gamers.