Sony is a company that has been at the forefront of technology and entertainment for decades.
Whether you’re playing video games, watching a movie, or listening to music, there’s a good chance that Sony has had a hand in shaping your experience.
But while many people know Sony for its PlayStation consoles and high-quality electronics, there’s a lot more to this iconic company than meets the eye.
Let’s dive into 10 surprising and fascinating facts about Sony that you may not know.
1. Sony Started with a Different Name
Did you know that Sony wasn’t always called Sony?
The company was founded in 1946 in Tokyo, Japan, under the name Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo, which translates to “Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation.”
Quite a mouthful, right?
The company was started by two men—Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita—with a dream to make Japan a leader in consumer electronics.
The name “Sony” came about later in 1958 as the company expanded into international markets.
The founders combined the Latin word “sonus” (meaning sound) with the slang word “sonny” (meaning a young boy) to create a name that symbolized both youth and sound innovation.
They wanted something that was easy to pronounce in different languages, and “Sony” fit perfectly!
2. Sony Created the World’s First Portable Music Player
Before people carried iPods or smartphones for music on the go, there was the Sony Walkman.
Launched in 1979, the Walkman was the world’s first portable music player, and it revolutionized how we listen to music.
Suddenly, people could take their favorite tunes anywhere, which was a totally new concept back then.
The Walkman became a massive hit and sold over 400 million units worldwide!
It wasn’t just a product; it was a cultural phenomenon that defined how we experience music for decades to come.
3. Sony Invented the First Commercial CD Player
In addition to the Walkman, Sony had another major milestone in the world of audio.
In 1982, they introduced the Sony CDP-101, the first commercially available CD player.
At the time, compact discs were a brand-new technology, but Sony saw the potential and helped bring them to the mainstream.
This move set the stage for the future of digital music, and CDs remained the dominant music format for nearly two decades.
Sony’s innovation didn’t just stop at music; it changed the entire way people thought about data storage, too.
CDs soon found their way into computers, video games, and beyond.
4. Sony’s Co-Founder Was a Best-Selling Author
Many people know Sony for its products, but not as many are aware of the fascinating story behind its co-founder, Akio Morita.
In addition to helping shape the future of electronics, Morita was a successful author.
His book, “Made in Japan”, became a best-seller and offered an inside look at the company’s rise to global success.
The book provides insight into Japanese business culture, innovation, and how Sony thrived in the post-WWII era.
It also reveals how Morita’s vision for Sony wasn’t just about making products—it was about changing the world through technology and creativity.
If you’re curious about how Sony grew to become a global brand, Morita’s story is a great read.
5. The PlayStation Was Created After a Failed Partnership with Nintendo
It’s hard to imagine the gaming world without Sony’s PlayStation, but it almost never happened!
Back in the early 1990s, Sony was working with Nintendo to create a CD-based gaming system.
The idea was that this would be an add-on for the Super Nintendo.
However, things didn’t go as planned.
At the last minute, Nintendo pulled out of the deal, leaving Sony with the beginnings of a gaming console and nowhere to go.
Instead of giving up, Sony decided to go it alone and develop their own gaming system.
In 1994, the original PlayStation was launched, and it became a massive hit, selling over 100 million units.
Today, the PlayStation is one of the most successful gaming brands in the world, and it all started from a failed collaboration with Nintendo!
6. Sony Built the World’s First Robot Dog
In 1999, Sony made headlines when they introduced AIBO, the world’s first robotic dog.
AIBO wasn’t just a toy—it was a highly advanced robot equipped with artificial intelligence, allowing it to develop a personality and even learn from its interactions with people.
It could recognize faces, respond to voice commands, and play with its owners, creating a unique blend of technology and companionship.
Though the original AIBO was discontinued in 2006, Sony revived the robot in 2018 with advanced AI and more lifelike movements.
AIBO is now smarter and more interactive than ever, showing how Sony has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in consumer robotics.
7. Sony’s First Consumer Product Was a Rice Cooker (That Failed!)
Every great company has to start somewhere, and for Sony, that beginning was… a rice cooker!
After the company was founded in 1946, one of its very first products was an electric rice cooker.
However, it didn’t go as planned.
The cooker wasn’t very reliable and often produced uneven results, sometimes burning the rice instead of cooking it.
Luckily, the company quickly pivoted to more successful ventures in electronics, but the rice cooker stands as a reminder that even global giants have humble (and sometimes bumpy) beginnings.
8. Sony Owns a Hollywood Movie Studio
Sony isn’t just a tech company; it’s also a major player in the entertainment world.
In 1989, Sony purchased Columbia Pictures, one of Hollywood’s oldest and most prestigious movie studios.
This acquisition allowed Sony to become a big name in the movie industry, producing and distributing blockbuster hits.
Over the years, Sony has brought us some of the biggest movie franchises, including Spider-Man, Men in Black, and Ghostbusters.
So the next time you’re watching a movie from Columbia Pictures, remember that it’s part of the Sony family!
9. Sony Was a Pioneer in Waterproof Smartphones
Sony has always been known for its innovation in mobile technology, and one of their standout achievements is the introduction of waterproof smartphones.
With the release of the Xperia Z in 2013, Sony made headlines by offering a phone that could be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without any damage.
This was a groundbreaking feature at the time and helped set a new standard for smartphone durability.
Today, many smartphones have adopted this feature, but Sony was one of the first to make it widely available.
10. Sony Was the First to Bring OLED TVs to Market
When it comes to TV technology, Sony has consistently been ahead of the curve.
In 2007, the company introduced the Sony XEL-1, the first commercially available OLED TV.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology offers incredibly vibrant colors, deep blacks, and ultra-thin screens, making it a dream for movie lovers and gamers alike.
Although the XEL-1 had a small screen size (just 11 inches), it marked the beginning of a new era in TV technology.
Today, OLED TVs are considered the gold standard for picture quality, and it all started with Sony’s bold innovation.
Conclusion
Sony is a company that has always been about more than just making products.
From its early beginnings in post-war Japan to its global dominance in technology and entertainment, Sony has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.
Whether it’s inventing the first portable music player, creating beloved gaming consoles, or pioneering new TV technologies, Sony’s impact on the world is undeniable.
These 10 facts offer just a glimpse into the rich history and ongoing innovation of Sony.
So the next time you use one of their products—whether it’s a PlayStation, a smartphone, or even a movie—take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey that brought it to you!
