Sony Corporation has announced plans to launch a video-sharing site in Japan on Friday; Sony also hopes to introduce its service, called eyeVio, abroad, but said it first wanted to gauge the reception at home before drawing up an overseas launch schedule. "This is part of Sony's quiet software revolution. It's an opportunity to transmit user-generated video anywhere you want to, anytime to anybody, in a protected environment," said CEO Howard Stringer. This is the electronics and entertainment firm's first step towards challenging Google Incorporated's YouTube service. However, unlike what Google has (or rather hasn’t) done so far, Sony said it would closely monitor content on the service.

Such a model would appeal to companies looking to release content and to protect their image, said Sony spokesman Takeshi Honma: "We believe there's a need for a clean and safe place where companies can place their advertisements.� Users will also be able to select who can view their content, and for how long. The site will be free to users, but spokesman Honma said Sony hoped it would eventually generate revenue through advertisements and tie-ups with media companies.

Source:? Reuters

Sony, Video sharing Network, Video sharing site, Japan