Schaaff's March

Since he was hired from Apple to revamp Sony's software three years ago, Tim Schaaff has been involved in key initiatives that have broken down silos and increased cooperation with other companies

MAY 2006

"XrossMediaBar" introduced for on-screen controls on TVs, receivers, and cameras, giving them a standard look

AUGUST 2007

Connect Online music store killed; Sony says it will drop its proprietary song format in favor of MP3

JANUARY 2008

Partnership with Amazon.com to sell songs without copyright restrictions

FEBRUARY 2008

Sony Ericsson launches the Xperia X1, its first phone using Windows Mobile software

JULY 2008

New software lets Reader customers bypass Sony bookstore and buy digital titles from others

JULY 2008

Download service for PlayStation 3 game console introduced, offering films from six studios

Data: Sony