In case you missed it on top you can watch the full CameraDiner Interview with Sony UK manager Joe Asai. Some of the SonyAlphaRumors readers question have been answered during the show!

Many Sony products got awraded by the iF product design award 2013 (Click here). Here you can read the winners and the reason why the designers liked them:

Sony A99:
High-end DSLR featuring a 35 mm full-frame sensor. To offer the exceptional control that shooters demand, the designers focused closely on the grip shape, front-to-back shape and button layout. Taut-looking surfaces seem stretched over each element, from the body to the grip to the pentaprism, giving the camera body an aura of high performance and a sculptural, well-integrated appearance.

DSC-RX1:
Proofing that good things can come in small packages, this camera packs a 35 mm full-frame sensor and large f/2.0 lens into a compact, spartan body of magnesium alloy. For satisfying control and pride of ownership, the smooth, luxurious lens barrel and buttons were refined by repeatedly fine-tuning a universal layout. Subtly rounded ends support both form and function, creating a nicely squarish body that is easier to hold.
And there is also a special Jury-Statement on the RX1:
I love the quality of this camera lens. There are so many details and textures. It also has a very modern feel to it. Here Sony has imagined how to do things differently than anyone else. It is wonderfully designed. Every detail is appropriate. This is a mechanical piece with pleasantly surprising high-quality details.

DSC-RX100
The DSC-RX100 is small and light, but features a 1” image sensor. High-quality aluminum is used for the body, ensuring optimal rigidity and texture. The main controls are metal and the styling emphasizes the edges, giving users a sense of the camera’s reliability. The centrally positioned lens tube, with a diameter nearly equal to the height of the body, allows the camera to be held securely and makes the control ring easy to operate. The solid feel of the body – not seen before in this class – and the premium simple shape make this camera a joy to own, inspiring users to give free reign to their creativity.

NEX-5R
Innovative interchangeable-lens camera housing a large image sensor in a body as small as it can be – barely tall enough to accommodate the mount. Though compact, the camera offers welcome features, such as an LCD screen that tilts to include the shooter and enable high- and low-angle shots, expanding shooting options. A generous grip maintains usability even with larger lenses. Also designed for fast shootings, because a rapid settings adjustment is possible via a dial on the back.

DSC-HX30V:
Although a pop-up flash suppresses vignetting in shots applying the optical 20x zoom, the flash sits higher than the mode dial across from it. Fortunately, gently slanted surfaces provide a graceful transition and elegant design accent. Inside, the reassuring grip is a high-capacity capacitor for bright flash in zoomed shots. Subtly contrasting body and lens finishes, a nicely finished band around the body, a perfectly positioned power button and other details make this a highly polished camera.

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via TalkNex.

As you know Nikon uses also Aptina sensors in order to become more independent from Sony. So it is interesting to read the latest news (Source: Engadget) about the Aptina-Sony agreement:

Here is the text:

Aptina Enters into Patent License Agreement with Sony

SAN JOSE, Calif.–Aptina today announced that it has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Sony, which provides each company with access to the other’s patent portfolio.
Aptina and Sony have built industry leading patent portfolios that include seminal image sensor patents covering image capture and processing methods. These technologies are fundamental to the world’s growing image sensor industry, with sales of over two billion units annually, and found in almost every consumer electronics device including smart phones, automobiles, tablets, televisions, gaming platforms, medical equipment and digital cameras.
This cross-license agreement enables these two innovation leaders to operate freely and use each other’s patented inventions to advance the pace of development for cameras and other imaging applications. The cooperation fostered by the cross-license reinforces the ability of both companies to provide compelling imaging solutions to their customers.
“Patents and innovation are a critical component of Aptina’s strategy, and Aptina’s patent portfolio is the largest and strongest in the image sensor industry,” said Bob Gove, President and CTO of Aptina. “We believe that this powerful blend will advance technology to realize our goal of enabling consumers to capture beautiful images and visual information.”
Aptina, the foundational CMOS imaging company, began within Micron Technology in 2001 with acquisitions of early CMOS imaging companies Photobit and then Avago Technologies’ image sensor business. Aptina became an independent company in 2009. Aptina delivers advanced CMOS imaging solutions to all major imaging markets and is the leading supplier in many markets including the rapidly growing automotive market.

P.S:: Sony also announced the sale of their huge Sony building in Osaki (Source: Engadget).