Sony is shutting down one of its two Japanese TV factories, and laying off 2,000 people (about 3%) of its workforce this year. That's quite painful, but not unexpected in today's climate.
The funny comment though comes from Kaz Hirai, Sony's head of Computer Entertainment. His contention is that Sony's PS3 is the "official leader.." in the gaming industry.
Let's see. There are three main players in the gaming industry - PS3, Microsoft's XBOX 360, and Nintendo's Wii.
Good ol' Kaz says the Wii is operating in a different world, and hence doesn't count. I'm a serious gamer, and I don't look at the Wii as a machine I would buy (although it has a few games, like Super Mario Galaxy, that are very good). But this is a bit silly.
Even if we gave Kaz a bit of a point here, the Xbox 360 is still outselling the PS3 2:1. That's not small change. His argument here? That Microsoft still hasn't shown it can stay around for 5 years.
Of course, Microsoft recently announced the 360 is not going to be replaced any time soon - that it's life-cycle is going to be well above 5 years. And having owned both the Xbox, as well as the Xbox 360, I can say that their customer service is quite good. I've had both my Xbox, as well as my 360 replaced free of charge for different reasons. The service was quick and efficient.
So, my dear Hirai-san, please check your facts. You aren't the official leader if you're lagging behind your only two competitors in sales as well as installed base.
General Motors is cutting 2,000 jobs in Michigan and Ohio plants 
Home Depot is laying off 7,000 people, and closing its Expo chain and some other smaller locations. 
Texas Instruments is laying off 12% of its employees - 3,400 people. Demand for their chips has softened, given that virtually every downstream sector that is a customer (including cell phones) is experiencing soft demand, and high inventory.
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