Sony has announced its plans to release an online photo sharing service called "PlayMemories Online". The release date is targeted to be around next week.

PlayMemories is the online cloud service from Japan-based Sony. This would enable users to store their captured photos and videos online. PC World earlier reported that the service will be launched by next week while the PlayMemories website indicated that it will go live by "Spring 2012". Users of this cloud service would be able to store up to 5GB of free storage space. PlayMemories would be initially offered to 6 countries which include Japan, the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, and the U.K.

Images that are taken by Sony cameras can be directly uploaded through the "PlayMemories Home" software for Windows and Macintosh. On the other hand, images that are taken through the use of smartphones and tablets can also be directly uploaded through an Android app that would soon be offered in the Google Play store. Users could be shared through various ways like online sharing, utilizing Sony's Bravia TVs, or through digital photo frames. Sony cameras that already have Wi-Fi function can directly send the images for storing.

The cloud service offering from Sony is part of the company's plan of integrating their products into one platform. Even its gaming products are also undergoing similar changes such as a new photo editing suite for the Sony PlayStation 3. This can be utilized together with PlayMemories online and through this; users can view and edit files through using Sony Vita and Sony PlayStation Portable consoles. The company has also strengthened its Sony Entertainment Network through grouping all of their online music, movie, and games into one.

Apple has already been succesful with this strategy through their iCloud service which allows users to access their files from their iPhones, iPad, and Mac Book. Samsung, the popular smartphone manufacturer is said to be in the developing stages of their own cloud service. Through the release of "PlayMemories", Sony already has one step ahead in the game.