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This article titled “Sony’s mis-steps” was written by Charles Arthur, for The Guardian on Wednesday 27th April 2011 18.34 UTC

• October 2005 A Windows expert blogs about a “rootkit” – hidden software – he discovered on Sony BMG music CDs. A month later Sony recalls and exchanges all the affected CDs and releases software to remove the rootkit, which was included to prevent people copying the music.

• June 2006 Sony delays launch of its high-definition Blu-ray DVD players after problems manufacturing enough of the blue lasers required.

• October 2006 The company recalls 9.6m laptops after a problem with exploding batteries.

• June 2007 Sony releases PlayStation 3 in Europe with limited ability to play PlayStation 2 games – meaning some people’s catalogues of games are useless. The PS3 is criticised for high prices in the UK and Europe.

• September 2008 The firm recalls 438,000 laptops after more reports of overheating and burning.

• April 2011 A total of 50m PS3s have been sold worldwide – not many fewer than Microsoft’s Xbox 360. The Nintendo Wii, however, has sold about 80m units.

• April 2011 Sony PlayStation Network systems are hacked and millions of credit card and personal details are stolen.

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