SonicStage is the name for Sony software that is used for managing portable devices when they are plugged into a computer running Windows. It was first used in VAIO PCs put on the Japanese market in October 2001, and superseded OpenMG Jukebox. Version 2 was found on 2004 model products, and Version 3 on 2005 model products (Sony introduced native mp3 support on its music players in 2005). However, Sony has announced that on the 31st March 2008, it's CONNECT download site will be going offline, therefore affecting SonicStage users.
SonicStage is a music file loader and library manager, similar to iTunes, Windows Media Player and Real Player. It is used to manage the library of ATRAC OMG and OMA recordings on a PC. The Sony Connect service is used to purchase recordings online, and can be accessed from within the SonicStage program - in much the same way that iTunes is integrated with the iTunes Music Store, Real Player is integrated with Rhapsody and so on.
