Sony has already toyed a bit with crowfunding by quietly gauging interest for a couple of products before officially producing them, and it now looks like its ready to fully embrace it. The company announced today that it's launching what it calls a "First Flight" crowdfunding platform for its employees (in Japan only, to start with), which will let them pitch ideas to potential customers and see them through to fruition.

To start with, the site includes the two products Sony has previously announced -- the MESH "Smart DIY" kit and FES smartwatch, both now for sale through the site -- and one new one that's currently seeking 5 million yen in funding.

It's a customizable remote control called the HUIS which, like the FES smartwatch, has an e-paper screen that can display a range of different control layouts. As of this writing, it's already 75 percent of the way to its goal.

In a statement, Sony President and CEO Kazuo Hirai said, "Sony itself originated as a start-up, and through the Seed Acceleration Program we are challenging ourselves to return to our entrepreneurial roots," adding that "we will continue to explore ways of delivering new, emotionally compelling experiences and enhanced customer value." 

[via CNBC]