Final answer:
The announcement of Sony's new products at the Consumer Electronics Show through a press event is an example of a press conference, which is a live public relations tool used to communicate with the media and public.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the most recent Sony Consumer Electronics Show where Sony announced its new products, including a glass sound speaker and a digital recorder, this is best described as an example of a press conference. A press conference is a strategic tool used to communicate directly with the media and through them, to the public, often involving a public speaking event where questions from the media are anticipated and addressed. Press conferences are a powerful public relations tool to control messaging and gain media coverage for the announcement of products, services, or other significant news.
Unlike a press release, which is a written statement sent out to the media to announce something, a press conference involves live, face-to-face interaction with the media. This event differs from event sponsorship and sales promotion, as the primary intent is to gain media exposure and control the narrative surrounding the release of new products, rather than directly stimulating sales or sponsoring another entity's event for advertising purposes.