PS3-NOW: Sony PS3 News

PlayTV: Use Your PS3 as a DVR!

2007-09-21T13:32:00.000-05:00

PlayTV: Coming soon...the ability to use your PS3 as a DVR!

Yes, it’s no longer only a rumor or just a cool idea. Sony has revealed that they do plan to launch an actual digital tuner for the PlayStation 3 in early 2008, which will give it programmable, digital TV recording functions.

It was reported in early 2007 that Sony’s Warwick Light, marketing manager of Computer Entertainment in New Zealand, leaked the details to a website called The Press, promising to "transform the PS3 capabilities so as to meet people's changing entertainment needs." He also added, "We're also hoping next year – about the same time that Freeview launches its terrestrial broadcasting service – to release a digital tuner for the PS3, turning it into a programmable TV recorder."

Sony apparently continued to refuse to comment on the matter, but sure enough…during the Leipzig Game Convention in Europe, Sony officially announced that they will be launching PlayTV in early 2008. It’s expected to offer tons of cool features like simulataneous recording of one program while watching another, and copying shows from your PS3 to your PSP to carry away with you, and who knows what else.

So maybe you’d better hold off on that decision to buy a TiVo just yet if you’ve been dreaming of a way to turn your PS3 into a DVR! PlayTV is real and coming soon…so you may not have to wait much longer!

(via gi/sb)

Sony Drops 20GB PS3

2007-04-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

Sony is discontinuing sales and support of the 20GB model of the PlayStation 3. Sony executives have cited the overwhelming popularity of the 60GB model in favor of it as their main reason. The two separate models that have been offered since the launch were intended to meet the diverse needs of their PlayStation fan base. However, the majority of consumers were obviously more than willing to spend about 20% more in exchange for triple the disk space.

It came down to spending only about $100 more for an item that already costs about $500 anyway. Most PS3 buyers probably aren't looking to save money as much as to buy the best possible system. So the tendency toward purchasing more rather than less storage, whether it be in digital cameras, mp3 players, PC's, etc. is what came into play. Other than the disk size, built-in WiFi and a few more storage media slots were about the only other difference between the two models.

Microsoft seems to be staying a step ahead of Sony. The expected release of their new Xbox 360 Elite model is around the end of April 2007, and it will feature a massive 120GB hard drive.

It seems that , as far as memory and storage space goes these days, the old saying "Less is more" is getting more and more obsolete.

PS3 Firmware Version 1.54 Offers An Ironic Possibility

2007-03-13T09:06:00.000-05:00

When Sony released Firmware Version 1.54 for the PlayStation 3, it opened up compatibility with USB Cameras that support UVC. (USB Video Class) Interestingly, this includes the Xbox 360's own "Live Vision" camera! (Which, I believe, is the only camera it's own system can use.) So if you happen to have one, you can now use it on the PS3! Plus, PS3 also supports more people being involved in live chats than Xbox 360 does, as well as the new full screen video chat mode. And with support for your USB or Bluetooth mic, the versatility of the PS3's accessory support is becoming more and more impressive.

ps3

Sony Releases Firmware Upgrade, Version 1.54

2007-03-09T08:44:00.000-05:00

Sony continues to improve and add features to the PS3. The latest upgrade available now being Firmware Version 1.54.

Newest features include a "screen mode" option for video chat to allow the image of your chat partner to match the screen size, and compatibility with UVC (USB Video Class) cameras.

If you already have your own PS3 and you're not up to date with the upgrades, you can download it here at Sony's website.

Watch Out For The Fake PS3 Console

2007-02-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

There's a funny story going around the internet about a PS3 store display in Australia. It seems that the PlayStation 3 is still a pretty rare site in the land down under. So much so that a Harvey Norman store resorted to using a flat picture of a Sony PS3 console for a kiosk display - wrapped around an Xbox 360 of all things!

You can come up with your own joke on this one, but I can't help but think in the spirit of those "How to speak Australian" beer ads that used to run all the time...

In a classic Australian accent, of course: Xbox...it's Australian for PS3, mate!

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/biztech/harvey-norman-removes-fake-playstation/2007/02/16/1171405415017.html

Playing The PS3 Game Sony Wants Us To

2007-02-22T22:36:00.001-05:00

I know, it's really just a game console Sony makes, but isn't it ironic how Sony has us all playing a real-life game? "The PS3 Game", if you will, when it comes to trying to buy it?

They seemingly just tease us by releasing a relatively small number of units compared to the huge demand for them, and we respond by frantically buying them all up the day they're available. Even people who don't really even want a PS3 console end up buying it just to be able to have one. Or in some cases to be able to sell one for a profit, acting as sort of a PS3 game scalper. You know the ones, even willing to camp outside the store all night long just to be assured of a spot in line, guaranteed to have a shot at buying one. I guess everyone likes to be in on the action when there's a lot of excitement about something...it's all part of "The Game".

So when you think about it...what's the REAL game Sony is making...the actual PS3, or the real-life "PS3 Game"? I think they've got us right where they want us, and they like it that way. (Can you blame them?)

Just some of my own random thoughts, for what they're worth, (?!)

John

Sony Releases Firmware Upgrade Version 1.51 for PS3

2007-02-22T22:34:00.000-05:00

According to Sony's official PlayStation website, an update to the PS3 system software was released on February 2, 2007 and is available for downloading. All new features of the recent version 1.5 upgrade will also be included if you have not yet upgraded to that version. If you have, this verion will also offer additional features and improvements such as being able to select a photo image to use as the User icon, a key tone option added under Sound Settings, and expanded support for PlayStation 3 format software titles.

With the recent firmware upgrades, Sony has apparently addressed some issues of backward compatibility found with older PlayStation games, among other things. So after you buy your own PS3, make sure to download these upgraded features from their website if your software is not up to date. This way you can avoid some of the problems that were experienced early on.

For further details, visit PlayStation.com.

10 Reasons Why Sony PlayStation 3 Will Beat Out Xbox

2007-02-22T22:22:00.000-05:00

By Aaron Brooks

In the techie world the race for supremacy just got hotter with Sony computer Entertainment President Phil Harrison stating, “The Playstation 3 is a computer. We do not need a PC.” And, the news is that the PS3 has reached for new horizons it is not just a game console. Although many tech gurus are rooting for the Xbox360 here are a few reasons why the PS3 may gain an edge.

According to analyst Shawn Milne, even though Xbox360 will get a head start, the PS3 will outsell the Xbox every year after 2006. Bu 2010 the PS3 will according to predictions have sold 23.3 million copies in the US.

1. The PS3 can be used to see movies, play music, and surf the web.

2. The GPU is powerful and fast. The downside is that it is bound to be hard to program.

3. The memory is 256 MB XRD for the cell and 256 MB DDR3 for the GPU.

4. The PS3 has a dual Ethernet, built in wi-fi, Bluetooth, flash memory slots, and blue ray.

5. The PS3 has hardware that is more powerful than that of the Xbox 360 and will be able to produce real to life visuals.

6. The games in PS3 will be stored on Bluray discs which store 54 gigs while game space in the Xbox360 is just 9 gigs.

7. The PS3 will have international appeal and be popular with both foreign game developers and consumers. According to market whispers games on the PS3 are all set to be exciting and different.

8. The PS3 has immense expandability and connectivity options. The compact flash, SD card, memory stick, Bluetooth, USB you name it and the PS3 will say yes please. Designed to accommodate just about everything in the universe.

9. Visionary the PS3 aims for dual screen and 1080p support. The display technology is an eon ahead of any gizmo man has even dreamed of. Imagery will be synonymous with PS3. Imagine playing games like formula 1 racing and Killzone in panoramic splendor.

10. The HD IP camera peripheral or the EyeToy 2 will transmit crystal clear images over the internet as well as feeds over the Intraweb.

What is more the PS3 is designed to be backwards compatible and so you will be able to play games old and new. The PS3 will allow playing of games on the PS1 and PS2 libraries so, even with the latest console you can boot up old favorites like Tobal or Shattered Soldier are relive old times. According to CBSNews.com Tech Analyst, Larry Magid, “The graphics processor in the new Sony PlayStation is pretty impressive. It rendered images during the game that looked almost as if they came from a movie studio."

PS3 is all set to make dreams reality. Imagine Metal Gear, Warhawk, Tekken, i-8, Gran Turismo, Killzone, and Dante among zillion other mind blowing games all coming alive! Whatever the whispers are about the reality will surface when the PS3 is launched and consumers get first hand experience.

Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for http://www.1888freeonlinegames.com, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more. He also freelances for the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum site http://www.1888discuss.com.

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The Sony PS3 Launch Day Madness

2007-02-22T22:21:00.001-05:00

By Andrew M. Lawrence

6 months late and only 400,000 systems for the nationwide launch, yep, sounds like another games console launch…

On November 17th Northern America saw the long awaited launch of the Sony PlayStation 3, but how many people got what they wanted?

Well, as expected the number of units available was very low and as usual there were quite a few people ready to pay big money to be the first to own a PS3.

The 60GB PS3 has a retail price of $600 and so far eBay has seen a steady flow of units selling for between $1,500 and $4,000

Many people camped out over night on the cold streets for a chance of getting their hands on the highly prized console, some waiting three days to ensure a good place in the queue. Outside one Circuit City store 50 plus people patiently waiting but only 10 PS3 consoles were available for sale... A large bold sign reminding queuing hopefuls of this limited number seemed to make no difference, some waiting in line just for the chance that someone’s credit card might be declined or maybe an unexpected stock delivery? It’s great to see the never say never attitude alive and well in the streets of the USA!

These die hard PS3 fans are a special breed, keeping one-another encouraged and talking amongst themselves about the impending games releases and online capabilities, you can really feel the excitement in the air.

For others though, the cold long wait was just about the money, they weren’t afraid to admit that they intended to sell the console on for a profit, As with the games console releases in the past demand far outweighs supply and there are plenty of gamers prepared to pay top Dollar for a early chance to play. One queue waiter commented "I’d rather take the $2000 profit and wait another three months!"

So that's the folks in the US underway, Japan had their PS3's first on November 11th, but what of the European gamers? Well Sony have put off the Europe wide launch until March 2007 because of reported production problems with the graphics chips, and the difficult to manufacture Sony Cell processor, But will they meet the march deadline? They can’t say! Sony are currently refusing to guarantee a Spring European launch at all, so it could be an even longer wait for Europe. Let's wait and see.

For more information on PS3 availability, PS3 game previews and reviews and a whole lot more take a look at www.ps3-guru.com

Andrew M. Lawrence is the web master of www.PS3-guru.com and also maintains www.wholesale-help.co.uk

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The New Sony PS3 Gaming Console: What Gamers Are Lining Up Along Blocks For

2007-02-22T22:16:00.000-05:00

By JB Anthony

Die-hard gamers and video gaming entrepreneurs have been braving the malls for the much-awaited Sony PS3. Some were successful in grabbing the latest from Sony in the gaming industry while others were not. Sony promised only a 400,000 PS3 units nationwide for its initial introduction into the U.S. market which is quite minimal compared to the number of gamers all over the U.S. It seems the demand for the PS3 are increasing and with the supply decreasing due to production problems as reports say, gamers across U.S. have been lining up and rushing in only to come out empty-handed and disappointed. In an attempt to grab the last few units, some gamers and customers are now even shopping for their Sony PS3s online which is definitely not a bad idea when you think about the long lines for block along brick and mortar video gaming stores.

However, this limited supply and increasing demand of the PS3 has already been predicted. The market’s interest and anticipation has been given enough time to build up with the Sony PS3 coming a half year later than expected.

Some of those waiting in line for the PS3 - that are selling like hotcakes across stores and shops across the U.S. - are actually not only buying these neat gaming console from Sony but are hoping to give them for Christmas gifts. Due to the limited stocks, some customers are also up for reselling their newly-purchased PS3 at a much higher price and gaining profit.

So what can people expect from the new Sony PS3?

Sony PS3 is excellent for gamers with high definition television sets. With Sony PS3’s 1080p, only the clearest resolution is available for the visually-discriminating gamer. An added bonus to the Sony PS3 is also the Blu-Ray Disc Drive that plays DVDs and CDs.

Some gamer reviews have given Sony PS3 a grade lower than what they have given Nintendo’s Wii though. For one, gamers miss the tremor and shaking effect when firing a virtual gun. However, the verdict on the video gaming console war is definitely far from over yet. Sony PS3 has just been released and the video gaming market can definitely wait a year more from the Sony PS3’s launching for more games and innovation. Gamers and Sony loyalists can definitely expect more to come for the Sony PS3.

JB Anthony is the webmaster of http://www.videogames.hottestniches.com For links to purchasing Sony PS3 online, for more product updates and reviews and for affordable video game gift ideas, please visit http://www.videogames.hottestniches.com

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PS3, The New Boy in the Hood!

2007-02-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

By John Gibb

Although it hasn’t reached the hi-tech store shelves yet, the brand new bad boy in the hood of cutting edge video gaming consoles is slowly approaching. Scheduled for release at 17 November 2K6, the highly anticipated gaming console made its last appearance at the 2006 E3. Coming from a key pioneer in hi tech electronics, the PS3 promises to define what the next generation of gaming consoles is going to be like.

Let’s start with some food for the tech freaks. The all new PS3 features the innovative, never-seen-before Cell processor; we are talking about the result of the cooperation between 3 giants in the field of hi-tech electronics: IBM, Sony and Toshiba! The Cell processor features an astounding number of 7 (!) cores and it clocks at 3.2 GHz. Not impressed? Well, be informed that the new PS3 will also feature a new graphics card designed by NVIDIA and SCEI, clocked at 550 MHz! Still not impressed?

How about Blu-Ray Yes, yes Blu-Ray! PS3 also comes equipped with a Blu-Ray drive (up to 54GB of storage) witch in addition to the 1080p resolution that the PS3 delivers will help you enjoy the maximum out of HD movies.

Regarding other aspects of the internal architecture, the PS3 is equipped with 256MB of XDR Main RAM @ 3.2GHz as well 256MB VRAM @700MHz and your ears will be pleased with the sound produced by Dolby 5.1ch speakers ( with cell-base processing).

One thing that gamers will always wonder when a new console is arriving is “Will I be able to play the games I already have?” Well, in the Case of PS3 the answer is a definite YES. You can play your PS2/PS1 games at no extra cost. Apart from that, the PS3 will accept any CD, DVD, (and of course) Blu-Ray that you throw in it!

Judging by the Videos/ Images of games that will come for the PS3, one can easily say that PS3 will bring a whole new era to the gaming industry. The gaming world has never before witnessed such lifelike graphics and such a vivid gameplay. Let’s just hope that when the time has come, we will have the necessary 500+ bucks in order to get our hands on this amazing toy!

John Gibb is the owner of gamesconsoles facts

For more information on games consoles check out http://www.gamesconsole-guides.info

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About The PS3: What's All The Excitement About?

2007-02-22T16:38:00.000-05:00

Sony Computer Entertainment ushers in a whole new world of gaming and home entertainment with their revolutionary new computer entertainment system: PlayStation 3

So what's all the excitement about?

The PS3 features a revolutionary new microprocessor that gives it virtual supercomputer-like power and graphic performance that, up until now, existed only in our dreams. We're talking over 300 times more calculations per second than the PS2...this is a whole new world!

The built-in Blu-ray™ Disc player allows users to enjoy high-definition gaming and movies. Plus, the unprecedented storage capacity will allow developers to go crazy and fully express their creativity with pristine picture quality at up to 1080p, the highest-definition resolution available today.

But wait - there's much more:

Built-in "always on" Wi-Fi connectivity to the internet

Bluetooth wireless controllers

Massive onboard RAM and an up to 60 Gig hard drive

Support for USB 2.0 and CompactFlash/SD/Memory Stick for in and outputs

If you've ever found yourself thinking Sony's PlayStation had fallen behind in the race for gaming superiority, PS3 has clearly leap-frogged it's way ahead of the competition. Plus, it's still backward compatible with most PlayStation and Playstation 2 games, so you don't have to lose your old favorites.

The wait is over. The future of gaming is here now!

Sony PlayStation 3

Welcome

2007-02-22T16:28:00.000-05:00

Sony Playstation 3: The Ultimate and Most Sought-After Gaming System Out There

Are you tired of waiting and ready to buy a Sony PS3 game console right now? (Since you're reading this, I'd be willing to bet you are!) But who knows where it's possible to get one, right?

I know just how you feel. That's why I've created this site - to help you find the latest PS3 news, as well as the best places to buy a PlayStation 3 right now. I've already done the research, so what you'll find here is a list of the best places I've found to buy a PS3 game console online, without having to search all over the internet yourself.

Unlike some sites, I won't just list almost every possible place to look. I'll be updating my list of links regularly, so you can be sure that only the best possible places to get ahold of the awesome PS3 are included. When you're ready to buy, you don't want to deal with a bunch of links that waste your time. Please let me know if you do have a problem with any of these links or, for that matter, if you know of any other good places to buy a PS3 with no problems.

While you're here you can also check out my PS3 news posts to stay up to date on the latest developments. I'll be posting press releases and articles of interest to PS3 fans as I come across them on my own web travels. And just for fun, (That is, after all, what this is all about!) I'll list some cool gaming site links too. So welcome, and feel free to look around while you're here!

Thanks for finding and checking out this page, and get ready for the gaming experience of your life!