Gamescom 2009 : Sony conference discussion

[AzBat]

Nahh. Was talking about this...

Tommy McClain

 

[patsu]

No one mentioned the SingStar space coming to Home with video jukebox or the video rental/purchase services launching in Europe in a few months! Good suff

EDIT: I think the e-reader for comics, graphic novels, etc is a nice touch as well.

My friend, it's a Blu-ray player, a game console, plus the above -- for 299.
I think Netflix will be happy.

I wonder if their eReader will be able to use the PSN eBooks at launch. If not, they fail at cross department leverage again (or at least too slow).



Wait a minute, if they are making SingStar space for Home. Does it mean that I can listen to someone's singing online soon ? Ha ha, would be interesting to see how many get banned. There are active invisible mods in Home. Should be entertaining nonetheless.

 

[Scott_Arm]

I like the slim design a lot better. The old design is hideous. The reasonable price makes it a very nice unit.

Can't say I'm happy with the firmware. The "What's new" type thing is great, as is the friend counter and banner in the top right. Those are basic features they should have had at launch. Unfortunately they are still way way way behind on communication features.

 

[Diamond.G]

So, I was just on BBs website. Is the 160 still in production? If so is the price drop just 100$ (read 399$) or is it too now 299$?

 

[patsu]

Update comes at same time as slim 1st of september.

Do you have a link ? I would like to know more.

 

[DrJay24]

NEW SLIMMER AND LIGHTER PLAYSTATION®3 TO HIT WORLDWIDE MARKET THIS SEPTEMBER

18/08/2009 19:00


Lower Price to Further Accelerate Expansion of the PlayStation®3 Platform
Along with Extensive Software Title Line-up for Upcoming Holiday Season

Tokyo, August 18, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today unveiled the new PlayStation®3 (CECH-2000A) (body color: charcoal black) computer entertainment system, featuring an extremely streamlined form factor with a 120GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The new PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system will become available in stores from September 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions at a very attractive recommended retail price (RRP) of US$299 and €299, respectively. The system will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 29,980 yen (including tax). With the introduction of the new PS3 system, SCE will also reduce the price of the current PS3 with 80GB HDD to a RRP of US$299 from August 18 and €299 from August 19. Also in North America, the price of PS3 with 160GB HDD will be reduced to a RRP of US$399 from August 18. By launching a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles for PS3 this holiday season and offering customers a line-up of hardware models and pricing to match their preference, SCE will build on the momentum and further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform.


The internal design architecture of the new PS3 system, from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism, has been completely redesigned, achieving a much slimmer and lighter body. Compared to the very first PS3 model with 60GB HDD, the internal volume as well as its thickness and weight are trimmed down to approximately two-thirds. Furthermore, power consumption is also cut to two-thirds, helping to reduce fan noise. While inheriting the sleek curved body design of the original model, the form factor of the new PS3 system features a new meticulous design with textured surface finish, giving an all new impression and a casual look. With the compact body and casual appearance, the newly introduced model will appeal to a wider audience who are looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home.


Concurrently with the release of the new PS3 system, SCE will modify the PS3 brand name from “PLAYSTATION 3” to “PlayStation 3”, and introduce a new “ ” logo, which is engraved on the surface of the new PS3 system. By unifying under the familiar “PlayStation®” name, which represents the entire PlayStation family, PS3 together with PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) will further expand the PlayStation business, and will continue to enhance the entertainment experience along with the ever-growing PlayStation®Network.

The new PS3 continues to offer the cutting-edge features and functions of the current models, such as the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray disc (BD) movies and games, as well as various content and services downloadable through the network. The new PS3’s storage size has increased from 80GB to 120GB, and with the extra capacity users will be able to store more games, music, photos, videos as well as various content and services available through PlayStation Network. Having more than 27 million registered accounts around the world, PlayStation Network offers more than 15,000 pieces of digital content, ranging from game titles, trailers, and demos to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows via PlayStation Store*1. PlayStation Network members can also download free applications, such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offers users various news and information on a TV monitor in the living room by connecting the PS3 to the network.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 1,000 titles and downloadable PS3 games to 1,400*2 titles worldwide, with the support from a broad range of third party game developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from SCE Worldwide Studios, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, EyePet, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Heavy Rain, God of War 3, MAG, ModNation Racer, Gran Turismo 5 and more.


Other features of the new PS3 include:

Ø PS3 system software update version 3.00


Concurrently with the release of new PS3, system software will be upgraded to version 3.00 on September 1. The update adds various user-friendly features such as the “What’s New” screen, where users can quickly browse the new items available in PlayStation Store as well as their recently played games directly on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar), with short cuts to each piece of content. PS3 will evolve continuously with the system software updates, further improving the operability and enhancing the user experience available through the network. PS3 owners will be able to enjoy new features by simply updating the PS3 system software to version 3.00 via the “System Update” function on the XMB*3.

Ø BRAVIA® Sync™ Feature

The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA® Sync™ feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote control. Other functions include “System Standby” that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off*4.

http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4842&NewsAreaID=2

 

[gongo]

The new slim will not be able to Install Other OS.... not that this feature was any use to me....but this, along with new rebranded logos, tells me the new SCE is making a clean break from Kutaragi's team.....is it helpful to them as a company...cant tell atm...but for geek-sumers like me and a few...i did rather enjoyed Kutaragi open source visions..

 

[betan]

The new slim will not be able to Install Other OS....

Source ?

 

[Gradthrawn]

Source ?

It's in the rest of the press release that was linked to. Along with the mention of Bravia Sync (finally!).

 

[betan]

It's in the rest of the press release that was linked to. Along with the mention of Bravia Sync (finally!).

thanks.

Removal of “Install Other OS” feature

The new PS3 system will focus on delivering games and other entertainment content, and users will not be able to install other Operating Systems to the new PS3 system.

Epic failure. I was planning to get that ugly thing, but unless my current one stops completely no chance now.

 

[marcus_rocks]

This new function is really cool in the new firmware 3.0.

BRAVIA® Sync™ Feature

The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA® Sync™ feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote control. Other functions include “System Standby” that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off*4.

 

[patsu]

Epic failure. I was planning to get that ugly thing, but unless my current one stops completely no chance now.

Yes, boo from me too.

This new function is really cool in the new firmware 3.0.

BRAVIA® Sync™ Feature

The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA® Sync™ feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote control. Other functions include “System Standby” that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off*4.

Sweet ! Can't wait to try the new info bar at home.

 

[DrJay24]

Epic failure. I was planning to get that ugly thing, but unless my current one stops completely no chance now.

Ya epic, just think of all the people who were going to use the feature that can't track down one of the 20 million that have it.

 

[betan]

Ya epic, just think of all the people who were going to use the feature that can't track down one of the 20 million that have it.

It's not about finding one, it's about linux friendly PS3 being an officially dead product, there is no point investing in it now.

 

[gongo]

IMHO it is epic failure in the longer terms, think PS4 and the wonders of continued open source...with new hardware...that is not happening with Kaz team....look at PS3..some of the cool tech features like standard devices, swappable HDD, BC, Install Other OS, Folding, SACD...these arent really needed for a game console...but the vision..the vision to build a computer entertainment platform...is changed now...

 

[manux]

This new function is really cool in the new firmware 3.0.

BRAVIA® Sync™ Feature

The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA® Sync™ feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote control. Other functions include “System Standby” that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off*4.

I actually read it so that bravia sync will be only in the slim model. Most likely the hdmi chip in older models doesn't permit bravia sync. Similarly from the press release it looks like slim ps3 supports bitstreaming hd audio...

 

[joker454]

The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA® Sync™ feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote control. Other functions include “System Standby” that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off*4.

I wonder if the sync feature will work if the PS3 is first plugged into an a/v receiver (via hdmi), then to the tv. That "system standby" feature though better be off by default! I imagine it's fairly common to turn off the tv and leave the machine going when downloading stuff.

IMHO it is epic failure in the longer terms, think PS4 and the wonders of continued open source...with new hardware...that is not happening with Kaz team....look at PS3..some of the cool tech features like standard devices, swappable HDD, BC, Install Other OS, Folding, SACD...these arent really needed for a game console...but the vision..the vision to build a computer entertainment platform...is changed now...

I think you are extrapolating too far here, they really don't lose anything by not allowing other OS's. It's just not needed (aside from hacker fun) for the larger game plan. If anything I'm hoping it's a sign that they are starting to focus more on the important stuff.

Similarly from the press release it looks like slim ps3 supports bitstreaming hd audio

Folks on avsforum are gonna be thrilled about this one! Looks like the slim will render many a blu-ray player obsolete.

 

[marcus_rocks]

I actually read it so that bravia sync will be only in the slim model. Most likely the hdmi chip in older models doesn't permit bravia sync. Similarly from the press release it looks like slim ps3 supports bitstreaming hd audio...

That means the new HDMI chip allows 2-way communications.

 

[silhouette]

It will be quiet interesting to see how MS will react to this price cut. I do not think making Elite 300$ will be enough. It is good that Sony will finally put some pressure on them

 

[obonicus]

I wonder; if Other OS is gone, will we see more attempts to crack the system? That was, supposedly, one of the big reasons why the PS3 hadn't been cracked yet.