PlayStation suite

[wco81]

It's late to be launching with Tegra 2.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Playstation Suite (PSS) sounds more and more like a suite of applications (rather than specific APIs) to me.

What makes you say that?

 

[patsu]

I may very well be wrong completely:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/sony-announces-playstation-suite/

Still wondering what the framework entails. Seems to include a Playstation AppStore.


At the beginning, it may be easier to think of the suite as a collection of portable apps. I am very curious to see if Sony can pull this off. They have to support Xperia Play, S, P and Vita right out of the gate.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

I think that's just interpretation of the word 'suite'. The described platform is far bigger. A framework should include libraries, code bases, and in this case services for applications to plug into. Java has loads of frameworks already. Supporting all the different devices isn't really an issue if the devices are mostly Android. Sony only has to support Android and its own proprietary devices (Vita, PS3/4). That means three or four alternative implementations of PSS withough having to worry about support for zillions of devices. Assuming they can nail the compatibility protocols effectively that their libs run on all certified devices. Otherwise Sony are inviting a whole load of work supporting a trillion different hardware configurations.

 

[patsu]

According to here:
http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/01/29/hirai_on_pss/

They will focus on Android first, but are open to iOS, Windows and other platform.

At some point, Hirai mentioned that the telcos also want some cut out of the AppStore.

According to:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-02-01-playstation-suite-targets-ios-windows

The initial games are said to be PSOne titles.

Perhaps they started by porting PS* SDK to Android ?

I wonder if Music Unlimited, Video Unlimited and the ReaderStore are part of this program.

From user's perspective, that's all I care about. What can I do with PSSuite ? What am I missing out without PSSuite ?

If PSSuite is a tech framework, it seems limited. It seems more meaningful to call it a program backed by the Playstation experience, or simply a virtual Playstation experience.

 

[wco81]

Android is a curious choice. Besides fragmentation, they have to contend with the fact that Android users generally don't spend as much on content as iOS users.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

If PSSuite is a tech framework, it seems limited. It seems more meaningful to call it a program backed by the Playstation experience, or simply a virtual Playstation experience.

PSS is targeted at devs. It'll be a PlayStation certification program that the customers will have to worry about. So like UE3, gamers don't go looking for UE3 games, but developers can choose to use UE3 to reach a wider audience. PSS will (in theory) allow devs to develop a single application that runs on multiple devices. Whether Sony develop PSS or not, Video and Music Unlimited could be released as apps for each device.

Android is a curious choice. Besides fragmentation, they have to contend with the fact that Android users generally don't spend as much on content as iOS users.

However, you have far more freedoms releasing content to Android. Apple aren't entirely enthusiastic about supporting rival content services to iTunes, which is exactly what Sony are wanting. The fact Android users don't buy as much isn't an issue. It's a huge and growing market, and if someone can secure their place as the de facto service on Android now, it'll be extremely beneficial.

 

[patsu]

Android is a curious choice. Besides fragmentation, they have to contend with the fact that Android users generally don't spend as much on content as iOS users.

Probably low hanging fruit.

 

[patsu]

PSS is targeted at devs. It'll be a PlayStation certification program that the customers will have to worry about. So like UE3, gamers don't go looking for UE3 games, but developers can choose to use UE3 to reach a wider audience. PSS will (in theory) allow devs to develop a single application that runs on multiple devices. Whether Sony develop PSS or not, Video and Music Unlimited could be released as apps for each device.

Yeah but I was thinking if there is a need to use 2 names to describe flip sides of the same coin. They can just use 1 name. The certified logo can use the same name. Sony has already thrown enough names out there.

If it's successful, people will approach them to talk. It reminds me of long names like "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity". Either sell Music Unlimited, Video Unlimited, ReaderStore as services, or sell Qriocity as a consolidated media service (like iTunes).

 

[wco81]

Isn't PS Suite mostly old games? LOt of games with in-app purchases do well.

 

[patsu]

Kiraz only cited PSOne classics so far. He also noted a review process for Playstation Suite software. They will look at new games if someone submit them.

 

[boommoob1]

Android is a curious choice. Besides fragmentation, they have to contend with the fact that Android users generally don't spend as much on content as iOS users.

pssuite in itself is a curious choice. Another inconsequential Stringer/Hirai deadend while Rome burns.

 

[patsu]

Sony Network Entertainment introduces Sony Entertainment Network:
http://uk.playstation.com/ps3/news/..._GB&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

On 31 August 2011, Kaz Hirai, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, made some big announcements for Sony Network Entertainment at the IFA tradeshow in Berlin, Germany. The first of these is a new platform - Sony Entertainment Network. Sony Entertainment Network is the ultimate digital destination, offering access to entertainment and community, all from your PlayStation Network account.

As part of the change, Qriocity services will be realigned under Sony Entertainment Network. As a consequence, Video on Demand powered by Qriocity will now be called Video Unlimited, and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity will become Music Unlimited.

Music Unlimited is available on a range of Sony devices including PlayStation 3, and allows users to stream over 10 million unique songs. Video Unlimited is also available on PlayStation 3, where it will continue to be known as the Video Store of PlayStation Store.

These services will add more content and branch out into new markets, starting with the expansion of Music Unlimited into Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, The Netherlands and Belgium by the end of 2011. Both services will also carry a new logo.

Visit Sony Entertainment Network's new website for more information at sonyentertainmentnetwork.com.

Video Unlimited is a video streaming service. The current PS Video Store is a video download service. That means PS Video Store will be updated soon, if not already.

 

[patsu]

Engadget covered Sony's IFA press event:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/live-from-sony-ifa-2011-press-event/

* ReaderStore expanding into Europe
* Vaio S goes glasses-free 3D
* Sony has just launched video services (presumably Video Unlimited ?) in Germany, Poland, France, and Portugal (More than 15 million video streams are watched across Europe every month)
* Music Unlimited adding Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden by end 2011.
* SEN compatible devices: Android phone (Xperia), Android-based Walkman, Tablet S and P, Vaio, PS3, PSP and Vita. It seems that the Android-based eReader can only access the ReaderStore ?
* Continue to work on GoogleTV


Tablet S and P seem like regular iPad competitors. While there are nice elements, not sure if there are any real differentiators. Looks like I will get Vita instead of Tablet P.


EDIT: Btw, the official site of Tablet S also lists PSP games as Playstation Suite software. I don't know if they are PSP Minis or full PSP games.

Xperia Arc S: http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-s-hands-on-video/
Walkmans with Music Unlimited: http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/sonys-new-a-e-and-s-series-walkmans-to-get-music-unlimited-fr/
Tablet S Preview: http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/sony-tablet-s-preview/
Tablet P Preview: http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/sony-officially-launches-the-s2-as-the-tablet-p-opens-up-about/

 

[patsu]

Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play 4G hitting AT&T on September 18th for $50 on contract:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/xperia-play-4g-hitting-atandt-on-september-18-for-50-on-contract/

Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play has made the natural GSM shift in the States in order to grace Ma Bell's airwaves, and despite the "4G" naming convention, this fellow will be topping out at HSPA+. In other words, LTE lovers will need to look elsewhere. This marks the first launch of a PlayStation-certified smartphone for AT&T, and given that it's been around the block a time or two, the carrier is (smartly) pricing it at just $49.99 on a two-year contract -- a buck-fifty less than what it launched for on Verizon Wireless. As we'd heard, it'll ship with Android 2.3.3, a 1GHz CPU, Adreno 205 GPU, a 4-inch display (854 x 480) and will arrive in an exclusive 'stealth blue' hue. AT&T customers will also be blessed with a gratis Multimedia Dock (DK300) and MC100 music cable, not to mention seven pre-loaded games at no charge.

...

Just another SKU.



EDIT: Something akin to GoogleTV integration is probably more interesting from SEN perspective:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/sony-brings-new-media-streaming-box-and-updated-google-tv-hardwa/

(Updated GoogleTV video. Still a little slow compared to PS3)

 

[patsu]

Looks like Sony is starting to roll out flood of Android devices:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/sony-announces-walkman-z-pmp-4-3-inches-tegra-2-gingerbread-a/

We already got some brief hands-on time with this Gingerbread-sporting PMP at IFA, where it went by the name of "Walkman Mobile Entertainment Player." Now it's just been announced as the Sony Walkman Z, which rolls off the tongue a whole lot easier. Beneath that 4.3-inch WVGA display lurks a 1GHz Tegra 2, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and a battery rated for 20 hours of music and 5 hours of video. There's HDMI out as well as Sony's Throw feature for pushing media wirelessly to a Bravia TV. Pricing remains "open" apparently, but Sony does commit to availability in Japan from December 10th. You'll get a choice of 16, 32 or 64GB models in either red/black or black/blue, or you can wait for a limited edition white version in early 2012.

Would be a good idea to talk more/big about Playstation Suite now. In no time, Sony will be treated as some Android me-toos.

 

[Carl B]

Would be a good idea to talk more/big about Playstation Suite now. In no time, Sony will be treated as some Android me-toos.

Yes. If Android is to be more than a temporary bridge to something greater, they need to hire the talent - or dedicate the existing pool - to branching off a custom variant as Amazon has reportedly done for their forthcoming tablet. Better yet though would be to harness the strength of some of their cross-platform development teams to fashion a baseline OS that can run relatively platform agnostic, and to run with that.

 

[Arwin]

as well as Sony's Throw feature for pushing media wirelessly to a Bravia TV

Huh ... makes you wonder if Vita will support something like that.

 

[patsu]

Yes. If Android is to be more than a temporary bridge to something greater, they need to hire the talent - or dedicate the existing pool - to branching off a custom variant as Amazon has reportedly done for their forthcoming tablet. Better yet though would be to harness the strength of some of their cross-platform development teams to fashion a baseline OS that can run relatively platform agnostic, and to run with that.

They should start top-down for once.

If they simply build a custom Android OS for cross platform development, it'd be a win but there's no draw/attraction for this technical platform alone. There are tons of options out there for cross platform development. Or people can just focus on the big guys (iOS + Android + Win8)

They need to match it up with a business/economics model that benefits the consumers and/or developers. e.g. Win8 AppStore does not take a cut from developers, OnLive reduce game price for cheap subscription for gamers.

They may also need to excite the users via a new entertainment experience. e.g., Mac OSX started with Aqua demo first, Win8 started with Mango demoes too. ^_^

If they continue to offer/re-invent fragmented offerings, and try to over-protect their current model, they will not make much headway, and may get eroded by cheap devices at the same time.


So far, I haven't seen any proposals/moves in these directions. Just porting and polishing their Android devices. It is unlikely to be sufficient. These are rather obvious issues. I reckon the management see them. The challenge is whether the board, the execs and the working level can agree and work towards one single direction. ^_^

I wonder what Sony think their best case scenario is (It has to be aligned with consumer interests though).


EDIT: At a certain level, it is also quite clear that Sony is relying on its size (e.g., extensive worldwide reach and distribution channel) to push PS Suite services so far. That's low hanging fruit, which is great. But let's see something more interesting and high growth.

 

[patsu]

Huh ... makes you wonder if Vita will support something like that.

The "Throwing" relies on DLNA, and has been demoed on Android devices and PSP-1000. It should be doable technically for Vita. Would be silly to leave the feature out say... to protect the other devices.