PlayStation

White Dualshock 3 Available for Pre-order. White PS3 Slim Coming Next?

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 6, 2010 | 11 comments

When it comes to Playstation, and let’s be honest, most other electronics that Sony makes, Japan tends to get things first or get them entirely and leave us dry. This has always been especially true with the Playstation brand as they get limited edition colors and designs. The white Playstation 3 is no different and is something American fans have been wanting for a long time. Well, if this Amazon pre-order is any indiction, it will be coming soon.

Currently, you can pre-order the white dualshock 3 for an October 15th release and while this by itself doesn’t lend itself to a “white PS3 coming to the States”, I also wouldn’t be surprised if we got news from Sony in the following week that it indeed will be coming.

Click to pre-order from Amazon:

DualShock 3 Controller 3 – Classic White

Xbox Live Gets More Expensive; PSN Still Free

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 6, 2010 | 1 comment

Click for a full sized comparison.

It’s really crazy how the internet works. Every few months, there are rumors that Sony might start to charge for PSN and the internet goes up in arms and gets crazy about it and starts to bash Sony for it. Well, four years into the cycle and you can still access all of this for free:

Online play
Web browser access
Playstation Store (Games, Movies [Buy and Rent]) & Comic Store
Video Chat
Social network via Playstation Home

There is then all the little things like Facebook and YouTube integration which are, of course, still free. Unfortunately for those on the Xbox side of life, Microsoft continues to take a different path and everybody just kind of shrugs and goes along with it. In the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico Microsoft will charge Xbox Live users starting November 1. A single month will go from $7.99 to $9.99, three months will go from $19.99 to $24.99, and the yearly sub will now be $59.99, up from $49.99. In terms of the business side, more power to Microsoft. Their setting up and maintaining those servers and services costs money and is a testament to how locked down they have their users. But from the users’ standpoint, there goes more money towards a service that is being offered for free from Sony.

Of course, for Sony, there are also plenty of costs in running PSN but they eat it internally, instead of passing on the costs to you. Don’t think for a minute that if they could charge you, they would, because that is not what their business strategy calls for. I just hope that Sony can turn this difference into more of a campaign and let others know of all the great things that PSN offers, like playing MAG online with 256 players, for free.

Kevin Butlers Epic Playstation Move-Tage

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 2, 2010 | 1 comment

There really isn’t much to say here except to feast your eyes on the Butler and his ‘Epicness.’

God of War Meet up in Los Angeles

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 1, 2010 | 13 comments

Well I’ve finally made my way down to Los Angeles, or more so, North Hollywood and have landed at the Playstation Event, God of War. Today, Sony is going to be celebrating the up coming launch of the new God of War game for the PSP, as well as interviews and panels with the likes of David Jaffe and others. Keep an eye on this post as I continue to update it though out the day. At the moment, the event is still a few hours away and I’m sitting at the near by Starbucks, listening to gamers chat away. It’s fun.

So the following is my gear for the day:
Sony Cybershot HX5 for pictures.
Flip HD for any interviews that need be done.
iPad 3G so I can actually update this post with and of course, my trusty iPhone 4 which took this picture.

Just for anybody who is planning on coming to the event, there is parking right across the street for free, called retail parking. You can’t hang around the building till around 3 so plenty to do in the meantime with small cafe and Starbucks around.

Here is my pass. Don’t I look pretty?

And now the line waiting has begun. Lots of hilarious “gamer” conversations around.

Just did a fun interview with Playstations own Audry Cleo. She was a blast.

Still waiting to get in, although were at the door. Half seem to be in and the other half outside. Thanks LA for choosing to be hot today!

4:15

And we have finally been seated.

4:21
Aawww. Bummer. No photos or video allowed during it.

8:58
Alright. The event is now done with. Lots of goodies to write about.

Final Fantasy 14 System Requirements = Go Buy For PS3

by Sohrab Osati | Sep 1, 2010 | 11 comments

Have you seen the minimum system requirements for Final Fantasy 14 for the PC? Cause yea, the following is dead minimum for the game to install, not even whats recommended for it to run smoothly. Even then, if you meet the minium requirements, compatibility issues with certain hardware, software, and driver combinations may prevent the game from running acceptably. So the question that needs to be asked is, should I invest all that money to make my PC run this game or should I just buy a PS3 (if you don’t already own one, if you do, then the question is which system to buy it for).

Having been a player of all Final Fantasy games, including Final Fantasy XI which I’m currently still playing on my PC (although I used to play it on my PS2), I would highly recommend leaning towards the PS3 version. Think of it like this, there is no system incompatibility to worry about or lack of system power. You will be running the game, exactly as its intended too, without the headaches of the above paragraph. Also, remember that any Bluetooth/USB Keyboard, Mouse and headset work with the PS3 so you are not going to lack anything that your PC counterpart might have. In fact, you are at the advantage because next time you are running a quest and you won’t the teams only WHM and get booted because your damn Antivirus popped up.

Sony Gives You Some Cheap 3D Content via PS3

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 24, 2010 | 16 comments

During their now normal Tuesday update, Sony will be bringing Motorstorm 3D Rift to the Playstation Network for $9.99. Giving users 10 levels and multiple vehicles to choose from, Motorstorm rift is meant to wet the appetite of those who own 3D TVs and show them what future 3D gaming will look like. Of course, this game is also presented in 2D as well and how all the normal supports a game would like Trophies. This is a welcome move on Sony to first give 3D users content and not make them face a drought, now that they have purchased a 3D set. Second, Sony knows that 2D users and 3D users are the same. There is no reason to charge extra for 3D content or to make multiple versions of the same game. By giving users both the 2D and 3D version of the game, this will allow the adoption of 3D to be faster and more friendly for the consumer.

A Thought: Don't Jailbreak your PS3 or Sony will Jail You

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 24, 2010 | 18 comments

In mother Russia, Sony jailbreak you! And thats exactly what’s going to happen if you attempt to run any of the new jailbreak softwares that are available for the PS3. This is caused by the fact that once your Playstation 3 has been hacked, the software ID from the unit changes and Sony can detect this. Of course, if you don’t wish to ever do anything online with your PS3, from the PSN Store to friends list and online play, then sure you can just stay offline and Sony will never know. But once online with it, Sony has the power to detect the new invalid ID and ban your PS3 from the network. According to the hack creators:

Sony does currently ban PSN/consoles that results in the 8002A227 error code…[So], as people start getting their PSjb in the next few weeks, we highly advise that you do not log into PSN while using the backup manager, which means no playing online.”

So while Sony will only cut you off from the online portion of the Playstation world and not brick your PS3, is it really worth it? For me, no but for you? Probably not either. No seriously, it’s not worth it.

An In Depth Look at the Playstation Move

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 19, 2010 | 3 comments

Although I’ve been dying for a chance to test out the Playstation Move, I have yet to be given a chance to play with this new add on. For those who also know me, the idea of me hating the Wii is nothing new. I thought the concept and the simplicity of the unit was beyond childish, for me. I say this because I completely also understand the reasons behind the success of the Wii and applaud Nintendo on that. This respect comes from the fact that I’m a Business and Marketing major and also as a gamer, it’s always great to see companies grow and pull in a new demograph into our circle and show them that gaming is not just about fragging people. The reason I mention all of this is to let you know that I was not one who was going to be easily impressed by the Move. I never liked the idea of rolling around on the floor and jumping up and down to play a game. Once I saw the depth and power of the Move, as well as what Kevin Butler will call “buttons”, however, I began to get excited for the Move. Plus, Sony has backed up the fact that they stand for real gaming by supporting titles such as LittleBigPlanet 2, Killzone 3 and Socom 4. For those who would like to see further into the power of the Playstation Move, the folks at CVG got to spend some time with Dr. Richard Marks, the head of the Playstation Move. This video will really again show the depth, power and precision of the Move.

[Via CVG]

Sony and Subway want you to Eat Fresh and Move

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 18, 2010 | 15 comments

If I were Stephen Colbert, I’m sure I could think of some awesome puns here but alas, I’m not so I will report this as it is. Sony and Subway have announced a new advertising plan that is looking to give out $1 million worth of Playstation loot, including the new Playstation Move. Called the “Fiery Footlong Frenzy Fueled by PlayStation Program,” all gamers and non-gamers have to do is to stop by a local Subway and purchase a Fiery Footlong sub and a 32 ounce drink. The rewards will then be located on the 32 ounce drink that the user will peel away. Besides the Playstation Move, Sony will also be giving away the PSP-3000 (no love for the PSPgo), Playstation 3 units as well as 3D Bravia televisions.

“PlayStation consumers are accustomed to being the first to have access to innovative technology unlike anything on the market,” said Ginger Kraus, senior director of brand alliances at Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC in the press release. “We are thrilled to team up with Subway in the U.S. to carry on this tradition, and extend the PlayStation experience through strategic partnerships like this that will ultimately benefit fans of both PlayStation and Subway.”

Overall, this is a fantastic little promotion for the Move. Not only does it offer gamers a healthy sandwich, but it links the Playstation Move to it, which is designed to get you off of your ass and…well…Move!…while playing games.

Sony Blasts Mobile Phone Gaming, Winks at Apple

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 17, 2010 | 33 comments

This new commercial from Sony pretty much says all it needs to say. Sony is no longer just concerned with Nintendo in the handheld gaming market but is very well aware of the fact that Apple has taken a big leap with the App Store and the cheap games it offers. The message here is simple: on the PSP, you can get high quality games starting at $9.99. Sony also offers the Mini games as well which have a starting price of $2, but those are more like the content and sometimes straight ports of games on the App Store. Being a lover of my iPhone, I have to say that although the games on the Apple platform are fun for a few minutes, they are nowhere near the quality of a game designed for the PSP, especially AAA titles like God of War, Final Fantasy and LittleBigPlanet which offer far superior graphics, depth, and storyline. Of course, price plays into all of this as well and I think Sony is on the right track. It needs to further increase the presence of the PSP and let gamers know of the variety of titles it has, including Minis. From there, Sony needs to reach to the small time publishers of the App Store and let them know that the content they create is welcomed on the Playstation platform and then formulate a delivery method so they can actually pass those games to Sony.

Click Me For Video Because I Can't Embed Flash On Here...

Can You Change Your PSN ID? Could Be Possible, Someday…

by Jenni Petot | Aug 13, 2010 | 2 comments

I’m sure there are many of you that would love to change or even tweak your current PSN ID name. I am one of them. Right now I am Domino_237 (feel free to add me) and would love to just be Domino or lose the underscore. Anyway, this is a requested feature PS3 users have wanted for a while. Last week it was reported/rumored that hackers found this feature “hidden inside the Playstation Plus”. Although Sony has never announced this, Jeff Rubenstein, Social Media Manager for the US Playstation Blog said:

It’s an idea that’s been brought up multiple times, and it’s something I’d like to see as well. I dont’ think there are any current plans to enact this, however, I’ll bring it up again.

So we can only hope something will be implemented by Sony from our requests and desires. Even if this feature is just for Playstation Plus users, it’ll be great. For now, people who REALLY need their ID changed will have to start a new account, start from scratch regardless of how high their ranking is on Modern Warfare is, how many friends they have or how many trophies they’ve earned. I personally don’t see too many people willing to do that.

Anatomy of a Playstation 3 Controller? Err?

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 9, 2010 | 41 comments

You may or may not have seen this image of the Playstation 3 controller floating around the web. It’s called the anatomy of a Playstation 3 controller, but to be honest, I don’t get it. I mean, it looks cool, but err? It would have been a tad cooler if we saw the actual rumble gear and the gyro scopes, instead of a tongue and teeth.

Sony Stole Playstation 3 Design From Japan!

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 5, 2010 | 13 comments

lol. This has been posted I’m sure plenty of other places but this building in Japan does sure look familiar huh? (btw, I really don’t believe Sony actually stole the PS3 design).

Sony Profits Boost High Last Quarter

by Jenni Petot | Aug 3, 2010 | 1 comment

Sony profits are rising and came to $294 million net profit for the April-June quarter. Revenue for Sony grew 3.8%. This was mostly because of rising TV and Playstation sales internationally. In this last quarter alone, Sony sold 5.1 million LCD TVs which is 59% higher than last year’s numbers. PS3 sales more than doubled (yay) and sold 2.4 million units. Along with these rising sales, music sales also rose with music from the hit show “Glee” and “Iron Man 2” soundtrack. At Sony’s briefing for analysis, Sony’s new Chief Financial Officer Masaru Kato said:

“We do have good products and good momentum, and we want to build on this so that our business keeps improving.”

I’m glad to see a stronger demand for the PS3 because it really “does everything” and is a must own for optimal gaming and blu-ray viewing. With Sony releasing new products like their 3D TVs, Playstation Plus and pairing up with Google Inc. and Logitech International to offer internet on their TVs I think (and hope) sales continue to rise for Sony.

Major Netflix Update on PS3 and Discless Feature Coming October

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 29, 2010 | 10 comments

Netflix became available on the PS3 in November 2009. This app allows users to stream over 17,000 movies and TV shows instantly on the PS3. Up until a few weeks ago I was using “the other company service” and I am so glad I made the switch to Netflix. A big issue I came across right away was the lack of a ‘search’ feature. Netflix had numerous categories of movies such as “Comedy”, “Drama”, “Independent” and a TV section and I would have to scroll through each title to find one that I wanted to view. This took time and it was hard to find a particular movie I wanted. Well on Tuesday, Netflix got an update on its streaming app. I thought it was great that this was a server side update and no download was required. Once you opened up the app, voila! updated features available. Netflix added a search feature which is integrated as a tab like the movie categories and your instant queue is. While in the search tab, a keyboard and numerical pad pop up on the left for you to look for any film or show you want. The search function acts in real time with results narrowing down as more letters are punched in.

Trying out the feature, I typed in “Bond” in the search bar. The results gave me a list of James Bond movies, including Casino Royale. Although most of the Bond films weren’t available to watch instantly (the movie title appears in gray if it’s not) the new update allows me to add anything on the list to mail-in queue. Another fantastic new feature is that the Netflix app will have a list of movies you can instantly watch that are similar to your search results. Amazing right?

I’m very happy with this update and right now it is only available on the PS3 console; not Wii’s or Xbox 360’s Netflix app. Sony’s Playstation 3 can easily be called the best device for Netflix streaming, although there is one small flaw, PS3 requires a disc for you to access the app. Announced last week, there will be a discless feature update coming for PS3 this October. I don’t find the disc to be a big deal but having the app always on the Playstation menu will be nice. This new update from Netflix really shows they are working with manufacturers to improve this service. Below is another example showing search results with both instant movies and ones you can add to your DVD queue.