PlayStation Vita

Sony Offering Protection Plans for PS3 and PSP

by Jenni Petot | May 4, 2010 | 26 comments

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced this week that they will now be offering extended warranties for the PS3 and PSP. The catch? You must still be in the one year manufacturer warranty period to purchase an extended protection plan. This is great news and exciting for new Sony gaming console owners but a bit disappointing for early adapters like myself. I personally camped out for two nights back in 2006 to pre-order my 60GB Playstation 3, and although I can’t get this protection plan, it’s been three and a half years later and my system still works like new. *Knock on wood*

For owners of the PS3, here are the two options for an extension plan. For the price of a new game, you can protect your PS3 system for a few years. I think it’s a very reasonable price.

PS3 warranty extension for 1 year (49.99)
PS3 warranty extension for 2 years (59.99)

For PSP owners the following options are available, and respectively, they are less expensive than the PS3 plans.

PSP 1 year extension plan (29.99)
PSP 2 year extension plan (39.99)
PSP extension + accidental damage coverage for 1 and 2 years are 39.99 or 49.99

Having my system for over 3 years with no issues shows me how reliable these black beauties are. I am very glad to hear that Sony is confident in their products and how reliable they are to now offer the protection plans for Playstation. Now I’m going to do just that: play.

If you are eligible to purchase the extended protection plan, call Sony at 1-866-716-7669.

PSN Videos Now Playable On Your PC

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 29, 2010 | 8 comments

Here is a little interesting tidbit. Today, I jumped on Media Go, which is Sony’s version of iTunes so to speak for the PSP. The service allows for you to add Music, Photos and Videos to your PSP. The Media Go Software will also talk with iTunes and grab files from it (Even over a network; my iTunes library is on my Mac and it was able to grab music from it no problem). To my surprise, when I logged into the Media Go software today, where you also have access to the PSN store to download content for your PC, I found a new feature.

Sony has now given you the ability to watch your downloaded videos, which were originally meant for your PSP and PSPgo exclusively, on your PC as well. This of course is a very welcome feature. If we have the files on our computer, why not be able to play them on there as well? In iTunes, the video content you download is not just meant for your iPhone or iPod. Those who ran the update will note that the Media Go software also asked for a new update which, besides the random enhancement and bug fixes, also adds compatibility for some Sony Ericsson phones as well. The reason this interests me is that like I’ve always said, PSN needs to be at the core of Sony’s business model. Its laptops, cellphones and other mobile devices all need to have access to the content on there. This not only makes PSN more valuable when you know your content is good for 10 platforms versus 2 (PSP and PS3), but also makes your products more valuable as it gives them an ever-growing content service.

While all these features and ideas are great, I do have one small caveat with the Media Go platform. Why is there not a Mac version? I mean, seriously. Do Mac users not buy PSP and PS3’s and other Sony products? The majority of my media is on my Mac it would be nice to be able to just dock my PSPgo and PSP-1000 with my Mac. Come on, Sony.

My Current PSP Setup:

Sony Working On PSP Music Store? More Like PSN

by Sohrab Osati | May 27, 2009 | 1 comment

Full Concept

A few websites are running with the news that Sony is looking to create a PSP music store. The theory goes that with the eventual death of the UMD drive on the PSP and the potential integration of build in flash drive and added Memory Stick expansion slot, Sony is looking to turn the PSP into an iPod Touch competitor, much like the touch is competing with the PSP/DSi.

Although I dont doubt such intensions, there is one piece of this story that I reject and feel like everybody is missing. Why would Sony just create a PSP music store? Do we forget that the download service was truly born for Sony on the PS3? (we will forget Sony Connect and such). And that at last E3, the movie side of the PSN store was born. So why would Sony suddenly just limit their music to the PSP? I think that the PSP is part of the puzzle, sure but this should be a PSN Music service. We must not forget that and I know im beating a dead horse, but Sony is a music company as well. Plus, Sony makes many devices like their new X1000 Walkman that is designed to head to head with the iPod Touch. So why limit the reach of your audience. It’s not like there is a separate iTunes music store for the iPod Touch vs. other Apple Products. In fact, the potential success of iTunes is the story of, sell music at a loss, but make the hardware like AppleTV, iPod Touch more appealing.

Sony must do the same thing with their PSN store if they are going to survive the next shift in the electronic industry. Just like how the PSN store made its way to the PSP, the Music side must a PSN service that Sony equipment can will tap into. Not a hardware to hardware specific service. Plus, wouldn’t those who use such a service (consumer) but happier knowing such a service will work with 15 of their Sony devices verses 1? And more so, what better way to lure content provider by saying that we have a reach of 80 Million (PSP+PS3, but hopefully, much more Sony devices in the future) then just 50 million (PSP users).

PS3 Gains Steam In Japan

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 14, 2009 | 2 comments

It seems that in the last few weeks, the PS3 again has been gaining steam in Japan as this chart will show that for the first time in a long time, both the PSP and PS3 sit on top of the charts for the 2nd week in a row. With that in mind, I dont want to turn this site into a gaming site as there is more then a dozen sites with a lot more resources at their disposal to do that, but the PlayStation brand is indeed an important part of Sonys portfolio and I believe to the future of the company, especially with the implementation of the XMB (Cross Media Bar) and PSN (PlayStation Network). Part of the reasoning behind this is a few new major titles out for the system, something that the PS3 lacked in the first two years. I truly believe that Sony on every level shouldnt worry about Nintendo and indeed have its cross hairs on Microsoft, especially in Japan and Europe where Sony has always had a huge dominance or it can risk losing a generation of Gamers.

PSP – 59,568
PlayStation 3 – 39,835
Nintendo DSi – 32,102
Wii – 16,560
Xbox 360 – 14,994
Nintendo DS Lite – 11,240
PlayStation 2 – 4,954

[Via Kotaku]

PSP Also Has 10 Year Life Cycle

by Sohrab Osati | Aug 27, 2008 | 17 comments

With the PSone, Sony did something no other console maker had done, keep it relevant and supported for 10 years. Many said it was because the PSone was their first console and so Sony followed up with a 10 year life cycle plan for the PS2 (and they near that). Sony has also planned this strategy for the PS3 but many have been unsure of Sony has in store the PSP. Now news comes from Sony in regards to the PSP, “[does] not have a planned obsolescence strategy.”

The 10 year life cycle plan that Sony has been developing for its consoles means that first, their products are not an after thought and are part of a longer term strategy. This on its own is great for Sony because it means that its not just another product and that it has room for growth both from within and from competition. But also this is a win for the consumer. Nothing is worse then buying shiny new gadget, just to see in 3 years a new version come out, leaving you without any new features and many times, leaving you with a dead format as developers move on. By offering room and power to grow and adapt, we have seen the PSP in its 4 year span improve and gain grounds on its much cheaper competitors via software update and new revision, while keeping all the core functionality the same so those with a 4 year old PSP can enjoy the same content as those with a brand new PSP.

Blu-ray Copies Coming To PSP Later This Year? (Portable Copy)

by Sohrab Osati | Jul 2, 2008 | 12 comments

So this is something that when it happens, all PS3/PSP owners who own Blu-rays will get the worlds biggest grin on their face and more so, helps expand the PS3 and PSP value and even more, further values the Blu-ray and gives PS3 and PSP users a reason to buy. Sony has stated that the technology is currently in development so its still up in the air firmware wise when we might be seeing this. But according to Sony Pictures, Portable Copy is coming “later this year”.

PSP Firmware 4.0 Brings Google and More

by Sohrab Osati | Jun 16, 2008 | 13 comments

So this might not be all the facts and features of the PSP 4.0 update when it comes out and so far from Sony, its been dubbed under “Soon” but it looks like the PSP is taking one more step towards web efficiency as there will be a Google Search built directly into the PSP’s XMB, allowing you to just search for content while the Google algorithms take care of the keywords. Your search history will also be up to 20 previous sites to help speed up your access to older content. Of course a required Wi-Fi connection will be needed for all web related things. Also being introduced is the capability to slow down or speed up videos stored on your Memory Stick by just tapping up or down on the D-Pad. Built in Google search works for us as its the best out there anyways. But more so, this really shows the ever growing power of the PSP and flexible this platform has grown to be. Now if Sony would just market the damn thing more and better. Plus, this shouldn’t hopefully be too far off for the PS3 then right?

Edit: Ive read an interesting response to the fact the yes, currently the PSP does indeed have a web browser and all a user has to do is to prompt open the browser and hit their bookmarks to launch Google. So although this function isn’t new to the PSP (in terms of using Google), I believe it takes the systems capability one step further to the casual. With a built in Google Icon, it gives way to the user to skip out on a few steps and just get them to search and I believe this will gain both the attention of developers and the user community towards the web function capability of the PSP and help promote its web capabilities. Plus if nothing more, its just faster.

[Via PlayStation Blog]

Skype Headsets Here for the PSP

by Sohrab Osati | May 15, 2008 | 4 comments

With the release of the PSP-2000, Sony later on rolled out the capability to make free calls with Skype. Not does that mean free calls, but that also means that if your every traveling, find yourself a Wi-Fi spot and you got yourself unlimited minus (unless you run out of batter but Sony might have a counter for that soon too). There hasent been official skype headset till now. For $30, the headset is both Skype ready and for in game voice chatting.

MMO To The Rescue?

by Sohrab Osati | May 12, 2008 | 10 comments

John Smedley is big supporter of MMO’s as first, you can make tons of cash (and I think you need to do that to keep your job) seeing how he was the Co-Founder of Verant Interactive and now the President of Sony Online Entertainment who has its hands firmly in the MMO world with Matrix Online, EveryQuest Online, EQ2, Star Wars Galaxy to name a few. Seeing how EQ Online was a hit for the PS2 when online gaming on consoles was just beginning to start should be a clear sign for Sony that there might be something to it.

I think MMOs are going to be a real strong selling point for the PS3 long term — there’s going to be some great ones on the PS3. You’re not going to find “The Agency” on the [Xbox] 360.

We first start off with the basics, till the PS2 Slim came out, an Ethernet port was not yet standard on the PS2 and that means probably more then 70% of owners had to purchase the online adaptor kit to play and yet EQ Online was released long before the slim. In retrospect, the PS3 is not only equipped with Ethernet, but you also have built in Wi-Fi and of course you have the PSN and Home.

Having both of those puts Sony at a very unique position because the fact that PSN is free unlike other services. Now that does not mean the there wont be a monthly charge for the MMO, but that means with a free network store, the developers can easily have access to their user base with expansions and add ons. Currently with other consoles, you have to pay either a early fee to have access to network, or with PC users, there is still not a nice easy way to shop for content and most people just rely on going to a gaming store to buy their next expansion. With the PSN, Sony can give the developers the upper hand and allow them to reach every single user and that creates a fantastic business model for the developers (because remember, if there is no incentive involved, they wont bother) but this also helps the users to by giving them access to anything and everything related to that game.

With all that said, Sony really has another secret weapon if used properly and that’s Home. The big draw to MMO’s is a community. It’s that you get to know the people you play with, you go on adventures with each other and you have a community to turn to when you need help or if you just want to have fun. Having all the news slowly trickle from Home, we can see that it’s exactly what Sony is attempting to create with Home. A community. From lounges to trophies, to game rooms and apartments to meet, discuss and launch games, Home seems to be a perfect way to target the MMO community and give them something more unique then just a forum to base off their Pre-Raid strategy. From that point, the possibilities are endless with the capability of Remote Play with the PSP, giving users the ability to stay in touch while not being on their PS3.

This then brings us to the final draw of the PS3. The first draw to the MMO community should be the fact that their Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse or USB Keyboard and mouse work and this should also make it easy for the developers. Their not limited to random gimmicky 3rd Party accessories or trying to cram 50 Macro’s by holding X,O, L3,Shake Sixaxis,X, L1,R2. They can just configure for a Keyboard (although offering a controller setup is nice) but with a Keyboard and Mouse, this can be one less barrier for the more hard core fans. Another draw that Sony can help push is the fact that gaming on a PC can and is getting expensive. When your rig dies or can no longer handle it, a $400 Dell isn’t going to get you up and running and neither is a built $500 rig. A decent card alone will cost you $200 from Newegg, let alone Processor and MOBO. With having an MMO on the PS3, a developer can create a consistent game for everybody because the specs are the same. They don’t have to focus their resources of making sure a game runs on 30 different cards and supports every driver and doesn’t have issues with Vista but runs still fine on XP Pro etc. Also, when it comes to gaming, many PC users are stuck with a 15″ or 17″ monitor on avg. Having a game on the PS3 gives you the flexibility to run to any monitor (HDMI to DVI) or run that game on a nicely sized 40″ Bravia and really get immersed with your 5.1 setup. A PC rig does not offer the flexibility.

So in conclusion, do I think that MMO’s are going to become a huge market on the PS3 like a FPS, no but then again, there is a huge untapped market that the PS3 can accommodate to. With the success that WOW has established, it took MMO’s out to the spot light and now we from the young to the elderly enjoying them. What the PS3 can establish is that you don’t need to be a wiz to get that up and running. One box can hook you up to your audio, your monitor, to the community and to the game. Simplicity.

[Via Seattle Times]

PSP Kicking Ass and Taking Names

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 15, 2008 | 18 comments

Look at the Japanese numbers for the week of April 10th. Seems like the PSP has kept its ever growing momentum from 2008 and keeps riding it high. This can only be good for Sony as news keeps leaking out of the DS has peaked. What Sony needs to do now though is not to fall asleep at the wheel and be too busy congratulating itself. When I view the PSP, I love everything it has to offer and I do admit that I was in line, March 24th on launch date and picked myself up a spanking new PSP, lots of games, UMD movies and accessories for the little guy so I’m a believer. But doesn’t everybody else was sold on it and that’s where Sony needs to step. What they have done right sense then is releasing the new lighter, thinner and better screen and battery life time unit (PSP-2000) and offering loads of colors is a fantastic idea. But from there, Sony really needs to make users aware of all the other functionality the PSP offers and smoothen out the process. Ranging from watching movies to listening to music and playing games online or just going online. So although we congratulate Sony, we hope they don’t let their guard down and continue to expand the PSP.

As always, hit the magicbutton for actual numbers, a chart and some pictures of the PSP Craze I witnessed, while in Japan.

MagicGate!

PSP Firmware 3.95

by Sohrab Osati | Apr 8, 2008 | 5 comments

The PSP is just growing left and right with these new firmware updates. Now unlike the previous update that offered alot of new features, this one only boasts some minor upgrades but this also brings functionality to both PSP and PSP Slim (2000) users. The update allows for reconfiguration of the PSP button for PS1 emulations so map them out to your liking. Also, you now have the ability to either turn off your PS3 or leave it running after Remote play.

Hit the MagicButton for a High Res Wallpaper!

MagicGate!

More MGS Love for Japan

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 29, 2008 | 15 comments

And here I thought we (US) loved MGS more then Japan just because we bought more of it but I guess it has its perks that Konami is a Japanese publisher as Famitsu points out, their PSN is getting MGS for PSP/PS3 this Spring.

[Play-Asia]

PSP Skype Headset

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 19, 2008 | 9 comments

More PSP news. So Skype for the PSP? Free and great. Headset also great, if you have one. Now the current PSP headset works just fine with games like Socom and Syphon Filter and so it equally works fine with Skype. But Sony is bringing an official Skype headset this April. Price not yet announced but were gonna speculate on $20.

PlayStation Family, February NPD Sales

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 17, 2008 | 4 comments

It seems for February, Sony has gone and beaten the 360 for the second month in sales and this comes after every single PS3 model is more expensive then the 360. Is Sony finally doing a better job showing the value of the PS3? We hope so but I still believe they have a long ways to go. It also seems like the little guy, also known as the PSP pushed out 875,969 units, helping push $511 million in sales across the brand, more than Microsoft and Nintendo. The official release goes like this from the CEO Jack Tretton.

“Consumers are recognizing the tremendous value of PS3 and we believe that Blu-ray becoming the high-def format of choice was the tipping point for many consumers. With monster titles like Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and Grand Theft Auto IV launching in April and Metal Gear Solid 4 in June, we’re demonstrating this is the year for PS3.”

Hit the magic button for full results

MagicGate!

PSP: Skype Coming to Japan

by Sohrab Osati | Mar 12, 2008 | 9 comments

We actually got something before Japan. Im gonna give you a minute to catch your breath and close your jaw. Ready? Ok. On March 19th Skype is coming to Japanese PSPs (slim) via free software update. Two new mics will go on sale in Japan on March 19th, one for ¥2,500 (US $24) and ¥4,000 ($39). Now why did we get it first (even Europe)…yes its ok to keep reading, its not the end of the world..yet. But apparently, the Mics did not meet Skype Specs.