After going gold, it’s only proper for the Playstation 3 Slim to receive the chrome treatment. The XCM Cyberchrome case is not a cover, it’s a complete shell casing that fits over the Slim’s body. It’s on sale at TotalConsole for $79.99 if you’re looking to get your PS3 a-shinin’.
We knew it was coming but now it’s getting official. SCEA’s John Koller spills the beans: This summer, two firmware updates will transform the PlayStation 3 into a 3D Blu-ray and 3D gaming machine:
3D is a major part of our initiatives in 2010 and we’re currently developing 3D stereoscopic games to come in conjunction with the launch of Sony’s 3D compatible BRAVIA LCD TV in summer 2010. The amazing thing about the PS3’s technology is that all PS3 units that exist in homes and markets will be able to play 3D stereoscopic games as well as 3D BD movies through separate firmware upgrades – something that other platforms are unable to do. We’ll be announcing actual game titles separately later, but we think that 3D stereoscopic gaming has a ton of potential, particularly in placing consumers within the actual experience.
[Image and info via Gizmodo; Pocket-lint]
Last we heard the tentitively titled PlayStation Motion Controller was due out this Spring. But that was too good to be true, am I right? Sony has gone ahead and delayed the mystical motion controller until “fall 2010” globally. The delay affects the following countries: Japan, Asia, North America, and Europe. Why the delay? Kaz Hirai, President and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.: “We have decided to release the Motion Controller in fall 2010 when we will be able to offer an exciting and varied line-up of software titles that will deliver the new entertainment experience to PS3 users.” They gotta pump out the games before the accessory is let out into the wild. Makes sense. With Microsoft’s Project Natal slated to release “Holiday 2010” the final quarter of this year looks like it’s going to be an exciting one for gamers. Full press release after the break.
[Via Engadget]
Continue reading PlayStation Motion Controller delayed until fall 2010
This video features Epson’s version of “the extreme gamer.” He wears a strap-on backpack that includes a PS3 and Epson’s EH-TW450 projector. Sure it’s a viral video for their projector, but it’s fun nonetheless. The extreme gamer runs around the city in his shameful harness of tech, displaying Need for Speed: Shift on buildings, dance club ceilings, and inside wind tunnels. Would I put myself through such shame for a few bucks from Epson? Probably not. This level of EXTREMENESS is too loud for my self-respect.
[Via Engadget]
True, the PS3 just received a firmware update that brought Facebook integration, among other things. Impending update 3.15 brings more capability and functionality to the user. It brings a PSP minis emulator to the PS3; this will allow you to bring over and play the PSP minis you’ve purchased on your PSP to the PS3. (PSP minis are bite-sized downloadable games for the PSP.) Keep in mind, if you purchase a PSP mini game on your PSP you will be able to download it and play it on your PS3 for free. Also included in the update is a data transfer utility that allows you to transfer all your saved data from one PS3 to another. Right on!
[Via Engadget; PlaystationBlog]
The customization pros at Computer Choppers have completed their latest creation with the 24-karat gold Playstation 3 Slim. Only 5 models have been made. Though pricing details have not been shared yet, expect this baby to be a fortune; 24-karat gold iPhones start at $1,399!
[Via Gizmodo; HotBloodedGaming]
Seems like Facebook is infiltrating all of our favorite gadgets these days: computers, cell phones, iPods, and now video game consoles.
Facebook capabilities are now available on the Playstation 3 today via the (free) 3.10 firmware update. Sony is pressing that this is the first of many Facebook features coming to the PS3. For now, FB on PS3 will enable users to share their Trophy and Playstation Store activity in their Facebook News Feeds. Also, publishers are given the option to send game-specific information from the console to users’ News Feeds. Other Facebook features, basics such as status updates and photo sharing, are not included with this update. Hopefully future updates will bring these features to life. For now, Sony advises its users to make use of the PS3’s browser to log-in and fully utilize Facebook that way for the time being. Other new updates with 3.10 include a new way to orgainze and view your photos in a gallery and customization options in your PSN Friends List (you can color your PSN ID).
And don’t forget: also available today (via a free download) is the Xbox 360 dashboard update that includes full-blown Facebook integration, Twitter, last.fm, and Zune (video) marketplace additions with HD (1080p) instant-on streaming. What are you waiting for? Get social network’d.
[Via Engadget; Playstation EU Blog]
Sony announced that it will be offering Netflix streaming movies and TV shows to its Playstation 3 console owners come this November, thereby throwing the Xbox 360-Netflix exclusitivity out the window. Initially PS3 owners will be forced to feed a Netflix CD into the console in order for streaming capabilities to function. Don’t fret too much; Sony plans on releasing a software update sometime in 2010 that will remove this annoying barrier to entry. PS3 owners can order a streaming CD directly from Netflix. Check out the official press release after the break.
It is worthy to note that streaming Netflix on the PS3 (on Sony’s end) is absolutely free. What you pay for is the Netflix service itself, which starts at $8.99/month and rises as you increase the number of rentals. The Xbox 306, on the other hand, requires you to pay to stream Netflix content; you must be an Xbox Live Gold member ($50/year subscription) to access the Netflix menus.
In much related news, Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter foresees the Nintendo Wii also gaining the ability to stream video via the Netflix service sometime next year. Though will many be excited for Netflix capabilities on a non-HD device?
From the looks of this strategically placed billboard advertisement all signs point to a resounding “yes.” This photo was taken on the set of the upcoming film “Battle: Los Angeles” in Louisiana. Publisher Insomniac Games had no comment on the matter. Nevertheless, hold on to your hats, gamers; it looks like you’ll be fighting the next alien invasion on Earth in the great city of New York (see the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building) in the next installment of Resistance soon.
[Via IGN]
There has been a lot of news lately about 3D technology. You may surprised to hear that all the news does not just surround the movie industry. 3D is coming to a TV near you, and the expected date for this technological evolution is 2010 (that’s next year!). TV manufacturers such as Toshiba and Sony plan on embedding 3D tech inside their TVs that will allow broadcasts, DVDs and Blu Rays, and video games to display in glorious three dimensions, making for a more immersive experience in entertainment. The latest news comes from Sony; a representative told Engadget that a future software update for the Playstation 3 will allow “all” existing games to display in 3D. Today, though, Sony has stepped back and told Joystiq that they are “conducting a technological investigation” into the matter and that “there is no plan for the market launch of this at this time.” So, although 3D TV tech is coming soon, a reality with 3D video games may be a bit farther in the future. At least we know they are “investigating” its potential. I’ll just wait over here with my 3D glasses until it all comes true.
Featuring Richard Marks, SCEA R&D group, works with user-interface technology and “other projects.” Interesting watch if you are excited for the impending PS3 motion controller. Who isn’t?
[Via Engadget]
[Via Engadget]