It looks like Sony are determined "go way beyond mimicking Xbox Live". Apparently, it’s going to be called PlayStation Network and it’s not just in the business of offering matchmaking and ranking lists. No, according to the information that has been circulating, you will be able to download music and movies using an service not unlike the iTunes Store and you will be able to use the console as a Location Free Player. What on Earth does that mean? It supposed to meant you can upload stuff from your PS3 – such as a DVD or Blu-Ray movie – onto your PSP.
The online service isn’t the only new thing that the PS3 will look to offer. In terms of multimedia, the PS3 will be able to function like a digital video recorder. That means you’ll be able to digitally record your favourite TV shows, similar to systems like Sky+ and TiVo or for the uninitiated, it’s like recording with old-school VHS tapes only open to many more options. Interestingly, Sony reckons that the fact that the PS3 will play Blu-Ray discs shouldn’t push up the price too much. Somehow, Cell is meant to be taking care of things for the most part, meaning there is no need to be paying as much as you would for a Blu-Ray player in itself. Still, Blu-Ray players currently retail at up to $US1000 (though consumer electronics markups are massive, so take it with a grain of salt - Ed.), so how much less will it really be?
Other pieces of information that have slipped through include the news that PS3 dev kits run faster than what was originally predicted (yay?), there are apparently “loads” of games in development and the PS3 will receive firmware updates just like the PSP. Finally, US developers are being told to prepare for an autumn release. So what does this mean for PAL gamers? Summer for Europeans and Winter for Aussies in 2007, if history repeats.
Unfortunately, we’re going to have to wait till E3 before any of this is actually confirmed. However, if we get any news, we’ll be sure to pass it on.
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