PS2 Emulation A Sure Thing?

In a recent interview with Arstechnica, John Koller, Sony’s director of hardware marketing, participated in a Q&A on the new PS3 Slim. In commenting on backwards compatability he stated “It’s not coming back, so let me put that on the table”. This made me begin to speculate on if he was specifically just referring to compatability at the hardware level.

The reason for this is assumption is that in December 2008 Sony filed a patent for PS Emulation via the Cell processor according to Siliconera. It would appear that while it’s off the table as being hardware embedded, it’s very much alive in the emulation space. Sony has always lead the way from a technical standpoint, and I wonder if this was part of the 10 year life-cycle plan when the Cell was decided to be the CPU of choice.

Sony To Bring Digital Reader Service For PSP, Offering Comics And Eventually More

Sony is preparing to add a new service to the PSP called the Digital Reader. The Digital Reader service will start with Digital Comics in December 2009, giving you a brand new way to read comic books. Putting you in control of a huge library of digital comics, the service lets you download hundreds of classic and new comics from PlayStation Store to your PSP, which you can read the way you want, wherever you are. With some of the biggest names in comics, including content from Marvel Entertainment and IDW Publishing, characters and series such as Spider-Man, X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Transformers and Star Trek will be delivered directly to your hands, as well as graphic novels and comics from a variety of local publishers and the latest underground sensations.

More titles will arrive on PlayStation Store with monthly content updates, offering a huge choice of quality titles at your fingertips, allowing you to take your favourite comic characters with you on the move.

“This is a great new service that offers PSP owners even more options for entertainment on the go and makes PSP a must for comics fans,” says Isabelle Tomatis, European Marketing Manager, Hardware and Platforms, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

“Digital Comics will sit alongside the new PlayStation Network video download service as yet another way that PSP offers a whole world of entertainment in your hands.”

80GB Playstation 3 Gets $100 Price Cut

After months of pressure, rumors, and anticipation, Sony says it’s slashing the price of the PlayStation 3 by $100 to $299. Sony said Tuesday it will cut the price of the currently available 80 gigabyte PlayStation 3 effective immediately. Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, says there is no question the consumer reaction to the cuts will be “phenomenal.”

Tretton is right – comments and reactions across various blogs and forums has been overwhelmingly positive so far, with many stating that they are “sold” on the price. This is a very exciting time for the Playstation 3! To those of you out there who don’t own one, does this new price make it much more tempting?

Sony Intros a New Line of In-Dash CD Players

Sony announced four new Xplod in-dash CD Receivers. Designed to offer drivers a simple and affordable after-market audio experience, the new models combine strong connectivity with high style.

“Consumers continue to look for inexpensive ways to expand their audio options in the car” said Mike Kahn, director of Sony’s mobile electronics business. “With this new line of car stereos, Sony Xplod is building on our reputation for offering great sound and convenient technology, all at an affordable price.”

New for the 2009 fall lineup, each of Sony’s head units features RDS (Radio Data System) technology.  While streaming FM radio, this technology transmits all artist, track, and song information (of compatible stations) directly onto the display, allowing users to quickly identify what they are listening to.

Plug and Play

Heading out the line are Sony’s new CDX-GT640UI and CDX-GT540UI CD Receivers.  These models features a front USB 1-wire input for easy connection to iPod®, iPhone®, Walkman® and other digital music players, as well as a front aux-in connection.  Sony’s unique ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™ and Jump Mode technologies allow for quick navigation through all music libraries, regardless of size.

Additionally, each stereo utilizes DM+ Advanced technology to enhance the sound quality of compressed music files, and is both satellite and HD radio ready

-more-

(additional accessories required). The CDX-GT640UI offers both blue and green key illumination as well as three preamp sub outputs, where as the CDX-GT540UI offers blue key illumination and two preamp sub outputs.

Both the CDX-GT640UI and CDX-GT540UI models are currently available at www.sonystyle.com for about $160 and $140, respectively, and will be available next month at retail outlets nationwide.

High on Value, Low on Price

Sony introduced a couple in-dash CD players for your cars today that feature Sony’s unique ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™ and Jump Mode technologies. It is interesting to notice that there has not been much development in that market, but we still see a few new interesting offerings here and there. Oh, and HD radio option in these in-dash players is somehow omitted.

Read the full press release below if you are still into outfitting your new car:

Next in line are the CDX-GT340 and CDX-GT240 units, two of Sony’s value-driven car receivers. Each of these models features a front aux in, allowing for easy MP3 and WMA music file playback, and come with a supplied wireless remote for easy control from anywhere in the car.

The CDX-GT340 stereo is both satellite, HD and iPod adapter ready (additional accessories required), and features blue key illumination and two preamp sub outputs.  This model is currently available on www.sonystyle.com for about $100 and will be available at retail outlets nationwide next month.

The CDX-GT240 stereo features red key illumination and one preamp sub output, and is also currently available on www.sonystyle.com, for about $80. This model will also will be available at retail outlets nationwide next month.

Updated [2]: PS3 Slim Arrives – Full Pictures

Sony has finally came out with a new slimmed down version of PS3 (via engadget) that will grace you with 120GB hard drive, 2USB ports and will consume 34% less power and will be 32% smaller. It will be available on September 1st for a mere $299 price tag, and features the same I/O as the current PS3. You may also notice a new PS3 logo and the finish is no longer glossy, therefore your finger prints and dust will not be that attracted to the unit. You can also purchase an optional vertical stand for 24 bucks.

Notes from Chris: I have been fond of Sony design since I was able to register what different brands were as a youth. This isn’t the best design I’ve ever seen for a console, but does it really matter? If you want the current design, get what is available now for the same price and replace the hard drive yourself for cheap. I’ve read around and several comments, from those who seem credible and have had longstanding affluence for Sony products say that the slim PS3 is not Sony’s greatest design. I’ve even see the U word. The price isn’t ugly, however, and there is strong possibility that if the $299 PS3 becomes a runaway success now (e.g. explosion in sales) there could be a price drop for Christmas. Imagine the $250 PS3 at Christmas. It would be absurd.

We are a little concerned that there will no longer be an option to install other OS (operating system). No more Linux? Blah. There is also report of Bravia Sync capability, and that it will run more quietly than existing PS3 systems, most likely due to the external power supply.

Here is a great introduction video from Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA):

Engadget was kind enough to get the specs, too. They are similiar to the existing PS3:

* Product name: PlayStation 3
* Product code: CECH-2000A (Charcoal Black)
* CPU: Cell Broadband Engine™
* GPU: RSX
* Audio output: LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC.
* Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
* Hard disk: 120GB 2.5″ Serial ATA
* USB 2.0 ports: 2
* Networking: Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 (+EDR)
* Controller: Wireless Controller (Bluetooth) x 1
* AV outputs: HDMI x 1, AV MULTI OUT x 1, Digital out (optical) x 1
* Resolutions: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i)
* BD / DVD / CD drive (read only): BD × 2 (BD-ROM), DVD × 8 (DVD-ROM), CD × 24 (CD-ROM)
* Power: AC 220 – 240, 50/60Hz
* Power consumption: Approx. 250W
* External dimensions (excluding maximum projecting part): Approx. 290 × 65 × 290 mm (width × height × length)
* Mass: Approx. 3.2kg
* Included in box: PlayStation 3 system × 1, Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK 3) × 1, AC power cord × 1, AV cable × 1, USB cable × 1

Here is every angle possible:

Sony Announces Minis – Smaller, Downloadable Games For The PSP

With the success of the iPhone’s App Store, software developers worldwide have taken notice to “bite sized, snackable games.” Sony has announced Minis for the PSP, which are smaller games, taking advantage of the smaller development cost on the PSP. These games will be exclusive to the PSN Store and will have a 100MB size limit. Sony has reported that 15 new games will be available at launch on October 1st, with 50 titles overall throughout 2009. Some example games include Tetris, Fieldrunners, Hero of Sparta, and MiniGore, all popular games on Apple’s App Store. This is obviously a power play to court more developers for the PSP and finally counteract the runaway success of mini games that have been exploding in popularity in the USA.

* – Image used in this story is not an actual “Minis” screenshot.

Firmware 3.0 For Playstation 3 Confirmed

Sony has just announced Firmware 3.0 at gamescom, which includes animated themes, a What’s New section and some other great interface changes. There will also be direct links to various TV services on the XMB — for example, BBC’s iPlayer in the UK. Also, humorously enough, the battery meter finally has been moved. There is no official word when firmware 3.0 will be released. Here is the official list from Playstation Blog:

• “What’s New” – The “Information Board” will be replaced with a “What’s New” section, which allows you to enjoy interactive PlayStation news every time you start the PS3 system. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, “What’s New” displays the latest and greatest game, video, PlayStation Network and PlayStation news and releases, as well as your recently played games, in a sleek, new animated format.
• Status Indicator – In the top right corner we’ve added an indicator bar, which displays your user icon, friend icon, the number of friends you have online and a small message icon to let you know if you have any new messages. The indicator also includes a scrolling ticker that features the latest news from PlayStation Network. In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock.
• Friends List – Now your PlayStation Network friends will appear in a slightly redesigned format on your Friends List. Also, messages will now be viewable from each of your friends’ respective profiles.
• PlayStation Store Shortcuts – We’ve added a handy shortcut icon to the PlayStation Store under both the Game and Video categories so you can access the latest content quickly and easily.
• Personalization – Personalize your PS3 with new dynamic custom themes and avatars. Dynamic themes as well as free and premium avatars will be available through PlayStation Store. A dynamic theme takes your screen to a whole new level as it incorporates animated objects into the background.
• Trophies – Showcasing your hard earned trophies just got better. Update 3.00 gives game developers the ability to modify how they display trophies for add-on content. Base and add-on game trophies will continue to be combined into a single list so you can see where you stand in a game as a whole. Within that list, trophies will be broken out into subcategories—base trophies and add-on trophies—that way, you can easily view the percentage of your base game trophy collection, and separately track your trophy progress in add-on packs. Look for this enhancement to be included in upcoming games.

Here is an introductory video from Jeff Rubenstein:

Sony To Refresh HDNA Advertising Campaign With Peyton Manning, Justin Timberlake And More

Sony today announced its new integrated marketing campaign, which aims to reinforce Sony as a leader in quality and hopefully spur consumer demand for holiday shopping in the fourth quarter. The creative concept is an expansion of the company’s 2008 HDNA campaign, which featured a “panel” of celebrity experts who served as brand ambassadors. Situated in retail environments, celebrity panelists assist consumers in choosing Sony products by differentiating the brand from its competitors.  The campaign was created with the support of the company’s advertising agency 180, Los Angeles. Starting in September and running through early 2010, the campaign will go across all consumer touch points with complete integration of the creative concept from online and point-of-sale to advertising and consumer PR.

The 2009 HDNA campaign (which Sony has called HDNA2 on twitter) will include Indianapolis Colts quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning, but also Grammy and Emmy-award winning Jive/Sony Music artist Justin Timberlake. Rounding out the list are: ESPN reporter, Erin Andrews; fashion photographer and “America’s Next Top Model” judge, Nigel Barker; author and comedienne, Amy Sedaris; columnist and Web celebrity, Julia Allison; and award-winning cinematographer, Dion Beebe. Humor is consistently used to demystify electronics and connect with viewers – in the screenshot of the commercial we found, it appears that Payton Manning and Justin Timberlake are playing ping pong.

“All talent were chosen for their high public profiles, and because like Sony, they are leaders in their respective fields,” Redsun said.

Sony is really looking to push products in the BRAVIA television line, Blu-ray Disc home entertainment, Cyber-shot digital cameras, alpha digital SLR cameras, Handycam camcorders and Sony professional high-definition camera systems, VAIO notebook computers and Sony Reader digital books.

“Quality is a message consumers most associate with Sony, so we feel confident our campaign message will strongly resonate in the marketplace, especially given that quality is the number one purchase driver for consumer electronics,” said Stuart Redsun, senior vice president, marketing.

Mass media will include national commercial spots, all shot with the Sony F35 professional camera system, which has also been used on CBS’s “CSI: New York” and several other television series. Additionally, there will be online banner ads, radio and newsprint. A multitude of in-store merchandising for authorized Sony dealers to integrate the campaign at retail will include retail video, pop-up displays, counter cards, post wraps, end caps and hang tags. Ad mats, ad bugs and screen fills will be available for retailers to merchandise through retailer circulars. Other campaign elements include a SonyStyle.com showcase site as well as customizable micro-sites for retailers.

Sony And Best Buy Launch ALTUS, A New Home Audio Product Line

Sony and Best Buy have announced the new “ALTUS” audio product line, featuring wireless music systems, speakers, and home theater products set for release in September. The goal is to provide easy, yet effective solutions for enjoying premium home audio. Heading up the ALTUS product lineup are two iPod docking systems designed to enhance and expand your home listening experience.

The premium ALT-SA31iR multi-room iPod package ($700) features three separate components: an iPod/iPhone docking station and two high-output wireless speakers. This multi-room package also features an AM/FM tuner and S-AIR remote control with an LCD display. On the display, users are able to see all metadata of the streaming audio, including album, artist, and track information. Those of you with other S-AIR compatible receivers will be pleased to know that the ALT-SA31iR can co-exist gracefully.

Sony’s AIR-SW10Ti iPod dock ($400) consists of a compact docking station with two built-in speakers and a wireless subwoofer that can be easily concealed. This powerful new model has a maximum output of 60 watts RMS and includes both an infrared remote control and FM tuner capabilities. The AIR-SW10Ti system can also be used to transmit wireless audio to compatible ALTUS and S-AIR products.

Sony is also introducing two PC audio multi-room packages as part of the ALTUS brand.

The new ALT-SA32PC multi-room audio package ($500) features three components: an S-AIR transmitter that connects to your PC (via USB input) and two high-output wireless speakers. The USB transmitter streams audio wirelessly from the connected PC to the two included speakers for a simple multi-room solution.

The ALT-A33PC package ($200) has an identical USB S-AIR transmitter, but includes a universal receiver that can connect to a variety of audio products with its RCA outputs. This enables users to stream music wirelessly from their computer to most existing music systems.

Both packages include unique music management software that has the ability to tap into existing playlists on your computer in programs like iTunes and Windows Media Player. Additionally, this software facilitates the creation of new music “channels” using the digital music library of a connected PC. Each of these two PC systems is compatible with the entire ALTUS family of products as well as all of Sony’s S-AIR accessories.

For those looking to expand their ALTUS audio system with small, compact and stylish speakers, Sony is introducing the sleek ALT-SA34R Socket Speaker Package ($350). This ALTUS product is compatible with all S-AIR enabled transmitters and features two small, unobtrusive S-AIR wireless speakers that plug directly into any power outlet in the home. The speaker system also includes an S-AIR remote control highlighted by an LCD display for viewing music metadata.

Sony’s Playstation Network Down For Two Hours On August 18th During Gamescom

Joystiq has found that the PlayStation Network will be taken offline for maintenance on August 18, 2009 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST – this means no online play and no store access. Sony of course apologizes for any inconvenience. This is most certainly due to the number of announcements Sony has lined up for gamescom, the massive gaming expo – aka the European version of E3. We will try to provide live or at least quick postings which will be happening if Sony announces anything delicious. I don’t think Sony has a choice about whether or not they need to have something crazy happen at this show at this point; the Internet has been awash with endless rumors and speculation that some major things are going to happen. The way some people are thinking, you’d think that Sony is going to announce the second coming of Christ. Some rumors have included the debut of a PS3 slim model, PS3 price cut to $299, significant PS3 firmware update (such as 3.0), more PSP Go! app information, PS3 backwards compatibility with PS2 games, PS3 video store for Europe, VidZone for other countries, and more.

I cruised around several major sites in both English and German and couldn’t find any good live video feeds, but I will update this post if I find any.

Via engadget.