Archive for the ‘PlayStation Hardware’ Category
Online Storage for Game Saves Coming to PlayStation Plus
Posted by Susan Panico in Firmware, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Hardware, PlayStation Network, playstation plus, PS3, PSN on March 9th, 2011
Hey everyone – We’ve got an exciting new feature coming exclusively to PlayStation Plus subscribers. Included in the system software update (v3.60) coming tomorrow to PS3, PlayStation Network’s new online storage for game saves feature gives PlayStation Plus subscribers the capability to back up game save data to the cloud. Online storage for game saves is a great way for PlayStation Plus subscribers to ensure that their data files are secure and also for users who wish to access their files from other PS3 systems.
The new online storage feature allows gamers to store up to 150MB of game save data and a maximum of 1000 data files per PSN account. Users also have the ability to back-up “copy-prohibited save data,” and all previously saved data may be restored once per 24 hour period. When the new feature launches, most PS3 titles will be compatible with online storage for game saves, and moving forward, all new titles will have the capability to offer the storage option.
As I mentioned before, online storage for game saves functionality is included automatically for PlayStation Plus subscribers with system software update (v3.60), which will be available on March 10, 2011, and users can access their stored data on the XMB at any time. Additionally, users who save their files to the cloud can access their data on any PS3, using their PSN sign-in ID.
PlayStation Plus subscribers should turn on the auto-download feature to ensure that the update will begin downloading as soon as it’s available, so you can start backing up your game saves right away. If you aren’t already a PlayStation Plus subscriber, be sure to check out our bi-weekly post highlighting the free games, discounts and exciting exclusives we offer, in addition to the upcoming online storage for game saves feature.
Other minor features will also be added via system software update (v3.60). For more information please visit http://us.playstation.com/support/systemupdates/ps3/ once the update is live.
Aspiring Developers Take Note: Move.Me Unveiled at GDC
Posted by John McCutchan in gdc11, PlayStation Hardware, playstation move, PS3 on March 2nd, 2011
Hi Gamers, John McCutchan, Senior Engineer with SCEA’s Developer Support team, here to tell you about an exciting initiative we’re unveiling for PlayStation Move during GDC this week. Later today, I’ll be giving a presentation on Move.Me, a new software application that provides academics and hobbyists access to PlayStation Move’s technology, enabling them to create entirely new applications using a PC, the Move motion controller, the PlayStation Eye, and the power of the PlayStation 3 system. We know many of you might not be able to make the trek to San Francisco for the show, so we wanted to give you a quick overview of Move.Me here.
When we launched PlayStation Move last September, we knew it would set a new benchmark for precision in motion controlled gaming. Even before PlayStation Move was publicly available to all of you, we were talking about the device’s potential implications for academics and researchers. While visiting conferences like Games for Health and SIGGRAPH last year, these same researchers and academics expressed strong interest in utilizing PlayStation Move’s cutting edge technology for their own purposes. Move.Me is the result of these conversations, and is an opportunity for PlayStation to inspire new, revolutionary applications in other fields beyond gaming.
So, what exactly is Move.Me? In short, Move.Me is a server application that runs on the PS3 system. It allows anyone with a PS3 to experiment with motion controls and is officially sanctioned and supported by Sony Computer Entertainment. Move.Me sends the complete state of the PlayStation Move and navigation controllers to the PC, giving you the exact same data that licensed developers typically have access to.
What does this mean to you? We see Move.Me as an opportunity to satisfy the need for new, innovative interactive technology in fields like academia, healthcare, and more, as well as to support new developers and inspire applications that we could never have imagined. We hope it will be used to discover new ways of connecting individuals with information, and maybe even discovering a new healthcare application or two. We know that some of you out there are aspiring software developers yourselves and we’re eager to see what kinds of applications Move.Move inspires. Maybe an aspiring developer like you will create the next big thing with PlayStation Move!
PSP Now Available for $129.99; New Additions to Greatest Hits and Favorites Collections
Posted by Scott Steinberg in greatest hits, PlayStation Games, PlayStation Hardware, PlayStation Portable, psp on February 25th, 2011
Since launching in 2005, the PSP platform has had a profound impact on the way we play games while on-the-go, pushing the boundaries for cross-media entertainment and setting the benchmark for quality for portable games – not to mention selling 23 million* units to date in North America and more than 67 million worldwide. Today we’re very excited to announce that the PSP-3000 system will be available for a new low price of $129.99 (MSRP) starting February 27, 2011, offering its greatest value to date. In addition, going forward PSP Entertainment Packs will be available for $159.99 (MSRP); bringing you everything you need to experience the PSP system and an even better value.
To get the word out on PSP’s awesome new pricing, we’ll be launching a new TV and digital marketing campaign. Be sure to keep an eye on some of your favorite networks including FOX, MTV and ESPN for the new TV spot. Here’s your first look:
We at PlayStation have always been committed to delivering value and offering you the unparalleled gaming experiences. That said, we’re also adding a slew of new blockbuster titles to PSP’s “Greatest Hits” and “Favorites” collections. New additions to the $19.99 PSP Greatest Hits library include Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY , LittleBigPlanet PSP, METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER and Toy Story 3: The Video Game, while Daxter, Tomb Raider Anniversary and more are now priced at $9.99 as part of the PSP Favorites library. See below for a full list of new PSP Greatest and Favorites titles.
New PSP “Greatest Hits” Titles ($19.99)
- Assassin’s Creed Bloodlines (Ubisoft)
- DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY (Square Enix, Inc.)
- LittleBigPlanet (PSP)
- METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER (Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.)
- Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
- Resistance: Retribution
- Toy Story 3: The Video Game (Disney Interactive)
New PSP “Favorites” Titles ($9.99)
- CRISIS CORE-FINAL FANTASY VII (Square Enix, Inc. )
- Daxter
- Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (Capcom)
- Killzone: Liberation
- SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fire Team Bravo
- Tomb Raider Anniversary (Square Enix, Inc.)
As you all know, the PSP platform enables you to take highest quality games and the industry’s biggest gaming franchises with you in your pocket. Looking forward to delivering more in 2011!
*Cumulative sell-in number for North American market as of end of December, 2010
NEW Official PS3 Bluetooth Headset in “Urban Camouflage” Available Soon
Posted by Richard Ho in bluetooth headset, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Hardware, PS3 on February 18th, 2011
Hi Everyone! With awesome multi-player games such as Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs on the way, the new Bluetooth Headset is sure to be your go-to communication device. The Headset already comes in a sleek, high-gloss black finish. However, we’ve also heard some of your requests for a militaristic color and are now offering the headset in a new “urban camouflage” color. For the same great price of $49.99 (MSRP), the urban camouflage Bluetooth Headset will be available at GameStop locations nationwide, to coincide with the highly-anticipated launch of SOCOM 4 on April 19 – making it a must have for SOCOM 4’s unbridled 32-player online multiplayer mayhem.
As most of you know, our Bluetooth Headsets offer a number of great features, making it perfect for gaming. It starts with built-in noise cancellation and our proprietary High Quality (HQ) mode enabling us to deliver the best quality PS3 voice chat. An in-game headset status indicator, easily accessible microphone mute button, and charging cradle which also functions as a desktop microphone adds unparalleled functionality.
We’re very excited about the newest addition to our Bluetooth headset line. Let us know your thoughts and enjoy!
Official Statement Regarding PS3 Circumvention Devices and Pirated Software
Posted by Jeff Rubenstein in PlayStation 3, PlayStation Hardware, PS3, PSN on February 16th, 2011
Today, Sony Computer Entertainment released the following statement:
Notice: Unauthorized circumvention devices for the PlayStation 3 system have been recently released by hackers. These devices permit the use of unauthorized or pirated software. Use of such devices or software violates the terms of the “System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System” and the “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStation Network/Qriocity and its Community Code of Conduct provisions. Violation of the System Software Licence Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System invalidates the consumer guarantee for that system. In addition, copying or playing pirated software is a violation of International Copyright Laws. Consumers using circumvention devices or running unauthorized or pirated software will have access to the PlayStation Network and access to Qriocity services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently.
To avoid this, consumers must immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems.
What this means to you
Circumvention devices and game piracy damage our industry and can potentially injure the online experience for you, our loyal PlayStation customers, via hacks and cheats.
Many PlayStation.Blog readers have asked how we intend to deal with these incidents that they have been reading about in the gaming press, and this is our initial response.
By identifying PlayStation 3 systems that breach our guidelines and terminating their ability to connect to PlayStation Network, we are protecting our business and preserving the honest gameplay experiences that you expect and deserve.
Rest assured, this message does not apply to the overwhelming majority of our users who enjoy the world of entertainment PlayStation 3 has to offer without breaching the guidelines detailed above, and we urge you to continue doing so without fear.
NEW PS3 160GB Killzone 3 Bundle Available February 22nd
Posted by Kim Nguyen in guerrilla games, killzone 3, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Games, PlayStation Hardware, PS3 on February 15th, 2011
Hi everyone! We know you’re anxiously awaiting the release of Killzone 3, and now you can join the war against the Helghast with a Limited Edition PS3 160GB Killzone 3 Bundle. For those of you who are still on the fence and just waiting for the reason to buy a PS3, now is the time. Already own a PS3? Convince your buddies to buy the bundle so you can both play some of the most extensive multiplayer experiences on a first-person shooter. The Killzone 3 bundle includes the 160GB PS3 system as well as a copy of Killzone 3 – all launching February 22 for $299.99 (MSRP).
As you know, Killzone 3 is the next installment of the Killzone franchise, with levels 10 times the size of Killzone 2. You can expect an intense single-player campaign and as mentioned above, extensive multiplayer mode, utilizing new weapons and vehicles. To bring your gaming experience to a higher and more immersive level, play Killzone 3 with PlayStation Move sharp shooter. It combines the precision of PlayStation Move with a streamlined design that enables you to execute highly precise shots, while comfortably maneuvering your on-screen character. With full stereoscopic 3D compatibility, gaming never gets so real.
But if you don’t believe me, check out the first wave of reviews of Killzone 3 hitting now.
Have you tried out the free Killzone 3 Campaign Demo now available on PSN? What PS3 games are you most excited for in 2011? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments!
Kaz Hirai on the NGP
Posted by Jeff Rubenstein in next generation portable, ngp, PlayStation Hardware on February 2nd, 2011
The day we announced the Next Generation Portable, or NGP, was quite an eventful one. You might have followed the live blog, read the message on the Blog from SCEA CEO Jack Tretton, seen the topics trending on Twitter (6 out of 10 worldwide at one point!), or read the hands-on impressions.
At the very end of the day, I had a chance to catch up with Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. While I knew I’d be unable to gather any more details than what was announced earlier in the day, I was curious about the broader aspects of the news: Why announce NGP now? Where does it fit into the PlayStation console life cycle philosophy? How did publishing partners like Epic Games and Activision get involved in the announcement? I hope you enjoy hearing these answers in detail directly from Mr. Hirai.
Watch the reveal of NGP and PlayStation Suite in 1080p HD
Posted by Rey Gutierrez in ngp, PlayStation Hardware, playstation meeting, PlayStation Portable, playstation suite on January 29th, 2011
You may have seen snippets and short clips around the web of our PlayStation Meeting we held in Japan earlier this week. I’m happy to finally share the historic event in it’s entirety in glorious 1080p HD. Witness and relive the moment when we unveiled to the world PlayStation Suite and NGP (Next Generation Portable).
Other memorable and show stopping moments, like the real-time Uncharted demo and Call of Duty announced for NGP can also be found in the playlist above, which is divided into six parts for your viewing pleasure. Gather in-front of the warm glow of your computer screens and make yourself acquainted with the true revolution of portable gaming, NGP. Share your thoughts and favorite moments below, we’re eager to read your feedback.
Next Generation Portable (NGP): All the early details
Posted by Jeff Rubenstein in next generation portable, ngp, PlayStation Hardware on January 27th, 2011
Today in Tokyo, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. announced the next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP). NGP will make its debut at the end of the 2011, but here’s everything you need to know right now.
Key NGP features:
- Multi-touch 5-inch organic light emitting display (OLED) as the front display
- Multi-touch pad on the rear of the device
- Dual analog sticks
- Two cameras (front and rear)
- Software titles on small, dedicated flash memory-based cards
- Three motion sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer and electronic compass
- Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity
- PlayStation Network access, including ““LiveArea™”, “Near” and “Activity” log features Trophy Support
- NGP will be able to play PSP titles, minis, PS one classics, video and comics from the PlayStation Store.
Now, the technical specs:
| CPU | ARM® Cortex™-A9 core (4 core) |
| GPU | SGX543MP4+ |
| External Dimensions | Approx. 182.0 x 18.6 x 83.5mm (width x height x depth) (tentative, excludes largest projection) |
| Screen (Touch screen) |
5 inches (16:9), 960 x 544, Approx. 16 million colors, OLED Multi touch screen (capacitive type) |
| Rear touch pad | Multi touch pad (capacitive type) |
| Cameras | Front camera, Rear camera |
| Sound | Built-in stereo speakers Built-in microphone |
| Sensors | Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer), Three-axis electronic compass |
| Location | Built-in GPS Wi-Fi location service support |
| Keys / Switches | PS button Power button Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left) Action buttons (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square) Shoulder buttons (Right/Left) Right stick, Left stick START button, SELECT button Volume buttons (+/-) |
| Wireless communications | Mobile network connectivity (3G) IEEE 802.11b/g/n (n = 1×1) (Wi-Fi) (Infrastructure mode/Ad-hoc mode) Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR （A2DP/AVRCP/HSP） |
Software Franchises shown or talked about at PlayStation Meeting 2011 (titles are not final)
- Killzone
- Uncharted
- WipEout
- LittleBigPlanet
- Call of Duty
- Resistance
- Little Deviants
- Hot Shots Golf
- Reality Fighters
- Gravity Daze
- Smart As
- Broken
- Hustle Kings
It’s still early going, so we understand that you likely have questions not addressed here. Details such as release date, price, and more will be announced in due course. We’ll keep you updated.
Introducing the Next Generation of Portable Gaming
Posted by Jack Tretton in Events, next generation portable, ngp, PlayStation Hardware on January 26th, 2011
PlayStation fans across North America will be waking up to some exciting news tomorrow. At PlayStation Meeting 2011 in Japan a few moments ago, Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, SCEI, introduced the world to the newest addition to the PlayStation product family and the future of portable gaming: currently codenamed NGP (Next Generation Portable).
When PSP first launched in 2005 in North America it changed the way people thought of portable gaming and raised expectations in regards to the variety and quality of games users expected to access while on the go. It has since become the go-to handheld entertainment system for more than 64 million users who seek home entertainment quality games along with access to their music, movies, photos and more.
With NGP we carry on this rich history of redefining industry standards and raising the bar for consumer expectations for what portable gaming can deliver. Designed to blur the lines between interactive entertainment and reality, the NGP will offer Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity. The 5-inch OLED front multi-touch display will bring brilliant images to life and the multi-touch pad on the rear will allow users to engage with the game and characters with a simple movement of their fingertips. Additionally, services created specifically for NGP will be available on PlayStation Network. These services are designed help users take their gameplay, as well as interaction with other gamers, to new levels.
While we here at PlayStation are thrilled to bring this cutting-edge technology to your fingertips, we all know that content is critical to the success for all of our platforms. I’m pleased to share that your favorite franchises will be coming to NGP, including Uncharted and Call of Duty. We are working with our extensive network of 3rd party developers and publishers as well as SCE Worldwide Studios to create experiences unlike anything else on the market.
Also announced this evening was PlayStation Suite, an entirely new initiative from PlayStation that will provide fans with the opportunity to enjoy PlayStation content on an open operating system for the first time in PlayStation history. PlayStation Suite will work with Android based, “PlayStation Certified” portable devices – including mobile phones, smart-phones, and tablet PCs – to offer “PlayStation quality” content to users worldwide. In addition to providing a selection of PS one Classics, we are also working with developers to create new and exciting content that will be available on both PlayStation Certified devices and the new NGP when it comes to market
I think you will agree that the incredible momentum behind PlayStation continues to grow with each passing year. While 2010 was record breaking thanks to an unsurpassed line-up of award winning AAA software, the introduction of 3D entertainment into millions of homes and the launch of our incredibly successful PlayStation Move motion controller, 2011 is already shaping up to be one of our biggest years yet.
Thanks,
Jack Tretton