Tag: playstation network
A PlayStation Phone is Coming, and It’s Powered By Android [RUMOR]
by Ranju Chaudhary on Aug.12, 2010, under Latest Web Technologies
If rumors are true, the mobile and gaming markets are about to get a big surprise from Sony Ericsson: a PlayStation-branded gaming phone, powered by Android 3.0.
According to Engadget, Sony Ericsson is working on a hybrid mobile phone and gaming device that is a “cross between the Samsung Captivate and the PSP Go.” It supposedly includes a landscape slider complete with PSP-like controls, a touchpad in place of the joystick, a 3.7″-4.1″ screen, a 5 megapixel camera and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The phone will carry both the Xperia and PlayStation brands.
This is not the first time rumors have surfaced about a PlayStation phone. We first heard industry back-fence talk about such a device in March. It was supposed to be the result of collaboration between Sony’s PlayStation brand and its Sony Ericsson phone division. However, this is the first time we’ve heard that it would run on Google’s
Android OS.
Engadget’s sources say that the device will run the 3.0 operating system, codename Gingerbread. It will run standard Android apps and will also include a marketplace just for Android-based games, especially ones that use the phone’s PSP-like controls. We could see classic PSP and PSX games being ported to the device via Android apps, similar to what Square-Enix have done on the iPhone. The device could be announced later this year.
For now, file this story under the “credible rumor” category. Given Apple’s domination of the mobile gaming market, it only seems logical for Sony to respond. Google would also be more than willing to help; turning Android into a legitimate gaming platform would make the OS far more competitive against Apple’s iOS and its impressive array of gaming apps.
What do you think of a PlayStation/Android phone? Is it crazy enough to work, or will it fall flat on its face? Let us know what you think.
PlayStation Plus: Better Online Gaming (For a Price)
by Ranju Chaudhary on Jun.17, 2010, under Latest Web Technologies, What's Happening?
Sony has announced PlayStation Plus, a new online service forPlayStation 3 owners. While the features of the free PlayStation Network service will remain unchanged, Plus adds game downloads, auto-patching and other exclusives.
The premium service will launch on June 29 and cost $49.99 for one year or $17.99 for three months.
Cross-game voice chat has been requested by gamers in the past, and it’s something that Microsoft’s Xbox Live Gold service (which also costs $50 per year) already offers. Now you’ll be able to do it on the PS3 too, according to Joystiq.
When playing with a friend over the Internet
, you’ll be able to switch between games without interrupting your voice chat conversation. Cross-game chats must be initiated by a Plus member, but they will include non-Plus members so long as the premium subscriber is present.
In addition to getting exclusive or early access to beta testing periods or playable demos, Plus members will be able to play some full games for up to an hour before choosing whether or not to buy them. Finally, they’ll get access to the already-launched Qore premium video series, which offers glimpses at new games and gamer culture.
Many of the new features are already available to Xbox Live subscribers, but if you want to play the Xbox 360online, you have to get a Gold subscription. The PS3 already offers basic online play without charging its users. Since the benefits are just icing, not essentials, will you spend $50 per year for a Plus subscription?
