http://www.ps3news.com PS3NEWS.COM, PS3 NEWS, PS3NEWS, PLAYSTATION 3, PS3, PS2, PSP, XBOX 360, WII, NDS, GAMECUBE Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:56:29 CDT en http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/playstation-store-us-update-for-july-3-2008/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/playstation-store-us-update-for-july-3-2008/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:56:29 CDT PS3News PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/playstation-store-us-update-for-july-3-2008/
Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PLAYSTATION Store weekly update.

Qore Digital Magazine:
Qore Episode 02: July, 2008 ($2.99 Issue, $24.99 Annual Subscription)
Episode 02 of Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network includes Part one of a three part series following the development of Resistance 2 and the exclusive release of the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm demo.
File size: 1.71 GB

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Add-on Game Content:
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock July 4th 2008 Holiday Single (free)
FREE "Top Gun Anthem" as performed by Steve Ouimette. For all song credits please visit www.redoctane.com
File size: 14.9 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

"Promised Land" - Vesuvius (free)
"Who’s Going Home with You Tonight?" - Trapt ($0.99)
"Time Is Running Out" - Papa Roach ($0.99)
"Down at the Whisky" - Motley Crüe ($0.99)
Crüe Fest Pack 1 ($2.99) - includes "Time Is Running Out" - Papa Roach, "Down at the Whisky" - Motley Crüe, and "Who’s Going Home with You Tonight?" - Trapt.
File sizes: 23.3 MB - 30.6 MB (singles), 74.2 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free):
Killzone 2 Trailer
Two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta, the ISA are taking the fight to Helghan. Their primary objective is to capture the Helghast leader, Emperor Visari, and bring the Helghast war machine to a halt. You assume the role of Sev, a battle-hardened member of the Legion, a special forces unit tasked with securing the Pyrrhus, the capital of Helghan.
File size: 33 MB (SD), 66 MB (HD)

Valkyria Chronicles Teaser Trailer
An introductory trailer to the epic world of Valkyria Chronicles.
File size: 62 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Bad World Trailer
Haggard and Sweetwater have a serious discussion about a well known song.
File size: 47 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Rainbow Sprinkles Trailer
Sarge tries to stack the troops up to breach an important objective.
File size: 62 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Snake Eyes Trailer
See what the characters of B-Company encounter on their journey for gold.
File size: 53 MB (HD)

Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #2
The second issue of the six part Dead Space Animated Comic Series created by Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston.
File size: 269 MB (HD)

Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #3
The third issue of the six part Dead Space Animated Comic Series created by Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston.
File size: 368 MB (HD)

Tiger Woods ‘09 Course Video
Tiger Woods PGA Tour ’09 features new and improved course-rendering technology that gives all of the courses in the game a special look; one that captures the essence of the courses themselves. To see the improvements first-hand, check out these videos from EA Sports.
File size: 104 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Altered Species #1
Not all is what it seems on this cold, wet night. A waitress, having just finished her shift begins her long walk home as she becomes frightened and takes a wrong turn down a dark alleyway. This could be the last mistake she will ever make.
File size: 153 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Altered Species #2
Strategy is a key factor here. Use extreme caution when planning your course of action. One wrong step and this team of elite AIB agents could end up the main course of a Nightwalker buffet. There are no rules of engagement here: kill ‘em all!
File size: 116 MB (HD)

Movie and Blu-ray Trailers (free):
Lakeview Terrace
In Lakeview Terrace, a young couple has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their interracial relationship.
File size: 29 MB (SD), 108 MB (HD), 148 MB (1080)

John Mayer Live In Los Angeles
This special concert includes three sets: an acoustic performance, a rare set with John Mayer Trio, as well as a set featuring Mayer’s full band.
File size: 134 MB (HD), 178 MB (1080)

Vantage Point
While giving a speech in Madrid, the President of the United States is shot and a bomb explodes killing dozens of people. The incident is seen from the perspective of different people, including secret service agents and the assassins, led by a well-known terrorist.
File size: 98 MB (HD), 129 MB (1080)

Persepolis
Writer and Director Marjane Satrapi draws a poignant story about a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, when people’s hopes were dashed as fundamentalists took power.
File size: 76 MB (HD), 99 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes (free):
Woodward Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Woodward Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 3.18 MB

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 2.32 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free):
Top Spin 3 Wallpaper
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Top Spin 3 Wallpaper.
File sizes: 203K - 883K

PLAYSTATION Store for PC:
Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

PSP Themes (free):
PSN Theme
Woodward Theme

Hope you enjoy!]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/cxmb-v2-3-1-4-01-m33-compatible-hostcore-preview-released/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/cxmb-v2-3-1-4-01-m33-compatible-hostcore-preview-released/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:42:35 CDT PS3News PlayStation Portable http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/cxmb-v2-3-1-4-01-m33-compatible-hostcore-preview-released/
Additionally, the issue of theme settings reverting back to default after exiting from a UMD title has been solved.

On a side note, the author mentioned that a 4.01 M33 compatible version of HostCore, which allows users to access media content and files on their PC from the PSP, is due out soon.

Download: PSP CXMB v2.3.1 / PSP HostCore v1.2 Preview

An unfinished "preview" build of the upcoming release was provided for testing purposes. While not all features are working properly yet, the preview release does support network video playback.

Changes in 3.2.1:

-Fix bug (freeze while applying theme)
-Fix bug (restore to original official XMB when returns from game)
+make official XMB NOT a choice of random.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/playstation-store-eu-update-for-july-3-2008/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/playstation-store-eu-update-for-july-3-2008/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:05:02 CDT PS3News PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/playstation-store-eu-update-for-july-3-2008/
See below for a full list of updates, including the release of Capcom’s PSN shooter, Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3.

Downloadable Games:

-Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 (GBP 6.99/EUR 9.99)

Add-on Content:

-Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 "Gift Pack" map pack (Free)
-Buzz! Quiz TV "UK Culture" quiz pack (GBP 3.49/EUR 4.99)
-Buzz! Quiz TV "Culture" quiz pack (GBP 3.49/EUR 4.99) (Each country has it's own unique Culture pack corresponding to the user’s location)
-Buzz! Quiz TV "Sci Fi" quiz pack (GBP 3.49/EUR 4.99)
-Buzz! Quiz TV "Rock Legends" quiz pack (GBP 3.49/EUR 4.99)
-Guitar Hero III "July 4th Holiday single" (Free)

Videos:

-8 Movement "Paris" videos
-Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway Ubidays trailer
-Haze launch trailer

Miscellaneous:

-Metal Gear Solid 4 theme
-Elefunk theme
-Echochrome theme
-Top Spin 3 wallpaper
-Elefunk "Forest" wallpaper
-Elefunk "Circus" wallpaper

Stay tuned.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/initial-d-extreme-stage-japanese-village-gameplay-video-out/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/initial-d-extreme-stage-japanese-village-gameplay-video-out/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:01:41 CDT PS3News PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/initial-d-extreme-stage-japanese-village-gameplay-video-out/
This time it's for Initial D: Extreme Stage, and is a Japanese village gameplay video.

The caption reads: "The streets are ablaze with your hot rubber."

Check it out below, enjoy all!

35832]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/warhawk-to-support-trophy-system-some-retroactive/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/warhawk-to-support-trophy-system-some-retroactive/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:56:38 CDT PS3News PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/warhawk-to-support-trophy-system-some-retroactive/
In addition to this, Jobe commented that some but not all of the trophies in Warhawk will be retroactive.

To quote: We contacted Dylan Jobe, producer/director at Incog. Inc., to find out exactly what was going on with the Trophy scheme and got the following statement from him: "We're excited about integrating Trophies into Warhawk for both new awards as well as some awards that players may have already achieved (prior to the update) like rank, combat badges and medals.

As a result of our approach, and to clarify some of the confusion on the Net, some - not all - of the Trophies in Warhawk will be retroactive."]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/ten-things-we-still-want-in-playstation-3-firmware/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/ten-things-we-still-want-in-playstation-3-firmware/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:52:10 CDT PS3News PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/ten-things-we-still-want-in-playstation-3-firmware/
10) Smarter Firmware Updates

Let me agree to terms and conditions-a tiny 1K file transfer-before downloading the whole software update. Then once the update downloads it can roll into an install without me having to push some stupid buttons on the controller.

9) Automatic Downloaded-Game Installation

We're really still manually installing most game and demo downloads? Seriously? No, seriously?

8) Real Keyboard Support

The PS3 "supports" a mouse and keyboard. But keyboard support is still not functional or assignable in most games. Some middleware solutions would be nice here, Sony. I should be able to play anything on a mouse and keyboard by mapping SIXAXIS/DualShock3 buttons.

7) In-Game Web Browsing

OK, so here's an instance where we can access the XMB while in a game, but we can't really access it. Because you can't browse the web while in a game. I'd love the option to look up walkthroughs...err...hints and tips without going to the computer.

6) Controllers Don't Charge Without PS3 "On"

Why do I need to leave on my entire PS3 to charge one controller? A firmware update could program the USB portion of the console to stay powered on while charging like, say, the Xbox 360.

5) PS Home

Oh, I haven't forgotten. Though I'm becoming more bored by this once novel concept every day it doesn't appear.

4) Account Management

Let's just stick all those account management menus into the PlayStation Store. That way if I need to make changes to my account (something that would probably be prompted by a transaction at the PS Store), I don't need to revisit dead gray screen land.

3) Background Folding@Home

I'm as lazily, unconsciously altruistic as the next guy, so work with Stanford to make Folding @ Home even better. Let me use it as a background process for when I'm just hanging out on the dashboard, or browsing the PS Store. I know that playing some MP3s doesn't use all of the PlayStation 3's power, so let's use some of that extra number crunching to cure the world, or whatever.

2) Screengrabs

Any game, any time, I want to be able to perform a screengrab. I want to then be able to save the screengrab to my photo library or message it to a friend. This software technology has long been figured out, and it'd be nice to have for showing everyone how awesome I am all the time.

1) Lower Power Standby

The PS3's primary standby mode is super low energy. But if you want to access Remote Play (XMB, pictures, etc) through the PSP, it's suddenly sucking as much power as five refrigerators just sitting there. Surely there is a clever way that the PS3 can be activated through an SMS or email system that would make it more eco-friendly than just being on all the time. Remote Play is not something I'll use every day. And because of that, I've turned off the function completely-which is a shame because it's a pretty incredible idea.

It's not that the latest firmware update is bad; it's that the whole interface is so pleasurable to use and packing so much customization (for a console) that the rough spots can stand out even more. Come on, Sony, let's make the PS3 unbelievable.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-trailer-available/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-trailer-available/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:42:28 CDT PS3News PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-trailer-available/
The included caption states the following:

"A graphical tour de force for the PS3? Believe it!"

Video below- Enjoy guys!

35540]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/sony-just-few-consumers-have-v2-40-firmware-problems/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/sony-just-few-consumers-have-v2-40-firmware-problems/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:35:02 CDT PS3News PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/sony-just-few-consumers-have-v2-40-firmware-problems/
They confirm that they have indeed removed the Firmware due to a 'limited number of calls from consumers' and reassure us all they are working dilligently to sort the problem 'for those few consumers' and find a solution before putting the Firmware back up.

To quote: As has been reported on many gaming blogs and Web sites, we have temporarily taken Firmware v2.40 offline. We’ve received a limited number of calls from consumers experiencing an issue with installing the system software update on their PS3. While our consumer services department has seen a low volume of calls on this topic, we are committed to providing the PS3 community with XMB access features delivered in the v2.40 update.

We are working diligently to isolate the problem for those few consumers and to identify a solution before we put the firmware back up. We’ll provide further information as necessary here on the Blog.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/videos-using-snesgenesis-emulators-on-ps3-with-swap-magic/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/videos-using-snesgenesis-emulators-on-ps3-with-swap-magic/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:30:22 CDT PS3News PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/videos-using-snesgenesis-emulators-on-ps3-with-swap-magic/ PS3 Emulators with Swap Magic on PS3 for those who still haven't tried.

Another nice guide is also available HERE, among others in our Forums. Check out the SNES (Super Nintendo) and PGEN (SEGA Genesis) videos as follows:

Enjoy guys!

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ZbqFQXmQMKU

Roughly translated guide:

1. Download the Elf Loader
2. Get an USB pen drive (or PSP) and connect it to your PC
3. In the Root make a folder which is called SWAPMAGIC
4. Copy and Paste the file named ''SMBOOT0.ELF'' into the folder SWAPMAGIC
5. Copy and Paste the folder PSXLOADER to the Root of your pen drive (or PSP)
6. Download one or two of the elf emulators
7. Put the ELF in the folder PSXLOADER
8. We can’t give you these files: files LIBSD, XMCMAN en XMCSERV. You’ll need to search a bit for them.
9. Put the just downloaded files LIBSD, XMCMAN en XMCSERV in the folder Modules whichs should be inside PSXLOADER
10. Download the Ulaunch Elf
11. Put the folder BEDATA-SYSTEM en SWAPMAGIC in the root of your pen drive.
12 Start your PS3 with the Pen Drive connected and start Swap Magic
13. Press R1 and arrow-up on the d-pad.
14. A menu is presented go to Configuration
15. Go to the folder host and hit the filebrowser
16. Put in an original PS2 DVD an go to the option cdfs. Search for the file usbd.IRX and press R1 the copy it. Go back to the root folder MS0:/ and press R1 make a new directory named: BEDATA-SYSTEM put usbd.irx in there.
17. Quit the game and start Swap Magic again. Now hold L1 and arrow-up
18. In the menu search for the elf you want to start (emulator)
19. Hopefully in will now work!!!

Note: Most of the files can be found in our Site Downloads section, and the rest via Google. Have fun!]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/pspstates-experimental-v2-savestate-plug-in-for-psp-4-01-m33/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/pspstates-experimental-v2-savestate-plug-in-for-psp-4-01-m33/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:11:58 CDT PS3News PlayStation Portable http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/pspstates-experimental-v2-savestate-plug-in-for-psp-4-01-m33/
Keep in mind that PSPStates is compatible only with Slim units currently, due to increased memory usage.

Download: PSPStates Experimental v2 Plug-In for PSP 4.01 M33 CFW

Changelog:

* Fixed important bug in inter-thread code (semaphore wasn’t waiting due to interrupts disabled), that caused the load state to not be completely read in some cases. This caused black screen after state load (unless you just saved that state, in this case state was still in ram), or even worse, game not working properly due to partial load.

* Added states per game basis. The controls are slightly different: old controls now do a local savestate/loadstate of the game, while pressing additionally select button will save/load a global state. See instructions for more info.

* Fixed bug that caused normal sleep mode waking up inmediately.

* UMD discs and isos in normal UMD mode are now supported. However, they require to nullify UMD cache, by flashing one file. For details on this process, refer to the readme file.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/no-trophies-in-call-of-duty-4-modern-warfare-per-infinity-ward/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/no-trophies-in-call-of-duty-4-modern-warfare-per-infinity-ward/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:20:16 CDT Starlight PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/no-trophies-in-call-of-duty-4-modern-warfare-per-infinity-ward/
"At this time, we have no plans to patch in Trophy support for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for the PS3. Much like DualShock rumble addition to the PS3, the support for these new features have come much to late for us to add it to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare due to our current production schedule."

We would have loved to have these in the game at launch if the support was available, or shortly after.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/sony-cant-solve-all-their-problems-with-magic-who-knew/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/sony-cant-solve-all-their-problems-with-magic-who-knew/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:16:08 CDT Starlight PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/sony-cant-solve-all-their-problems-with-magic-who-knew/
Every single post on the the PlayStation.blog (still not understanding the need for that dot) has received streams of comments from the rabid PS3 owners complaining about a lack of service and a lack of respect for the consumer base who’ve splashed out several hundred dollars/pounds/Euros/et cetera on their shiny black behemoth.

The thing is, I’m wondering why, as a collective, they don’t seem to have a single brain cell between them to share some sort of common sense when it comes to developing features such as the in-game-XMB, which we’ve just received after months and months of demand. Even after we’ve picked that up, we’re still baying for more. My ultimate slating of PlayStation fanboys continues after the hop, skip, leap, jump.

What people don’t realize, and I really wish they would, is that Sony aren’t a bunch of technological wizards. They can’t just magic up an in-game XMB out of thin air, or pull it out of a hat. I don’t want to sound like some sort of extremist fanboy here leaping to Sony’s defense as if I’m taking a bullet for the President. I’m trying to look at this situation from a relatively neutral viewpoint. I too have felt a teeny-weeny bit aggravated by the slow rate at which Sony have given us updates but very slowly I started to grow a brain and realized that it’s not as easy as everybody thinks.

There have been many developers who have voiced their opinions about the Cell processor, which powers the PS3 console. Many have said the chip is very hard to work with at first because it’s quite unique in its structure, with 8 micro-processors backing up the main unit allowing tasks to be passed off to each chip such as physics, AI and other features such as audio processing. Some games may only use one or two of these micro-processors (and indeed two of them are locked off from games to be used by the PS3 system software exclusively) whereas others may use as much power as is made available to them.

The PS3 also has a very limited amount of memory available for use; totaling only 256MB, which is half of the memory I have in this computer, itself a rather old model. Granted, a gaming console wont need as much memory as a home computer (of course, it’s not running Windows, so it wont need the power of the Earth’s molten core to run at an acceptable speed) but even then 256MB can be very limited.

When it comes to developing firmware updates such as 2.40, the development team at Sony will need to consider how much memory they can allocate to the system software while still leaving enough for video games to use. This is, I’m guessing, why features such as the in-game Xross Media Bar take so long to develop and eventually deploy into the public domain; it’s not as easy as simply mapping the XMB to the PS button mid-game so that players can access all of their PS3’s features in the middle of PixelJunk Monsters, or (as many had hoped) while watching I Am Legend on Blu-Ray. A lot of work will have gone into working out which features would be possible to insert into an in-game version of the PS3’s menu without compromising the game you’re playing and causing it to crash, and without swamping the system’s resources completely.

I believe this is why the features that accompany 2.40’s in-game menu additions are very limited; very much aware of their consumer base’s want for such a feature in their system software, Sony have released the closest thing they can get to a complete in-game menu for the time being with as many features as they could cram in. Although this has meant no in-game XMB while watching movies, no voice chat or video reconfiguration and limited custom soundtrack support, the fans who have begged for the inclusion of this feature should be relatively happy since they’ve finally got what they wanted, right?

The answer is, of course, no. A look at the latest post on the PlayStation.blog (I’m getting close to just refusing to insert that dot because it is a waste of my time) with regards to 2.40 reveals close enough to 1000 comments begging for RSS features and expanded video options and cross-game invites and voice chat and XMB support while watching a movie and an updated Flash player in the internet browser and this and that and the next thing and I just wonder why these rabid fanboys just aren’t happy. It’s comparable to keeping a crowd of angry pit bull terriers in your backyard who’ll bark and bark for bones, getting angrier all the time, then when you give them what they want they decide they want a bigger bone to chew. It’s unbearable and frankly stupid; that’s really the only word for it.

Unfortunately, what these rabid dogs don’t realize is that firmware updates take a huge amount of planning and programming skill to design, create and perfect, and this can take weeks if not months or even years - I have a feeling Sony have been working on an in-game Xross Media Bar for a very long time and have only just perfected the software. In fact, one of the walkthrough videos released very recently declared that not everything was exactly as we were going to see it come release day, meaning work was being done until the very last minute.

My utter respect goes to Sony for listening to their consumer base and giving them exactly what it is they’ve wanted for a long time; as much as I complain about their treatment of Europe (which sucks by the way, we’re only just getting the Dual Shock 3 now and our variety of Store content is downright offensive) I can understand how hard it must be to co-ordinate a global franchise to please as many fans as possible, especially when it comes to updates such as this. I must also praise their generosity; as much as Sony are still making some losses on every PlayStation 3 console sold they are prepared to give us these system software updates, completed with months of hard graft by a skilled team of developers, for absolutely nothing, and I think that’s bordering on bonkers.

To summarize and conclude this unnecessarily long rant (and it’s generally unwanted, because nobody is allowed to praise Sony if the blogosphere is anything to go by; we’re only allowed to complain and moan about how rubbish they are) it’s probably a lot harder than it appears to create the firmware updates that Sony are delivering to our consoles.

What’s more, they’re delivering them free of charge, in an indirect way of saying "thanks for buying our console and supporting us, here are some really cool features you’re gonna love in return". My gratitude goes out to Sony for delivering what is, to all intents and purposes, an utterly kick ass gaming console and entertainment system, and for constantly expanding the features list and making the system even better than it was at the start.

I would happily put my money on the in-game XMB’s feature list also being expanded in the coming months with further firmware updates. It’s inevitable that Sony will iron out the kinks and work out efficient ways of including new features alongside ones the PS3 has already, but until then I’m pretty happy with 2.40. Cheers Sony: everyone else might hate you but you’ve got a grateful friend for life right here.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation2/sony-to-launch-fourth-version-of-ps2-by-diwali/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation2/sony-to-launch-fourth-version-of-ps2-by-diwali/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:12:11 CDT Starlight PlayStation 2 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation2/sony-to-launch-fourth-version-of-ps2-by-diwali/
The higher-end version promises to be slimer, sleeker and more suave in its looks. There will be no more external AC adapters, all of which will be in-built and the product price will also be the same as the earlier version (Rs 6,990).

SCE India will also be launching the playstation network for their PlayStation 3 in India, which will allow gamers to download free games and also buy them online. This portal is already available in the US and Europe.

"The PlayStation Network is ready for India. It is only the integration of the payment gateway that needs to be done." said Mr Bose. We shall launch it by the end of this fiscal, he added.

Sony PlayStation, over the last 13 years, has evolved as every gamers aspiration. It has its own cult following and to grow this base, SCE wants to market PS2 as gaming console for novices of all age groups and class.

"PS2 is an entry-level console, which helps first timers to enter the gaming zone," said Mr Bose. While PS3 failed to make as great an impact as PS2, SCE wants to tap the BRIC markets with PS2.

It has a 120-million installed base, worldwide, with 3,40,000 of these being in India alone. "We feel PS2 has the potential to penetrate further into the Indian and Russian markets. Console gaming is in its nascent stage in India. These are untapped markets and are new to the gaming world, hence we have no plans to phase out PS2 anytime soon," he added.

Asked if this would affect the market for PS3, Mr Bose said that would not be the case. "We do not market it as a PS2 or PS3. It is the experience of the PS that we market. PS3 is for the next generation. People who are first timers in the gaming market want to pick up PS2 and experience that, before upgrading to PS3," he said.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/X-Box360/the-xbox-360-glory-days-are-over/ http://www.ps3news.com/X-Box360/the-xbox-360-glory-days-are-over/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:07:58 CDT Starlight X-Box 360 http://www.ps3news.com/X-Box360/the-xbox-360-glory-days-are-over/
Microsoft has a lot to worry about these days. It’s frustrated by it’s inability to crack Google, or buy anybody else who might; people are hating Vista, and the life of Windows XP keeps getting extended; it’s actually having to compete with Linux on the desktop, and now on the mobile as well; and it’s console, once the market leader, seems to be slowly fading away.

Its latest announcement is clearly designed to stave off the latter. It may be too little too late, but Microsoft just announced a new round of price cuts for the Xbox 360, making the cheapest version of the console, the hard disk-less Arcade, $50 cheaper than the Wii.

It’s now just $349, half the price of the PlayStation 3, and some retailers are selling it for considerably less than that. The 20GB version of the Xbox 360 has also been cut, from $579 to $499 and the 120GB Elite has dropped from $729 to $649. I don’t think it will be enough to save the Xbox 360.

It’s funny how this generation of game consoles panned out. Most analysts had figured that the PlayStation 3 would sell the most, followed by the Xbox 360, with the Nintendo Wii trailing up the rear. Turns out the opposite of that happened.

The Wii continues to dominate sales, the Xbox 360 has killed the PS3 in terms of market share (so far) and the PS3 proved too expensive for most buyers, especially before Blu-ray had officially won the format war. Of course, now that Blu-ray has won, and the PS3 remains the best and most affordable Blu-ray player on the market, sales of the PS3 are really starting to take off.

Now the Xbox 360 has a strong established user base and a very high attach rate compared to the other consoles (the attach rate is the number of games sold per console), but it’s struggling to maintain momentum, especially after it expended its big gun: Halo 3. It has Fable 2 coming out later this year, which should give it a boost, but apart from that the console has very little steam left.

I imagine that the Microsoft brain’s trust is already thinking about upping the announcement date of the next version of the Xbox 360.

They’re also probably thinking that their relentless focus on one-upping Sony with meaningless processor performance numbers was a mistake. Nintendo got in under that radar because it made gaming fun, and you can bet dollars to donuts that the next Xbox version will have a motion sensing controller and a host of family-friendly games, not just first person shooters.

Microsoft might also think about making more of Xbox Live, which has tremendous potential, but has been sadly left to lie fallow, especially in Australia and other non-US territories. In short, it's going to have to kick ass to make an impact on the next generation, and saying that the console has more power than a supercomputer just isn't going to cut it.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/official-cxmb-v3-2-for-4-01-m33-psp-custom-firmware-out/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/official-cxmb-v3-2-for-4-01-m33-psp-custom-firmware-out/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:04:53 CDT PS3News PlayStation Portable http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/official-cxmb-v3-2-for-4-01-m33-psp-custom-firmware-out/
The author notes that users who built themes for the unofficial build will either need to re-package their CTF file or hex edit it at the offset 0×10, replacing DEAD0400 with DEAD0401.

Included in the archive below is both the "full" and "lite" edition of CXMB. If you are simply using CTF format themes created by others, it is recommended to install the latter.

Download: Official CXMB v3.2 for 4.01 M33 PSP Custom Firmware

Changelog:

1. Add 4.01 capability.
2. Select the random.ctf, then cxmb will randomly apply your themes in /PSP/THEME/
3. Compile universal binary, cxmb.prx should work on 3.71/3.80/3.90/4.01
4. Fix some wrong io opration (I wrote some sceIoClose where there should be sceIoDclose)
5. Clean up sources (yea... I think I did it..)]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/ps3-2-40-update-removed/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/ps3-2-40-update-removed/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:37:06 CDT CJPC PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/ps3-2-40-update-removed/ online help desk in response to the 2.4 issues:

"The PLAYSTATION 3 system software version 2.40 has been temporarily taken offline and will not be available for download as our engineers examine any possible issues with this update. The Knowledge Center will be updated with information as it becomes available; please check back here for further details."

After countless reports of problems across the Internet (here, here, and here) caused by the long-awaited PS3 2.40 Software Update, Sony has gone ahead and pulled the update.

Many users have been a bit befuddled, after being able to access PSN with only 2.36, however on a check of the latest available firmware, it is indeed listed as 2.36.

We can only assume that there is a major bug in the newest release. One would assume it would be detected and patched before it was rolled out en-masse, however it appears that it was not.

The big question, aside from 'When is 2.40 coming back out?' is that will Sony repair consoles that this update broke without cost, or will they still insist on charging their repair fee?

According to our member boonflop, Sony insisted on charging him, once his PS3 bricked after updating to 2.40. Hopefully Sony they will change their tune after this debacle, and fix these consoles for free.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/ps3-firmware-2-40-released-in-game-xmb-trophies-more/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/ps3-firmware-2-40-released-in-game-xmb-trophies-more/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:36:59 CDT PS3News PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/ps3-firmware-2-40-released-in-game-xmb-trophies-more/
A few weeks back, we posted a video of PS3 Firmware 2.40 Debug in action on a TEST PS3 unit, and more recently Sony confirmed the PS3 Firmware 2.40 Update's Features (including detailing which titles currently offer Trophy support), along with an Official PS3 Firmware v2.40 FAQ.

Download: PS3 Firmware Update 2.40 (US) / PS3 Firmware Update 2.40 (EU)

Without further ado, grab PS3 Firmware Update 2.40 above and feel free to share your feedback with us!]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/trophies-super-stardust-hd-for-ps3/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/trophies-super-stardust-hd-for-ps3/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:36:44 CDT triple7 PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/trophies-super-stardust-hd-for-ps3/
Bronze Trophies

* Hero of Lave - Complete planet Lave
* Hero of Coventina - Complete planet Coventina
* Hero of Nemain - Complete planet Nemain
* Hero of Taranis - Complete planet Taranis
* Hero of Segomo - Complete planet Segomo
* The Tokenizer - Collect 5 tokens with a single boost in Arcade
* Scrooge MacBoom - Get 10 bombs in Arcade
* Extra Ships Optional - Survive 7 minutes without dying in Endless*
* Close Encounters - Survive 45 seconds without shooting or using bombs in Survival*

Silver Trophies

* Token Hoarder - Collect 15 tokens with a single boost in Arcade
* Well Prepared - Get 20 bombs in Arcade
* Shield Blaster - Collect 5 shield tokens while already having a shield
* Scenic Route - Complete a planet without using boost
* Late Boomer - Get 15 bombs in Bomber*
* Shock and Awe - Destroy 10 nukes in Endless*

Gold Trophies

* Multiplier Hero - Get 10x multiplier
* Split screen Co-op - Get 3 minutes of continuous Co-Op weapon boost on Segomo*

* These trophies require the purchase of additional expansion content.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/experimental-pspstates-plug-in-for-psp-slim-units-released/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/experimental-pspstates-plug-in-for-psp-slim-units-released/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:36:30 CDT PS3News PlayStation Portable http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/experimental-pspstates-plug-in-for-psp-slim-units-released/
It is advised to disable any other plug-ins while using PSPStates, as well as backup all data on your memory stick in case of data loss. Additionally, the plug-in is written specifically for 4.01 M33. Savestates created likely will not be interoperable with future Custom Firmware releases.

As a final note, it is highly stressed that you do not use the plug-in with a UMD inserted. Use of the ISO driver March33, which can be selected in the XMB by pressing Select, is recommended.

Download: Experimental PSPStates Plug-In for PSP Slim

Make sure to read the included readme file for detailed installation instructions.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/warhawk-v1-5-patch-56-trophies/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/warhawk-v1-5-patch-56-trophies/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:22:41 CDT triple7 PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/warhawk-v1-5-patch-56-trophies/
Furthermore, Dylan Jobe has revealed the Trophies that will be on tap for Warhawk over at the official PlayStation Forums. In the future v1.5 patch, Jobe says there will be a grand total of 56 new Trophies to capture, and they'll be separated into the following categories:

"There are 10 trophies based on the Warhawk's current stats/rank/awards system. Like getting all your Bronze badges, attaining a specific rank, or earning a number of medals.

There are 34 trophies that are entirely *new* rewards based on Warhawks core game and not based on our current stats, ranks or other awards. There are then 4 trophies per booster pack that are, of course, completely new awards."

He goes on to say that the v1.4 patch, which hasn't been released yet, is "very very very close to being released" and they actually went out of their way to create the v1.5 patch "in parallel, but staggered" with the v1.4 update. Of course, the logical question now is, when is v1.5 coming with all those cool Trophies? Well, Jobe says it won't be too far behind v1.4, so you probably won't have to wait for very long. However, this is one game where many players would hope the Trophies could be retroactive...can you imagine how many hours avid gamers have already logged?]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/psp-filer-5-2-released-features-4-01-m33-compatibility/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/psp-filer-5-2-released-features-4-01-m33-compatibility/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:22:17 CDT PS3News PlayStation Portable http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/psp-filer-5-2-released-features-4-01-m33-compatibility/
In addition to a couple bug fixes and tweaks, version 5.2 adds 4.01 M33 compatibility, allowing users to sort and re-order applications located in the GAME4XX folder.

Download: PSP Filer 5.2 [Right-click, Save As]

Changelog:

filer:
* added "GAME4XX" folder to re-order game icons. (added "GAMEnaa" folder : n=0-9, a=0-9/a-z/A-Z)
picture viewer:
* changed circle button’s function to toggle "make a picture to fit screen width" and "to fit screen height".
binary editor:
* fixed a bug that a help screen was vanished when Filer finishes to read a large file.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/activision-still-calls-console-hardware-prices-prohibitive/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/activision-still-calls-console-hardware-prices-prohibitive/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:11:49 CDT triple7 PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/activision-still-calls-console-hardware-prices-prohibitive/
Recently, we've seen plenty of evidence to indicate that consumers are having less difficulty with the price of consoles (especially the PS3), but Activision still thinks it's all too expensive.

According to a Times Online interview with Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, one of the world's leading game publishers holds firm to the belief that console price cuts are essential, especially in this economy. He did admit to seeing a "real demographic expansion with the industry's customer base," but at the same time, the cost for running out and picking up a game console is still "prohibitive."

Kotick does add, however, that the game industry tends to do very well in slower economies for the simple fact that more people tend to stay home (it just gets too expensive to go out). This much, the NPD has all but proven in recent months, and games like Grand Theft Auto IV and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots have helped to spur hardware sales.

But you'll still find plenty of gamers who are still holding off on buying a new system just because of the relatively high cost. In terms of inflation, if you remember the PS2 costing $300 at launch, $400 and even $500 isn't crazy high, but hey... gas wasn't $4.50/gallon then, either.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-ps3-firmware-v2-40-video-available-on-youtube/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-ps3-firmware-v2-40-video-available-on-youtube/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:58:22 CDT PS3News PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-ps3-firmware-v2-40-video-available-on-youtube/
The video comes from xM4GN3Tx there, and attempts to guide people through the upcoming PS3 Firmware 2.40 update.

Those interested can check it out below, while the rest of us await the official 2.40 release from Sony.

Enjoy!

UgINVMVc-fU]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/rumors-extra-updates-in-ps3-firmware-2-40/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/rumors-extra-updates-in-ps3-firmware-2-40/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:58:14 CDT Starlight PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/rumors-extra-updates-in-ps3-firmware-2-40/ Watch Impress article, detailing a number of new features coming to 2.40 not yet mentioned by SCEA, as far as we know:

1. The way to quit games has also been modified in line with these changes, and a game can be exited by pressing the PS button during a game and selecting "Game" then "Quit Game" from the XMB.

2. On the XMB in general, added functions include a clock displayed on the XMB, a function to delete all entered text in the entry field when using text entry with a keyboard, and a function which displays an icon to indicate when operation of the PS button is disabled.

3. In "Users" under the XMB, an item has been added to power off the PS3 console. Under "Settings", options have been added to automatically power off after a system software update, and "assign controller", "controller vibration function" settings have been added under "accessory settings".

4. Under "Photos", as well as photos within a playlist becoming printable, when photos are sorted by month or year taken, an ascending and descending order option has been added.

5. Under "Music", a mini control panel can now be displayed while playing music, as well as "MP3 Surround" being added as a playable file type.

6. Under "Video", "Frame Noise Reduction" and "Block Noise Reduction" can now be configured for vidoes stored on the HDD or storage media, and upconverting output is also supported. Additionally, Blu-ray Disc upconverting, DVD Video DTS-ES and DTS 96/24 and Blu-ray Disc DTS-ES Matrix playback is supported.

7. Under "Internet Browser", "Search" has been added to the menu. Under the friends list, the number of friends that can be registered has been increased from 50 to 100, and the information screens of friends redesigned.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/wii-homebrew-browser-v0-1-1-out-should-make-life-easier/ http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/wii-homebrew-browser-v0-1-1-out-should-make-life-easier/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:58:04 CDT IanJ Nintendo Wii http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/wii-homebrew-browser-v0-1-1-out-should-make-life-easier/
Download: Wii Homebrew Browser v0.1.1

No more dead links, no more extracting files, no more finding out if there is an icon.png and meta.xml in the homebrew application/game!

Note: Not all applications/games are included yet. They will be added over time.

Here is a rather dodgy YouTube video of it in action. Now all we need is an app to install the homebrew browser app....

GomiMbDH63o]]> http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/crash-bandicoot-coming-to-an-iphone/ http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/crash-bandicoot-coming-to-an-iphone/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:46:19 CDT IanJ General/Off Topic http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/crash-bandicoot-coming-to-an-iphone/
Polarbit are releasing Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D for the iPhone.

Ok so it's no Mario Kart or GT5, but it show the way things are heading for the apple of Apples eye.

Check out the video below, or click the link up top for more screen shots.

y4ZoEfBxQPk]]> http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/rock-band-guitars-incompatible-with-guitar-hero-aerosmith/ http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/rock-band-guitars-incompatible-with-guitar-hero-aerosmith/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:55:07 CDT Starlight General/Off Topic http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/rock-band-guitars-incompatible-with-guitar-hero-aerosmith/
Activision cited concerns about intellectual property, and generally infuriated a lot of people by pulling a bait-and-switch on Rock Band, leaving more than a few gamers out in the cold.

So time has passed, and time heals all wounds right? It was with a hopeful heart that some people bought a copy of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, and tried firing it up with a Rock Band guitar, only to be greeted with a screen telling them, "An unsupported guitar peripheral has been detected."

Sigh. I guess this means that nothing has changed, and anyone who is solely rocking out on a Guitar Hero or Rock Band set of instruments better be prepared to buy a whole new bundle when Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour launch later this year. I’d better start looking for space to clear in my apartment.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/castlevania-judgment-officially-announced-for-nintendo-wii/ http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/castlevania-judgment-officially-announced-for-nintendo-wii/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:53:28 CDT Starlight Nintendo Wii http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/castlevania-judgment-officially-announced-for-nintendo-wii/
"We wanted to take this addition to the signature Konami franchise in a direction that really sets it apart from the previous Castlevania titles in the series," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami. "The Wii Remote and Nunchuk capabilities, along with the iconic characters, make this game the ideal entry point into the fighting game genre. This combination is certain to thrill old and new fans of the franchise. "

With 3D environments rendered on Wii, players can choose sides in an epic battle of good versus evil using iconic Castlevania characters designed by famed manga artist Takeshi Obata. Using the motion-sensing controls of the Nunchuk and Wii Remote, players can slash, stab and whip their way across a variety of stages and environmental elements with various surrounding objects as weapons.

Select characters can also set traps and make use of monsters on the field to achieve victory in a clash of epic proportions. As an added bonus, players are also able to compete head-to-head using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and connect with Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia on the Nintendo DS to unlock bonus gameplay content.

Castlevania Judgment will be released in North America Fall 2008 on Wii.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/showdown-psn-versus-xbox-live/ http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/showdown-psn-versus-xbox-live/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:51:19 CDT Starlight General/Off Topic http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/showdown-psn-versus-xbox-live/
True, 360 owners have had the privilege of using these exact features for the past two and a half years, but with an ever expanding market for Blu-Ray, a wealth of excellent titles for ’08 and Playstation Home on the way, Sony’s now burgeoning online service can now compete directly with Microsoft’s.

Storefront: PSN
Both PSN and Xbox Live allow you to download arcade games, download demos, additional content for games, trailers and wallpapers for your menu. Both offer roughly the same amount of demos each Wednesday and Thursday, but the library of downloadable games is strikingly different. While both services have experienced great success in allowing new developers to flex their creative muscle, the arcade game offering of Xbox Live slightly trumps that of the PSN.

Not to be outdone, Sony has managed to tap their Playstation One library while also allowing for larger games such as Warhawk and Gran Turismo 5: Prologue to be downloaded directly from their network. With games such as SOCOM: Confrontation and WipeOut HD looming near, Sony’s downloadable lineup is looking strong.

It’s also worth noting that each service provides a wealth of wallpapers, themes and gamerpics, but you’ll have to shell out a few bucks for them on XBL - not so on the Playstation Network. In keeping with Sony’s community mentality, gamers are free to create, share and download their own custom themes for the XMB. Both stores are remarkably easy to access and navigate, and though the Live interface is for the most part aesthetically pleasing, advertisements might prove an eyesore for some. Finally, Xbox Live allows users to download Movies and TV shows, a feature to be released for the PS3 later this summer.

Speed & Downtime: Xbox Live
While download speeds have improved significantly since the launch of the Playstation 3, they have not yet reached the excellent speeds of Xbox Live. On average, a single demo download will take at most a few minutes while PSN downloads upwards of twenty minutes to a half hour depending on size. Both systems allow for background downloading, slightly easing the pain of waiting for a game/demo/trailer. Still, until Sony can further improve the download speeds from the Playstation Store, we give the nod to Xbox Live.

Firmware Updates: PSN
This is undoubtedly one of the true shining spots for Sony’s PS3; their dedication to improving the system’s hardware since its inception has been nothing short of stellar. While the updates have come quite frequently, the amount of features added to the console greatly outweighs the firmware’s download times.

The list includes, but is not limited to, upscaling PSOne and PS2 games and DVD’s, remote play, background downloading, a new storefront, Folding@home, wallpapers, video chat, and now in-game XMB and trophies - An extremely impressive amount of features to be implemented in only a year and a half. While Sony provides these updates only a rolling basis, Microsoft issues a few large updates per year.
EDGE: PSN

Achievements vs. Trophies: TIE
Sony has taken achievement whoring to a whole new level with the recent addition of the trophy system, which allows gamers to track their accomplishments within the Playstation 3’s XMB. Not only will you be able to earn varying levels of 2-D trophies (3-D trophies will be implemented in Home), but the leveling system adds an RPG feel to the system, something welcome to a great majority of the gaming community. All is not perfect yet, however, as gamers who have purchased and completed games in the past must complete them once more after firmware 2.4 is implemented.

Will Sony’s new addition push more gamers to buy multiplatform releases on the PS3? Well, those who have dedicated years to their Xbox Live gamerscore won’t exactly leap to the PS3, as the Xbox Live achievement system has long been, and still remains the leader in competitive gaming. However, in time, more and more gamers will purchase games for the PS3 for the sole purpose of earning trophies to increase their gamerscore, an incentive Sony has not been able to offer until now.

Overall: PSN
This will be the hot topic of debate amongst Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 gamers over the coming months and years. With Sony offering all the same features of the Microsoft’s Xbox Live, why should gamers be required to pay $50 per year? It might not seem like a whole lot initially; however, gamers looking to game online for five to six years will end up paying $250 to $300 dollars, the price of the 360 console itself. We love XBL, but with Sony’s recent additions to the PSN, we think it’s time Microsoft halved the cost of entry. Until then, Sony offering their service for free makes Microsoft look like Scrooge McDuck.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/sony-names-touch-screen-device-after-phil-harrison/ http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/sony-names-touch-screen-device-after-phil-harrison/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:42:40 CDT Starlight General/Off Topic http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/sony-names-touch-screen-device-after-phil-harrison/ EETimes site is named Phil Harrison.

From our past news, according to the US Patent Office a patent referenced to 20080150911 refers to a "A hand-held electronic device..."

The inventor is stated as Phil Harrison... can't be the same Phil as the one who has recently departed Sony for Infogrames/Atari? Can it?

"The device may comprise a case case having one or more major surfaces; a touch screen disposed on one of the major surfaces, the touch screen; a processor operably coupled to the touch screen; and one or more tactile pixels disposed proximate the touch screen."

Section of the USPO's page mentions, "22. The method of claim 19 wherein the user input to the touch screen corresponds to user input to a video game."

Section 23 refers to, "23. The method of claim 22 wherein the predetermined state reflects a change in state of the video game or one or more particular game events.

Also included in the patent are references to 'gesture' and 'tilt' as well as "other devices in communication with the hand-held device."

So, a new PSP with a touch screen, eh? Why not turn it into a phone as well.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PC_Tech/bethsofts-ashley-cheng-disappointed-in-diablo-3/ http://www.ps3news.com/PC_Tech/bethsofts-ashley-cheng-disappointed-in-diablo-3/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:37:36 CDT Starlight PC/Tech http://www.ps3news.com/PC_Tech/bethsofts-ashley-cheng-disappointed-in-diablo-3/ blog in a post entitled "When the ship runs out of ocean."

These are his exact comments: "Diablo III announced. Nice. It looks pretty amazing, especially the gameplay video. Loved the destructible environments."

I must say I am disappointed that Blizzard has stayed on the conservative side in terms of design with their updates to Diablo and Starcraft. Diablo will be interesting since World of Warcraft has a lot of Diablo-like qualities. I have no doubt, however, that they will be incredibly fun, addictive and polished games. Blizzard is the top of the class when it comes to game development - nobody does it better.

In fact, World of Warcraft is currently banned from any computer I own due to its highly addictive qualities. Its easily one of my favorite RPGs.

I know they are working on another Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game. I hope its World of Starcraft."

It’s certainly a nice attempt to backpedal on his negative comments about the game by citing World of Warcraft’s addictive nature, but one can only surmise that his reference to the Diablo 3’s so-called "conservative" design is due to its lack of a first person perspective, as is often touted as a ‘feature’ of the upcoming Fallout 3; a ‘feature’ that nobody even asked for.

Bethesda calls Fallout’s design outdated, while converting Fallout 3 to the same basic design they’ve been using since Arena in 1994.

Update: Ashley has shared similar thoughts on his Twitter account posted last year, when Starcraft 2 was announced:

"starcraft 2 looks great, wish blizzard deviated more, try ground control/battlezone first person gameplay. more thoughts on blog later."

It certainly sounds like he wants Starcraft 2 to be played from a first person perspective. One must ask: Why reinvent the wheel?]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3HDD/soul-calibur-iv-on-ps3-requires-nearly-a-7gb-hdd-install/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3HDD/soul-calibur-iv-on-ps3-requires-nearly-a-7gb-hdd-install/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:24:12 CDT PS3News PS3 HDD http://www.ps3news.com/PS3HDD/soul-calibur-iv-on-ps3-requires-nearly-a-7gb-hdd-install/
According to specs from online retailer YesAsia, the PS3 version of Soul Calibur IV will require hard drive space of over 6700MB to install, and save data space of over 2048MB.

This is pretty much sure to annoy all PS3 owners, including 20GB SKU owners - but the big question is.. why does it need so much storage?

On the other hand, those with larger PS3 HDD's won't likely mind at all ;)]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-gameplay-trailer-available/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-gameplay-trailer-available/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:18:03 CDT PS3News PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/naruto-ultimate-ninja-storm-gameplay-trailer-available/
Titled "Naruto vs. Kakashi: Rasengan Gameplay" the video description reads:

With the aura of the Nine-tailed Fox exuding from him, the orange ninja executes his most powerful justsu at this stage of his training.

Check out the trailer below:

Enjoy guys!

35721]]> http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/latest-nintendo-wii-d2e-drive-unlocked-already/ http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/latest-nintendo-wii-d2e-drive-unlocked-already/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:11:45 CDT PS3News Nintendo Wii http://www.ps3news.com/NintendoWii/latest-nintendo-wii-d2e-drive-unlocked-already/
After dumping the firmware, they found the D2E firmware was created on 12th February 2008 while the Diagrams for Wasabi were released on 19th February - Wii and GC backups are also confirmed to be running.

To quote: Did you hear about the new D2E drive? We've only got a couple of reports of those drives seen in the wild so you don't need to worry about them yet, but they have been spotted at different places. They are the successors of D2C2 drives and the the curious may be wondering if this new drive is a reaction to Wasabi's 9-wire patching method.

There's one way to know for sure, that is dumping the firmware and look at the build date to see if it was created before or after Wasabi diagrams (below).

So D2E firmware was created on the 12th of February 2008. Wasabi diagrams were released on the 19th of February... Do we really need to say more? :)

Update: Wii and GC backups are now running :)]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/burnout-paradise-getting-retroactive-trophies-in-future-update/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/burnout-paradise-getting-retroactive-trophies-in-future-update/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:02:29 CDT PS3News PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/burnout-paradise-getting-retroactive-trophies-in-future-update/
Reassuringly, Phillips clarified that trophy support in Paradise will indeed be retroactive, due to the fact that saves for the title are locked specifically to a single PSN ID.

Any progress you’ve made in the game will be reflected in your trophy list as soon as the update goes live.

To quote: We’re about to hit the third FREE update on July 10th (Codenamed ‘Cagney’) The first update (1.1) was a bunch of quick fixes and improvements, the second (Codenamed ‘Bogart’) had more minor improvements and tweaks.

If you’re logged into PlayStation Network and you boot up Burnout Paradise, it will automatically download any updates that are out there. To test if you have them all today - just load up the game and go into an online game.

Codename: Cagney is an entirely new thing though - a free pack full of game changing content, that sets the precedent for future updates: new game modes, vehicles and a new Live Page that will show you details of upcoming calendar events and news from http://www.criteriongames.com.

Here’s what we can say about the details:

* Trophies will be retroactive, so, if you’ve achieved something today, the day the update arrives (not Cagney, we want to emphasise) that will be reflected in your Trophies.

* Your Burnout Paradise save game has always been locked to your PSN id - so there’s never been any chance of trading save games - your progress is your progress (we have a way of thinking ahead for this kind of stuff!)

* The Save Game Analyser works with a special export file that is exported when you do a manual save from the game, not your encrypted save game file - so there’s no chance that anyone could hack that

* That’s as much as we can reveal right now - if you know us and our site, we’ll let you know as soon as we are confident to do so

What progress you have made in your game now will reflect in your PlayStation Trophies when the update (not Cagney, though) comes along.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/fmsx-psp-v3-5-35-msx-emulator-update-released/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/fmsx-psp-v3-5-35-msx-emulator-update-released/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:56:32 CDT PS3News PlayStation Portable http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStationPortable/fmsx-psp-v3-5-35-msx-emulator-update-released/
In addition to several game-specific bug fixes, version 3.5.35 adds the ability to map any button to the emulator’s fast forward function. Additionally, for developers, custom mapper types can now be directly embedded in source code.

Download: fMSX PSP v3.5.35 for Custom Firmware

Changelog:

* Bugfix - many games, especially MegaROM games did not load correctly in the previous version (thanks Victor)
* Added Fast Forward button mapping - while disabled by default, you can map any button to fast-forward emulation in the Controls menu
* Custom mapper types can now be embedded in source code. This version includes built-in support for Zanac Ex and Mon Mon Monster. Contact me if you’d like to add additional mappings.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-resistance-2-trailer-is-out-for-ps3/ http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-resistance-2-trailer-is-out-for-ps3/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:30:44 CDT jabberosx PlayStation 3 http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/new-resistance-2-trailer-is-out-for-ps3/
To quote from the YouTube description, courtesy of ShanePlayPS3:

"Sony have released another trailer for the upcoming title Resistance 2."

Looks sweet, video below!

cPRjJDlyDoM]]> http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/sony-no-plans-for-ps2-downloadable-titles-on-ps3-1/ http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/sony-no-plans-for-ps2-downloadable-titles-on-ps3-1/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:43:36 CDT Starlight PS3 Online http://www.ps3news.com/PS3Online/sony-no-plans-for-ps2-downloadable-titles-on-ps3-1/
I'm not sure where the image came from," said Sony's Patrick Seybold, when questioned by GamePro on visible allegations that PS2 games would be coming to the PlayStation Store.

"At this point, we haven't made any announcements, and there are no plans for PS2 downloadable titles on PS3."

Earlier yesterday, an unverified user of the N4G Forums posted the shown photo, claiming to have received the image directly from Sony Europe by way of an insider contact.

According to the anonymous source, Sony will unveil PS2 game downloads while attending E3 next month, this in response to Microsoft's Xbox Originals which debuted on Xbox 360 last year. Despite Sony's denial, said expansion to include PS2 games will happen later this summer, the forum poster said.

The alleged screen shot showing PS2 game downloads for PS3 below.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/analysis-what-a-360-price-cut-means-for-wii-and-ps3/ http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/analysis-what-a-360-price-cut-means-for-wii-and-ps3/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:43:28 CDT Starlight General/Off Topic http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/analysis-what-a-360-price-cut-means-for-wii-and-ps3/
Now, five top industry analysts have told Next-Gen that they believe an Xbox 360 price drop is not only imminent, but likely required if Microsoft intends to fend off competition from rival PS3.

"We believe Sony will be forced to follow suit [with their own price cut], although we suspect they may wait a little bit," said Arvind Bhatia with Stern Agee. "A price cut sometime between July and September is possible [for PS3]."

A price cut would expectedly increase the PS3's installed base, and create an opportunity to sell more high-margin software to offset hardware losses. But still, a reactive PS3 price cut may go against the PlayStation businesses' recently restated "profitability first" mantra. For now, Sony will wait and see how an Xbox 360 price cut will affect PS3 sales and share, says Lazard Capital Markets' Colin Sebastian.

"In the event of decelerating PS3 unit sales trends, we believe Sony might rethink its strategy on PS3 pricing, but for now, the hope is that a stronger software lineup as opposed to price concessions will drive hardware adoption," he said.

Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter said that Sony will have to keep pace with a reduced-price Xbox 360 by either cutting the price, or by making "some strides in marketing."

"The gap of $100 may be a fair price to pay for [PS3's] built-in wireless Internet connectivity and Blu-ray, but [Sony's] done a terrible job of explaining that to consumers," he said.

Janco Partners' Mike Hickey said Xbox 360 price-cutting pressure would be a timely move, hitting Sony as the company concentrates on profitability.

He said, "We continue to believe the Xbox 360 has a distinguished value proposition from the PS3, but Microsoft could use price as a competitive weapon, particularly after Sony reiterates focus on profitability."

Of course, Sony's profitability isn't the only dollars-and-cents issue here. Microsoft's traditionally bleeding console business has only now begun to maintain quarter-after-quarter profits, and with a hardware price drop, the company would slash any hardware margin that it might be currently enjoying.

But Pachter believes that the 20GB Xbox 360 now costs Microsoft less than $300 to produce, and with strong sales of high-margin software (monthly software attach rates have surpassed seven units), the firm has some breathing room.

"...If Microsoft can convert more people to Xbox Live, they will more than overcome the 'lost' $50 profit on hardware. My guess is ... they can afford a $50 [hardware] cut," he said.

Jesse Divnich with Electronic Entertainment Design and Research (EEDAR) concurred that Microsoft has made "great strides" in cost-reducing the Xbox 360 hardware, so if the firm can afford to bring down the price, it should.

"Bottom line, if Microsoft wants a stronger position to generate long-term revenue, they need to get their system in as many homes as possible," he said.]]> http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/jerry-yang-is-out-of-choices-and-he-wants-microsoft-1/ http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/jerry-yang-is-out-of-choices-and-he-wants-microsoft-1/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:43:28 CDT Starlight General/Off Topic http://www.ps3news.com/General_OffTopic/jerry-yang-is-out-of-choices-and-he-wants-microsoft-1/
We all anxiously waited for what could be. But after a lengthy deliberation, political jockeying, and pleas for help, Microsoft walked away after Jerry Yang did everything he could to kill the deal.

But the story didn't quite end there. Since then, Microsoft and Yahoo have gone back to the table twice. First, Microsoft entertained the possibility of acquiring Yahoo's search for $1 billion and a buyback of Yahoo stock for $8 billion. After that deal fell through, we once again thought it was over. But now, they're back to talking about a full buyout and Jerry Yang, not Ballmer, is starting to look like the CEO who really wants to get the deal done.

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Ballmer was hopeful that Microsoft could make some ground in the online business and said that his company has only one place to go: up. "We're small; the other guys are big," he said. "There's a market out there. We have only one way to go, and it's up, baby, up, up, up, up, up!"

Hysterics aside, Ballmer still has a plan in mind. Aside from the fact that his company is woefully behind both Google and Yahoo, it has little presence in what he believes are the two most important sectors: advertising and search.

"At the end of the day, this is about the ad platform," he said. "This is not about just any one of the applications. The most important application for the foreseeable future is search... I don't think we can say, OK, well, we're going to be in the ad platform business, and we're going to do it just on the strength of non-search based assets. We have to be in the ad business, and we've got to have a good chunk. We don't have to dominate, but we'd better have a darn good chunk of the search market over time, and we're working away at it."

Yahoo: Lost amid all of Ballmer's statements was the company he seemingly wanted all along: Yahoo. Some believe that this was Ballmer's plan from the beginning. By ignoring the company and not saying anything about its rumored negotiations with Yahoo, Microsoft may be trying to keep Yahoo's share price down and walk away with a bargain-perhaps an even greater bargain than it was already offered.

Sources close to the deal told TechCrunch that Yahoo "offered to sell to Microsoft for the low $30s per share, and below Microsoft's original offer immediately before they signed the Google search deal." And although that smacks of desperation, there's even more trouble afoot for Yang and company. Not only has he presided over the loss of a slew of executives, but he was even forced to send a letter to shareholders on Thursday urging them to turn their backs on Carl Icahn and trust that the deal with Google is best for the company.

"You can choose to vote for a slate of nominees with no articulated plan for the future of Yahoo!-and who now have essentially no alternative agenda to offer you-or you can choose to vote for your existing board of directors which has the independence, experience, knowledge and commitment to navigate the Company through the rapidly-changing Internet environment, execute on our strategic objectives and deliver value for Yahoo! and its stockholders," Jerry Yang and Roy Borstock wrote to investors.

But what exactly is their plan? Certainly it's not to preside over a plummeting stock price or see Carl Icahn take over? If not, what are some of those "strategic objectives" the two leaders of Yahoo are referencing?

Ostensibly one of those objectives was the reorganization the company announced on Thursday. According to its plans, "Yahoo will centralize consumer product development, create a 'US region' to focus on bringing products to market, advertisers, and publishers," and enhance its technology infrastructure and cost effectiveness thanks to a new Cloud Computing division.

So how does the plan address the major issues Yahoo is currently facing? Shareholders are calling on Jerry Yang to either sell the company to the highest bidder or move aside, the stock price continues to fall, and as more executives jump ship, more people are getting the sense that something quite awful is going on behind the scenes.

Microsoft: All the while, Microsoft is sitting back and watching events unfold. With zero debt on its books and quarterly profit of more than $4 billion to boot, it's in the best position to save Yang from himself and finally satisfy Yahoo's long-suffering shareholders. Whether or not it will is another story.

But at this point, Yang has little choice but to go to Microsoft with his hat in hand and ask for a buyout. In one fell swoop, a Yahoo acquisition would put all of Yahoo's issues to bed. Shareholders would reap the benefits of a premium on the current stock price, Jerry Yang would finally be able to escape, Carl Icahn would be a forgotten entity, and Yahoo's reorganization, executive unrest, and share price issues wouldn't matter.

But if Jerry Yang decides that he wants to stick it out, the August 1 shareholder meeting could be his worst yet. At that time, Icahn will probably have the shareholder support he needs to win his proxy fight. Chances are, Icahn's arguments will be well received. As the CEO, shouldn't Yang be more worried about maximizing shareholder value than his own megalomania and dedicate his time to ensuring that his bosses are getting what they expect out of their investment?

The Microsoft-Yahoo soap opera started with Ballmer wanting Yahoo to ensure that his company plays a major role in the online world going forward. Since then, Ballmer's desire for Yahoo has dwindled and Yang, the once-obstinate CEO, is left wanting Microsoft and hoping that Microsoft will want him back.]]>