181w ago - We have explored most of the internals of the PS3 TOOL, with world-exclusive pictures, not too many people are willing let alone crazy enough to open one of these beasts!

Now we start getting to the more interesting aspects of the TOOL, and what makes it different from everything else.

The Communication Processor, or CP is a small, embedded computer, inside the PS3 TOOL. Essentially, it is a totally separate system, isolated from the PS3 side of the system.

For a little bit of history, the PS2 TOOL worked the same way, there was a small, embedded computer on a PCI card inside of the PS2 TOOL, it facilitated communication between the hardware (PS2) and a PC.

Of note, the PSP TOOL is somewhat similar, however the CP is embedded on the mainboard, vs on a card (like the PS2/PS3). The same principle applies to the PS3 TOOL, the CP handles all communication between the PS3 side of the PS3 TOOL, and a networked PC.

So, the CP makes the PS3 TOOL "special" as it allows the debugger to tap into hardware lines on the system itself, to get more debug output, among other things.

Starting from the top of the picture (below), the CP has a connector, labelled CN5001 - this connects to a RJ-45 jack, and a RS-232 jack on the TOOL...

262w ago - In-Game communication has become an important feature to console gamers. The expansion of online gameplay is a huge part of it. When the PS3 was first announced, many wondered if it would come with features such as in-game communication and custom soundtracks.

To the sadness of many, it did not. Why? Because Sony did something that the other console did not, leave it in the hands of the Developers. This will not be an article bashing developers or cursing Sony. It will simply explain my views on the subject.

Let me start off first by saying that I have no need for in-game communication or custom soundtracks. Why? Because I can simply mute my television to hear the music that I want or send a text message to someone that I really want to talk to. The majority of the individuals on my friend list are people that I have never spoken to or even played a game with.

Amazing? No, I seem to find that to be quite common with many gamers. I also enjoy the game music for the most part. Currently, I have a hard time thinking of a game that has music that I absolutely detest. This is just my opinion of course.

When it was leaked/announced months ago that in-game communication would be coming in update 2.4 this summer, Playstation fans went crazy. It not only gave them a feature that so many...

273w ago - According to Ray Maguire, the head of Sony Computer Entertainment's UK operation, a feature labeled as in-game communication is due out this summer for the PlayStation 3, along with Firmware Update 2.4.

To quote: Our momentum will continue with the introduction of in-game communication in the summer, Firmware Update 2.4 and the strongest line-up of games through our third party partners and our own studios. I'd personally like to thank our trade and business partners for helping us on the start of the PS3 journey.

No further details were provided. However, we presume that this means PS3 owners will soon be able to chat with people on their PSN friends list while playing a game. A feature many of us have been waiting for.