164w ago - This weekend Engadget (linked above) reported that unlike going 3D this summer, Sony's PS3 entertainment system won't be able to read the upcoming 128GB BDXL Spec Blu-ray discs with just a PlayStation 3 Firmware update... a new player will likely be required.

To quote: "The Blu-ray Disc Association's rolling out a new BDXL format capable of holding up to 128GB (write-once) or 100GB (rewriteable).

Before you get too excited, you should know that you'll need a new player to access these - even a firmware update won't save the PS3 this time - since they go up to three or four layers deep and will likely need a more powerful laser."

Press Release: Blu-ray Disc Association Announces Additional Format Enhancements

LOS ANGELES (Business Wire) Apr 03, 2010 The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced two new media specifications that use Blu-ray Disc technology to provide targeted functionality for commercial and consumer applications. The specifications for BDXL™ (High Capacity Recordable and Rewritable discs) and IH-BD (Intra-Hybrid discs) are expected in the next few months.

The BDXL specification, which is targeted primarily at commercial segments such as...

179w ago - Considering all of the press Sony has already got for PS3 3D gaming, it's no surprise that the PlayStation 3 meets Blu-ray 3D compatibility specifications as announced by the BDA (Blu-Ray Disc Association) today.

Press Release from Blu-ray.com (linked above): The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced the finalization and release of the "Blu-ray 3D" specification.

It leverages the technical advantages of the BD format to deliver "unmatched picture quality" as well as uniformity and compatibility across the full range of Blu-ray 3D products, both hardware and software. The specification is also designed to allow the PS3 to play back Blu-ray 3D content in 3-D.

Notably, the specification allows every player and movie supporting it to deliver full HD 1080p resolution to each eye. Moreover, the specification is display agnostic, meaning that Blu-ray 3D products will deliver the 3-D image to any compatible 3-D display, regardless of whether that display uses LCD, plasma or other technology and regardless of what 3-D technology the display uses to deliver the image to the viewer's eyes.

Regarding compatibility, the specification supports playback of 2-D discs in forthcoming...

179w ago - Last week Sony posted a preliminary list of PSP Minis that were compatible with PS3 Firmware 3.15, and today SCEE PSP European Product Manager Adam Grant has revealed the complete PSP Minis to PS3 compatibility list.

To quote: Today is the day that minis arrive on PS3! Since 1st October the minis range has been ever expanding and includes everything from addictive puzzle games, super sports games, retro arcade titles and many more.

These bite-size games are the ideal companion for your PSP and now, PS3 owners can enjoy these bite-sized downloadable games in the comfort of their living room. One purchase will allow you to the download to both your PSP and PS3, giving you the option to play whenever and wherever you like. If you only have a PSP or PS3 you can still download these games and play them of the system of your choice!

New titles are added to the minis category every Store publish but the current list of minis titles available to play as of today on your PSP and now PS3 is:

• Alien Havoc
• Beam'Em Up
• Blast Off
• Bloons
• Brainpipe

185w ago - Sony has recently released a new multi-function Bluetooth laser mouse with it's new Vaio X, CW and L range of laptops.

The new VGP-BMS80 can:

• Dual function of PC remote control and multi-function laser mouse
• Remotely control PLAYSTATION 3 to enjoy web browsing (No game control available)
• Software keyboard to input words easily

The new device includes an OFS (Optical Finger Sensor), which allows you to control the PS3's XMB without the use of a controller.

205w ago - Nintendo is still insisting that as far as the original Wii is concerned, there is not a significant reason to make it HD compatible.

However, a new Wii may well support HD because HD is common across the world.

To quote: Nintendo president Satoru Iwata recently talked to VentureBeat about the HD upgrade of the Wii and revealed that:

"If we have an opportunity to make a new console, it will probably support HD because it is now common throughout the world. However, as far as the Wii is concerned, we have not found a significant reason to make it HD-compatible at this time."

The executive went on to say that: "What is the significant meaning to the users? I don't think we should do it unless we find that reason. If we decide for other reasons to make new hardware, then HD is one of the things we would naturally add. As for timing, it may be three years from now, five years from now or eight years from now."