Here’s Hoping That the Sony PlayStation 3 Rumors Come True
By Alexander Grundner |
February 3rd, 2006 - Viewed
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I don’t know about you, but I always find it exciting anticipating the release of a gadget that’s expected to be a big hit. Case in point: Sony’s PlayStation 3 Game Console. Last May we got a glimpse of the technology powering the PS3 but now HD Beat has compiled the rumors of add-on services that, if true, will transcend the PS3 from being a game console into a far reaching, multi-purpose home entertainment device.
- DVR
- Online service that will surpass Xbox Live
- An iTunes Music store-style service for downloading high definition movies, music, and more
- Better media center functionality than the 360
- Stream DVR’d content or disc-based movies to your PSP over the Internet via LocationFree
February 3rd, 2006 at 10:31 am
Sony’s the master of over-hype. They did it with the PS2 (emotion engine, anyone?) and I fear they’re doing it here. This is just opinion, but here’s my take on each point:
DVR - possible, but Sony’s taste for this might have soured after the terrible reception received by the PSX.
Xbox Live “Killer” service - I just don’t see this one happening on the first run. It took MS several years to get Live to where it’s at now (which is darn near perfect). I don’t Sony - whose traditional stance has been to let developers handle online - making a killer service in just one year. That’s way too much infrastructure that has to be assembled.
iTunes Type store - Maybe, but only with movies they own and only with super-strict DRM in place. Plus, when they’re trying to push Blu-Ray as the next movie format standard, it would be somewhat self-damaging to provide an online alternative to the new format they want to succeed.
Media Center Functionality - Uh, has anyone seen Sony’s recent Media Center PC’s? They were high on design, low on execution. And that was using Media Center 2005! I’ve seen nothing in Sony’s product lines to suggest that they can pull this off, especially when the 360’s integration with Media Center was done so well.
Stream Content to PSP - I’d hope so! This is something they should already have the infrastructure ready for. I’d think this would be a slam dunk.
Inevitably, someone will read this and think I’m anti-Sony and the truth is - I’m not. However, Sony has been mum about the PS3 and what should have been a showcase - CES - ended up being a no-show for them. With rumors swirling that they may not launch on time, and little to no information coming out of Sony, I’m afraid that these are nothing more than a wish-list.