Monthly Archives: April 2010

There is no doubting that Sony was late to the game with the PlayStation Network. Even though the PS2 did feature some online gaming, albeit very late in its lifecycle, it didn’t feature a robust, feature-filled platform like Xbox Live. The PlayStation Network launched along side the PS3 back in November of 2006 and has since grown into a thriving platform that is rivaling Xbox Live’s paid service. Despite Xbox Live’s 4 year head start, the PS3 has more users connected online that any other console.

According to new data released by US analyst The Diffusion Group, the PS3 is the most well connected console on the market. This is quite a surprise considering the Xbox 360’s lead in the US, and the fact Xbox Live has been around for 8 years. The research shows that 78% of PlayStation 3 owners are connected to the internet. The Xbox 360 comes in a close second at 73% and the Wii a distant third place with only 54% of users connected online.

Could this difference between the PS3 and Xbox 360 be attributed to the cost involved with getting your Xbox 360 online? Granted you can be connected to Xbox Live via a Silver Membership using the console’s Ethernet port. However the idea of having to pay an annual fee for the almost necessary Gold Membership is enough to steer some people from ever checking out 360’s online features. Another issue, again having to do with the Xbox 360’s admission to play online, is the fact you need to purchase some sort of wireless adapter to connect the console to your home’s wireless network. Something that isn’t an issue with the PS3 nor the Wii, both of which come with built in Wi-Fi out of the box.

The Nintendo Wii could be suffering from the fact its user base consists mostly of casual gamers. Causal gamers may not be as tech savvy as hardcore gamer and might have trouble setting up a wireless network. That, or many of the Wii owners just aren’t aware that the console can connect online. Then again, it could be because all of those Wii sports playing grannies at the senior center never even heard of the internet.

Sony Computer Entertainment will today launch VidZone TV offering in excess of 100 pre-programmed music channels for PS3 users.

Since its launch last summer, the free music service has supplied over 350 million music videos and gained around three million subscribers.

From 3pm today, VidZone TV will officially launch to enable users to access a portfolio of music channels, editorially selected to individual themes.

On the channels, users will be able to watch new and library music videos, along with artist interviews and behind-the-scenes programming.

The service is also aimed at anyone not keen on building their own playlist, with search categories available for specific artists or music genres, along with tracks grouped by year, label or generalist categories, such as ‘party tunes’ and ‘karaoke favourites’.

In a planned upgrade, VidZone will also get a new main menu carousel offering easier access to its TV channels, featured videos and music on-demand sections.

VidZone Digital Media founder and director of content Louisa Jackson described VidZone TV as a “definitive example of how IPTV should work”.

“With high production content delivered to the biggest screen in your house, VidZone offers new and unlimited linear music channels and choice with all the benefits of interactivity,” she said.

“From tested favourites to taking a chance on something new, VidZone now has everything from Chart TV, world exclusives, premieres of music videos to artist interviews, behind the scenes and music sessions, all of which is free to the consumer.”

VidZone European marketing manager Isabelle Tomatis added: “The launch of VidZone TV brings our fans even more ways to enjoy music TV with PS3. VidZone gives you all the options to put you in complete control of your music.

“And with Blu-ray movies, PlayStation Network Video delivery service, PlayTV, games and the internet, VidZone is just one more reason to make PS3 your centre for enjoyable home entertainment.”

PS3 users can access Vidzone by downloading an application from the PlayStation Store, with the service offering live and on-demand access to over 20,000 music videos from artists on major and independent labels.

Citing piracy concerns, Sony has tried to block users from installing an alternative Linux operating system on their PS3 consoles, but in the process they might have actually made things worse. Thousands of homebrew users were energized by Sony’s move, seeing it as an encroachment on their legitimate rights. One hacker by the name of GeoHot has stepped up to the plate and found a way to update to a custom firmware version 3.21 without losing the Linux feature. Users will void they warranty by doing so, but they will still be able to log on and play PSN games using a proxy hack.

While GeoHot’s workaround does restore the ability to install Linux on the PS3, it also exposes new vulnerabilities in the firmware that could eventually lead to illicit uses such as piracy.

In a worst case scenario, this could lead to a situation reminiscent of Sony’s problems with the PSP, a device that has reportedly suffered due to piracy. The very mention of ‘custom firmware’ on the PS3 is probably sending chills down the spine of Sony executives.

The hacker, whose real name is George Hotz, is unrepentant for his work, claiming that Sony has alienated the very community of hackers that embraced the PS3 because of the Linux feature.

“Note to the people who removed OtherOS, you are potentially turning 100000+ legit users into “hackers.” There was a huge(20x) traffic spike to this blog after the announcement of 3.21. If I had ads on this site I guess I’d be thanking you”. He wrote on his blog.

It’s really one step forward, two steps backward from Sony’s perspective. Hotz has said that he might even be able to enable the Other OS feature on newer PS3 slim models, which never had the option to begin with.