tech e blog

Taiwan IT wire DigiTimes reports that "the next-generation console - which the paper referred to as the 'PS4' or 'PlayStation 4' - would ship in 2012." It will purportedly be manufactured by Foxconn and Pegatron technology and feature body-movement controls. Click here to see more PS4 concepts.

In April, Sony said the PS3 has sold 50 million units. To date, the company has focused on revamping its mobile games console, now known as the PlayStation Vita.

Before Sony released their PlayStation console to the public in 1994, the "development kits -- sent to studios to ensure games would be ready for the console's launch --" shipped with the prototype controller you see above. Click here for more pictures.

[via Kotaku]

Priced from $2294, the Sony VAIO Z weighs in at just 2.6-pounds. It can be configured with "a 2.7GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM, 1600x900 screen and sheet battery borrowed from the earlier VAIO S for up to 7 hours of computing." Video after the break. Click here for more pictures.

Onboard it features only Intel's HD Graphics 3000 solution but the VAIO Z beats other ultralights with its Power Media Dock, which contributes the power of an AMD Radeon 6650M GPU with 1GB of dedicated memory connected via "the architecture codenamed Light Peak" -- Sony can't call it Thunderbolt -- when more polygons have to be pushed.

According to IGN, "the Vita is easily the most technologically advanced handheld to date, with dual quad-core processors, an OLED touchscreen display, front and rear facing cameras, optional 3G connectivity, a rear touch panel, and a built-in accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a digital compass." Click here for the first picture in gallery. Continue reading for gameplay videos.

But the Vita is large for a good reason -- it's packing a gorgeous 5-inch OLED display. Though the technology has been slow to make its way into consumer grade HDTVs due to the high cost associated, its perfect for PlayStation Vita.

According to Sony, during "the SCEA Press Conference, our Co-Presidents, Evan and Christophe, took the stage and with just a short intro, launched into the first live demo of Uncharted 3 ever shown publicly." Click here for the first picture in gallery. Continue reading for the gameplay footage.

Speaking of multiplayer, at the SCEA Press Conference, Christophe announced that PlayStation and SUBWAY struck a partnership that will allow Uncharted fans throughout the United States early access to the COMPLETE Uncharted 3 competitive multiplayer experience.

Previously known as NGP, the console is now officially named PS Vita. Available in Wi-Fi ($249) or 3G ($299) models, it features " both front and rear touchpads, a high-res OLED Screen, SIXAXIS motion sensor technology, dual analog sticks, and both front and rear cameras." Click here for the first picture in gallery. Continue reading for a video preview.

There are more than 80 titles in development, with titles mentioned during the presentation including Street Fighter X Tekken, Wipeout, and ModNation Racers, among others.

Despite all of the negativity surrounding Sony's recent breach(es), their one bright spot might be the NGP. Today, "the official PlayStation.Blog spat out some footage of the quad-core NGP in action, and it's not just playing last-gen games; rather, there's yet another glimpse at Uncharted." Click here for the first picture in gallery -- games are Uncharted, Super Stardust Delta, and Hustle Kings in that order. Continue reading to watch.

There's definitely a lot of dual-analog action here, but demonstrators are also taking advantage of that five-inch touchscreen, and Wipeout will apparently use the front-facing camera to beam taunt-filled pictures and video of the victor to the losers in each race.

Well, after many weeks of announcements, a new update is finally available. According to the official blog, update v3.61 is available now and "requires all PSN users to change their password once PlayStation Network is restored." As an added layer of security, Sony is only allowing users to change passwords on their on PS3s, or one in which their PSN account was activated. The company "strongly recommend that all PSN account holders with PS3s update their systems to prepare for when PlayStation Network is back online."

Yesterday, we brought you the news that PSN was returning later this week, and today, Sony announced another batch of freebies for new / current subscribers. In addition to identity theft protection, you'll get "free downloads, 30 days of free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium subscription service; 30 days of free service for Music Unlimited subscribers; and extending PlayStation Plus and Music Unlimited subscriptions for the number of days services were unavailable." Here's what Sony plans to do to prevent future attacks:

We are taking a number of steps to prevent future breaches, including enhanced levels of data protection and encryption; enhanced ability to detect software intrusions, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns; additional firewalls; establishment of a new data center in an undisclosed location with increased security; and the naming of a new Chief Information Security Officer.

Sony announced that when their PSN service goes back up this week, users will recieve "30 days free membership to PlayStation Plus for new and current PS Plus subscribers and 30 days free service to Qriocity subscribers." It is speculated that PSN will go live first in Japan. Continue reading for a news report.

The restoration of the network will be implemented in phases between regions, so it won't all be back up at once and it was specified which regions will be getting the service back first.

[via Destructoid}

Continue Reading