SCEA has made some big announcements concerning new features to hit both the PS3 and the PSP.
Here is the PS3 announcement:
Sony has announced PlayTV for the PlayStation 3, allowing users to watch, pause and record live TV, with the software set to launch in Europe early next year.
“The introduction of PlayTV really will extend the already broad entertainment credentials of PS3, and makes it an exceptionally attractive proposition for the whole family,” commented David Reeves, president of SCEE.
“With the introduction of PlayTV’s state of the art TV tuner and PVR functionality, PS3 is now the best choice of home entertainment hub for the whole family.”
Here is the PSP announcement:
The Go! Video Download Service will be offered to UK and Ireland consumers first, with Sky promising a range of sports, movie, entertainment and music programming, as well as third-party programming – marking the first time Sky has offered content through a non-Sky branded service.
Consumers will be able to access content via WiFi direct to their PSP.
PSP users with a headset and the Go! Cam will be able to make use of the Go! Messenger service developed in conjunction with BT, offering video calls, instant messaging, voice chat and voice messaging for the handheld.
Go! Messenger will also launch in Europe early next year, allowing over 8.5 million users across the SCEE regions to communicate for free with each other, via any wireless broadband connection.
The third feature detailed at today’s conference is Go! Explore, a satellite navigation package for the PSP. Using a GPS receiver and maps on UMD, the service will offer 3D city maps for pedestrian and in-car users, as well as supporting 11 audio languages.
Here is the bad news: These features have not been planned for the US.
In Leipzig, SCEE announced a voice chat, video chat, and instant messaging service named Go! Messenger. While it will continue to expand the capabilities of the PSP via firmware upgrades, SCEA has not made any announcements for this type of service in the US.
Why does PS3 and PSP keep getting upgrades and not the 360?
Well. It seems like the PS3 and PSP are getting upgrades. However, it says that most of them are planned for europe (WHY!) for now, and may be coming to the U.S later. I think the reason why MS isn’t upgrading their system is because they don’t need to. Sales are fine for MS, and they have no reason to put more money into updating stuff, when they already have to deal with RROD 360’s and the new steering wheel issue.
Honestly, the PS3 is looking more and more better as time progresses. If we get the video recording service for like a flat fee (say 50 bucks), then for 650 (550) dollars you will be getting the PS3, Blue-Ray, and a TV recorder that you can prob, put the shows on your comp somehow with it.
Sounds good, but I still love my 360.