Archive for November, 2009

Facebook on PS3 Confirmed in Firmware 3.10

Regular readers will have noted that last week we reported on the story that rumours had been leaked of the social networking website Facebook being added to the Playstation’s XMB. More concrete evidence has now been released with the icon added to the PS3 platform as part of the firmware update 3.10. According to reports, users will be able to link their Playstation Network account with their Facebook account. The purpose of connecting the two accounts is for users to have instant updates of their Facebook status with trophy information as well as Playstation Store activity.

The Firmware update 3.10 however also has other features. Not only will it provide Facebook connectivity but the Photo section of the XMB has had a revamp. The final piece of information gleaned from this preview of Firmware 3.10 is that the Friends List section will also be changed, in line with customer feedback from Firmware 3.00 and the general disdain for the grey boxes that surrounded friend information. For further information PS3 owners are advised to take a look at the Playstation Blog for a video preview. No news of a release date as of yet but it is expected by the end of the year.

Facebook Comes to Sony Playstation 3

The dominance of Facebook as one of the world’s most popular social networking sites seems to have gone that little bit further today with rumours abound that Playstation users will be able to access the site from their console. PS3 users can already utilise some of what Facebook has to offer with the existing internet browser already on the console. However, the latest development, a result of an image leak on the official Sony PS3 website of a Facebook icon within the Playstation’s XMB has opened the floodgates to the belief that FB will be coming to the PS3.

If this is the case, it means that Sony have struck up yet another interesting partnership with a major internet service. Only a few months ago, PS3 owners were given BBC iPlayer icon on the XMB and now it seems that Facebook is going to be latest addition to the Playstation’s already impressive online repertoire. Facebook is already available to Xbox 360 users making it a must have for the Sony group as they hope to enhance the user experience. With on demand television already on the PS3 and apparently a HD movie download service available soon; it seems that the battle of the consoles is now less about gaming and more about which online services can be provided to the consumer.

VAIO Gaming Laptops Go For Release

Sony have steadily been releasing news of their prestige VAIO autumn winter signature collection for some time now. It contains the very best that the VAIO brand has to offer and a host of notebooks perfect for consumers that want that little bit extra. The latest news of the signature collection is concerned with gaming laptops. Within the collection there are three notebooks that are perfect for gamers, the VAIO VGN-CW1FFX, the VAIO Nebula and the VAIO-FW590FFD.

We have already reported on the VAIO Nebula earlier in the month but it is now the VGN-CW1FFX that is impressing computing journalists. The technology within this VAIO laptop is bound to impress, from the humungous 320GB hard drive, to the impressive power of the 4GB DDR3 memory gamers are amply catered for. When this is combined with Sony’s impressive xBlack screen and an nVidia GeForce GT 230M graphics card, the visuals are bound to be impressive. A HDMI output for playing games in high definition and a built in DVD/CD burner make the VGN-CW1FFX an impressive piece of kit. Read the rest of this entry »

A VAIO Bluetooth Mouse from Sony – Now there is no Reason to Leave the Sofa

Sony has always been one for combining the aspects of entertainment with functionality. One of the latest releases from the company has been the VAIO VGP-BMS80, a laser Bluetooth mouse that has dual functioning properties. The VGP-BMS80 is not only perfect for use in the office when using a VAIO notebook or desktop PC, but also equally at home in the living room.

This little handheld device can be used as a tabletop mouse or for those who like to relax, a handheld control for the VAIO computer and even their PS3. This dual functionality means that users can operate the mouse on a hard surface, such as a desk or table, perfect for the home office or even when travelling. The other function means that the VGP-BMS80 can be used as a handheld remote control, with the ability to control media presentations on a laptop, for web surfing and music control. Additionally PS3 functionality means that the mouse works seamlessly with the PS3’s XMB control system, perfect for viewing movies, photographs and on-demand television.

Whilst the VGP-BMS80 is not a game controller, it does have an extremely user friendly keypad function for quick and easy typing. With a flick of the thumb over the laser users can navigate their computer screen or even their PS3 display.  Ultimately this little device seamless integrates two of the most important devices in their homes, the computer and the games console.

Sony Blame a Lack of PSP Effort on the PS3

Many Sony PSP owners will be acutely aware that last year was somewhat of a drought for top quality games on this handheld console. The PSP is now over five years in existence and it has gone through a number of makeovers, the latest of which being a complete overhaul resulting in the PSP Go. However, whilst this little gaming device has not been blessed by great titles for some time now, Sony have promised to focus more of their attention on the PSP in the future.

Sony boss Shuhei Yoshida has recently admitted that the company were clearly guilty of focusing too much on the PS3 since its launch. This is understandable; often seen as the bigger, more powerful brother of the PSP the PS3 has regularly captured the imagination of game developers more than the handheld device. Apparently this is going to change, with a raft of console “must haves” coming to the PSP in the next six months.

The first of these is Little Big Planet, already a popular game on the PS3 this cutesy and adorable game has been embraced by both young and old gamers alike, its move to a portable version seemed only a matter of time whilst the connectivity between the PS3 and handheld should provide the gamer with a serious gaming experience whether at home or on the move. Additionally Sony has announced Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny and Tekken 6 for the handheld ensuring that fight fans are amply catered for. The final big release for the format is Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, an episode of the massive GTA franchise that should provide the mobile gamer with truly unique experience.

While Sony may have been guilty in neglecting its little console for some time, it is clear that in the coming year that games developers and Sony as an organisation are serious about providing PSP owners with a variety of well conceived and implemented titles for mobile gaming.

Immerse Yourself in a Nebula, the New Sony VAIO FW

Sony have been steadily rolling out a line of "signature collection" notebooks in recent times but it is the latest, New Sony VAIO Nebula FW that seems to have reviewers and retailers all hot under the collar. So what can be said about this new laptop? What have VAIO managed to produce here?

Sony have promised "out of this world design" with this model, this design goes beyond the stunning Nebula pattern on the case of the laptop, it carries through into the features and technology used within. The VAIO Nebula FW boasts an impressive 16.4 inch screen, perfect for viewing movies, images and of course web pages. In terms of processing power the Nebula has a number of Intel Core Duo processors within the range and a hefty 8GB of RAM. With a standard hard drive of around 500 GB and the option to upgrade to an SSD consumers are blessed with a multitude of different options.

The most impressive fact is that the VAIO Nebula FW comes with a Blu-ray drive as standard, meaning that you can watch all of your high definition movies whilst on the move. With its flashy design and obvious aesthetic appeal it is clear that Sony want to impress the casual computer user, however, with such a range of features and some impressive technology this is a notebook that combines form and function.