At the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) made a bevy of announcements to improve the functionality for both the PS3 and PSP. First up is what Sony is calling PlayTV, a combined TV tuner and Personal Video Recorder (PVR) for PS3, which is expected to launch in the U.K., France, Italy, Germany and Spain in early 2008, with other PAL territories to follow "in due course."
The peripheral features twin TV tuners that are high definition ready, allowing users to watch, pause and record live TV in full HD1080P. It also features "seamless connectivity" with PSP, which allows users to set recordings, watch Live TV and recorded TV shows remotely on PSP via a Wi-Fi connection (using the Remote Play function). Users also have the option of transcoding recorded TV shows for viewing on the PSP.
As for the PSP, SCEE officially announced that the Go! branded Video Download Service, a joint venture with British Sky Broadcasting (Sky), will launch in early 2008 in the U.K. and Ireland. The first official PSP video download service anywhere in Europe will enable PSP owners to download assorted Sky content, including sports, entertainment, movies, music and animation.
The PSP's communication functionality also got a boost with Go!Messenger, a special wireless communications package developed in partnership with BT slated to launch in January 2008 in SCEE territories. Go!Messenger uses VOIP technology so that PSP users can chat free of charge from any wireless internet connection.
A future firmware upgrade will place a small application on PSP's XMB (this can be downloaded separately from the web and installed to a Memory Stick as well), and PSP owners will be able to instant message (IM) each other when connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot, using an on-screen keyboard. And if users add a headset, voice chat/voice messaging becomes possible, and a separate Go!Cam enables users to make video calls to their friends.
And finally, SCEE also unveiled Go!Explore, a new Satellite Navigation package for PSP that's expected to launch next year in Europe. With the help of TeleAtlas and NavNGo, Go!Explore (which comes with UMD software and a GPS receiver) turns the PSP into an In-car and Pedestrian GPS unit. The program offers 3D city maps, 3D landmarks in certain key cities, support for 11 languages, and more Maps & Points of Interest (POI) can be purchased via the PlayStation Store.
Although SCEA has not made any similar announcement for North America just yet, Sony is exploring its options for this part of the world.
Dave Karraker, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications for SCEA provided GameDaily BIZ with the following statements on each SCEE announcement:
Go Messenger:
We are continually expanding the capabilities of PSP via firmware upgrades. SCEE has announced some significant new enhancements for PSP in their territories via Go! Messenger service. We have not made any announcements for this type of service in North America, although we continue to explore different options for PSP.
PS3 PVR Functionality:
We have no announcements at this time regarding DVR/PVR capabilities for PS3 in North America.
Go Explore - PSP Sat Nav
While the GPS hardware/peripheral is currently available in Japan and select countries in Europe, we want to ensure there is the appropriate level of software that would be applicable and bring value to the consumers in North America. We have no announcements regarding GPS capabilities for PSP in North America at this time, but will continue to explore appropriate and compelling software that would allow us to bring this feature to PSP in our market.
Sky Video Download Service
SCEE has announced a unique partnership for downloading TV content to PSPs in the UK and Ireland. We are evaluating similar types of partnerships in North America, but have no announcement at this time. We understand and respect the consumer interest in this type of service, and we will continue to explore downloadable content options for our territory.
by James Brightman
source:gamedaily.com
Sony Announces PlayTV for PS3, PSP GPS, Video Downloads & More
SCEE made several important announcements at the Games Convention to expand the functionality of the PS3 and PSP, including PVR capability for the PS3 and video downloads, GPS and VOIP for PSP. SCEA tells GameDaily BIZ that they're exploring their options for North America.
