Playstation

CEO: PlayStation Network growth recovers after hack

BERLIN--The PlayStation Network, Sony's hacker-beleaguered online gameplay system, has recovered from its earlier woes and is growing again, Chief Executive Howard Stringer said today.

"I'm pleased to tell you that the PSN is more secure and better than ever," Stringer said at a news conference at the IFA electronics show here. "We are aggressively expanding its content. We have more than 3 million new customers since the network came back online, and sales are exceeding what we had before the cyberattacks."

Stringer gave the impression he was trying to take the offensive in his … Read more

The 404 890: Where we put a tornado in your hurricane (podcast)

Don't dump your Apple stock before you listen to today's episode, because Wilson's going to tell us why Apple will survive the resignation of Steve Jobs. Wilson lets go of a couple tears before we lighten up a bit with a slightly less upsetting fact: the Web is older than incoming college freshmen.

You mad yet? What about the fact that most incoming freshmen don't anything about the OJ Simpson trial, or that they'd rather be like LeBron than Mike? Oh, and Ferris Bueller could be their father.

After the break, we'll address your concerns about the podcast feed, tell you why we stopped Tang That Tune, and reiterate an important point to remember: all Asian people are not tech experts!

The 404 Digest for Episode 890

Steve Jobs resigns from Apple (CNET roundup). Aww man, the Web is older than incoming college freshmen. Future PlayStations could read you like a book. All Asian people are not tech experts!

Episode 890 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Pimp your PS3 controller with Avenger

The Avenger is a new snap-on accessory for Sony PlayStation 3 controllers. It features a combination of adjustable levers, a stabilizing stand, and even tension straps for users to perform faster moves without taking their fingers off the analog sticks. And it kind of makes your controller look a bit like a robot spider.

Refer to these videos on how the Avenger works (note that the demonstration is using an Xbox 360 controller). The new PS3 version will be available directly from the peripheral maker's online store in November at $48.99, but it's limited to 5,000 units for now.

Will this unique contraption make playing first-person shooter games on a console easier? I seriously doubt it, especially in terms of precision compared with a PC mouse. Still, it could address some of the quirks and steep learning curve of console controllers for FPS titles.

(Source: Crave Asia via Ubergizmo) … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1533: Happy 8,000,000th patent! (Podcast)

We celebrate the patent wars with Zynga while Google's stock gets downgraded. TV Studios think its a good idea to pull back their content on the Web and if you've ever faked a phone call on your cell phone, you're not the only one.

PlayStation 3 price drop

Netflix launches a video streaming channel for kids, a Chrome extension called Google Related shows content tied to the currently viewed page, and Sony drops the price of all its PlayStation 3 models by $50.

Links from Wednesday's episode of Loaded:

PlayStation 3 drops $50 off all models

The month of price drops continues. We first saw the Nintendo 3DS get discounted by 32 percent, and now $50 is dropping off the 160GB and 320GB versions of the PlayStation 3.

The 160GB model will go from $299 to $249 and the 320GB will drop from $349 to just $299. The news comes on the precipice of what's lining up to be quite an impressive and busy holiday gaming season.

With the new PS3 pricing, Sony is making the console-buying decision a little tougher for gamers in the second half of 2011. Now the difference in price between all three systems is just $100, with the Wii going for $150 (Mario Kart bundle) and the Xbox 360 starting at $200 (4GB standalone), going up to $300 (Kinect/4GB or 250GB standalone) and $400 (Kinect/250GB).

The new PS3 pricing goes into effect right now.… Read more

Sony PlayStation Vita delayed in U.S.

Skype for Android expands two-way video calling to more phones, Apple's Find My Mac makes its debut on the developer testing version of iCloud.com, and Sony delays the launch of the PlayStation Vita handheld console in the U.S. and Europe.

Links from Thursday's episode of Loaded:

PlayStation Vita to miss U.S. and Europe holiday launch New device tests for HIV Gmail offering lower international rates Two-way Skype video chat arrives on more Android phones Find My Mac and iTunes Replay Missouri stops teachers from friend students Subscribe: iTunes (MP3) | iTunes (320x180) | iTunes (HD) |&… Read more

PlayStation Move Tiger Woods 'Masters' bundle arrives for $99.99

If you don't have a PlayStation Move and are into virtual golf, you should probably take note of the special PlayStation Move Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: Masters Bundle that will be in stores next week for $99.99.

That price tag is the same as what the Move Starter Bundle sells for.

Both bundles include a Move controller and PlayStation Eye camera (required for Move use). However, the Starter Bundle comes with the Sports Champions game while this one comes with the Masters Edition version of EA's golf franchise. As you might have gathered already, you can … Read more

The 404 855: Where it's just malarkey (podcast)

Today's 404 Podcast includes stories about a guy that's amassed every single PS2 game released in North America, a user-submitted show title generator, and Facebook's underwhelming new video chat plugin. We also have a bunch of quality video voicemails to show!

The 404 Digest for Episode 855

The Man Who Has Every PS2 Game In America. Facebook unveils video chatting, thanks to Skype. Dan's video voicemail from the top of Mt. Massive, Colorado. Kokesh's random show title generator.

Episode 855 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Report: New PSN design in the works

Is Sony looking for a fresh start with its PlayStation Network?

The Register is reporting that Sony is testing out a redesigned PSN in some markets.

The report cites sources familiar with the new design who say Sony will "de-clutter" the PSN main screen in favor of "an aesthetic layout with logically marked sections and rolodex lists."

The sources say Sony is also tweaking the search function by adding a live search feature and a deals section to highlight content on sale; bringing in an "IMDB-style" movie database for movie purchases and rentals and a similar style database for games; and possibly ditching the traditional blue background for bolder color. … Read more