From gamesindustry.biz:
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Sir Howard Stringer said that Blu-ray is currently in a "stalemate" with HD DVD.
Speaking in Manhattan, Sony's CEO downplayed the importance of the battle, however, saying that it was mostly a matter of prestige whose format wins out in the end.

"We were trying to win on the merits, which we were doing for a while, until Paramount changed sides," Stringer said, in reference to the movie studio's recent decision to drop Blu-ray in support of HD DVD, for which it received USD 150 million from HD DVD proponents.
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Full Story: gamesindustry.biz
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From kotaku.com:
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There has been no shortage of speculation on a PlayStation 3 release of critical and commercial darling BioShock, but 2K Games, Microsoft and Ken Levine have done their best to smash any rumors about such a port. And while we're growing quite tired of being emotionally torn apart at the seams by a potential PS3 version, the rumor has cropped up one more time. This time the source of the talk is EGM's long running editorial nom de plume Quartermann. "There's a change in the tide, as the world of Rapture may be Cell-enabled in 2008," Quartermann writes.
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Full Story: kotaku.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From joystiq.com:
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Rein recently told Eurogamer that Epic is "very close to a release candidate" and that there's a "very solid shot we'll get out this year" in America. European gamers are not so lucky, though -- the lengthy certification process in the continent makes a 2008 release more likely there.
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Full Story: joystiq.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From kotaku.com:
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Last week, only two vids in the movies folder on my PC turned up in the PS3's browser (both were mpegs). Now [with FW v2.00]? The Xvid and DivX vids are showing up as well. Course they don't actually play, you'll just get a "corrupted" message if you try, but Sony wouldn't have increased the compatibility in there for shits and giggles. Would they?
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Note: if even the Sony standalone DVD players can play DivX/Xvid these days, why not the PS3 ...
Full Story: kotaku.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From ps3.ign.com:
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Today, Sony Computer Entertainment boss addressed the issue directly. In an interview posted at Japan's Impress Watch, Kaz Hirai confirmed that the new model uses a 65nm process for the Cell chip.

The system's RSX graphics chip, on the other hand, still uses a 90nm process. However, the shrinkage of the CPU alone was enough to cut the power usage of the system considerably.
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Full Story: ps3.ign.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From the press release
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* First-Party:
THE EYE OF JUDGMENT(TM)
Heavenly Sword(TM)
NBA 08
Lair
Folklore(TM)
Ratchet & Clank(R) Future: Tools of Destruction(TM)
Uncharted: Drakes Fortune(TM)
Warhawk(TM)

* Third-Party:
Call of Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare(TM), Activision
Guitar Hero(TM) III: Legends of Rock, Activision
Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, Activision
Jericho(TM), Codemasters
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men(TM), Eidos
FIFA 08, EA
Medal of Honor Airborne(TM), EA
Rock Band(TM), EA
Orange Box, The, EA
Simpsons(TM) Game, The, EA
Bladestorm(TM): The Hundred Years' War, Koei
LEGO(R) Star Wars(TM): The Complete Saga, Lucas Arts
BlackSite(TM): AREA 51(R), Midway
John Woo Presents Stranglehold(TM) Collector's Edition, Midway
Unreal Tournament(R) 3, Midway
Time Crisis(R) 4, NAMCO BANDAI
SEGA Rally Revo(TM), Sega
College Hoops 2K8, Take 2 Interactive
WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2008, THQ
Juiced(TM) 2: Hot Import Nights(TM), THQ
MX vs. ATV(TM) Untamed, THQ
Assassin's Creed(TM), UbiSoft
Blazing Angels(R) 2: Secret Missions of WWII, UbiSoft
Haze(TM), UbiSoft
TimeShift(TM), Vivendi
Elder Scrolls IV: OBLIVION(R) - Game of the Year Edition, Zenimax

* PLAYSTATION(R)Network
High Velocity Bowling(TM)
PAIN
Everyday Shooter
Go! Sports Ski(TM)
Go! Sports Skydiving(TM)
Mesmerize 1
Trials of Topoq
MotorStorm(TM) Christmas Livery
Toy Home(TM)
Twisted Metal(TM) 2 (PS One)
MotorStorm(TM) Premium Pack 2
Resistance: Fall of Man(TM): Map Pack 2
Operation Creature Feature(TM)
Aquatopia
Snakeball(TM)
flOw Download Pack
MotorStorm(TM) Vehicle and Livery Pack
PixelJunk(TM) Monsters
Folklore(TM) Download Packs 1 and 2
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Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From next-gen.biz:
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Sony has come out in full force to deny a report by a Dutch website that up to 40 percent of 40GB PS3s are being returned due to hardware defects.

The report states that a Belgian retailer, Games Mania, said that around 40 percent of 40GB PS3s sold to date had been returned due to hardware defects that resulted in consoles being unable to read Blu-ray and other discs.

‘Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) can categorically deny that there is a 40% failure rate on the newly released 40GB PlayStation 3 (PS3) as has been reported on a Dutch website. Having launched in October, the 40GB PS3 has encountered the same industry leading, very low failure rates, comparable to the low level failure rates of the 60GB PS3', Sony said in a statement.
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Full Story: next-gen.biz
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From xuecast.com:
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It is official now, that 65nm Cell and RSX chips are coming to Sony Playstation 3 in the first quarter of the year 2008, and it seems that all the Playstation 3 models will receive this upgrade as well. Also, Sony is currently working with Toshiba and IBM in an attempt to make 32nm chips possible on Playstation 3.
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Full Story: xuecast.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From engadget.com:
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Regardless of what those oh-so-knowledgeable analysts had to say, we all knew this day was coming. Yep, that highly-touted, totally "impenetrable" copy protection technology known as BD+ has officially been brought to its knees, and it's not at all surprising to hear that we have SlySoft to thank.
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Full Story: engadget.com | forum.slysoft.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From gamedaily.com:
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Speaking to Weekly Famitsu in Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment President and CEO, Kaz Hirai, talked about a number of topics related to Sony's PlayStation business.

Regarding Sony's Home virtual world service for the PlayStation 3, which was officially delayed to Spring 2008 (the service remains in beta), Hirai noted that he's actually not very happy with its current state and he wants to make sure Home makes a big impact when it finally does make its debut.

"...we believe the delay would have a positive effect. I personally am not satisfied with the current version of Home," he said. "This is a very big project for the PS3 and we want to make sure that we deliver to our hearts content. We hope everyone will look forward to its spring release next year."
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Full Story: gamedaily.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From the press release:
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Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today the availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system software. Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system via the Remote Play1 function, allowing for a truly mobile partnership between the two systems.

Building on the success and potential of the Remote Play functionality, Version 2.00 will cement the partnership between PS3 and PSP and create a truly global experience. With the ability to turn your PS3 on and off from Wi-fi connection, there is now the opportunity to listen to the music, look at the photos and watch the videos saved on the PS3 Hard Disk Drive, anywhere in the world.

To further enhance the PS3 offering, Version 2.00 allows for the creation of personalised playlists in both the music and photo sections. This simple to use function gives users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists for all occasions, as well as sharing favourite photos in glorious high definition.

Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu screen. Change the colour and brightness with the greatest of ease or have something completely different by setting a custom theme. With the potential for new backgrounds to become available on PLAYSTATION®Network in the future, Version 2.00 truly opens up a whole raft of options.

A host of other enhancements includes the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep people up to date on the latest PlayStation® news, the inclusion of a new PLAYSTATION Network category and logo for easier navigation and Trend Micro Web Security, a free2, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.
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You can find screenshots of the new FW on threespeech.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From cnet.com:
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October 31, 2007 was the official end of the "grace period" for Blu-ray manufacturers, after which all players released must comply with the latest standard--Blu-ray Profile 1.1 (also known as Final Standard Profile and BD-Video Profile 1.1). Of course, that doesn't mean Profile 1.0 Blu-ray players still can't be sold, and if you walk into your local electronics store over the next few months, you're likely to see both Profile 1.0 and Profile 1.1 Blu-ray players on the shelf. So what's the big difference between Profile 1.0 and Profile 1.1?

Profile 1.0 vs. 1.1
There are several different hardware requirements, but it basically boils down to picture-in-picture functionality. All Blu-ray players up until this point have been Profile 1.0 and have lacked the secondary video and audio decoders necessary to play a smaller video in the corner while also playing the main high-def movie in the background. With the notable exception of the PlayStation 3, Profile 1.0 players cannot be upgraded via firmware to become Profile 1.1 players.
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Full Story: cnet.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From n4g.com:
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Just recently on the G.A.P. section of the US Playstation site there has been posted a survey for all G.A.P. members. The survey asks:

"Choose which XMB (Cross Media Bar) feature would be most important to you in a possible PLAYSTATION Network update:

A) In-game access to PSN messaging
B) Ability to play my own music from the XMB while in-game
C) Larger buddy list and buddy-list features such as categorizing"
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Full Story: n4g.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From n4g.com:
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Originally pegged for a release date of November 9th many were expecting the PlayStation Eye to be in their hands this Friday. But today UK retailer Play.com changed the release date of the product to the 7th December and Amazon changed it to the 14th December.
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Full Story: n4g.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From ps3center.net:
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According to many highly credible sources who have already gotten their hands on both PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Call of Duty 4, the news is that they are nearly identical.

Many gamers were worried that Call of Duty 4 would not run as well on the PS3 as on the Xbox 360. A lot of this was due to fears learned from the past with EA Sports games having framerate problems, games such as Madden NFL 2008.
PS3 owners have no fear though as yesterday PCN was able to confirm that Call of Duty 4 will run on 1080p on the PS3.
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Full Story: ps3center.net
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From gizmodo.com:
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Well, we didn't have to wait for anyone to crack open their PS3 to check, because Sony has squashed all rumors that the new $399 40GB PlayStation 3 SKU is featuring 65nm chips (shrunk from their 90nm standard). While we'll save you the copy and pasted rough auto translation, Sony essentially said that 65nm is not here yet but that they were working on it for the future.
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Full Story: gizmodo.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From product-reviews.net:
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I honestly wish people would get over the whole "CELL" thing. Its totally, as it stands now, overated - and the concept is still in its infancy. Its not the be all end all of CPUs. Its simply a single IBM Power PC core with 7 SPEs. I think people still make the mistake in claiming and thinking that they are essentially seperate CPUs. They are not.

Its "simply" designed for very fast on the fly encoding/decoding (gross missunderstatement, I know - but I think for some it has to be put VERY simply if you know what I mean) - its specialty will lie in the integration of the home based setup.

This is something Sony mooted nearly 10 or more so years ago, the ability to have every single (Sony based) product in one house hold to be able to communicate with eachother. This is when they forst started announcing that they were working on a single SUPER cpu. Watch that space over the next few years. They might actually get there, but I tell you, it aint going to be this incarnation of CELL, thats for sure.

It is not even an ideal functioning model for multi-threaded coding, an area, which despite a few game companies have said they are able to pull off, is again, still very much in its infancy - especially on the mainstream level - ie to you.

If you really want to be "technical" the PS3 setup is absolutely lousy - plain and simple - for modern game setups. The majority of the work needed for the PS3 is not the so called difficulty of the CELL processor, but its lack of main memory, lack of video memory, and very slow load data-read speeds, and much slower bus speed, all in comparisson to the Xbox 360.

The CELL, despite what is said, is NOT an overly complicated piece of architecture. It has the potential to be quite elegant in fact.

Think to yourselves for a minute, peoples?
You have games on the PS3. Dev kits have only been out X amount of time. Both 360 and PS3 release are identical - dont be anal guys.

Yet, you will notice that the PS3 sufferes time and time again in comparison - just mildly - mind you. The issues being what? Framerate? Resolution? This are problems not associated with CELL, but less memory, fill rate, bus transfer etc. The only way to really optimize is for Sony to "cut the fat" from their supplied libraries. Thats it. Its very little, or nothing at all to do with CELL difficulty. The processors are a non event.

That will possibly be the only major problem for devs for both consoles in the near future.
1). Lack of memory on the PS3.
2). Lack of storage space on the Xbox 360.
Watch out for that one. It will be here sooner than you think, if not already.

Hence the heavy need for almost triple assest content on Blue Ray discs, and very heavy cache useage. But cheers to Sony anyways for bringing something new to the table. But to say that games that are comming out would not be possible without it are just plain rubbish. But not so if on the PS3... Its just a little bit different. Tis all.
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Full Story: product-reviews.net
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com