Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[More PlayStation Vita bundles coming to Europe, planning a visit to the Eiffel Tower]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/ps-vita-bundles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/ps-vita-bundles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/ps-vita-bundles/#comments Image

Sony's delivering a pair of PlayStation Vita bundles to European customers to tempt cost-conscious consumers to splash out on the new handheld. You'll be able to snag a WiFi only console with a 4GB memory stick and Uncharted: Golden Abyss for €249 ($320) or a 3G-enabled unit with the 4GB storage and a download code for Motorstorm: RC for €299 ($380). There's no word on when the pair will arrive, but it's hoped that in the not-too-distant future, they'll climb on a long-haul and arrive Stateside, too.

More PlayStation Vita bundles coming to Europe, planning a visit to the Eiffel Tower originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GBBundlesEuropeanminipostMotorstorm: RCMotorstorm:RcPlayStationPlayStation VitaPlayStation Vita BundlePlaystationVitaPlaystationVitaBundlePS VItaPS Vita BundlePsVitaPsVitaBundleSonySony PlayStation VitaSonyPlaystationVitaUncharted: Golden AbyssUncharted:GoldenAbyssMon, 21 May 2012 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop Mobile launches as AT&T virtual carrier, gives us rare bring-your-own GSM in US (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/gamestop-mobile-launches-as-att-virtual-carrier/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/gamestop-mobile-launches-as-att-virtual-carrier/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/gamestop-mobile-launches-as-att-virtual-carrier/#comments Image

Here's an expansion of mobile competition in the US that comes out of left field, even for us: GameStop as a cellular provider. GameStop Mobile, as it's called, is that rare bird of an AT&T-based MVNO that relies on a bring-your-own-device strategy. As long as your hardware works on AT&T's 850MHz and 1,900MHz bands and isn't locked to another carrier, you can bring any GSM- and HSPA-based phone (or data-only device) and use it contract-free: rates start at anything from a strictly pay-as-you-go $5 through to a $55 monthly plan with unlimited voice and text, if just an anemic 500MB of data. Tablet owners and other data-only fans can pay the same $55 for 1GB per month -- a bit stiff considering that those on AT&T proper can get 5GB of data for slightly less. No doubt this is to take advantage of iPad and iPhone trade-ins, PlayStation Vitas and the overall rise of unlocked devices. We're just wondering whether GameStop will catch a few customers subscribing as they pick up their Diablo III pre-orders or else face the uncertain future that befalls many MVNOs.

Update: As our friends at Joystiq have pointed out, the GameStop Mobile website is no longer publicly accessible. Looks like someone may have pulled the switch a bit too earlier.

GameStop Mobile launches as AT&T virtual carrier, gives us rare bring-your-own GSM in US (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1900 mhz1900Mhz850 MHz850Mhzandroidapple ipadApple iPhoneAppleIpadAppleIphoneATTcarriercellphonecellphonescontract freecontract-freeContractFreegamestopgamestop mobileGamestopMobilegaminggooglegsmhspaipadiphoneMobile virtual network operatormobilepostcrossMobileVirtualNetworkOperatorMVNOmvnosPlayStationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaprepaidps vitapsvPsVitasmartphonesmartphonesSONYsony playstationsony playstation vitasony ps vitaSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystationVitaSonyPsVitaunlockedvirtual carrierVirtualCarrierFri, 18 May 2012 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony opens up PSN to digital download pre-orders]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/sony-opens-up-psn-to-digital-download-pre-orders/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/sony-opens-up-psn-to-digital-download-pre-orders/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/sony-opens-up-psn-to-digital-download-pre-orders/#comments ImagePre-orders are nothing new in the realm of video gaming -- they're the requisite hype before the release day-storm. On the digital download front, however, that anticipatory frenzy hasn't gotten much major industry support, until now. Sony, purveyor of all things PlayStation, has just tossed a bone to its many PSN subscribers, offering the option to purchase unreleased titles in advance of their planned launches. First up for the newly announced service is Sorcery, one of the company's Move-compatible game due out later this month. Gamers who opt-in for the arrangement will receive an unlock key that should allow their consoles to begin the download process in tandem with the software's official debut. Hit up the source below for the full FAQ.

Sony opens up PSN to digital download pre-orders originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 May 2012 00:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital downloadsDigitalDownloadsgamingmobilepostminiPlayStationplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkpre orderpre-orderPreOrderPSNSonySorceryvideo gamesVideoGamesFri, 18 May 2012 00:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's barebones $299 Call of Duty: MW3 and 320GB PS3 bundle hits the streets May 25th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/ps3-cod-mw3-299-bundle/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/ps3-cod-mw3-299-bundle/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/ps3-cod-mw3-299-bundle/#comments Sony's barebones $299 Call of Duty: MW3 and 320GB PS3 bundle hits the streets May 25th

Right on schedule, Sony and Activision have teamed up again for this "Limited Edition" Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 bundle that's due to ship May 25th. Unfortunately, once you've opened the box the special experience is pretty much over, with only standard console and game inside, replacing the usual Uncharted 3 offering -- unlike last year's 160GB Black Ops combo, there's no free DLC (or anything else) to be had. Still, if you somehow don't have Sony's gaming machine in your living room already and have been aching to own some noobs on PSN then it's a decent option, even if any perks will have to be earned in-game.

Sony's barebones $299 Call of Duty: MW3 and 320GB PS3 bundle hits the streets May 25th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 22:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that line-up of colorful consoles we eyed back at TGS? One of eight of those mock-ups is about to become a reality, at least in Japan. On June 28th, color conscious gamers will be able to pick up a WiFi or 3G Crystal White PlayStation Vita for ¥24,980 and ¥29,980, respectively (that's about $312 and $375 if you're counting in greenbacks). If the absence of color is a bit too bland for you, a limited edition Hatsune Miku handheld will hit shelves two months later, commanding a ¥10,000 ($125) premium for the privilege of plastering Sega's digital diva on your Vita's rear touch panel. On the plus side, Vocoloid's poster girl packs a 4GB memory card and a copy of Next Hatsune Miku: Project Diva to offset the limited edition's larger sticker price. No word yet when or if these Vita variants will hit the western world, but we'll let you now if we hear anything. Until then? Try to satiate yourself with the video after the break.

Continue reading Sony unveils Crystal White PlayStation Vita, limited digital diva edition

Sony unveils Crystal White PlayStation Vita, limited digital diva edition originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 01:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crystal WhiteCrystal White PlayStation Vitacrystal white vitaCrystalWhiteCrystalWhitePlaystationVitaCrystalWhiteVitaHatsune MikuHatsuneMikuJapanmemory cardMemoryCardngpplaystationPlaystation VitaPlaystationVitaPS vitaps+vita+colorsps+vita+coloursPsVitapsvitacolorspsvitacoloursSci/TechSegasonyvideovitawhite vitsWhiteVitsTue, 08 May 2012 01:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Growing Up Geek: Jon Fingas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/growing-up-geek-jon-fingas/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/growing-up-geek-jon-fingas/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/growing-up-geek-jon-fingas/#comments Welcome to Growing Up Geek, an ongoing feature where we take a look back at our youth and tell stories of growing up to be the nerds that we are. Today, we have our new editor, Jon Fingas.

Image

You might say I started early. Some of my first memories of technology -- or of anything, really -- were of mashing the keyboards on Compaq PC clones at my dad's workplace when I was three. Little did I know that I'd started on a path towards technology that would lead me towards mashing the keyboards for a career that would land me here at Engadget.

Continue reading Growing Up Geek: Jon Fingas

Growing Up Geek: Jon Fingas originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidApplecanonGalaxy NexusGalaxyNexusgrowing up geekGrowingUpGeekiphoneiPhone 4sIphone4sipodJon FingasJonFingasNEX-5NphotographyPlayStationplaystation 2Playstation2powerbookpowerbook g4PowerbookG4powershotPS2samsungSierraSierra-OnlineSONYTue, 01 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko's PlayStation Vita speaker stand goes on sale for $30, Power Grip still MIA]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/nykos-playstation-vita-speaker-stand-goes-on-sale-for-30-powe/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/nykos-playstation-vita-speaker-stand-goes-on-sale-for-30-powe/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/nykos-playstation-vita-speaker-stand-goes-on-sale-for-30-powe/#comments Nyko's PlayStation Vita speaker stand goes on sale for $30, Power Grip still MIA

The PlayStation Vita may not have the electric longevity to replace your portable music player, but Nyko figures there's no good reason it can't take up the role of rocking your bedroom. The accessory outfit's stereo speaker charging dock for the Sony's fledgling handheld hasn't changed much since we saw it at CES, save for the fact that it's available now. $30 turns your Vita into the most overpowered alarm clock (assuming you download the upcoming app from the PSN store) your nightstand has ever seen. What of the PS Vita Power Grip? A Nyko representative tell us it's on the way, but doesn't have anything to announce at this time. Read on for the charging dock's official press release.

Continue reading Nyko's PlayStation Vita speaker stand goes on sale for $30, Power Grip still MIA

Nyko's PlayStation Vita speaker stand goes on sale for $30, Power Grip still MIA originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaudioNYKONyko speaker standnyko vita speaker standNykoSpeakerStandNykoVitaSpeakerStandPlayStationPlayStation VitaPlaystationVitaPS VitaPsVitaSci/TechVitavita speaker standVitaSpeakerStandTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype launches on PS Vita, can do video calls in the middle of gaming sessions (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/skype-launches-on-ps-vita/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/skype-launches-on-ps-vita/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/skype-launches-on-ps-vita/#comments Skype launches on PS Vita, can do video calls in the middle of Uncharted (video)

Skype continues to spread itself to anything with a data connection, and while while we don't expect this to be the last gaming device it'll appear on, it's the second. Yes, the Microsoft-owned Skype will be available to download for free on the Sony-made PlayStation Vita later today and it's capable of video calls from the get-go -- although we're yet to test whether that's possible on a 3G signal. Embarrassingly, the app looks far more capable than its recent gone-gold compadre on Microsoft's very own mobile platform. While the Windows Phone version is unable to tick along in the background, the Vita (with all that top-end processing power) can still keep your account online while you're running other apps, even take those video calls mid-game. Thankfully, Skype has drafted in professional gamer Fatal1ty to give us a quick tour of the UI and how it's all meant to click together -- it's included right after the break.

Update: To allow the Skype app to connect in the background, games like Uncharted, which switch off wireless connections, are unfortunately not supported.

Continue reading Skype launches on PS Vita, can do video calls in the middle of gaming sessions (video)

Skype launches on PS Vita, can do video calls in the middle of gaming sessions (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appMicrosoftPlaystationPlayStation VitaPlaystationVitaPS VitaPsVitaskypeSkype for PS VitaSkypeForPsVitaSonyvideoVitaTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to launch PlayMemories Online: 5GB cloud photo-sharing service coming next week (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/sony-playmemories-online/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/sony-playmemories-online/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/sony-playmemories-online/#comments Sony to launch PlayMemories Online: 5GB cloud photo-sharing service coming next week

Sony's PlayMemories photo-editing suite has floated around the PlayStation Store for about a month but it will apparently soon be joined by a new photo-sharing service. PCWorld reports that Sony will launch the cloud-based PlayMemories Online with 5GB of free storage in Japan, US, UK, Canada, Germany and France on May 25. Apparently, you'll be able to access those digitized memories through Sony's proprietary software on both PC and Macs, while your photos can also be streamed to Bravia TVs and digital photo frames. The company's WiFi-capable cameras will also get to hook up with the online storage system, while its Android tablets and phones will get their very own app to upload on their own. In an effort to differentiate the service from existing ones like Dropbox, PlayMemories Online will even sync those precious photos with your PSP and PS Vita. Sony will thus ensure you'll never be without at least four screens to show off those shots of your precocious daughter, pug or beachside view. In case you forgot, we've embedded a video from a few months back that should give a better idea of how the system should work -- in a house filled entirely with Sony merchandise.

Continue reading Sony to launch PlayMemories Online: 5GB cloud photo-sharing service coming next week (video)

Sony to launch PlayMemories Online: 5GB cloud photo-sharing service coming next week (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbraviacloud storageCloudStoragehdpostcrossmobilepostcrossphoto sharingphotosPhotoSharingPlayMemoriesPlaymemories onlineplaymemories studioPlaymemoriesOnlinePlaymemoriesStudioplaystationSonytabletsvideowifi cameraWifiCameraFri, 20 Apr 2012 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PlayStation Network goes down for maintenance from 9am EST]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/psa-playstation-network-down-for-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/psa-playstation-network-down-for-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/16/psa-playstation-network-down-for-maintenance/#comments PSA: PlayStation Network goes into maintenance from 9am EST

Sony is taking its PlayStation Network offline for another health check, starting this morning. During the 13-hour tune-up, you won't be able to access PlayStation Home, Store, their account or play online. Similarly, official PlayStation sites will also go down, but you can steel yourself through those offline hours by checking on the PlayStation Twitter account, which will provide all the latest details.

PSA: PlayStation Network goes down for maintenance from 9am EST originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceminipostonline gamingOnlineGamingplaystationplaystation networkplaystation storePlaystationNetworkPlaystationStoreps vitaps3psnpspPsVitasceasceisen idSenIdsonyMon, 16 Apr 2012 05:42:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Vita gets (another) firmware update, free-to-play Montezuma Blitz available now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/ps-vita-firmware-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/ps-vita-firmware-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/ps-vita-firmware-update/#comments PS Vita gets (another) firmware update, free-to-play Montezuma Blitz available now

It's been barely a week since the last one, but Sony's now begun rolling out firmware version 1.67. It's another meaty download, weighing in at just under 100MB, although there's no detail on what it changes -- we're still exploring the update. Following the refresh, you can also pick up the PS Vita's latest free game, Montezuma Blitz, a Bejewelled-style puzzle game. However, it's not the first game to be offered up free on the Vita and some pesky in-game purchases taint that freebie status a little. Both the update and game are available to download on your Vita now.

PS Vita gets (another) firmware update, free-to-play Montezuma Blitz available now originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatefreefree gamefree-to-playFreeGameMontezuma BlitzMontezumaBlitzPlayStationPlayStation StorePlaystationStorePS VitaPsVitaSonyupdateVitaThu, 12 Apr 2012 03:46:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita 1.66 firmware update rolling out now, minor UI tweaks in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/playstation-vita-1-66-firmware-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/playstation-vita-1-66-firmware-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/playstation-vita-1-66-firmware-update/#comments ImagePlayStation Vita 1.66 firmware update rolling out now, minor UI tweaks in tow
Shortly after unleashing (and quickly pulling back) the PS Vita's v1.65 firmware update, Sony's rapidly rolling out a followup release. Version 1.66 brings with it a few UI tweaks, including tidbits such as the addition of a progress bar during app installs, notification alerts now only popping up for three seconds, plus the option to tap Retry / Cancel when running into troubles during location search. Games like Unit 13 and Gravity Daze will also see "functional improvements," while the Near app is getting a direct link to the PlayStation Store, making it easier to grab apps that other folks are toying with. The refresh is up for grabs now, so be sure to hit that System Software on your quad-core beast, or head over to the source below if you're in need of some guidance.

PlayStation Vita 1.66 firmware update rolling out now, minor UI tweaks in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdateplaystationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitapsps vitaPsVitasoftwaresoftware updateSoftwareUpdatesonyupdatevitaWed, 04 Apr 2012 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's PlayMemories Studio now live on PSN, get your Playstation 3 photo-edit on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/sonys-playmemories-studio-now-live-on-psn-get-your-playstation/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/sonys-playmemories-studio-now-live-on-psn-get-your-playstation/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/sonys-playmemories-studio-now-live-on-psn-get-your-playstation/#comments Sony's PlayMemories Studio now live on PSN, get your Playstation 3 photo-edit onYesterday's rumor about Sony launching PlayMemories Studio this week has just become fact. The $15 editing suite has just gone live on the PlayStation Store, enabling plebes to edit, organize and share photos (and video) right on their home console of choice, the PS3. Those with a spare Vita or PSP laying around can also put those to good use through Remote Play functionality. Unsure if Sony's couch-iPhoto experience is for you? Hit the source for more info on the whole shindig, in addition to details on how to get your creative side on with a gratis thirty day trial.

Sony's PlayMemories Studio now live on PSN, get your Playstation 3 photo-edit on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Limber up those thumbs gaming gurus, because a new challenge may be on its way to your PlayStation 3 console: photo editing. PCWorld is reporting that Sony will be rolling out some new "photo editing software" for the PS3 early this week. Tweaking photos aside, the software's ultimate purpose will be to provide access to and allow the sharing of digital stills through the company's PlayMemories Online (and your other Sony portable media devices), which is set to launch later this year. The report states that the software will be on sale here in the US on Tuesday and carry a price tag of $18 -- a 30-day trial will also be available. What say you PlayStation Legion? Are you ready to retouch your stills with a D-pad?

Sony to add photo editing to PlayStation 3's repertoire this week? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsconsoleeditingediting softwareEditingSoftwaregamingMemoriesphotophotographyPlayPlaymemoriesPlayMemories StudioPlaymemoriesStudioPlayStationPlayStation 3Playstation VidePlaystation3PlaystationVideserviceSonyStudioMon, 26 Mar 2012 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft: three very different takes on portable gaming at GDC 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/Nintendo-Sony-Microsoft-talk-portable-gaming-at-GDC-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/Nintendo-Sony-Microsoft-talk-portable-gaming-at-GDC-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/Nintendo-Sony-Microsoft-talk-portable-gaming-at-GDC-2012/#comments Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft talk portable gamingTim Cook says the darnedest things. Why, just last week Apple's head honcho suggested that iPad users are ditching their home consoles in favor of Cupertino's favorite slate. Bold words, ones that can't be sitting well with the gaming industry's big three. Steady thy rifle, hardcore gamer, Cook has a point: the console wars have shifted irreversibly. Gone are the days of bickering over somewhat similar 16-bit consoles and their supposed lack of "blast-processing"; today's gaming armies wage war with wildly different artillery. In the pursuit of your mobile gaming dollar, Nintendo toed a traditional line with a new twist. Sony, on the other hand, seems to have bundled every input method it could get its mitts on into its next-generation portable. Microsoft, however, puts the "mobile" in mobile gaming, echoing Apple's own approach with an Xbox Live platform that eschews dedicated hardware to float across Windows Phone devices as a "feature."

Take a step back, and suddenly it seems like the major players of consumer gaming aren't even driving on the same track. This war isn't about the "most powerful" console anymore; it's about creating the right experience for today's gamer. We ducked under the unspoken truce of last week's Game Developer Conference to get a bead on Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony's portable gaming strategies. Read on to see what they're doing to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Continue reading Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft: three very different takes on portable gaming at GDC 2012

Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft: three very different takes on portable gaming at GDC 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAndroidApple Inc.Cupertino, CaliforniaDavid YoungGDCGDC2012iOSIPadMicrosoftNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsPlayStationPlayStation PortablePlayStation VitaPlaystationVitaPSP GoSci/TechShigeru MiyamotoSonic the Hedgehog 4Sony Computer EntertainmentTim CookTimCookWindows PhoneWindowsPhoneWPWP7Xbox 360Xbox LiveXbox Live for Windows PhoneXboxLiveXboxLiveForWindowsPhoneMon, 12 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen report finds 56 percent of US households have a modern game console, total gaming time up seven percent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/nielsen-report-finds-56-percent-of-us-households-have-a-modern-g/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/nielsen-report-finds-56-percent-of-us-households-have-a-modern-g/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/nielsen-report-finds-56-percent-of-us-households-have-a-modern-g/#comments
Nielsen is out with its annual survey of video game use in the US today, and it's found that gaming continues to be on the rise across the board. That includes a seven percent increase in total gaming time compared to the previous year (apparently due largely to increases in mobile and tablet gaming), and an increase in modern console ownership from 50 percent of households to 56 percent; that includes so-called 7th generation consoles like the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It also found the number of cross-platform gamers be on the upswing, with 24 percent responding that they play on two or more of a console, PC, tablet or mobile device (compared to 17 percent previously). Looking at mobile gaming, specifically, Nieslen found that while iOS gaming tended to be distributed fairly evenly across all age groups, Android gaming proved to be far more popular among those aged 25-34 than any other group.

A few other tidbits: 65 percent of consoles are located in the living room, online shopping for games is up while other channels continue to decline, and streaming video continues to be a growing secondary use for game consoles (particularly on the Wii, where it accounts for 33 percent of console usage, compared to roughly 15 percent on both the Xbox 360 and PS3).

Nielsen report finds 56 percent of US households have a modern game console, total gaming time up seven percent originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamingiosmicrosoftnielsennintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonystatstatisticsstatssurveyvideo game usevideo gamesVideoGamesVideoGameUsewiixbox 360Xbox360Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain creators produce 'Kara' PS3 tech-demo (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/quantic-dream-kara-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/quantic-dream-kara-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/quantic-dream-kara-demo/#comments Heavy Rain creator David Cage was showing off Quantic Dream's new game engine at GDC, which includes an innovative new performance-capture technology the company's developed. He's directed a seven-minute original short called Kara, which is the story of a female android as she becomes self-aware. Unlike traditional game production methods, this technology is able to record face and body movements at the same time as recording the actors voice -- ensuring natural and consistent performances from the characters. Actress Valorie Curry wore 90 sensors on her face, unlike in, say, Avatar, where the performers wore head-mounted cameras. Cage promises that the short is nothing more than a demo (it was rendered in real-time on a PlayStation 3) and none of these elements will appear in his next game. You can catch the impressive-looking footage after the break with one disclaimer: there's nudity throughout and a reference to adult themes, okay?

Continue reading Heavy Rain creators produce 'Kara' PS3 tech-demo (video)

Heavy Rain creators produce 'Kara' PS3 tech-demo (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>David CageDavidCageGame Developers ConferenceGame Developers Conference 2012GameDevelopersConferenceGameDevelopersConference2012GDCGDC 2012Gdc2012Heavy RainHeavyRainKaraMotion CaptureMotionCapturePlayStationPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3PS3 Tech DemoPs3TechDemoQuantic DreamQuanticDreamSonySony PlayStation 3SonyPlaystation3Tech DemoTechDemovideoThu, 08 Mar 2012 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Unlimited app arrives on PlayStation Vita, Android version gets offline play]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/music-unlimited-app-arrives-on-playstation-vita-android-version/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/music-unlimited-app-arrives-on-playstation-vita-android-version/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/music-unlimited-app-arrives-on-playstation-vita-android-version/#comments

Listening to music isn't the best reason to take the plunge with the PS Vita. However, a new feature's a new feature, and Sony's very happy to tell you that its own subscription-based Music Unlimited service has arrived on UK devices, courtesy of its own dedicated app. Now you've had your fill of the games, Twitter and Facebook apps, it must be time to integrate with Sony's verticals and hand over more cash. The Android app has also been updated to include offline playback to songs added to your playlists -- like another certain streaming music service. You can grab the latest version at the source below.

Music Unlimited app arrives on PlayStation Vita, Android version gets offline play originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappgooglemusicMusic servicemusic unlimitedMusicServiceMusicUnlimitedofflineoffline playbackOfflinePlaybackPlayStationPlaystation vitaPlaystationVitaPS VitaPsVitaSonyUKVitaThu, 08 Mar 2012 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PlayStation Network goes down for maintenance tomorrow, will last around 15 hours]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-for-maintenance-tomorrow-wil/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-for-maintenance-tomorrow-wil/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/03/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-for-maintenance-tomorrow-wil/#commentsWe know that it's become all too easy to assume that the PlayStation Network is getting hacked again whenever it goes down. That said, consider this another heads-up in long line of previous friendly reminders: Since being postponed last Thursday, Sony's announced that the PSN will go down for "significant maintenance" tomorrow, March 4th starting at 2 3 PM EST until approx 5 AM on Monday, March 5th. Unlike February's fixin', you'll still be booted offline even if you've logged-in with your SEN ID prior to the scheduled maintenance window. This means you won't be able to hop into a game of Domination on MW3, along with being restricted from accessing your account, the PlayStation Store, Home etc., as per usual. You can stay glued to PlayStation on Twitter to get the official word on when everything's back up, but may we suggest it could be a good chance for a lazy Sunday stroll? Hey, consider it an excuse to try out Near if you were one of the 1.2 million to snag yourself a PS Vita -- oh wait, that requires being logged into the PSN, too. Sigh.

PSA: PlayStation Network goes down for maintenance tomorrow, will last around 15 hours originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minipostonline gamingOnlineGamingplaystationplaystation networkplaystation storePlaystationNetworkPlaystationStoreps vitaps3psnpspPsVitasceasceisen idSenIdsonySat, 03 Mar 2012 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Vita Facebook app officially resurfaces, available for download (again)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/ps-vita-facebook-app-officially-resurfaces-available-for-downlo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/ps-vita-facebook-app-officially-resurfaces-available-for-downlo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/ps-vita-facebook-app-officially-resurfaces-available-for-downlo/#comments If you were lucky enough to snag the free Facebook app for the PS Vita last week while it was briefly available, you probably found its performance balky, at best. Shortly thereafter, Sony unsurprisingly pulled it from the PlayStation Store, noting issues stemming from Facebook's side of town. Well, good news just came in from Sony's PlayStation Twitter account -- Zuckerberg's app is "fully restored" and ready for your downloading pleasure. Facebook's relationship with Vita OS will, hopefully, be less "complicated" this time around, but let us know how it's working for you in the comments.

PS Vita Facebook app officially resurfaces, available for download (again) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appfacebookMark ZuckerbergMarkZuckerbergPlayStationPlayStation Storeplaystation store usplaystation vitaPlaystationStorePlaystationStoreUsPlaystationVitaps vitaPsVitasceasocial networkingSocialNetworkingSONYusvitaThu, 01 Mar 2012 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Foursquare PS Vita app hits US PlayStation Store, gives you another reason to consider 3G]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/foursquare-ps-vita-app-hits-us-playstation-store/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/foursquare-ps-vita-app-hits-us-playstation-store/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/foursquare-ps-vita-app-hits-us-playstation-store/#comments Good news for all you socially connected (and hip) regulars of local retail establishments -- who have PS Vitas, of course. Sony's just announced that the free Foursquare app has officially landed at the PlayStation Store (US), and it can be yours for a paltry 4.5MBs of space on your precious proprietary memory card. The app works over WiFi, however, the fine print advises that users may want to use 3G for the best results to help alongside the Vita's GPS. Notably, the rear touchpad and cameras are listed as being compatible with the app, as well. We've poked around the app for a few minutes, and it does feel peppy compared to what we experienced with Facebook (while it was available, anyway) -- the only oddity that's arisen lies with the map functionality, which opens a Google Maps page within the Vita's browser rather than its Maps app. Now that we can watch Netflix over WiFi, and view our Flickr albums along with Tweeting and "Checking In" between our ModNation racing tours, how's about finally letting us get our Skype on? (P.S. We'd really like Facebook back in the store, too!)

Gallery: Foursquare PS Vita app (screenshots)

Foursquare PS Vita app hits US PlayStation Store, gives you another reason to consider 3G originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gappcheck inCheckInfoursquarefreemayorpis vita appsPisVitaAppsplaystationplaystation storeplaystation store usPlaystationStorePlaystationStoreUsps storeps vitaps vita foursquareps vita foursquare appPsStorePsVitaPsVitaFoursquarePsVitaFoursquareAppsceasocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingsonyTue, 28 Feb 2012 21:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony updates PS Vita sales figures: 'over 1.2 million units worldwide', 2 million in software]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sony-updates-ps-vita-sales-figures-over-1-2-million-units-worl/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sony-updates-ps-vita-sales-figures-over-1-2-million-units-worl/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sony-updates-ps-vita-sales-figures-over-1-2-million-units-worl/#comments As of recently, the PS Vita has become available in the locales of America, Europe and PAL territories, and now Sony's updated sales figures are in. How does "over 1.2 million units worldwide" sound? Because that's how many systems were purchased as of February 26th. If you'll recall, just two days after its December 19th arrival in Japan, the Vita rushed out of the gate, with Sony citing 321,000 units sold. Sales quickly slowed, however, despite the system making its way across Asia, as that number only rose to 500,000 by the time CES hit in January. Considering that means an additional 700K+ units were moved in less than two months, it seems that Sony's latest handheld isn't doing too shabby. Furthermore, it looks like a healthy amount of early adopters stocked up on games, as Sony also noted that more than two million pieces of software have been sold (out of 25 currently available titles) via retail and the PlayStation Store -- that said, there's no telling how popular those slightly cheaper digital editions have proved. Hit up the press release after the break for all the details, courtesy of the House of Kevin Butler Kaz Hirai.

Continue reading Sony updates PS Vita sales figures: 'over 1.2 million units worldwide', 2 million in software

Sony updates PS Vita sales figures: 'over 1.2 million units worldwide', 2 million in software originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital downloadsDigitalDownloadsgamesgaminghandheldsngpplaystationplaystation storeplaystation vitaPlaystationStorePlaystationVitaps vitaPsVitasalessceasceesoftwaresonySony Computer EntertainmentSonyComputerEntertainmentvideogamesTue, 28 Feb 2012 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita Facebook app pulled for repairs, Sony blames house of Zuckerberg]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/playstation-vita-facebook-app-pulled-for-repairs-sony-blames-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/playstation-vita-facebook-app-pulled-for-repairs-sony-blames-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/playstation-vita-facebook-app-pulled-for-repairs-sony-blames-ho/#comments After a short, two day stint on Sony's next generation portable, Facebook's Vita app has been pulled from the PSN store. According to a post on the official PlayStation Forums (EU), users were encountering an error code while trying to log into the popular social network, forcing them to close the application. Community team leader PadPoet says the error is a "Facebook specific issue (on their side)," and that the two outfits are working on a solution. "We will announce further details when ready," a Sony rep told Joystiq. Hopefully the app will make a triumphant return shortly, though it's absence doesn't make cripple the handheld's social aspiration's completely -- after all, there's always Twitter.

PlayStation Vita Facebook app pulled for repairs, Sony blames house of Zuckerberg originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appfacebookMark ZuckerbergMarkZuckerbergminipostPlayStationPlayStation Storeplaystation store usPlaystationStorePlaystationStoreUsps vitaPsVitasceasocial networkingSocialNetworkingSONYusvitaFri, 24 Feb 2012 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook PS Vita app hits US PlayStation Store]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/facebook-ps-vita-app-hits-us-playstation-store/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/facebook-ps-vita-app-hits-us-playstation-store/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/facebook-ps-vita-app-hits-us-playstation-store/#comments Although the PlayStation Vita's official US launch brought with it the pleasures of LiveTweeting, WiFi-only Netflix access and Flickr's photo-based networking, its Facebook, Foursquare and Skype apps were curiously absent. Today that's partially changed, however, as Sony's announced that the service that Zuckerberg built is now available as a free 12MB download from the PlayStation Store (on the wall of its PlayStation Facebook profile no less). We've gained access to the social network without a hitch, so be sure to let us know how it goes on your side of the screen in the comments. Hopefully it's more pleasing than AR table soccer.

Gallery: PS Vita Facebook app screenshots (US)



[Thanks, Mauricio]

Facebook PS Vita app hits US PlayStation Store originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appfacebookMark ZuckerbergMarkZuckerbergminipostplaystationPlayStation Storeplaystation store usPlaystationStorePlaystationStoreUsps vitaPsVitasceasocial networkingSocialNetworkingSONYusvitaWed, 22 Feb 2012 22:43:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEA Senior VP hints Hulu may be headed to PS Vita]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/hulu-may-be-headed-to-playstation-vita/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/hulu-may-be-headed-to-playstation-vita/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/hulu-may-be-headed-to-playstation-vita/#comments SCEA Senior VP hints Hulu app may be headed to PS Vita
By now, we're sure you have that shiny new PlayStation Vita all unboxed and have logged several hours on the thing playing games, Tweeting and watching vids on Netflix. But, if those apps we told you about earlier weren't enough to fulfill your entertainment needs, you'll be happy to know there could be more in stock for you. SCEA Senior VP Guy Longworth may have spilled the beans when he told The Hollywood Reporter "we have a partnership with Netflix and Hulu; this is a new way for them to distribute content." An interesting statement given the fact there's no Hulu app available now that Vita has launched. Good news is, the previously unknown hook-up indicates we may be be able to catch some episodes of Gossip Girl at some point in the future on our monstrous quad-core handheld.

SCEA Senior VP hints Hulu may be headed to PS Vita originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationappsguy longworthhuluhulu apphulu plusplaystationplaystation vitaplaystation vita huluportable gamingpsps vitaps vita appsps vita hulusceavitaWed, 22 Feb 2012 18:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: PlayStation Vita's AR game trio]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/video-playstation-vitas-ar-game-trio/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/video-playstation-vitas-ar-game-trio/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/video-playstation-vitas-ar-game-trio/#comments With the retail launch of the Vita hardware comes the arrival of three augmented reality games, using a set of six cards that look an awful lot like the ESP test cards Dr. Venkman used in Ghostbusters. I downloaded them all from the PlayStation Store today, carefully set up a camera between my face and Vita (keeping the table in view) and demonstrated all three.

Of the three, Fireworks is the definite standout. And by "standout" I mean "one I could foresee playing a second time."

[Music: "Shanghai Moon" by USK]

Video: PlayStation Vita's AR game trio originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmented realityAugmentedRealitygamesgamingplaystationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitaPsVitasonyvideovitaWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:13:00 EST<![CDATA['Select' PS Vita apps hit the US PlayStation Store: Netflix, LiveTweet and Flickr (Update: video hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/select-ps-vita-apps-hit-the-us-playstation-store-netflix-liv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/select-ps-vita-apps-hit-the-us-playstation-store-netflix-liv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/select-ps-vita-apps-hit-the-us-playstation-store-netflix-liv/#comments Did you just brave the lines of a midnight launch party and snag yourself a PS Vita in the US? Good news ye early adopters, Sony's PlayStation.Blog.US has just announced that select free apps will be available as part of today's PlayStation Store update. Currently, you'll find Netflix, LiveTweet and Flickr, but there's still nary of trace of Facebook or Foursquare among the bunch (nor any official word on release dates for that matter). We gave each app a download and quick spin prior to them being officially listed without much in the way of hiccups -- however, Netflix does take its sweet time to start-up. Disappointingly, Vita's 20MB cap on 3G data is totally in effect on Netflix, as switching to our cellular connection denied us any access to the service. We're giving the apps some extended use to bring you our initial impressions shortly, but for now, you'll find more info at the source link below.

Update: We've added gallery below and a brief video hands-on just past the break to let you grab a taste of each app before downloading them for yourself.

Gallery: PS Vita apps: Netflix, LiveTweet and Flickr (US)

Continue reading 'Select' PS Vita apps hit the US PlayStation Store: Netflix, LiveTweet and Flickr (Update: video hands-on)

'Select' PS Vita apps hit the US PlayStation Store: Netflix, LiveTweet and Flickr (Update: video hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsflickrgaminghands-onlive tweetlivetweetnetflixplaystationplaystation blogplaystation blog usplaystation storeplaystation vitaPlaystationBlogPlaystationBlogUsPlaystationStorePlaystationVitaportable gamingportableaudioPortableGamingps vitaps vita appsPsVitaPsVitaAppssceasonytwitterusvideoWed, 22 Feb 2012 01:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony makes a patent move for Kinect style controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/#comments We're not suggesting Sony has a Kinect style controller coming soon, but it certainly filed a patent for one. The application for a "User-Driven Three-Dimensional Interactive Gaming Environment" was initially logged in October last year by Richard Marks of PlayStation Eye fame. The controller can "determine when to interact with the system by allowing part of the user's body, or an object, to cross the maximum depth range plane" meaning input could be limited to just the hands etc. This wouldn't be the first time Sony has created controller technology similar to its competitors, but the company is careful not to outright state that's what it's for. That said, amongst the legalese it does go as far too say the system can be implemented by an entertainment system "such as" its flagship console. So, sadly there's no way of knowing if we'll be getting a PlayStation Motion any time soon, but feel free to wave over the source link to see the patent for yourself.

Sony makes a patent move for Kinect style controller originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Dgamingkinectmotion controllermotion detectionMotion sensingMotionControllerMotionDetectionMotionSensingobject recognitionObjectRecognitionpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationplaystationplaystation movePlaystationMovesonysony playstationSonyPlaystationTue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony promo lets PS Vita, PS3 hold hands for cross-platform play, because sharing is caring]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/sony-promo-lets-ps-vita-ps3-hold-hands-for-cross-platform-play/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/sony-promo-lets-ps-vita-ps3-hold-hands-for-cross-platform-play/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/sony-promo-lets-ps-vita-ps3-hold-hands-for-cross-platform-play/#comments Need another reason to cough up for that PS Vita? Well, Sony's attempting to sweeten the pot for existing PS3 owners with the launch of a promotional lure that'll make a trio of titles available for cross-platform play. Yes, that portable-to-console bridge has been attempted before and though it's always reeked more of gimmick than true killer feature, that's not stopping the electronics juggernaut from giving it the ol' college try. Gamers that download either Hustle Kings, WipEout 2048 or Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 on the PlayStation Store will be able to transfer and play that content on both devices for the price of one. If you currently claim any of the above as your own, not to worry, you'll still be able to take part in the company's pan-PS content share. So, are you red E? Then hit up the source below for the extended deets.

Sony promo lets PS Vita, PS3 hold hands for cross-platform play, because sharing is caring originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>content sharingContentSharingcross-platformgameplayPlayStationPlayStation StorePlaystationStorepromotionPS VitaPS3PsVitaSonyvideo gamesVideoGamesVitaThu, 16 Feb 2012 16:11:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Vita torn apart by iFixit, gets its vitals checked]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/ps-vita-teardown/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/ps-vita-teardown/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/ps-vita-teardown/#comments PS Vita torn apart by iFixit, gets its vitals checked

iFixit's (counter-intuitively) done it again. This time it's made gamers of the world weep by ceremoniously un-fixing a PS Vita, Sony's latest portable gaming powerhouse. Standard screws and fittings -- alongside a modular design -- made for a relatively pain-free deconstruction for these tinkerers -- especially compared to recent iFixit visitors. Highlights from the tech autopsy include a 2,200mAh battery, Toshiba SDRAM and an OLED display that is unfortunately fused to the plastic, reducing the score down to a could-be-worth-a-fixin' 8 out of 10. Get your goggles, grab a surgery mask and meet us at the source below. Things could get a little messy.

PS Vita torn apart by iFixit, gets its vitals checked originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ifixitifixitteardownplaystationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitaPsVitasonyteardownvitaThu, 16 Feb 2012 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC phones getting PlayStation Suite certification in 2012?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/htc-getting-playstation-certification/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/htc-getting-playstation-certification/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/htc-getting-playstation-certification/#comments Anonymous sources have told Pocket-lint that Sony will be allowing rival smartphone maker HTC to have PlayStation Certification for its devices. An official announcement is expected at MWC at the end of the month, with devices able to play PSOne games and access to the Android-flavor of the Sony Entertainment Network. Former SCE Chairman (now company president) Kaz Hirai introduced the program open to non-Sony devices at AsiaD last year, possibly to the raised eyebrows of those in the company's revamped mobile division.

HTC phones getting PlayStation Suite certification in 2012? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroiddisqusHTCHTC PlayStationHtcPlaystationKaz HiraiKazHiraimobilepostcrossMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012PlayStationPlayStation CertificationPlayStation Entertainment NetworkPlayStation SuitePlaystationCertificationPlaystationEntertainmentNetworkPlaystationSuiteSonySony MobileSony Mobile CommunicationsSonyMobileSonyMobileCommunicationsTue, 14 Feb 2012 07:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/joystiqs-playstation-vita-launch-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/joystiqs-playstation-vita-launch-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/joystiqs-playstation-vita-launch-guide/#comments Vita Launch GuideThe PlayStation Vita launches this week in the form of a "First Edition" bundle. The for-real hardware launch will take place on February 22. We'll be covering the hardware and its games continuously through that period, and rounding it up here for ease of reference.

Continue reading Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide

Joystiq's PlayStation Vita launch guide originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqNGPplaystationPlayStation VitaPlaystationVitaportable gamingPortableGamingPS VitaPS Vita reviewPSPPsVitaPsVitaReviewsonysony playstationsony playstation vitasony ps vitaSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystationVitaSonyPsVitavideoVitaMon, 13 Feb 2012 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/playstation-vita-review/#comments

Look familiar? It should: that's the PlayStation Vita, Sony's up-and-coming challenger to the mobile gaming throne. It's made the rounds a few times before, from E3, to Tokyo Game Show, to San Francisco's Vita Hill Social Club, and it even took an early pass through Engadget's review gauntlet -- courtesy of the Land of the Rising Sun, of course. After a strong start in its homeland (followed by a quick holiday slump), the budding portable hit the books, brushed up on its English and barreled its way back into Engadget's game room, demanding another review. And why not? We're happy to oblige.

And here it is, an extremely familiar looking slab of plastic, glass and electronics that calls itself the North American 3G / WiFi PlayStation Vita. Sony's new region-free tradition ensures that it won't be too different than Japan's native model, but we're diving in for a more detailed look anyway. Read on for a peek at its content management system, backward compatibility, the particulars of its fancy new thumbsticks, the latest firmware update's contribution to the platform and much more.

Gallery: PlayStation Vita review

Continue reading PlayStation Vita review

PlayStation Vita review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NGPplaystationPlayStation VitaPlaystation Vita ReviewPlaystationVitaPlaystationVitaReviewportable gamingPortableGamingPS VitaPS Vita reviewPSPPsVitaPsVitaReviewreviewsonyvideoVitaMon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No discounted UMD transfers to Vita for US, angel loses its wings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/no-discounted-umd-passport-transfers-to-vita-for-us-psp/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/no-discounted-umd-passport-transfers-to-vita-for-us-psp/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/no-discounted-umd-passport-transfers-to-vita-for-us-psp/#comments No discounted UMD transfers to Vita for US, angel loses its wings
Hey, America ... no soup for you! Vita apparently means no discounted downloads of your beloved disc-based PSP games as Kotaku reports Sony won't be offering its "UMD Passport" service in the US. Since December, Sony has let existing Japanese PSP owners upgrade UMD games to Vita downloadable copies for around ¥500-1,000 ($6.50 - $13). Penny-pinching US gamers can perhaps console themselves with the fact that they can still get a discount for digital downloads of Vita games. Well, that or make hungry eyes for free at Vitas displayed in kiosks at select stores.

No discounted UMD transfers to Vita for US, angel loses its wings originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountjapanplaystationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaportable gamingPortableGamingps vitapsppsp downloadsPspDownloadspsvPsVitasonysony playstationsony PSPsony vitaSonyPlaystationSonyPspSonyVitaumdUMD vitaUmdVitavita downloadsvita passportVitaDownloadsVitaPassportWed, 08 Feb 2012 03:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony confirms Kazuo Hirai as new President and CEO, replacing Howard Stringer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/sony-confirms-kazuo-hirai-as-new-president-and-ceo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/sony-confirms-kazuo-hirai-as-new-president-and-ceo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/sony-confirms-kazuo-hirai-as-new-president-and-ceo/#comments
Sony has just confirmed Kazuo Hirai as its new CEO and President, validating rumors that have been swirling for a few weeks now. Outgoing CEO Howard Stringer, meanwhile, has been appointed Chairman of Sony's Board of Directors. The Hirai era officially begins April 1st, while Stringer will assume his new role sometime in June (until then, he'll remain executive chairman). Today's announcement, coming a day before Sony's earnings call, brings an end to more than a year's worth of speculation, though Hirai's selection hardly comes as a surprise, considering his recent string of promotions. In April, he was named Executive Deputy President; five months later, he was promoted to Sony Computer Entertainment Chairman. According to Stringer, in fact, Sony has been grooming Hirai since as early as 2009, when the Board began designing its succession plans. Kaz, he says, stood out from the crowd:

Kaz is a globally focused executive for whom technology and the cloud are familiar territory, content is highly valued, and digital transformation is second nature. I believe his tough-mindedness and leadership skills will be of great benefit to the company and its customers in the months and years ahead. I look forward to helping Kaz in every way I can so that succession leads inevitably to success. It was my honor to recommend him to the Board for the positions of President and CEO, because he is ready to lead, and the time to make this change is now.

Kaz, for his part, acknowledges that Sony is going through some "challenging" times at this juncture, but credits Stringer with steadying the ship, and seems clear-minded about the future. "The path we must take is clear: to drive the growth of our core electronics businesses - primarily digital imaging, smart mobile and game; to turn around the television business; and to accelerate the innovation that enables us to create new business domains," the 51-year-old PSN architect explained. "The foundations are now firmly in place for the new management team and me to fully leverage Sony's diverse electronics product portfolio, in conjunction with our rich entertainment assets and growing array of networked services, to engage with our customers around the world in new and exciting ways."

Click past the break for Sony's full press release.

Continue reading Sony confirms Kazuo Hirai as new President and CEO, replacing Howard Stringer

Sony confirms Kazuo Hirai as new President and CEO, replacing Howard Stringer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appointmentbreaking newsbusinessCEOchairman of the boardChairmanOfTheBoardcorporatehiraihoward stringerHowardStringerindustryjapanKaz HiraiKazHiraikazuo hiraiKazuoHiraimoneyplaystationplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkPresidentPSNsir howard stringerSirHowardStringerSONYWed, 01 Feb 2012 03:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Living la vita hacker: PS3 firmware exploit expands Vita Remote Play options]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/living-la-vita-hacker-ps3-firmware-exploit-expands-vita-remote/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/living-la-vita-hacker-ps3-firmware-exploit-expands-vita-remote/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/living-la-vita-hacker-ps3-firmware-exploit-expands-vita-remote/#comments Those gosh-darned hackers just refuse to get off Sony's lawn, serving up yet another exploit for the outfit's latest baby, the PlayStation Vita. Well, sort of -- the Vita's own code hasn't been breached, but it sure plays nice with PlayStation 3 custom firmware 3.55. The PS3 tweak apparently recognizes the Vita as a mobile phone, which somehow allows it to Remote Play a wider assortment of PS3 games than normal. It's not all unicorns and double rainbows, however, as input lag appears to be an issue -- but it should help tide over enterprising Vita owners until Sony officially expands its list of Remote Play-compatible titles. In the meantime, those on the straight and narrow can console themselves with the Vita's recently updated 3G data plan. Hit the break to see the trick cram Battlefield 3 onto the small screen.

Continue reading Living la vita hacker: PS3 firmware exploit expands Vita Remote Play options

Living la vita hacker: PS3 firmware exploit expands Vita Remote Play options originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackingjailbreakjailbreakingPlayStationPlaystation 3playstation networkplaystation vitaPlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPlaystationVitaps vitaps3ps3 firmwarePs3FirmwarePsVitaremote playRemotePlayvideovitaTue, 24 Jan 2012 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP games get ESRB rating for PlayStation certified devices, coming soon to Sony phones and tablets?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/psp-games-playstation-certified-devices-ESRB/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/psp-games-playstation-certified-devices-ESRB/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/psp-games-playstation-certified-devices-ESRB/#comments

It looks like Sony's been reading our daily email missives, bemoaning the state of its PlayStation certified gaming selection. The message appears to be getting through, with several PSP titles getting spotted over at the Entertainment Software Rating Board with PlayStation certification. Ahead of any official fanfare, there's no big hitters here just yet, but titles like Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and Daxter are likely to be more resonant with gamers than the pitiful offering we've seen so far from its PS Store app. Alongside Syphon Filter and Daxter, PS3 port Fl0w and Pinball Heroes were also spotted getting their contents okayed by the ESRB. Unsurprisingly, there's no detail here on release dates or technical requirements -- something that we reckon could be important, given the technical gap between the Xperia Play and the dual-cored innards of Sony's tablets. It's also worth noting that Pinball Heroes is already available on the Tablet P. Sorry Sony, but we'd still trade all of what's been leaked here for a portable version of the original Metal Gear Solid -- without hesitation.

PSP games get ESRB rating for PlayStation certified devices, coming soon to Sony phones and tablets? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidESRBleakPlaystationPlayStation CertifiedPlaystationCertifiedPS StorePsStoreSony tablet pSony tablet sSonyTabletPSonyTabletSXperiaMon, 23 Jan 2012 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita gets updated 3G data plan, offers an extra gigabyte for a Lincoln]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/playstation-vita-data-plans-changed-30-for-3gb/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/playstation-vita-data-plans-changed-30-for-3gb/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/playstation-vita-data-plans-changed-30-for-3gb/#comments We can't say we were overly concerned about busting through the Vita's 2GB monthly data threshold when the handheld's 3G variant hits AT&T next month, but the network, it seems, isn't taking any chances. According to the Vita's AT&T page, Ma Bell's making sure you'll never be blocked from nabbing those download-capped PlayStation Minis by upping the previously announced 2GB for $25 plan to 3GB for $30. Surprised? Don't be -- this change just brings Sony's next generation handheld in-line with the network's updated data plans. The Vita's budget-friendly $15 for 250MB option is still ripe for the picking, but that won't get you far if you plan to watch Netflix on the go, will it?

PlayStation Vita gets updated 3G data plan, offers an extra gigabyte for a Lincoln originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g vita3gVitaattatt dataatt vitaAttDataAttVitadatadata plansDataPlansminipostplaystationplaystation vitaplaystation vta 3gPlaystationVitaPlaystationVta3gps vitaPsVitasonysony playstation vitaSonyPlaystationVitaSun, 22 Jan 2012 19:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from the Engadget CES Stage: taking the PlayStation Vita for a spin (update: video embedded)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-taking-the-playstation-vita-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-taking-the-playstation-vita-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-taking-the-playstation-vita-fo/#comments
The next best thing to actually buying a PlayStation Vita? Why, tuning our demo, of course. We'll be joined by Sony executives to discuss the new gaming portable and see exactly what the thing can do. Join us at 12:30pm ET, after the break.

Update: Interview video is now embedded.

Continue reading Live from the Engadget CES Stage: taking the PlayStation Vita for a spin (update: video embedded)

Live from the Engadget CES Stage: taking the PlayStation Vita for a spin (update: video embedded) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012ces2012bestfgaminginterviewplaystationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitasonyvideovitaWed, 11 Jan 2012 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Kaz Hirai: no PlayStation 4 at E3]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sonys-kaz-hirai-no-playstation-4-at-e3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sonys-kaz-hirai-no-playstation-4-at-e3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/sonys-kaz-hirai-no-playstation-4-at-e3/#comments
It looks like you can officially put any hopes of a PlayStation 4 announcement at E3 to rest. In a roundtable with reporters at CES, Sony's Kaz Hirai responded to a question about recent comments attributed to gaming division head Andrew House by stating that "Andy is absolutely right in that we are not making any announcements at E3." As The Wall Street Journal reports, Hirai further added that he's "always said a 10-year life cycle for PS3, and there is no reason to go away from that." That ten-year life cycle would place the PS3's end-of-life around 2016, but as with the PS2 and PS3, we'd expect some overlap between the PS3 and its eventual successor.

Sony's Kaz Hirai: no PlayStation 4 at E3 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012e3e3 2012E32012hiraikaz hiraiKazHiraiplaystationplaystation 3playstation 4Playstation3Playstation4ps3ps4sonyTue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST