playstation-suite
Latest
PlayStation Mobile now live on Vita and 'Certified' Android devices
Sony has launched its PlayStation Mobile store, ending the speculation and secrecy around the service. The PlayStation Mobile store is now selling cross-platform games across PlayStation Certified devices (including the Vita and a few Android phones and tablets) in the "US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Australia," according to developer Vlambeer, with more countries on the way.In short, of course, this means Super Crate Box is now available on your Vita. On the Vita, the store is surprisingly easy to find (see above); if you're on an Android phone, you'll have a few more steps to deal with. In any case, there's now an easier way to develop games for publication on Sony devices.
Sony announces new PlayStation Certified Xperia tablet and phones
There may be a lot of "not video games" happening on this tablet's screen, but it's Sony's next big PlayStation Certified device, the Xperia Tablet S. Not to be confused with last year's totally non-Xperia Tablet S, the new Tablet S is filled with a Tegra 3 processor, Android 4.0 (Ice-Cream Sandwich) and, depending on how much money you want to shell out, 16 to 64 gigs of storage. The device has a 9.4-inch IPS screen and will be available on September 7 for $400, $500 or $600, again depending on storage options.Sony has also announced two new PlayStation Certified smartphones: The Xperia T and Xperia V. The T will be Sony's new flagship smartphone, featuring a 4.6-inch 1,280 x 720 screen, 1.5 Ghz dual-core Qualcomm processor, 13 megapixel camera and NFC capabilities. The V, on the other hand, is a water resistant LTE device with a slightly smaller screen (4.3 inches) and no NFC tricks, but otherwise similar internals. Both phones will launch before the end of the year, with the T dropping within the next few weeks.Though all three devices ship with Android 4.0, an upgrade to Jelly-Bean will be available for both phones and the tablet sometime in the near future.
Left 4 Dead running on Vita via PlayStation Mobile is pretty Suite
The wizard digitalarts001 has made it possible to run Left 4 Dead with motion controls on the PS Vita, via remote desktop play and PlayStation Mobile (formerly "Suite"). The above video provides a magical demonstration of L4D on Vita, appearing to run smoothly even when motion controls are activated by the player pressing the left trigger and mumbling an incantation in broken Latin, we assume.A remote desktop application is just one of the homebrew innovations we can expect from PlayStation Mobile, but it may be one of the most important: When players can make their own games suddenly appear on the Vita, Sony won't have to create any of its own titles. Now you're thinking with Portals, Sony. Speaking of....
HTC is first partner for 'PlayStation Mobile,' the new name for PlayStation Suite [Update: Press release added]
No longer will PlayStation Certified titles be confined to Sony hardware. Andrew House, president of SCEE, revealed that HTC would be the first third-party hardware to support PlayStation Suite – not surprising since the platform has been in open beta since April.Oh, and that's the other thing – it's no longer called PlayStation Suite, but rather PlayStation Mobile. House provided no timetable for when we'd see the first PlayStation Certified titles on HTC's line of products.Update: Sony has sent out a press release, but it doesn't really say much beyond what was revealed during the press conference. Still, we've embedded past the break in case you're curious.
HTC officially a maker of PlayStation certified handsets, PlayStation Suite is now PlayStation Mobile
Thought Sony's E3 2012 presser would be about a next-gen console? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but that doesn't mean there's no news on the PlayStation front, as Sony's just informed the world that the PlayStation Suite has been renamed PlayStation Mobile. Not only that, but it's opening PS Mobile to third-party Android manufacturers, and as was rumored, HTC is the first handset maker not named Sony to get certified -- meaning that you'll soon be able to get your PlayStation on using the Taiwanese outfit's hardware. Unfortunately, we don't know when HTC will debut its first such handset, nor when other Android makers will get in on the action, but it's nice to see Sony finally start to share the gaming love.%Gallery-156968%
PlayStation Suite enters open beta, some details emerge
The PlayStation Suite looks like it's actually making progress towards life as a bona fide platform/ecosystem for game and app distribution. The service has moved into an open beta phase and developers are now able to download the PlayStation Suite SDK, which includes an "integrated development environment" (IDE) and device simulator for PCs.No actual game/app distribution will begin until the beta ends "later this year," at which point developers using the SDK will need to contract up, to the tune of $99 a year. The SDK is free until then.Thanks to the beta's FAQ, we also now know that completely free/ad-supported apps will not be allowed on the service, and that "development will be limited to paid (including freemiun [sic]) content." In-game/in-app microtransaction functionality will be added to the SDK at a later date during the beta.As far as PlayStation Suite's actual app pricing structure is concerned, both in terms of its consuming-facing strategy and its back-end developer percentages, Sony hasn't quite ironed that out: "We can't provide detailed information at this stage, but we are considering a pricing structure based on current market conditions."[Thanks, Alec.]
PlayStation Suite's 'open beta' SDK available to download now
As promised last month, Sony has launched its PlayStation Suite SDK on open beta. Machinations have continued since November behind closed beta doors, but the free SDK is now available for anyone to download. Developers will be able to make content accessible for all PlayStation-certified devices, from the PS Vita to Sony's batch of Android phones and tablets. The official version is still pegged for launch later in 2012 and will demand an annual subscription for access. During the open beta, users can create games that use both physical buttons and touchscreen input with a PC-based simulator, test and debug those creations on willing Sony devices and debate away in the dedicated developer forum. Those with lofty game-making dreams for the PlayStation Suite can download the open beta at the source link below, but expect to sign a new contract when the full SDK goes official.
PlayStation Suite open to all developers from April, full SDK coming 'later'
It's been many months since we first heard about this PlayStation SDK, which entered closed beta for a chosen few back in November. Now we're told the open beta will arrive in April, allowing any interested developer to create content for the PS Suite, which will ultimately be accessible to all PlayStation-certified Android smartphones and tablets as well as the PS Vita. This beta of the SDK will be free of charge, while the official version will come "later this year" and require a $99 annual subscription in return for allowing devs to make their wares commercially available on Sony's platform. This should herald good times for users too: People still have to go to crazy lengths just to access homebrew on their Sony handheld.
HTC phones getting PlayStation Suite certification in 2012?
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.
Daxter, more PSP games re-rated for PlayStation Certified devices
The ESRB has rated Daxter, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, eight tables worth of Pinball Heroes and flOw for release on PlayStation Certified devices, including the Xperia Play and Sony Tablet series. It's unclear whether flOw is a port of the PSP version or the original PS3 version, but we feel safe in assuming that it's the former, considering the PlayStation Suite's track record with repurposing PSP titles.We can't imagine that playing a Syphon Filter game on a capacitive touch screen would be a rewarding experience, but flOw and Pinball Heroes sound like they'd translate well to the tactile interface of the Sony Tablet. We'll keep our ears to the ground for pricing and release information as it becomes available.
Sony's Tablet S adds DualShock 3 support in Japan
Japanese users of Sony's curvy Tablet S have received an update (translated) that should come in handy for all those PlayStation games. The tablet now offers support for DualShock 3 controllers, though they must first be synced with a USB adapter cable -- sold separately. The dual-screened Tablet P, unfortunately, remains shackled to the screen-smudging tyranny of virtual buttons.
PlayStation Suite beta starting (for Japanese devices) later on this month
Sony has announced more details about the beta for the PlayStation Suite. That's the development program (similar to Apple's App Store or Microsoft's Xbox Live Indie Games) which will allow third-party video game developers to produce games that can be released, with Sony's approval, on to the PS Vita and other Sony and Android devices. The beta itself will be launched in "late November," with an SDK available to select developers then, and Sony will refine and clean up the program for a public release at a later unannounced date. At launch, Sony says the PS Suite content will be available on PlayStation certified devices only, including the PS Vita, and the Xperia line of mobile phones and Sony's upcoming "Sony Tablet" models S and P. Sony specifically mentions that the devices listed are currently only available in the Japanese market, and while it's probably true that we'll eventually see PS Suite content on the North American Xperia Play smartphone (and the Sony tablets, if and when they're released here), that's not yet confirmed. It's still very early in the process -- it will likely be a while before we see any third-party content up and running (much less available to buy) on these devices.
Sony opens registration for PlayStation Suite SDK beta, lets devs build apps for Android and Vita
We first got wind of Sony's PlayStation Suite SDK back at the Tokyo Game Show in September, but the company just opened up the application process for a closed beta test, letting Windows XP and Windows 7 users in the US, UK and Japan submit their credentials for early access. Those getting the nod from Sony will be able to develops apps for use on the PS Vita, which is set to hit in February, along with the PS Suite -- that "hardware-neutral" framework that'll allow access from non-PlayStation branded products, including the Xperia Play, Tablet S and Tablet P, with the potential for third-party devices to come as well. The SDK uses the C# programming language, and doesn't require devs to have access to actual Sony hardware -- so don't expect a Vita to show up at your door anytime this year. Think you have what it takes to be a Sony dev? Hit up the source link to send 'em the word.
Kaz Hirai: Sony is 'in discussions with non-Sony companies' over PlayStation Suite
Wondering whether Sony's PlayStation Suite will ever really leave its nest? While the SDK won't be out until next month, SCE Chairman Kaz Hirai just told us here at AsiaD that this Android-friendly framework's still open to all other manufacturers, and he emphasized that it "isn't an ecosystem where we want to keep everything within the Sony family" while pimping the three PlayStation Certified Android devices so far: Xperia Play, Tablet S and Tablet P. Kaz also confirmed that Sony's currently "in discussions with non-Sony companies to bring them onboard," but as to when this will come to fruition, the company will make those announcements "when it's time to go public with it," so we shall see.
Sony's Kazuo Hirai: liveblog from AsiaD!
We're back! AsiaD's concluding today, but we've got a couple of big hitters left on the schedule. Kicking things off this morning -- yeah, it's morning, we're in the future -- is Sony's Executive Deputy President, Kazuo Hirai, and we're guessing he'll be shooting it straight regarding the PS Vita, those nasty "outages" and whatever else he feels like keeping us abreast on. Join us after the break for the blow-by-blow!
PlayStation Store available for the one PlayStation Certified tablet
Sony's PlayStation Suite cross-platform initiative continues its gradual, piecemeal rollout, with the arrival of the PlayStation Store for PlayStation Certified devices -- a category that, as of this moment, includes the Sony Tablet S and nothing else. Eventually, it'll include the Sony Tablet P, other Android devices, and the PlayStation Vita (which will, of course, have access to the normal PlayStation Store as well). And before you get your hopes up about seeing what kind of new cross-platform experiences PlayStation Suite can provide, it's just PSOne Classics right now. Tablet S owners have a selection of ten PSOne games, for $5.99 each, including Cool Boarders, Hot Shots Golf 2, and, oh hey, Jumping Flash!
PlayStation Suite SDK will be released in 'limited beta' in November
During TGS, Sony announced that the development kit for the cross-platform PlayStation Suite program would be released in November. During a panel at GDC Online today, SCE's Shigeru Sugimoto clarified the timing of that release. In November, the SDK will be released as a limited beta, or a "tech preview," including the Android version and a PC-based "simulator" allowing those without Android phones (that last group includes everyone) to develop for Suite. Vita development will be added later, when Sony expands into an "open beta." Later, in addition to Sony Ericsson Android devices and PS Vita systems, the Suite may support PS3 -- it's one of the platforms "under evaluation." "We are targeting devices from other manufacturers as well," Sugimoto said, referring to other Android phones. If you'd like to download the SDK, you can sign up here to find out when it'll be available. You will need a PSN ID to access it.
WSJ: Sony buying out Ericsson's end of mobile joint-venture
Sony's PlayStation Suite may be planned for more than just a few of Sony Ericsson's mobile devices, as the Wall Street Journal has heard from "people familiar with the matter" that Sony intends on buying out Ericsson's half of the two companies' joint cellular partnership. Sony and Ericsson came together in 2001 to create mobile devices, but Sony only got its PlayStation brand involved in the collaboration within the past year, with the launch of the Xperia Play and not-quite-launched PlayStation Suite. Apparently the deal is also quite fragile at the moment, with one source indicating "the talks are ongoing and could break apart at any time." It's still unclear how much Ericsson might net from the deal, though analysts peg Ericsson's stake at anywhere between €1 billion and €1.25 billion ($1.3 billion to $1.7 billion). The results of the purchase could be dramatic, with Sony taking full control of its mobile development wing -- a perfect pairing with Sony's PlayStation Suite. Whether the deal actually happens, however, remains to be seen.
PlayStation Suite SDK beta coming in November, offering new games in spring 2012
We haven't heard much about the PlayStation Suite for quite some time, but at the TGS 2011 opening keynote today, Sony announced that it'll finally be rolling out an SDK for said cross-platform framework in November. Furthermore, Sony's expecting new games and apps to be available for the PlayStation Suite in spring, which means willing C# developers will be busy over the next few months should they wish to deploy their software across certified devices -- these currently include the PS Vita, Xperia Play, Tablet S and the upcoming Tablet P. Of course, we're also hoping that Sony will convince at least one other manufacturer to get its NVIDIA Tegra devices certified for the PlayStation Suite, otherwise it'll be tough to get the ball rolling for everyone.
PlayStation Suite SDK arrives this November
Ever since introducing the PlayStation Suite back in January, Sony has been slowly meting out information on the cross-platform service. But Sony blew out the service this morning during the company's TGS 2011 keynote, revealing that the Suite's software development kit will become available for devs this coming November. A brief demo of a basic sidescrolling shooter, named "Zero Gravity," was also shown, demonstrating the cross play between PlayStation Vita and the Xperia Play. Unfortunately, no price or exact date was given for access to the SDK, but Sony reps did demonstrate the ease of using the SDK for cross-platform development. A simple animation was created using a Sony tablet, which was then pushed across a variety of Sony and Android platforms -- "No play, no life," it read. We tend to be more of the "no food/air, no life" crowd, but we'll accept Sony's statement for the sake of demonstration.
