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[PSP gets its own homebrew online gaming network, outweighs Sony's own efforts (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/psp-gets-its-own-homebrew-online-gaming-network/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/psp-gets-its-own-homebrew-online-gaming-network/http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/01/psp-gets-its-own-homebrew-online-gaming-network/#comments Image

Sony made much ado of the PSP's position as one of the first online gaming consoles, but unless your idea of online play involves Skype calls, there hasn't been a lot to go on since 2004. Team PRO is addressing that deficit through Prometheus, a completely community-driven rival to PSN. The hack lets PSP games with support for ad hoc WiFi play go online by wrapping the normal local-only multiplayer in an emulator library that broadcasts to other Prometheus players. It requires a second-generation or newer PSP as well as a wireless router that can expose the PSP in DMZ mode, but there's a live who's-playing board and even an in-game chat mode to coordinate that round of Fat Princess as it happens. Of course, using a wholly separate gaming network outside of Sony's rubric involves a whole lot of warranty-voiding risk; if you're willing to live on the edge, though, Internet games of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker or Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 will let you put off that possible PlayStation Vita purchase for a little longer.

Continue reading PSP gets its own homebrew online gaming network, outweighs Sony's own efforts (video)

PSP gets its own homebrew online gaming network, outweighs Sony's own efforts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 04:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad hocad hoc wifiAdHocAdHocWifigaminghackhackshomebrewinternet gamingInternetGamingmoddingmodificationmultiplayeronline gamesonline gamingOnlineGamesOnlineGamingplaystation networkplaystation portablePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPortableprometheuspsnpspsonysony playstation portablesony pspSonyPlaystationPortableSonyPspteam proTeamProvideoFri, 01 Jun 2012 04:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga CEO Mark Pincus says 'no thanks' to console gaming, isn't worried about a life detached from Facebook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-no-console-gaming-facebook-business/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-no-console-gaming-facebook-business/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/zynga-ceo-mark-pincus-no-console-gaming-facebook-business/#comments Zynga CEO Mark Pincus

Zynga CEO and founder Mark Pincus just took the stage here at D10, and in a wide-ranging interview with Kara Swisher, he sidestepped conversation about Words With Friends and Farmville long enough to touch on the murky world of console gaming. In a bid to quell any potential surprises at E3 next month, Mark said outrightly that his company is not interested in getting into the console world. "We're aiming for you," he said while pointing at Swisher. "We're going after the mainstream market. There's too much friction [in the console world]."

He also made clear that he tries to not look too far ahead of where the world really is. When talking about the undeniable shift to mobile, he made clear that there's still a huge amount of desktop traffic on Zynga's games -- "lots of people play while bored on conference calls at work," he quipped. It's an interesting viewpoint in a world where PSN and Xbox Live Arcade has given independent developers all new distribution platforms to reach users, but it also highlights the outfit's intrinsic attachment to Facebook in particular.

Continue reading Zynga CEO Mark Pincus says 'no thanks' to console gaming, isn't worried about a life detached from Facebook

Zynga CEO Mark Pincus says 'no thanks' to console gaming, isn't worried about a life detached from Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all things dall things d 10all things digitalAllThingsDAllThingsD10AllThingsDigitalangry birdsAngryBirdsatdatd10atdxbusinessconferenceconsole gamingConsoleGamingd10dxfacebookfarmvillegamingindustryMark PincusMarkPincusminipostonline gamingOnlineGamingpsnwords with friendsWordsWithFriendsxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadezyngaWed, 30 May 2012 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network scheduled for maintenance starting at 8AM (PST)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/playstation-network-scheduled-maintenance-may-24-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/playstation-network-scheduled-maintenance-may-24-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/playstation-network-scheduled-maintenance-may-24-2012/#comments PlayStation Network scheduled for maintenance starting at 8AM (PST) May 24

Today's public service announcement is brought to you by the letter "M." That would be "M" as in maintenance, which is what the PlayStation Network will be going through from 8AM (PST) to 11PM. The outage means that both the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home might not be accessible while Sony does its maintenance magic. "B-b-but, I'm supposed to be credit farming Firebase White with my Mass Effect 3 buddies during that exact, same time," you say? Chill, buddy -- the maintenance won't affect online play so you can continue to abuse those hapless, chirping Geth. Folks who signed in to PSN within the last five days will still be able to access apps like Amazon Instant Video and Netflix as well. Hey, it could always be worse, you know.

PlayStation Network scheduled for maintenance starting at 8AM (PST) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystation 3playstation networkplaystation network outagePlaystation3PlaystationNetworkps vitaPSNPSN outagePsnOutagePSPpsp goPspGopsvPsVitascheduled maintenanceScheduledMaintenancesonysony playstation netSonyPlaystationNetvitaThu, 24 May 2012 09:01:00 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 exec confirms IPTV aspirations, says they're on hold due to bandwidth caps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/sony-iptv-rumor-confirmed-still-on-hold/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/sony-iptv-rumor-confirmed-still-on-hold/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/sony-iptv-rumor-confirmed-still-on-hold/#comments Sony exec reportedly confirms IPTV aspirations, says they're on hold due to bandwidth caps

CES came and went without an update on the status of an alleged cable TV alternative the Wall Street Journal claimed Sony was building to push ahead its four screen strategy, but now Sony Network Entertainment VP Michael Aragon has given the rumor new life. Variety reports that during its Entertainment & Technology Summit Monday Aragon confirmed the company is considering offering TV services over the internet, but is waiting to see what happens with ISP bandwidth caps. Specifically referring to the Comcast 250GB limit that has recently come under fire from Netflix and others now that its Xfinity TV app on Xbox 360 skirts the cap entirely, Aragon noted cable companies have the pipe and the bandwidth and can restrict competing services. We've heard Netflix has been trying to negotiate its own path around such restrictions even as Redbox partners with Verizon on a video service, and rumors have periodically popped up linking Apple, Microsoft and any other tech giant you could name to similar plans. What does all this mean for the future? No one can say for sure yet, but unless some of the key players start to partner up instead of go to war we may need the FCC to step in before anything significant changes.

Sony exec confirms IPTV aspirations, says they're on hold due to bandwidth caps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandwidthbandwidth capsBandwidthCapscomcasthdpostminiinternet tvInternetTviptvnetflixps3psnsensonySony Entertainment NetworkSonyEntertainmentNetworkstreamingvideo unlimitedVideoUnlimitedTue, 01 May 2012 21:44:00 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[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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolegamingphoto editingPhotoEditingplaymemoriesplaymemories studioPlaymemoriesStudioplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3PSNpspremote playRemotePlaysonysony play memories studioSonyPlayMemoriesStudiovitaTue, 27 Mar 2012 15:03:00 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[PS3 v4.10 update is live with an improved browser, Sony Entertainment Network nameplate]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/ps3-4-10-update-browser/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/ps3-4-10-update-browser/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/ps3-4-10-update-browser/#comments The latest update for Sony's PlayStation 3 is live and available for download from via your PlayStation Netw...oops, Sony Entertainment Network account. While we get used to the new branding (nothing we could see in the system UI has actually changed at all), there's a few tweaks included in v4.10, like some sorely needed upgrades for the web browser and the ability to set the time and date automatically upon each sign-in. A scan of the forums reveals a few who noticed problems with Netflix post-update (which may or may not be update related, deleting Netflix data from the Game Data utility section and/or installing the newest version seems to fix the issue), however most are just seeing significantly better scores in browser benchmarks like Acid3 and HTML5 Test, better compatibility with most webpages and improved YouTube playback (still 240p). Let us know if you notice any other changes, the system should prompt you the next time you log on for a quick round of Final Fantasy XIII-2.

PS3 v4.10 update is live with an improved browser, Sony Entertainment Network nameplate originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.10browserconsolegamingminipostmobilepostcrossplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkps3psnsonySony Entertainment NetworkSonyEntertainmentNetworktimeupdatevideogamesWed, 08 Feb 2012 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network ID moniter sacked, falls under Sony Entertainment Network umbrella on Feb. 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/playstation-network-becomes-sony-entertainment-network-feb-7th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/playstation-network-becomes-sony-entertainment-network-feb-7th/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/05/playstation-network-becomes-sony-entertainment-network-feb-7th/#comments Listen up, those of you with PlayStation Network IDs. Sony Computer Entertainment International has announced that, as of February 7th, PSN IDs will change into SEN IDs as a part of its existing Sony Entertainment Network The company has aimed the move at clearly unifying the services of PSN and SEN, such as Music Unlimited. Fret not, however, as Joystiq notes that the change is basically a looks-only affair, meaning your current account information and related services will remain the same. Notably, the moniker refresh won't apply to the PSP, which will curiously remain under the PSN moniker for network services. The news comes as a part of SCEI's updated Terms of Service and privacy policy, both of which take effect on the same day. Those changes, by the way, appear to mainly be regarding location-based services for PS Vita, and parental controls for sub-master accounts. After all of the bad times PSN has been through, partnering up closer to SEN might just be the refreshed outlook on (online) life it needed all along -- and hopefully with less downtime. Hit up the source link below for the full details.

Update: We've adjusted the post to clarify that the PlayStation Network will remain named as such, but that PSN IDs have now become SEN IDs.

PlayStation Network ID moniter sacked, falls under Sony Entertainment Network umbrella on Feb. 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaminghdpostcrosslocation based servicesLocationBasedServicesmusic unlimitedMusicUnlimitedonline gamingOnlineGamingplaystation 3playstation networkplaystation onlineplaystation vitaPlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPlaystationOnlinePlaystationVitaprivacy policyPrivacyPolicyps vitaps3psnpsn idPsnIdpspPsVitasceasceisen idSenIdsonySony Entertainment NetworkSonyEntertainmentNetworkterms of serviceTermsOfServicetosSun, 05 Feb 2012 07:37:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PlayStation Network goes down (again) from 9AM ET, but it's for maintenance (again)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-from-9am-et-schedule-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-from-9am-et-schedule-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/02/psa-playstation-network-goes-down-from-9am-et-schedule-maintenance/#comments PSA: PlayStation Network goes down (again) from 9AM ET, but it's for maintenance (again)

There's presumably still some kinks left to be resolved, as Sony's PSN is once more scheduled to snooze from 9AM EST through 3AM. Longer than last month's efforts, it'll affect the PlayStation Store, Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited services on PlayStation Home. However, you will be able to continue online gaming if you sign in ahead of the downtime. Frustrated gamers can seek the full explanation at the source below.

PSA: PlayStation Network goes down (again) from 9AM ET, but it's for maintenance (again) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceMusic UnlimitedMusicUnlimitedplaystation 3PlayStation Networkplaystation network outagePlayStation StorePlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPlaystationNetworkOutagePlaystationStorePSNPSN outagePsnOutagePSPpsp goPspGoscheduled maintenanceScheduledMaintenancesonysony playstation networkSonyPlaystationNetworkVideo UnlimitedVideoUnlimitedThu, 02 Feb 2012 03:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker: PS Vita downloads cheaper than boxed games]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/shocker-ps-vita-downloads-cheaper-than-boxed-games/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/shocker-ps-vita-downloads-cheaper-than-boxed-games/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/shocker-ps-vita-downloads-cheaper-than-boxed-games/#comments
Digital copies of games that you download bypass the time-and-money-consuming manufacturing, logistics and retail processes. It's only natural that we as consumers expect some of that saving to be passed along to our own wallets. There's a fair chunk of evidence to suggest that downloading PS Vita games over PSN will result in a ten percent saving on the boxed edition (that you'd have to drive to a store for, and everything). Of course, it would be unseemly to point out that those few dollars will spell the death-knell for thousands of jobs, so we won't.

Shocker: PS Vita downloads cheaper than boxed games originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DiscountDiscounted DownloadDiscountedDownloadDownloadGame DownloadGameDownloadGamesPricePS VitaPSNPsVitaRetailWed, 01 Feb 2012 17:33:00 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[Sony reveals new 3G/WiFi PS Vita bundles: free data, PSN games and memory cards for everyone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/sony-reveals-new-3g-wifi-ps-vita-bundles-free-data-psn-games-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/sony-reveals-new-3g-wifi-ps-vita-bundles-free-data-psn-games-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/sony-reveals-new-3g-wifi-ps-vita-bundles-free-data-psn-games-a/#comments Sony's PlayStation Vita hasn't exactly sold like hotcakes over in Japan, so the company has sweetened the pot for the portable's potential Stateside buyers. Those who placed pre-orders will get a couple of extra goodies for their $350. To go with the previously promised limited edition case, 4GB memory card and copy of Little Deviants, you'll also receive 250MB of data from AT&T and a PlayStation Network game gratis as soon as you activate 3G on the device. Furthermore, folks buying a Vita on launch day can look forward to the same free data and PSN game, plus an 8GB memory card in exchange for their $300. So, that enough to get you on the handheld's bandwagon? Sound off in the comments below.

Sony reveals new 3G/WiFi PS Vita bundles: free data, PSN games and memory cards for everyone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3gwifiattbundledatafreegamesgaminglaunch dayLaunchDaymemory cardMemoryCardps vitapsnPsVitasonyvitawifiFri, 27 Jan 2012 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 3 video editor to hit Europe in Q1, 10 euros at launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/playstation-3-video-editor-priced-europe-playmemories-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/playstation-3-video-editor-priced-europe-playmemories-studio/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/playstation-3-video-editor-priced-europe-playmemories-studio/#comments

While Mr. Blurrycam already spotted the upcoming PlayStation 3 video editor at CES, he was unable to divulge any details on release dates. We were similarly unable to wring out much more when we hit the show floor ourselves. Now, Sony has finally outed a few key tidbits, including the fact that Europe can expect it to arrive by the end of Q1 and that you'll have to fork out for the pleasure -- priced at around €10 ($13). According to Electricpig, the PlayMemories Studio will offer up cropping and zooming tools, slow-mo, and a medley of sound and visual effects. Incoming versions of the movie editor for iOS and Android, however, will still arrive gratis. Are you willing to stump up to get your Spielberg on? While there's nothing concrete on a US launch date just yet, we'd expect to see the editor to make a similar appearance over the next few months.

PlayStation 3 video editor to hit Europe in Q1, 10 euros at launch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editing softwareEditingSoftwareEuropeFacebook appsFacebookAppsPlaymemoriesplaymemories studioPlaymemoriesStudioPlaystation VideoPlaystationVideopricedPSNPSN appsPsnAppssoftwareSonySony PlaystationSonyPlaystationTue, 24 Jan 2012 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony schedules PSN maintenance today, wants you to know this time it's on purpose]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/sony-schedules-psn-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/sony-schedules-psn-maintenance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/19/sony-schedules-psn-maintenance/#comments Sony knows you're likely scarred for life after its many security snafus, so it's doing all it can to keep you in the loop in regards to its PSN. The network will be experiencing a temporary outage today to make room for "routine scheduled maintenance" starting at 11AM ET and ending at approximately midnight. As usual in these scenarios, you won't have access to any PlayStation services on your PS3 or PSP, including PlayStation Home and Sony's Music and Video Unlimited offerings. That said, if you were shootin' and slashin' fools before the downtime, you should have no hassle continuing with your current session -- though access to any of the aforementioned services is still out of the question. Desperate to know exactly when the PSN will be back up and running? Keep it locked on the Playstation Twitter feed to find out.

Sony schedules PSN maintenance today, wants you to know this time it's on purpose originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystation 3playstation networkplaystation network outagePlaystation3PlaystationNetworkPlaystationNetworkOutagePSNPSN outagePsnOutagePSPpsp goPspGoscheduled maintenanceScheduledMaintenancesonysony playstation networkSony PlayStation3sony psnSonyPlaystation3SonyPlaystationNetworkSonyPsnThu, 19 Jan 2012 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Is this the PlayStation 3's new video editor? PlayMemories Studio shows up on CES showfloor, Facebook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/PlayMemories-studio-ps3-video-editor-leaked-at-CES/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/PlayMemories-studio-ps3-video-editor-leaked-at-CES/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/PlayMemories-studio-ps3-video-editor-leaked-at-CES/#comments Our blurrycammed tipster seems to have found a cozy hovel in Sony's CES booth, and just shot a few more out-of-focus shots our way. This time we're looking at PlayMemories Studio, a PlayStation 3 app that appears to be a family friendly video editor. A trademark filed in October outs the app as "software for viewing, organizing and editing digital photos and video," a description that aptly fits a potential video-centric successor to the console's original PlayMemories app. The presumed PSN video editor seems to have a companion Facebook app as well, though its landing page is predictably blank. Details? We'll fill you in on them when we hit the show floor on Tuesday. Can't wait? Hit the break for a second blurry take.

Continue reading Is this the PlayStation 3's new video editor? PlayMemories Studio shows up on CES showfloor, Facebook

Is this the PlayStation 3's new video editor? PlayMemories Studio shows up on CES showfloor, Facebook originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES 2012Ces2012editing softwareEditingSoftwareFacebook appsFacebookAppsPlaymemoriesplaymemories studioPlaymemoriesStudioPlaystation VideoPlaystationVideoPSNPSN appsPsnAppssoftwareSonySony PlaystationSonyPlaystationTrademarkvideo editingVideoEditingSun, 08 Jan 2012 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech's biggest misfires of 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/29/techs-biggest-misfires-of-2011/#comments
The past 12 months have been a boon of technological innovation, particularly in the world of mobile devices, where top companies have been waging an arms race for the top of the smartphone and tablet hills. Not everything has been smooth sailing, however -- 2011 has also been dotted by delays, false starts, security breeches and straight up technological turf outs. Check out some of the lowlights from the year that was after the break.

Continue reading Tech's biggest misfires of 2011

Tech's biggest misfires of 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsappleattblackberryblackberry playbookBlackberryPlaybookcarrier iqCarrierIqcircle pad proCirclePadProciscodojduke nukem foreverDukeNukemForevere booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersfccflipflip camFlipCamfusion garageFusionGaragegrid10gridoshphp touchpadHpTouchpadhtchtc thunderboltHtcThunderboltiphone 4siphone 5Iphone4sIphone5jawbonejawbone upJawboneUpjoojooknokno tabletKnoTabletkobokobo voxKoboVoxnetflixnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsnotion inknotion ink adamNotionInkNotionInkAdampalmplaybookplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkpsnqwiksterresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsonyt-mobiletablettabletsthunderbolttouchpadwebosThu, 29 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony serves up US Vita manual two months early, theoretical gamers rejoice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/sony-serves-up-us-vita-manual-two-months-early-theoretical-game/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/sony-serves-up-us-vita-manual-two-months-early-theoretical-game/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/18/sony-serves-up-us-vita-manual-two-months-early-theoretical-game/#comments Jealous that Japan has first dibs on Sony's next generation portable? Or maybe you imported a PlayStation Vita, and need a little help navigating the Kanji-laden menus? Either way, Sony has a bone to throw you -- an online Vita user's guide, and in English, to boot. In addition to basic console operations, the online manual details the handheld's major features and apps, including Party, Near, the PS Store, a Photos app, the web browser, remote play and the Vita's video and music apps. The guide also mentions a few limitations, for instance, PSN video downloads will be standard definition only -- if you want to watch something in 720p, you'll need to load it yourself using the Vita's Content Manager. It also confirms the handheld's single account lock-down, noting that even your console's memory card is tied to your PSN account -- it simply won't work on your friend's Vita. Curious about battery life, 3G data usage trackers and remote play restrictions? Hit the source and dive in, you've got two months to study up.

Sony serves up US Vita manual two months early, theoretical gamers rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamingmobile gamingMobileGamingmultitaskingonline storeOnlineStoreplaystationPlayStation NetworkPlayStation VitaPlaystationNetworkPlaystationVitaPS vitaPSNPsVitaSciTechSonysony playstationsony playstation vitasony vitaSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystationVitaSonyVitaSun, 18 Dec 2011 00:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony backtracks (again), multiple accounts not supported on PS Vita]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/sony-backtracks-again-multiple-accounts-not-supported-on-ps-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/sony-backtracks-again-multiple-accounts-not-supported-on-ps-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/sony-backtracks-again-multiple-accounts-not-supported-on-ps-v/#comments

First, we we're told multiple user accounts were a no-go, then this was withdrawn. Now, it seems that's now been retracted. According to an email send by a Sony representative to Wired, the PSN account on the PlayStation Vita is "tied to the hardware and the memory card" and a simple removable storage switch-out won't suffice. You'll need to hit the big red factory reset button in order to use a different account on Sony's online network, the doorway to both online gaming and their digital store. This will lock down the opportunity to flit between different regional networks -- barring a wipe -- and is something to bare in mind if the temptation of an early Japanese release has you reaching for transpacific import options.

Sony backtracks (again), multiple accounts not supported on PS Vita originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamingminipostmobile gamingMobileGamingmultitaskingonline storeOnlineStoreplaystationPlayStation NetworkPlayStation VitaPlaystationNetworkPlaystationVitaPS vitaPSNPsVitaSciTechSonysony playstationsony playstation vitasony vitaSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystationVitaSonyVitavideo gamesVideoGamesFri, 16 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony updates PS3 to version 4.00 ahead of PS Vita launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/sony-releases-ps3-4-00-update-ahead-of-ps-vitas-japan-release/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/sony-releases-ps3-4-00-update-ahead-of-ps-vitas-japan-release/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/sony-releases-ps3-4-00-update-ahead-of-ps-vitas-japan-release/#comments Sony is setting the table for the PlayStation Vita today, with the release of a new PS3 update. With version 4.00, rolling out now, PS3 users will be able to share content like music, video and images with the forthcoming Vita, scheduled to launch in Japan on December 17th. The refresh also allows gamers to save PS Vita games and data on their PS3 hard drives, while updating their handheld software using the PS3's network. There are some more PS3-specific features, as well, including enhanced PSN privacy settings and game patches, among others. Find out more at the source link below.

Sony updates PS3 to version 4.00 ahead of PS Vita launch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back upBackUpdatagamehandheldmusicplaystationPlaystation 3playstation vitaPlaystation3PlaystationVitaPSNsoftwaresoftware updateSoftwareUpdatesonysony playstation 3sony playstation vitaSonyPlaystation3SonyPlaystationVitaupdateversion 4.00Version4.00videoWed, 30 Nov 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony may be preparing an internet-based cable TV alternative]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/sony-may-be-preparing-an-internet-based-cable-tv-alternative/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/sony-may-be-preparing-an-internet-based-cable-tv-alternative/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/sony-may-be-preparing-an-internet-based-cable-tv-alternative/#comments We've officially entered the silly season of pre-CES rumors, so take this with a grain of salt, but the Wall Street Journal reports Sony has approached "several big media companies" about distributing their channels over the internet. This comes on the heels of its report on comments by CEO Howard Stringer about significant R&D efforts going into a "different kind of TV", and the four screen strategy Sony would like to implement. According to the report, Sony's idea is to offer small bundles of channels over the internet to its TVs, Blu-ray players, and the PS3. Still, cutting deals with companies like CBS, that doesn't want to jeopardize its cable and satellite TV-based revenue, could be difficult. As for the competition, similar rumors about Microsoft turned into an effort that mostly works with partners like Comcast, U-verse, and FiOS, while Google is also pursuing a route of adding to, but not necessarily replacing, cable TV. Sony has positioned itself well, adding IPTV services including sports to the PS3 and live TV tuning capability, and its tested the waters of going over the top before, but so far whether it will actually pursue this new plan is unknown.

Sony may be preparing an internet-based cable TV alternative originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braviacablehdpostcrossiptvpackageplaystation 3Playstation3ps3psnqriocitysatellitesonystreamingtvvideo unlimitedVideoUnlimitedTue, 15 Nov 2011 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony locks 93,000 PSN and SOE accounts due to 'massive' hack attempt]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/sony-locks-93-000-psn-and-soe-accounts-due-to-massive-hack-att/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/sony-locks-93-000-psn-and-soe-accounts-due-to-massive-hack-att/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/sony-locks-93-000-psn-and-soe-accounts-due-to-massive-hack-att/#comments Sony's not having a good morning. In addition to having to recall 1.6 million Bravia TVs, it's also been forced to temporarily lock 93,000 customers out of their PSN and Sony Online Entertainment accounts. You won't be surprised by the reason: an attempt by hackers to "test a massive set of sign-in IDs and passwords" against Sony's network database. Some of the affected accounts showed "additional activity prior to being locked" and are being investigated. On the flip-side, Sony's Chief Information Security Officer, Philip Reitinger, stressed that most of the hackers' details resulted in failed logins and in any case credit card details are not at risk. Users are being told to expect an email if they've been affected, which will contain further instructions. Has Sony finally realized the value of timely communication?

Sony locks 93,000 PSN and SOE accounts due to 'massive' hack attempt originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breachhackhackedhackerloginloginspasswordPlayStation NetworkPlaystationNetworkPSNsecuritySENSOESonySony Entertainment NetworkSony Online EntertainmentSonyEntertainmentNetworkSonyOnlineEntertainmentWed, 12 Oct 2011 07:51:00 EST<![CDATA[New PSN user agreement makes it harder to sue Sony: class actions out (sort of), arbitrations in]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/new-psn-user-agreement-makes-it-harder-to-sue-sony-class-action/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/new-psn-user-agreement-makes-it-harder-to-sue-sony-class-action/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/new-psn-user-agreement-makes-it-harder-to-sue-sony-class-action/#comments Hmmm, wonder what brought this on? Sony's gone and changed the lingo in its PSN user agreement to require binding arbitration to settle any future disputes -- making it much harder for disgruntled customers to get their day in court. Want to keep your right to sue? You can opt out of the arbitration requirement by sending a letter to Sony's lawyers saying you'll be keeping your courtroom entry card, thank you very much. Additionally, the change won't affect class-action litigation started by August 20th of this year. That means people whose privacy was compromised in the great PSN outage of 2011 that already filed suit needn't be concerned. For the rest of you, we'd advise breaking out the pen and paper ASAP if you wanna keep the halls of justice open for future complaints.

[Image from photosync/Shutterstock]

New PSN user agreement makes it harder to sue Sony: class actions out (sort of), arbitrations in originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lawsuitlegallitigationplaystationplaystation 3playstation networkPlaystation3PlaystationNetworkpsnpsn terms of usePsnTermsOfUsesonyFri, 16 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony nabs former U.S. Department of Homeland Security official]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/sony-nabs-former-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-official/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/sony-nabs-former-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-official/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/sony-nabs-former-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-official/#comments Sony spent a fair bit of time at last week's IFA press conference assuring the press and consumers that it's doing its darnedest to stay on top of the security issues that have plagued it over the past year. It's hard to imagine a move more representative of such a stance than the hiring of a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security official. The company announced today that it has done just that, scooping of former U.S. National Cyber Security Center director Philip Reitinger for a senior vice president position. And in case there was any question as to the reasoning behind the decision, a Sony spokesperson addressed the issue, stating, "certainly the network issue was a catalyst for the appointment." Fair enough, Sony.

Sony nabs former U.S. Department of Homeland Security official originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacknetworkPhilip ReitingerPhilipReitingerplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkpsnsecuritysonyU.S. Department of Homeland SecurityU.S. National Cyber Security CenterU.s.DepartmentOfHomelandSecurityU.s.NationalCyberSecurityCenterTue, 06 Sep 2011 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony exec says PSN hack was 'a great experience,' apparently means it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/sony-exec-says-psn-hack-was-a-great-experience-apparently-mea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/sony-exec-says-psn-hack-was-a-great-experience-apparently-mea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/sony-exec-says-psn-hack-was-a-great-experience-apparently-mea/#comments
The following are what most humans would call "great experiences": eating gelato on a hot summer's day, riding a tandem bike with Anthony Hopkins, or, in the case of Sony executive Tim Schaaff, having your life's work nearly destroyed by a band of hackers. Because for Schaaff, president of Sony Network Entertainment, this spring's persistent PSN outage wasn't so much devastating as it was... enlightening. Here's how he described the hack (and ensuing epiphany) to VentureBeat's Dylan Tweney:

"I think for people running network businesses, it's not just about improving your security, because I've never talked to a security expert who said, 'As long you do the following three things you'll be fine, because hackers won't get you... the question is how do you build your life so you're able to cope with those things. It's been a great experience."

Phenomenal as it must've felt to get in touch with his inner defeatist, Schaaff admitted that he "would not like to do it again" -- probably because his mouth can only house one foot at a time.

Sony exec says PSN hack was 'a great experience,' apparently means it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breachbusinessexecutivegamehackhackernetworkplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkpsnpsn hackPsnHacksecuritysecurity breachSecurityBreachsonySony Entertainmentsony network entertainmentSonyEntertainmentSonyNetworkEntertainmentTim SchaaffTimSchaaffThu, 14 Jul 2011 09:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony brings PSN back online in Japan, wants us to forget about all that hacking nonsense]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/sony-brings-psn-back-online-in-japan-wants-us-to-forget-about-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/sony-brings-psn-back-online-in-japan-wants-us-to-forget-about-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/sony-brings-psn-back-online-in-japan-wants-us-to-forget-about-a/#comments Sony brings PSN back online in Japan, wants us to forget about all that hacking nonsense Is it over? Is it finally all over? Sony would certainly like to think so, finally bringing its PSN service back online for gamers in its home country of Japan as expected. PlayStation players throughout most of the world have been getting their Resistance on for at least a month now, US services leading the way back in May, but the Japanese government had previously asked Sony to keep things on the DL until it was doubly, triply sure all was good. Given that it only took three days after that initial re-launch for people to find another PSN exploit, that's looking like it was the right call.

Sony brings PSN back online in Japan, wants us to forget about all that hacking nonsense originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanplaystationplaystation 3playstation networkPlaystation3PlaystationNetworkps3psnsecuritysonyWed, 06 Jul 2011 07:14:00 EST<![CDATA[PS4 production to begin later this year?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/ps4-production-to-begin-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/ps4-production-to-begin-later-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/ps4-production-to-begin-later-this-year/#comments We're still waiting on that globe-like PS9 (aren't you?), but seeing as how wireless head-to-console gaming isn't yet available or ethical, we'll make do with PS4 rumors. Based on nothing more than a game of component-maker telephone, sources out of Taiwan are telling Digitimes to expect a brand new PlayStation 4 for launch sometime in early 2012. Reportedly on board for this latest iteration are baked-in motion controls à la Kinect and a holographic David Lynch virtual pet. We kid, but we do hope he helms those new ads. According to these anonymous insiders, Sony has a planned production run of 20 million consoles for launch -- all headed straight to eBay, we imagine. It should go without saying that news of this kind should be taken with a mouthful of salt, but with the PS3 turning five this November, it's a safe bet that there's a successor to the "It Only Does Everything" throne on the way.

[Image credit via CNET Asia]

PS4 production to begin later this year? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole productionConsoleProductionconsolesDigitimesmotion controlmotion controlsMotionControlMotionControlsplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3psps3PS4psnrumorrumorsrumourrumoursSonysony playstation 3Sony PlayStation 4Sony PlayStation4Sony PS4SonyPlaystation3SonyPlaystation4SonyPs4Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PSN 'Welcome Back' promotion extended... for one more day]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/sony-psn-welcome-back-promotion-extended-for-one-more-day/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/sony-psn-welcome-back-promotion-extended-for-one-more-day/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/sony-psn-welcome-back-promotion-extended-for-one-more-day/#comments Welcome back. Again. Chances are, anyone planning to grab those PSN freebies took their share when the promotion launched last month, but just in case you've been holding out, Sony's giving you another 24 hours (from now) to download your pair of free PS3 and PSP games, 100 virtual items from PlayStation Home, and 30 days of PlayStation Plus. After then, you better be prepared to pay up for your copy of Dead Nation or LittleBigPlanet. The whole gratis shebang goes offline for good at 9AM Pacific Time tomorrow -- just before the PlayStation Store is set to open for business in Japan.

Sony PSN 'Welcome Back' promotion extended... for one more day originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downgamingmusic unlimitedMusic Unlimited powered by QriocityMusicUnlimitedMusicUnlimitedPoweredByQriocityonline gamingOnlineGamingoutagePlayStationPlayStation Homeplaystation networkplaystation plusplaystation storePlaystationHomePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPlusPlaystationStoreps3psnPSPqriocityrestorationrestoresecuritysonysony playstationSony Playstation 3SonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3upMon, 04 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Store, Qriocity returning to Japan this week, completing global PSN restoration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/playstation-store-qriocity-returning-to-japan-this-week-comple/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/playstation-store-qriocity-returning-to-japan-this-week-comple/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/04/playstation-store-qriocity-returning-to-japan-this-week-comple/#comments Sony's 'Welcome Back' campaign may have drawn to a close a bit early, but the PlayStation Network won't make its full return to Japan until later this week. As of July 6th, Japanese gamers will once again be able to access the PlayStation Store and Qriocity, bringing an end to a nearly three-month suspension enacted after April's widespread data breach. These services have already been reintroduced across other parts of the globe, but Sony encountered notably stiffer resistance in its homeland, where authorities demanded assurance of the PSN's security before allowing it to relaunch within their borders. The PlayStation Store remained down throughout Sony's negotiations with government officials, but company spokesman Satoshi Fukuoka says those discussions have advanced far enough for full services to resume. The PSN's long-awaited return to Japan will also signal its full global restoration, meaning that Sony may finally be able to put the saga to rest -- and try to forget about that $170 million it lost in the process.

PlayStation Store, Qriocity returning to Japan this week, completing global PSN restoration originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabreachdatadata breachDataBreachhackjapanjapanesenegotiationplaystationplaystation networkplaystation storePlaystationNetworkPlaystationStorepsnpsn hackPsnHackqriocityrestorationsecuritysonywelcome backWelcome Back campaignWelcomeBackWelcomeBackCampaignMon, 04 Jul 2011 05:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony rolls up the PSN 'Welcome Back' mat this Sunday, takes free entertainment with it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/sony-rolls-up-the-psn-welcome-back-mat-this-sunday-takes-free/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/sony-rolls-up-the-psn-welcome-back-mat-this-sunday-takes-free/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/sony-rolls-up-the-psn-welcome-back-mat-this-sunday-takes-free/#comments Four weeks ago today, Sony announced its 'Welcome Back' campaign following the weeks-long PSN outage that began in April. Now, the program is entering its final weekend, giving you just two more days to download your pair of free PS3 or PSP games, along with 100 virtual items from PlayStation Home and 30 days of PlayStation Plus. To claim your gratis package from the PlayStation Store, click on the "Welcome Back" tab and make your pick. Sure, a few handouts may not make up for those countless days you spent offline, contemplating a switch to other networks, but free stuff is free stuff, so head over to PSN to claim what's rightfully yours before the clock strikes midnight on July 3rd.

Sony rolls up the PSN 'Welcome Back' mat this Sunday, takes free entertainment with it originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downgamingmusic unlimitedMusic Unlimited powered by QriocityMusicUnlimitedMusicUnlimitedPoweredByQriocityonline gamingOnlineGamingoutagePlayStationPlayStation Homeplaystation networkplaystation plusplaystation storePlaystationHomePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPlusPlaystationStoreps3psnPSPqriocityrestorationrestoresecuritysonysony playstationSony Playstation 3SonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3upFri, 01 Jul 2011 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Three suspected members of Anonymous arrested in Spain]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/three-suspected-members-of-anonymous-arrested-in-spain/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/three-suspected-members-of-anonymous-arrested-in-spain/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/three-suspected-members-of-anonymous-arrested-in-spain/#commentsAnonymous behind barsThe long arm of the law may have finally caught up with some of the hackers behind the recent (and seemingly endless) PSN outage. Authorities in Spain say they have arrested three members of the hacktivist collective Anonymous and seized at least one computer used in the attacks on Sony. Those arrested are believed to have been important in coordinating the group's activities in the country and to have distributed the Loic DDoS tool to others. Now, of course, the Spanish government will have to be on high alert -- if we know one thing about Anonymous, it's that it is not trigger shy when it comes to exacting revenge.

Three suspected members of Anonymous arrested in Spain originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousarrestarrestscrimeDDoShackhackershacktivistslawLoicplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkpsnsecuritysonyspainFri, 10 Jun 2011 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN 'Welcome Back' package is here, our long global nightmare is over]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/psn-welcome-back-package-is-here-our-long-global-nightmare-is/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/psn-welcome-back-package-is-here-our-long-global-nightmare-is/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/psn-welcome-back-package-is-here-our-long-global-nightmare-is/#comments Welcome Back, Please Don't Hate Us O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! Seriously, even a few Engadget editors are chortling in joy. PSN and Qriocity service has been restored in the Americas, Europe, and Asia and to celebrate (and soothe the seething frustration of its customers) Sony has launched its "welcome back" program. To be eligible you'll have to have been a member before April 20th but, otherwise, it's relatively qualifier free. Fire up the PlayStation Store and head to the "Welcome Back" tab to claim your pair of free games (you've got five different options on the PS3 and four on the PSP). In addition everyone gets a month of PlayStation Plus gratis and there's a selection of "On Us" movie rentals available over the weekend. There are a few other freebies to placate the masses too, like 100 free items in PlayStation Home, while Current Plus and Music Unlimited Premium subscribers get a 60 and 30 day handout respectively. If you've got any burning questions yet to be answered, check out the rather lengthy FAQ at source link and enjoy! It's not everyday that a company just throws open the flood gates on free stuff.

PSN 'Welcome Back' package is here, our long global nightmare is over originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appeasementdowngamingmusic unlimitedMusic Unlimited powered by QriocityMusicUnlimitedMusicUnlimitedPoweredByQriocityonline gamingOnlineGamingoutageplacateplaystation networkplaystation plusplaystation storePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPlusPlaystationStorepsnqriocityrestorationrestoresecuritysonysoothupFri, 03 Jun 2011 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony begins full restoration of its PSN and Qriocity services (update: intermittent issues)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-begins-full-restoration-of-its-psn-and-qriocity-services/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-begins-full-restoration-of-its-psn-and-qriocity-services/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/sony-begins-full-restoration-of-its-psn-and-qriocity-services/#comments Can it be happening? Is Sony's security nightmare finally over? Seems to be. On Tuesday, Sony promised full restoration of its PlayStation Network and Qriocity services in the Americas, Europe, and Asia (excluding Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea) by the end of the week. Now Sony is proclaiming that today is the day for full restoration with details of its "welcome back" package to be announced from each region. The PlayStation Store is already up with a "huge lineup" of new games, demos, add-ons, themes, avatars, and videos along with an updated Playstation Plus. Hey, look on the bright side Sony, even though you've lost the confidence of millions of your customers, at least now they're aware of your Qriocity service. Full press release after the break.

Update: Working fine for us from London. We signed in to the PlayStation Store and even fired up Black Ops multiplayer just for kicks.

Update 2: We're now seeing error "80710D36" occasionally when trying to access the PlayStation Store, presumably due to congestion. We're seeing this from both London and New York.

Continue reading Sony begins full restoration of its PSN and Qriocity services (update: intermittent issues)

Sony begins full restoration of its PSN and Qriocity services (update: intermittent issues) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downgamingmusic unlimitedMusic Unlimited powered by QriocityMusicUnlimitedMusicUnlimitedPoweredByQriocityonline gamingOnlineGamingoutageplaystation networkplaystation plusplaystation storePlaystationNetworkPlaystationPlusPlaystationStorepsnqriocityrestorationrestoresecuritysonyupThu, 02 Jun 2011 00:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony promises global PSN restoration by week's end, except in some parts of Asia]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/sony-promises-global-psn-restoration-by-weeks-end-except-in-so/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/sony-promises-global-psn-restoration-by-weeks-end-except-in-so/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/sony-promises-global-psn-restoration-by-weeks-end-except-in-so/#comments
It looks like Sony's long, PSN nightmare is finally coming to an end -- almost. Today, the company announced that it will restore PlayStation Network and Qriocity services in the Americas, Europe and most of Asia by week's end. The only exceptions are Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan, where users will have to await further details before regaining full access. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, spokeswoman Yuki Kobayashi added that Sony is in the process of finalizing an agreement to protect credit card owners in these three countries, where authorities have taken a particularly cautious approach to the data breach. This means that the company won't see global restoration by the end of May, as previously hoped, but Kobayashi said the plans were delayed simply because Sony needed more time to fully secure its infrastructure (sound familiar?). You can read a lengthier explanation in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Sony promises global PSN restoration by week's end, except in some parts of Asia

Sony promises global PSN restoration by week's end, except in some parts of Asia originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit cardCreditCarddata breachDataBreacheuropegamehong kongHongKongJapannetworkPlayStationplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkPSNqriocityrestorationsecuritySONYsony playstationSonyPlaystationsouth koreaSouthKoreaTue, 31 May 2011 03:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Podcast 241 - 05.27.2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/engadget-podcast-241-05-27-2011/#comments It's all about doing new stuff, right? This week, we're doing a lot of new stuff: paying for soda pop with our cell phones, reading books on E Ink displays, and waiting for Duke Nukem Forever. OK, well maybe none of those things are actually new, but we're doing them in new ways this week, kind of. Listen to the podcast, is all we're saying.

Host: Tim Stevens
Guests: Brian Heater
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: 10yr - Regulate

02:30 - Kobo unbuttons for $129 eReader Touch Edition, we go hands-on (video)
03:52 - Barnes & Noble announces new touch-enabled Nook for $139 (video)
13:43 - Barnes & Noble selling Nooks for $99 on eBay
18:03 - Live from Microsoft's Windows Phone VIP preview event!
22:00 - Windows Phone 'Mango' search offers location-specific results, app integration (video)
29:36 - Windows Phone Mango and Bing Vision hands-on
32:05 - Live from the Google Wallet press event!
33:50 - Google Wallet mobile payment service, Google Offers announced
35:16 - Google Wallet vending on Nexus S hands-on
43:21 - Droid Incredible 2 review
48:53 - Spotify and Facebook partner up, send Europe a friend request?
50:55 - Sony makes good, doles out identity protection activation codes for PSN and Qriocity users
51:28 - TweetDeck and Twitter, together at last
54:00 - Duke Nukem Forever goes gold, will meet promised June deadline (really!)




Hear the podcast

Subscribe to the podcast

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).
[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.
[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace

Download the podcast

LISTEN (MP3)
LISTEN (AAC)
LISTEN (OGG)

Contact the podcast

Send your questions to @tim_stevens.
Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005)
E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot com
Twitter: @tim_stevens @bheater

Filed under:

Engadget Podcast 241 - 05.27.2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblebingdroiddroid incredible 2DroidIncredible2Duke Nukem ForeverDukeNukemForeverfacebookfacebook musicFacebookMusicgooglegoogle walletGoogleWalletkobokobo ereader touch editionKoboEreaderTouchEditionmangomotorolanookpodcastpodcastspsnpsn hackpsn outage 2011PsnHackPsnOutage2011sonysony psnSonyPsnspotifyspotify on facebookSpotifyOnFacebooktouchtouchscreentweetdecktwitterwindows phone 7.1WindowsPhone7.1Fri, 27 May 2011 15:59:00 ESTEngadget Podcast 241Tim Stevens01:03:27podcasts<![CDATA[Sony says PlayStation Network will return to Asia, starting tomorrow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/sony-says-playstation-network-will-return-to-asia-starting-tomo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/sony-says-playstation-network-will-return-to-asia-starting-tomo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/27/sony-says-playstation-network-will-return-to-asia-starting-tomo/#comments Good news, Asia -- the PlayStation Network is finally coming back. Today, Sony announced that it will restore its gaming network across the continent, more than a month after falling prey to a crippling data breach. The company's PSN services are already up and running across other parts of the world and, beginning tomorrow, will light up once again in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and even Japan, which had been harboring serious reservations about the network's security. Gamers in South Korea and Hong Kong, meanwhile, will have to wait a little longer before returning to normalcy, though Sony is hoping to completely resolve the issue by the end of the month. The company certainly seems eager to put this saga to bed, and for understandable reasons. The incident has already cost Sony an estimated $171 million in revenue -- not to mention the untold numbers of suddenly wary consumers.

Sony says PlayStation Network will return to Asia, starting tomorrow originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabreachdatagamehackhong kongHongKongindonesiaJapanmalaysiamoneynetworkplaystation networkplaystation network hackedPlaystationNetworkPlaystationNetworkHackedPSNsecuritysecurity breachSecurityBreachsingaporeSONYsony playstationSonyPlaystationsouth koreaSouthKoreathailandFri, 27 May 2011 06:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony makes good, doles out identity protection activation codes for PSN and Qriocity users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/sony-makes-good-doles-out-identity-protection-activation-codes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/sony-makes-good-doles-out-identity-protection-activation-codes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/26/sony-makes-good-doles-out-identity-protection-activation-codes/#comments Still feeling burned by Sony's record-breaking PlayStation Network outage? Fret not, promised reparations have arrived: a short form on the PlayStation website is now distributing activation codes for a free year of Debix AllClear ID Plus identity theft protection. The offer is good for all US PSN and Qriocity account holders who activate before June 28th, netting users up to $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage. Feel better? Hit the source link below to get your redemption code.

Sony makes good, doles out identity protection activation codes for PSN and Qriocity users originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 May 2011 00:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AllClear ID PlusAllClearIDAllclearIdPlusbreachDebixhackhackedIDidentityIdentity TheftIdentityTheftinsurancePlayStation NetworkPlaystationNetworkPSNQriocitySonystolentheftThu, 26 May 2011 00:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony estimates $3.2b loss this year, $171 million cost for PSN breach]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/sony-estimates-3-2b-loss-this-year-171-million-cost-for-psn-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/sony-estimates-3-2b-loss-this-year-171-million-cost-for-psn-b/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/sony-estimates-3-2b-loss-this-year-171-million-cost-for-psn-b/#comments Sony estimates $3.2b loss this year, $171 million cost for PSN breach It has not been a good year for Sony, which was affected both by the massive earthquake in March and the PSN outage that spanned from April into May. There couldn't be any doubt that those things would have a drastic impact on the company's bottom-line, and it's now taking the time to give investors an idea of just how big an impact that could be -- even though the financial issues lie largely elsewhere. Sony is set to announce its full financial report for its fiscal year this Thursday and, to soften the blow, estimates have been revised steeply downward. Previously Sony predicted a ¥70 billion ($855 million) profit, but now thinks a ¥260 billion ($3.14 billion) loss is rather more accurate -- a ¥360 billion non-cash charge taking the wind out of ¥200 billion in operating income.

The earthquake was directly blamed for a loss of ¥22 billion, but that figure could certainly grow as this estimate is only through the end of March. Additionally, Sony has provided a early guess of a ¥14 billion (about $172 million) total cost for the PSN breach. That's less than two bucks per exposed account, but again we wouldn't be surprised if it's a figure that increases through the year. You know, once the lawyers start having their fun.

Sony estimates $3.2b loss this year, $171 million cost for PSN breach originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 May 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011breachearningsearthquakefinancialsfiscal calendarfiscal yearFiscalCalendarFiscalYearjapanlossprofitpsnpsn breachPsnBreachsecuritysonyMon, 23 May 2011 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony reportedly tells developers PlayStation Store will return May 24th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-reportedly-tells-developers-playstation-store-will-return-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-reportedly-tells-developers-playstation-store-will-return-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sony-reportedly-tells-developers-playstation-store-will-return-m/#comments We wouldn't recommend setting aside time to enjoy your "Welcome Back" package just yet, but it looks like we now have our first solid indication of when the PlayStation Store will finally return to PlayStation 3 and PSP users. According to a memo reportedly sent by Sony to its publishing partners and obtained by Gamasutra, the store is set to return on Tuesday, May 24th -- assuming there aren't any more unforeseen hiccups, that is. That will also, of course, bring with it a backlog of new games and other content that should have been released by now, although those will apparently be released in stages over the following weeks, rather than all at once.

Sony reportedly tells developers PlayStation Store will return May 24th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>outageplaystationplaystation 3playstation storePlaystation3PlaystationStoreps3psnpspsonyThu, 19 May 2011 11:51:00 EST