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Sony drops VAIO T from free PlayStation offer, hikes real cost of entry to $970
Remember how it seemed too good to be true that Sony's back to school promo would let you buy a VAIO T and get a free PlayStation 3 or Vita worth a third of the value of the Ultrabook you just bought? Well, it was. Sony has quietly dropped the $750 laptop from the PCs that qualify for the deal, raising the real qualifying price to $970 for a 15.5-inch VAIO S. Some will cry foul at being denied such a killer bargain without warning, but it's easy to see why Sony backed out: that's a lot of gear to give away for little in return. Dreams of heading to class with an ultraportable in hand and a PS3 at the dorm will have to be postponed, then, even if it's still an ample discount. [Thanks, Gabriel]
YouTube for PS Vita now ready, will help you watch more kitties than Killzone
Sony promised us a YouTube app for the PlayStation Vita this month, and although it's just sliding under the wire, that app is here. The viewer as it hits the console will play videos over 3G and WiFi as well as in HD quality, if you've got the bandwidth to burn. Most of the basics for favorites and searches are covered, including a small player that will let you hop between clips. There's no mention of subscriptions for those perpetually addicted to Maru or Ray William Johnson, however. That quirk aside, the free app is due to swing by the PlayStation Store any moment now, so fire up your Vita and get ready to watch game strategy videos distracting pet clips on that OLED-packing handheld.
Sony kicks off back to school promotion with a free PS3 or Vita for VAIO PC buyers
Not to be outdone by Microsoft offering a free Xbox 360 to students buying a new PC, Sony has now come out with a back to school promotion of its own that could net folks their choice of a free PlayStation 3 (160GB) or PlayStation Vita (the WiFi-only model). Unlike Microsoft's promo, though, you can't just buy any PC -- you'll need to purchase an eligible Sony VAIO computer, which includes a range of the company's laptops and all-in-one desktops starting at around $750. Alternatively, you can also choose to get $200 off your choice of other PlayStation gear, or simply get eight percent off the purchase price of the computer itself. Complete details on the offer (which is for college students and faculty only) can be found at the source link below.
How would you change the PlayStation Vita (Japanese Edition)?
How would you change: a regular feature where we ask people about their experiences with gadget's we've reviewed, when they reach the real world. This week we're looking at the Japanese edition* of the PlayStation Vita, which instantly made us feel old when we realized the OG model was seven years old. Times have changed, and the Vita's biggest competitor is smartphone gaming: leading to our dismay when we found its battery conks out after just three hours, not to mention the high cost and that measly VGA camera. We know there's a market for hardcore gamers who want blockbuster games like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, but is that hefty price-tag worth it? Let us know in the comments below. *We'll be looking at the US edition in a few months time, for those of you who didn't import the device when it was released.
Sony demos Cross-Play, announces Cross-Controller DLC for Vita and PS3
One of the things we can look forward to in the coming year from Sony is some some lovely cross-platform content that makes the worlds of the PS Vita and PS3 just a bit more tightly integrated. Games like PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale will allow players to compete against each other, regardless of which Sony console they're using. The so-called cross-play functionality isn't limited to live play either, some games (including the aforementioned PS All-Stars) will allow you to save your game on one and pick up where you left off on the other. There will also be new downloadable content that will span Sony's home and portable consoles. The cross-controller DLC will come first to Little Big Planet 2, which will let you use your Vita to actually create levels on the PS3. Sadly Sony wouldn't divulge too many more details, but we can expect Battle Royale to hit shelves this holiday season. We guess this multi-screen entertainment thing is really going to take off this year.
Sony announces white PS Vita bundle with Assassin's Creed III: Liberation
Still not sold on the PlayStation Vita? Then Sony's hoping that it's latest bundle will be more to your liking. In addition to the just-announced Assassin's Creed III: Liberation game, it packs a limited edition "crystal white" PS Vita (WiFi only), along with a 4GB memory card. Unfortunately, you'll still have a bit of a wait before you can get your hands on it, with the bundle only set to hit stores on October 30th (coinciding with the game's release). No word on a price for it just yet, nor is there any word on the white PS Vita being sold separately. Not to be left out, the PlayStation 3 is also getting an Assassin's Creed III bundle of its own, which includes the game and some exclusive DLC -- no price for it either, though.
Sony is bringing Hulu Plus, Crackle to PlayStation Vita
Sony's pre-E3 press conference is underway and the company just announced the PS Vita would get a couple of new video apps soon in Hulu Plus and Crackle. The Vita YouTube app was announced previously, but it looks like this is just the start of Sony expanding its Entertainment Network from the PS3 to the handheld. There's no word yet on exactly when they will arrive, but keep an eye on our liveblog for all the details as they're revealed.
We're liveblogging Sony's E3 2012 keynote, tonight at 9PM ET!
The PlayStation 4? The Vita 2? Pipedreams for E3 2012, perhaps, but Sony's surely going to put on a show, as always, with this year's E3 press event. A Vita price cut seems like it might be in the cards, to help reinvigorate interest in the company's portable. We'll probably also be getting some more insight into the SOEmote for EverQuest II -- and, of course, games, games, games. Want to join in on the action? Follow along here at 9PM ET. June 4, 2012 9:00 PM EDT
E3 predictions: what to expect when you're Electronics Entertainment Expoing
Happy June! We're out holding things down in sunny, smoggy downtown Los Angeles, preparing for the on-coming storm of video game goodness. It's shaping up to another exciting year for all things Electronic Entertainment Expo, albeit one a bit less focused on the hardware side. Things unofficially kick off on Monday, with press conferences from two of the big three -- Microsoft and Sony. Nintendo will round things out on Tuesday morning, officially opening the show. So, what sort of action can we expect to see over the week in LA? We've compiled a quick list of what we're looking forward to over the next several days.
Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: gaming
In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. The summer months are home to one of the most bittersweet events in gaming: the Electronic Entertainment Expo. E3 flaunts the year's biggest news in video games, exciting players with peeks at upcoming titles, glimpses of new consoles and soul-crushingly distant release dates. Need something to kill time with? We can help. Sony and Microsoft may not be unveiling next-generation hardware at this year's expo, but there are still a few things you can do to put yourself on the bleeding edge without a console. If you simply can't live without dedicated gaming hardware, however, you still have some options -- though you'll have to wait until the fall or beyond to get your hot little hands on Nintendo's upcoming Wii U. Read on, and we'll see what we can do about subduing your post-E3 anxiety.
Sony's PlayStation Vita has a YouTube app headed its way by the end of June
Assuming all that gaming, Facebooking and Tweeting isn't enough action for your PS Vita, Sony announced tonight it will get a YouTube app by the end of the month. Considering the built in web browser doesn't handle HTML5 or Flash video, native apps are still necessary to fill out its video streaming lineup. The company's US blog hasn't posted any pics yet, but Engadget Japan has a few screen grabs of what it will look like. Check after the break for another pic, while we wonder what other surprises Sony has planned in the run up to E3 2012.
More PlayStation Vita bundles coming to Europe, planning a visit to the Eiffel Tower
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.
GameStop Mobile launches as AT&T virtual carrier, gives us rare bring-your-own GSM in US (update)
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 early.
Sony unveils Crystal White PlayStation Vita, limited digital diva edition
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.
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.
Skype launches on PS Vita, can do video calls in the middle of gaming sessions (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.
Pulled PSP titles restored to the Vita, security holes covered with tape
Seething about the removal of Everybody's Tennis or Motorstorm: Arctic Edge from the PlayStation Store? Relax, Sony's restored both PSP-titles in time for you to play 'em all through the weekend. Of course, both are now neutered (along with the Vita's firmware) so they can't be used to load arch-hacker Wololo's Vita Half-Byte Loader -- but it hardly matters, they've already got another top-secret exploit ready to launch on an unsuspecting world.
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 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.
Sony pulls another game from PlayStation Store after new Vita exploit found
Sony's withdrawn Everybody's Tennis from the PlayStation Store after discovering it could be used to hack the PS Vita. The game was pulled without warning (probably to the consternation of tennis fans) as the company attempts to keep absolute control on its new platform. It's the second title to get the treatment after hacker Wololo discovered an exploit in Motorstorm Arctic Edge that allowed the Vita Half-Byte-loader to be launched on the device. It looks like the game of cat-and-mouse between massive corporation and a single individual will continue for a while, with Wololo claiming they've got access to around 10 more undiscovered exploits. Popcorn, anyone?
