Ps3Slim
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Brilliant PS3 Slim ad loses Nigerian scam reference, internet rumors now known to have started WWI
Turns out not everyone was amused by Sony's tongue-in-cheek PlayStation 3 Slim ad about internet rumors -- just ask the Nigerian government. The line in question, "you can't believe everything you read on the internet, otherwise I'd be a Nigerian millionaire by now," apparently caused a bit of a stir, and the local authorities demanded the company pull the commercial. It's now been replaced in the company's Viddler account with a slightly altered version that claims online FUD is "how World War One got started." Someone should tell Sony Director of Rumor Confirmation Kevin Butler that there's a certain assassinated Austrian Archduke who would beg to differ. Revised video after the break, and just for kicks, we found the old video on YouTube for comparison. [Via Joystiq]
PS3 Slim sales up nearly 1000% in the UK, Noel quits Oasis (again)
It looks like Engadget editors aren't the only folk who prefer technology that's slimmer, cheaper, and better. According to an article at GamesIndustry.biz, a group that charts retail sales in the UK is saying that sales of the PS3 increased over 999 percent in the week since its British debut of the newer, slimmer form factor. And if that wasn't good news enough for Sony, the console has also outsold the DS, Wii and Xbox 360 by approximately 3:1. Although the last time it was the lead hardware format in the UK was the first week of 2008, the PS3 has never lagged as far behind the others as it has Stateside. But still -- a near 1000 percent increase? If true, that makes the States' 104 percent increase seem lackluster in comparison. Then again, maybe the Brits never realized that Disney Sing It! High School Musical 3 is available on platforms other than the PlayStation. That could explain a lot of things, actually...
PlayStation 3 firmware 3.0 now available
Right on schedule, PlayStation 3 firmware 3.0 is now out and being fed directly into your console (should you opt to download it, at least), offering a number of changes to the user interface and Trophies section and animated themes with avatars. Be sure to come back and let us know what you think! Update: We're running the update now and the changelog that shows up on the PS3 has two new features we hadn't heard about: simultaneous audio output across connectors and control of video playback (slow motion, fast forward and rewind) using the right stick. Nice!
Poll: Will you buy a PS3 Slim to use as a Blu-ray player?
Finally, it's official and in our hands for a review. Now you decide, with the addition of HDMI-CEC, bitstreaming for the latest codecs, and in a quieter smaller case (although it might be a little slower loading, for now) the PlayStation 3 Slim is better and cheaper than ever for your home theater. So let us know, is that enough to get you to purchase one?%Poll-33905%
PS3 Slim already sold out at many a retail store
The fine folks at GameSpot called around in San Francisco to find that many of their local GameStops and Best Buys have been selling the PS3 Slim, but some have already sold out of their first shipments. Our own calls to a few New York GameStops showed that they'd sold out of their first shipments as well (so much for that September 1 ship date, huh?) and were expecting their next shipment early next week. We also know plenty of folks who've had no trouble scoring one online, but who knows how long that supply will last. How about you, any luck tracking down this not-so-elusive console? Personally, we're still waiting on the go-ahead from our main man Kevin Butler to believe any of this is true. [Via PC World] %Poll-33865%
Sony's new PS3 Slim ads prove it 'gets' the internet
We have to hand it to Sony, they've followed up nicely on their "worst kept secret" trade show jokes with an ad campaign that is fittingly self aware. Our only gripe? That cheap shot at Bernie Buncalan -- his blog is pretty good. We also packed in another video after the break. Enjoy.
PlayStation 3 Slim review
Even before Sony's big unveil earlier this month at Cologne GamesCom, it felt like we already knew the PlayStation 3 Slim quite intimately. A leak from back in May gave us a glimpse of every angle of the hardware's exterior, and even the final retail box. At that point, we didn't know what to make of it, and the change in logo font definitely threw us off. Three months, thirty seconds of video, and a dash of legal paperwork later, and we're looking at that very same leaked device, now taking up space adjacent to our hefty 60GB "Classic" model from launch day. Unquestionably, it's smaller and lighter, but how else has Sony's Blu-ray-playing console evolved -- or regressed -- over these past few years? Read on to find out!
PS3 Slim gets torn asunder
If you're wanting some quality analysis of what's under the PlayStation 3 Slim's hood, you're still gonna have to wait for that. However, if you're the sort that just needs to see hardware broken down into as many simple pieces as possible, boy have we got some pictures for you. Update: The results are in and well, there isn't a lot of excitement to show for it except for maybe the large 17-blade fan that stretches 95mm in diameter. There's also a video slideshow of the process, seen after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!] Read - Tech Powerup forum Read - iFixit teardown Read - Rapid Repair teardown
PS3 Slim popping up all over the US (update: it's officially on sale)
Since we first heard about Florida going Slim with its PS3s, we've gotten numerous reports abut the console showing up on retail shelves in Best Buys and GameStops across these 48 contiguous states. We've also heard whispers that brick-and-mortar Sony Style locations are getting shipments and will be unleashing to the masses soon after -- not to mention Amazon's still promising at least some deliveries for tomorrow. Our calls to Sony haven't been returned yet, but it seems like the release date now is more or less "as soon as your local electronics store gets a shipment." Another shot of the boxes in the wild after the break, and let us know below if and where you've managed to spot one! Update: We just got confirmation from Sony that retail stores are being told they can sell the Slim as soon as they receive it. Now let's see how the the 160GB PS3 classic fares with its slender counterpart sharing price point and shelf space. [Thanks to everyone who sent these in!]
Sony's Andrew House hints at more social networking for PS3
PlayStation Home not "social" enough for you? Fret not PS3 users (or soon-to-be PS3 users), 'cause Sony Computer Entertainment Europe head Andrew House has recently dropped a not so subtle hint that some more traditional social network features are on their way to the console. While he obviously didn't get too specific, House did tell the Financial Times that Sony has plans for more social networking features, and apparently wouldn't rule out a partnership with "popular sites such as Facebook," much like Microsoft has already announced for the Xbox 360. In PS3 price-cut news, House also noted that Sony is indeed aware that "consumers are watching their euros and pounds more carefully than before," but added that "it would not be fair to say this is a reaction to current market conditions." [Via Joystiq]
Sony PS3 Slim turns up at Florida Best Buy
What do we have here, you ask? Why, it's the Sony PS3 Slim, and it's available for purchase at this here Best Buy in Brandon, Florida -- a full day before Amazon ships ours. And you said you'd never go back to Brandon! A reader picked one up along with Arkham Asylum, and was good enough to share his haul with us (and with the world) via the Twitter. If you're in the area, you might want to make a quick trip out to the box store before the global PS3 Slim shortage hits. More photographic evidence after the break. [Via Raymond]
PS3 Slim hardware still losing money
The Times Online had a sit-down with Sony Computer Entertainment boss, Kaz Hirai, after the big Gamescom show last week in Cologne. You remember, the event that saw the official launch of the PS3 Slim. The Q&A is an interesting read in whole, but the answer that stands out comes in response to a question about whether the lower-priced $299 PS3 Slim will be sold at a loss relative to its cost to manufacture. "Yes," was the quick answer from Kaz. That's a surprise for two reasons. First, the PS3 Slim benefits from more efficient 45-nm manufacturing processes used on its smaller, less power-hungry Cell processor. Also, just last month Sony's CFO told investors that manufacturing costs of the PS3 had dropped by "about 70%, roughly speaking" -- that comes to about $240 based on original manufacturing estimates of $800 when the PS3 launched back in 2006. Regardless, a console being sold as a loss-leader is nothing new in the gaming industry and, as Kaz points out, will almost certainly be offset by looking at the PS3 as a platform that includes the hardware, software, peripherals, and services.[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
NPD expects PS3 sales to jump 40-60% post-price cut
It doesn't take a whole lot of analysis to figure out that a $100 price cut will result in a boost in sales, but market research group NPD seems to think that the PS3's new $299 price point could have a particularly big impact on Sony's numbers once next month's sales are tallied up. While it's obviously not a sure thing, NPD expects sales of the PS3 to jump between 40% and 60% over the course of September, noting that "the USD 299 price point is important to getting to a point where the next segment of price-conscious consumers can jump into the market and it most certainly will re-energise sales of the platform." It's also quick to point out, however, that those sales might not be enough for Sony to take the lead in US console sales for the month, adding that "other systems might too take a price cut," and that "content is still the key motivator of a hardware purchase decision." Update: Joystiq offers a clarification from the original quote that, historically, price cuts tend to lead to a 40 to 60 percent increase in sales over the previous, higher priced month. The group is not specifically predicting PS3's sales, just pointing out what's happened in the past -- it's a subtle but important difference. [Via gamesindustry.biz]
Video: PS3 Slim's Japanese commercials likely to cause fear, distress, and confusion
The folks at Palm may think they've learned how to make some creepy commercials, but let's face it, they've got nothing on Sony. The Japanese company has a long history of discomforting, unexplainable advertising that rivals a David Lynch movie -- in fact, Lynch even directed his own television spot back in the PlayStation 2 days, itself reminiscent of UNKLE's "Rabbit in Your Headlights" music video from years before. This latest set of videos for the PS3 Slim in Japan is no exception. Turn off all the lights, raise the volume of your speakers, and bow down before the masters of unnerving gadget promotion just after the break -- we included the Lynch ad, too, in case you were interested.
PS3 Slim shipping on August 26th, says Amazon
It looks like there might be a trend brewing among products with nondescript September release windows coming out in August instead -- first with Apple, and now with Sony. Supply shortages or no, Amazon's telling those who pre-ordered the PlayStation 3 Slim the first day it was announced should expect to have their consoles in-hand on Wednesday, August 26th, almost a whole week before the new month begins. Delivery estimates are subject to change, of course, but Amazon's not one to typically screw around with shipping confirmations. Any other early adopters received confirmations lately? [Thanks, Devin!]
Engadget Podcast 160 - 08.21.2009
They said it couldn't be done: could these three men really repeat the on-air magic they conjured during last week's live show? The internet yelled a resounding "yes!" yesterday, as Josh, Paul and Nilay chatted up the PS3 Slim and all other manner of technological trivia. Your hosts' voices charged through internet air waves and filled the hearts of those who tuned in live with irreplaceable joy as podcast history was being made. Oh, you missed it? Don't worry, we've got a static copy of the broadcast right here. It's pretty good. Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: The Entertainer Hear the podcast 00:01:15 - Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!) 00:09:00 - PS3 Slim sized up: smaller, deeper, no Linux or PS2 compatibility 00:26:42 - Sony announces PS3 firmware 3.0, European PlayStation Video Store, Digital Reader comics viewer 00:27:10 - Sony announces 'snackable' 100MB Minis for PSN Store 00:35:51 - Nokia's Maemo 5 RX-51 / N900 tablet gets exhaustively previewed 00:41:45 - Nokia's Maemo 5 tablet shows up again, ready to play 00:49:07 - Dell Mini 3i smartphone gets official outing in China 01:08:17 - Canon outs new PowerShots: G11, S90, SX20 IS, SX120 IS, SD980 IS and SD940 IS 01:08:37 - Canon PowerShot G11 hands-on 01:12:00 - Canon's PowerShot lineup hands-on: the best of the rest 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 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com. Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Amazon says PS3 Slim already facing supply shortages, Sony disagrees
Been holding off on that PS3 Slim pre-order, waiting for Sony to tell you that this whole PS2 backwards compatibility issue was just a big misunderstanding, and of course Sony will keep trying its best to reintroduce PS2 compatibility into the PS3? Well, you might want to rethink that strategy, cowboy, because Amazon is warning of "shortages of this product across the US." It's already limiting Slim sales to one per person, and has a more lax five-Slims-per-person strategy in the UK. Meanwhile, Sony in Europe is saying not to worry, since it has "trucks and trailers" of the new console already on the road . We just don't know who to believe these days, but if you're not prepared to wait past September 1st for a crack at the Slim, you've got some deciding to do. Read - GamesIndustry.biz Read - MVZ
Video: Another look at PS3 Slim and its removable HDD
Sure, you've seen the pictures already, but just in time for the weekend, we thought we'd put together this video showing off the PlayStation 3 Slim, both on its lonesome and as it compares to the classic PS3 and its Xbox 360 competitor. There's also a small segment that confirms what many readers have asked about: yes, the 2.5-inch Serial ATA hard drive is indeed removable and is done so with Sony's blessing (i.e. no worries, it won't void your warranty). The HDD enclosure is located behind a front panel just under the disk drive, which is a snap to pull out once you undo the blue screw from the bottom of the console. Confused? Check out the video after the break, you'll see what we mean.
PS3 Slim bitstreams Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio, at last
Slowly, ever so slowly we're beginning to learn about the internal differences between Sony's new PS3 Slim and its chubby ancestry. We already knew that it supported BraviaLink while talk of "faster gaming" was introduced (suspiciously) yesterday; something that remains very much in doubt until we can confirm. Now we hear that the fatboy gone slim supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream output to your receiver. Hear that audio nerds? Bitstream. See the HDMI chip on previous generations of the PS3 didn't support bitstream output of the new(ish) high def codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. As such, the PS3 had to decode it internally before sending it over to your receiver via LPCM. A process that could garble the lossless audio depending on your setup. Even though the vast majority of people will never notice the difference (or even care), PS3 Slim owners can still kick back in smug satisfaction each time the TrueHD or DTS-HD MA indicators light-up on their receivers.
PS3 Slim bitsreams Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA audio, at last
Slowly, ever so slowly we're beginning to learn about the internal differences between Sony's new PS3 Slim and its chubby ancestry. We already knew that it supported BraviaLink while talk of "faster gaming" was introduced (suspiciously) yesterday; something that remains very much in doubt until we can confirm. Now we hear that the fatboy gone slim supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bitstream output to your receiver. Hear that audio nerds? Bitstream. See the HDMI chip on previous generations of the PS3 didn't support bitstream output of the new(ish) high def codecs like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA. As such, the PS3 had to decode it internally before sending it over to your receiver via LPCM. A process that could garble the lossless audio depending on your setup. Even though the vast majority of people will never notice the difference (or even care), PS3 Slim owners can still kick back in smug satisfaction each time the TrueHD or DTS-HD MA indicators light-up on their receivers.
