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Sony to refund some customers after misleading PS Vita ads
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Sony deceived consumers by falsely advertising the PlayStation Vita's "game-changing" features when the console launched in the US. And, perhaps in an effort to stay out of court, the electronics company has agreed and, more importantly, settled with the FTC. As a result, Sony will be providing a partial refund of $25 cash or credit, or a $50 voucher for select, as-of-yet-unnamed games and/or services, to people who bought its handheld console prior to June 1st, 2012. The FTC cites Sony's Cross-Platform Gaming, Cross-Save, Remote Play and 3G connectivity as the features used to mislead consumers, noting that some of these a) didn't work as advertised or b) were nowhere to be found.
The DekaVita is a seven-inch 'handheld' with a Vita TV slid into the back
When the not-exactly-small five-inch PlayStation Vita just isn't enough handheld for your... hands, it's time for the DekaVita 7 -- literally "huge Vita 7". Gametech has managed to make the Vita TV portable, by attaching HDMI and AC connectors, buttons and a seven-inch IPS screen to the miniconsole. (Why?) The result is something approaching a slightly smaller Wii U GamePad, although there's no touchscreen -- because there isn't any compatibility with the Vita TV. (Seriously, why?) It'll cost 23,000 yen when it launches sometime in Spring 2015, although early preorders will get a 4,000 yen discount. Japan residents can do that here. Just, why?
You can Remote Play PS4 games on your Xperia Z2 devices now, too
We're going to say that Sony's relationship with the PS Vita is a little bit, well, complicated. Why? Because one of the biggest reasons to even own one these days, Remote Play, is now available in more places. Specifically, the Xperia Z2 smartphone and its similarly-named tablet cousin. That's right, you no longer need to own the catch-up king's portable gaming system or Z3 device to play PlayStation 4 games while you're away from your console and TV. Given that it uses the console's DualShock 4 controller rather than the slightly cramped confines of the Vita, depending on the size of your hands it could be a better experience, too. Sony says that the Xperia line is the only place you'll get full Remote Play functionality, but folks on the XDA Developers forums are already working to get around that bit of exclusivity so it's available on all capable Android gizmos. Are you a new Vita (or Z3) owner feeling a bit slighted now? Let us know in the comments.
Sony's PlayStation Experience is a two-day public gaming show in Vegas
Sony's holding a two-day PlayStation event in the middle of the desert, and it wants you to attend. Okay, technically Las Vegas isn't the middle of the desert, but it's certainly out there. What will said event entail? PlayStation social media man Sid Shuman says you'll, "Sit in on in-depth panels, meet the industry's best developers, score hands-on gameplay with tons of upcoming PlayStation games, collect free swag, and get a chance to purchase rare collectibles directly from their favorite game studios." It's kind of like PAX, basically, but all PlayStation. One more similarity to PAX? It'll cost ya. $50 for a one-day pass, $90 for both days. If those previous activities left you still sitting on the fence about attendance, Shuman also promises, "an exclusive first look at what's coming next in 2015, which I am told you will not want to miss." Project Morpheus details? Maybe a PlayStation helicopter? Who knows! Hey, if nothing else, it's an excuse to fly to Las Vegas in December, right? [Image credit: Sony PlayStation]
PlayStation Now game streaming reaches PS TV and Vita on October 14th
If you're planning to snag a PlayStation TV with game streaming in mind, you'll be glad to hear that it will be ready to go on day one. Sony has posted an FAQ confirming that the PlayStation Now beta will be available on the PS TV (and the PS VIta) in North America on October 14th, the same day that the mini console hits store shelves. As with the Now tests on bigger PlayStations, you'll have the option of renting 150-plus PS3 games with multiplayer support and cloud-based saves. Whether or not you're bent on using Now from the start, the FAQ is a handy primer for all the less-than-obvious things the PS TV can do -- it's worth a trip to the source link if you're at all curious.
Cult classic Vib-Ribbon will finally land in North America tomorrow
Back in 1999, that little vectorized rabbit thing (Vibri, if you want to get specific) bounded across televisions in Japan and Europe in a quirky little PlayStation title called Vib-Ribbon, Now, 15 years later, gamers in North America are finally getting a chance to steer her through an array of trippy musically generated levels... as long as they have a PS3 or PS Vita. Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Shawn Layden wrote in a blog post today that the cult classic would go live in the PlayStation Store tomorrow (no firm price just yet), and that the PS3 version retains the game's original hook: you'll be able to pop in an audio CD, and the game will automagically create a level from each track. Alas, you won't be able to play the game if you splurged on a PlayStation 4, though Layden was quick to point out that your time will soon come. Bummer, but hey: it's not like you're going to have to wait another 15 years, and you can peer beyond the jump to see what exactly you'll have to look forward to.
PS Vita gets a little more custom with new system icons, music and themes
Sure, you've been able to change the background on your PS Vita since day one, but swapping out the system's application icons wasn't exactly an option. Until now, that is. With the latest update to Sony's handheld, the custom themes that the catch-up king promised last month will soon be available. With software version 3.30 comes not only different icons for system settings and the like, but also new background music too, should you still have that turned on. Aside from Uncharted and Tearaway interface skins, the PlayStation Blog notes that not-game tie-in appearance packs themed around the four seasons and arts-and-crafts will be available too. Much like the trophy-rarity ratings coming to the portable with the patch (something the PlayStation 4 has had since launch), this is likely an appreciated gesture. However, we know there's probably at least a few amongst the PS4's 10 million owners who'd like to see their console look a little less blue sooner rather than later.
Buy 'Destiny' on PS3 or Xbox 360 and upgrade to new-gen for free
The wait is almost over: Destiny, former Halo-developer Bungie's ambitious shooter, releases this coming Tuesday. If you're holding out on it because you don't have a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, though, there's no reason. Bungie has announced that should you purchase the game for PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, until next January 15th you're eligible for a free upgrade to a current-gen digital copy. That's as long as you within the console family you bought the game for originally. Meaning, if you buy the game for PS3 you'll get a download of it on PS4, gratis. Any extra content like season passes will carry over too -- just like your character's progress and gear.
Live from Sony's PlayStation event at Gamescom 2014!
At the game industry's annual United States trade show, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the big three console makers battle it out for your attention. At Gamescom -- the world's largest gaming trade show which draws around 350K people -- it's kind of Sony's show. Sure, Microsoft has an event. And hey, this year there were some pretty big announcements at Microsoft's event. But Europe is Sony territory, and this is the show where PlayStation is wont to make some big waves. Join us right here at 1PM ET for the whole event as it unfolds, live from Cologne, Germany.
With the PlayStation TV, Sony's going after families with young kids
The PlayStation TV is a curious oddity. The $100 device, a rebranded Vita TV that's slated to launch in North America and Europe later this fall, is Sony's direct answer to the Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV streaming boxes currently flooding the market. It's also the only box of the bunch capable of offering a video game experience that goes beyond just casual gaming. In fact, the PlayStation TV's library of titles spans several platforms: the PS Vita, PSP, PS One, PS3 (via PS Now's cloud streaming) and PS4 over Remote Play. It'll also offer consumers the ability to stream video content. But with the PS4 occupying the top spot in the PlayStation totem pole, we have to wonder: Just who is the PlayStation TV for?
PlayStation at E3 2014: an interview with Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida
Sony Computer Entertainment's Shuhei Yoshida wants his company's new game-streaming service, PlayStation Now, to be the Netflix of gaming. When it launches later this summer, it won't be. In fact, it's launching in open beta. "We have to walk before we run," Yoshida told us in an interview this week at E3, the game industry's big annual show in Los Angeles. He sees the service as a long-term plan, part of Sony's ongoing initiative to bring PlayStation games to many devices. And that plan is just kicking off.
The adventure game classic 'Grim Fandango' is coming to PS4 and PS Vita
Just because LucasArts as an active game studio is no more doesn't mean that some of its original franchises are going the way of the dodo -- far from it. Double Fine's Tim Schafer has revealed at Sony's E3 event that the classic 1998 adventure game Grim Fandango will be re-released on the PlayStation 4 and PS Vita. Details of the remake aren't available just yet, but it's safe to presume that some visual upgrades are coming to Manny's journey through the Mexican Land of the Dead. Update: Double Fine has confirmed via Twitter that the remake is also coming to PC, Mac and Linux platforms.
Got PlayStation Plus? You're now getting two games every month
Now that Microsoft is offering free games each month to Xbox One owners with Live Gold subscriptions, Sony is in a tough spot -- how does it get you to buy a console and sign up for PlayStation Plus? By giving you more games, that's what. As of June, Plus members get two games per month for every PlayStation platform they use, whether it's a PS3, PS4 or Vita. Availability will also be more consistent as of July. From then on, you'll see the new Plus titles arrive (and old titles phase out) on the first Tuesday of a given month.
'Minecraft' arrives on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this August
Look, playing Minecraft on a console is really great. It's basically the same delightful/terrifying experience from PC, albeit in the comfort of your living room. What's not to like? Well, on last-gen consoles, there was at least one unfortunate side effect of the platform: the procedurally generated world of Minecraft was significantly smaller than what could be done on PC. With Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions arriving this August, that changes. As development studio Mojang puts it, "It brings significantly bigger worlds and a greater draw distance than Xbox 360 Edition." Hot dog!
There's a new PlayStation Vita available in the US today: what you need to know
Look, we're not gonna review the PlayStation Vita again. Promise. Three times is enough, no? We think so too. But we do want to tell you that the second version of the PlayStation Vita is finally available in North America today -- it even comes in a bundle with Borderlands 2 for $200 -- and we want you to feel safe and secure in your purchase, should you choose to make one. So, is it worth it? In short: yes, yes it is. It's thinner; it's got rounded edges; and Sony's cut a ton of fat from the price as well. Head below for our full video review of the Japanese model, then jump into the Engadget database for specs, reviews from other publications and to discuss which games you're most excited about. It's Luftrausers, right? Come on, admit it.
Sony hopes Michael Jackson's legacy can boost its streaming music service
Sony sure knows how to dangle a carrot in front of its customers. In a not-so-subtle use of music industry clout to drive its technology business, the company is offering access to five tunes off of the Michael Jackson album Xscape on its Music Unlimited streaming service days before the album's official debut (May 13th in the US). Meanwhile, iTunes and other services are getting one early song at best.
The PS4's first big update is almost here, check out what's inside
Curious to know everything that's in the PlayStation 4's 1.70 update launching on Wednesday? You won't have to download it yourself to find out -- Sony has spilled the beans ahead of time. Some of these updates we've heard about before, such as the SHAREfactory video editor, 720p HD Twitch streams (that are archivable) and automatic pre-order downloads. However, we now know that there's quite a few subtler improvements in store. You can control the default length for shared gameplay videos before saving them to a USB drive, and a toggle to dim the DualShock 4's lightbar is included in this update. Remote Link pairing with the PlayStation Vita is now automatic, and those who hate credit cards can shop with PayPal on the PlayStation Store. All told, this is a lot more than a simple tune-up, and you'll likely want it as soon as it hits the servers -- updated companion apps for iOS and Android are already available. Update: The 194MB download is rolling out now, and there are a few more tweaks included in the changelog, like the ability to log in multiple users with a single controller.
An oral history of the last 20 years of gaming, as told by PlayStation's Shuhei Yoshida
The three weeks out of every month that Shuhei Yoshida's in Japan, he has the same routine every day. He wakes up, opens a tablet, and gets back to work on PlayStation consumer feedback via his favorite interaction tool: Twitter. The man who heads Sony's PlayStation group is incredibly, perhaps detrimentally, accessible on social media. It's not his job, but a role he's taken on. "It's my personal time, but since lots of people tweet to me, I'm doing this almost official customer service," he says. After 20-plus years working on PlayStation, Yoshida's beyond overqualified for customer service. He's been with Sony's PlayStation arm from its creation, and helped shepherd franchises from idea to mainstream norms: Gran Turismo, Crash Bandicoot, Uncharted. The list goes on. Yoshida spoke with PlayStation 4 lead architect (and other game industry legend) Mark Cerny last evening in California, where he detailed his storied history in the game industry.
How PlayStation Move shaped the PS4
The PlayStation Move has been called a lot of bad names. It's the PlayStation peripheral that's least used by game devs, least purchased by console owners, and least spoken of by Sony itself. Some of that sentiment's been turning lately, ever since Sony showed off Project Morpheus a few weeks ago and demonstrated what an impact something like Move has on virtual reality immersion (the controller works for both PS3 and PS4). And the guy who heads up PlayStation's worldwide game studios, Shuhei " Shu" Yoshida, says Move is responsible for far more than it's given credit. "This project was one of the very first hardware projects formed with three groups: the software engineering team at SCEA, the hardware engineers at SCEI in Japan, and the Worldwide Studios team making games using the motion controller," Yoshida told attendees of a presentation tonight at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. He and PlayStation 4 lead architect Mark Cerny explained that this trifecta was the first in a string of major collaborations: PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, and now Project Morpheus.
PS Vita gets more apps on its home screen and a memory card manager
With the amount of rad digitally distributed games in the PlayStation Vita's library, your system's home screen could be getting a little crowded. Well, after downloading the handheld's latest firmware update, you'll have a lot more room for all of those high-res bubbles. Another 400 of them to be exact, as software version 3.10 allows a total of 500 apps and games on the touch-based UI. What's more, Joystiq noticed the patch adds a memory card management feature that separates saved data based on what type of content created it. Bizarrely enough, the portable PlayStation didn't have an auto setting for daylight savings time before this either. Sony has also included a calendar app that syncs with your Google account, as well as a voice messaging system for sending quick soundbites to your Vita or PS4 owning-pals. Just try keep 'em PG-rated, okay?
