Go To Latest Video ReviewsSony Extending PlayStation Network
| Author | Hugo Jobling |
| Published | 11th May 2009 |
10 comments
Email
TrustedReviews NewslettersSony might have had a rocky start with the PlayStation 3, but it would be hard to say it hasn't been making a job of capitalising on its investment - using technologies developed for the PS3 in other devices. A trend which is, according to CEO Howard Stringer, set to continue.
In an interview with Nikkei Electronics Asia Stringer has detailed Sony's plans to transition itself from a closed system into an open one explaining: "We developed brand new, absolutely incredible technology for the PlayStation 3 (PS3), but the cost was high." Having learned from that experience, Sony has "adopted a slightly different approach now, and are evolving the PS3 into a platform for web services."
While Sony's different product lines have previously worked on a "vertical structure," these development groups are starting to be centralised. As a result, there should be a growing level of convergence evident in Sony products.
Currently the most obvious of these is the proliferation of Sony's XMB menu system across its product range. This is, according to Stringer, just the start however and "Next we will be expanding the PlayStation Network to hardware other than the PS3, because the number of PS3 units sold puts a limit on the scale of the network possible."
It's an interesting idea although how it will play out is anyone's guess right now. Clearly we're not going to see Bravia TVs or Walkman phones playing full-on PS3 PSN games, but it wouldn't be much of a stretch to see the PSN's video marketplace on Blu-ray players or TVs.
Related Articles
Newsletters
Register to receive the latest Reviews and News Headlines directly to your Inbox every day, and enter our regular competitions. More Info.
Latest 4 of 10 Comments
Have your say: Leave a comment below about this article.
Matthew Bunton said on 11th May 2009
ravmania said on 12th May 2009
@GoldenGuy
I totally agree with you. I've got a 360 and love it. I'd love a PS3 too but for the price I just don't think it's worth it as a games machine... more
Cub said on 12th May 2009
@GoldenGuy - come, join us, it's 2009 and Sony's doing very well thank you. It's topping the sales league on an almost monthly basis now in Japan, and is regularly i... more
GoldenGuy said on 12th May 2009
For the record Cub, I do have one and I certainly don't regret it as I still believe I invested in the best product, but I did buy it primarily for its fantastic BD player - i... more
See all 10 comments on this article.
Add your comment
You must be logged in to comment. Login or register here.
Here we go again.