Sony Announces Availability of 80GB PlayStation 3

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) on Monday announced the availability of a new 80GB version of its play station 3 video game console. The system is now available at retailers throughout North America for US$599 and includes a copy of the off-road racing game motor storm.

The 80GB model has been released to provide users with more storage space for games and add-on content they purchase through Sony's play station Network (PSN), a free online service PlayStation users can connect to purchase games and game-related content. At present that are more than 60 playable games and game-related downloads available through PSN, with more coming soon.

Sony has been criticized for a slow up tick in play station 3 game rollouts and the system's high cost. To that end, The 80GB play station 3 joins a 60GB version already in production; that system costs $499.

Both the 60GB and 80GB version share the same architecture and come standard with 1080p HD video output, Wi-Fi connectivity, a Sixaxis wireless game controller and built-in Blu-ray Disc player.

The 60GB version's retail price was dropped by $100 on July 9 when Sony first announced plans to release the 80GB model in North America, although Sony's plans to release the model were first made public back in March. Sony says that it plans to continue to sell the 60GB model alongside its 80GB counterpart "until current inventory is depleted," which it anticipates will happen this fall.

As far as games are concerned, Sony said that throughout the holidays and the remainder of its fiscal year, more than 120 new first and third-party software titles will be released for the PlayStation 3 in North America, adding to the current stable of more than 40 games.

Sky Tv on PSP

Now Sony has come up with a new way to get video onto your PSP. Now for those of you who do not know what a PSP is... It's the Sony Play station Portable which comes with:

• Its own UMD movie format
• It has a 4.3" color screen
• It also has a pile of freebie online content
• Lastly, this is only the best portable gaming machine ever!!!!

Now, Sony has announced to bring Sky TV to the PSP's wide screen. We can expect a mix of sport and TV shows which includes LOST, WEEDS, BONES and also Sky Box Office Movies.

Users will be able to download shows using its WiFi powers or by simply using their PC and transferring them with a USB. So finally you will get proper telly on your lovely sony screen.

Sony unveils The Agency

Sony Online Entertainment has confirmed that it is developing The Agency, a fast-paced online action shooter, for the PC and PS3. Assume the role of an elite agent in a modern day setting as you live among spies and mercenaries. Enjoy cooperative and competitive story driven missions set in exotic locales and enjoy ‘espionage, intrigue and explosive game play.’

Live the life of an elite agent

“The inspiration for The Agency came from the spy and espionage genre. We want to put players in the heart of the action to experience what it’s really like to live the life of an elite agent,” said Hal Milton, Lead Designer, Sony Online Entertainment. “Players will jet set around this virtual world to exotic locales, infiltrate enemy organizations to steal secrets and perpetrate sabotage, all the while building their own agency with an eye towards global domination.”

The beginning sees players choosing to be a UNITE spy or a ParaGON mercenary. Whatever you choose, The Agency will immerse you in illicit activities including drug smuggling, assassinations, espionage and counter intelligence. Increase your influence by gaining ranks within the agency, eventually building your own agencies as well as joint agencies with others.

Recruit operatives

Players can recruit operatives who will gather intel, provide satellite scans or even build a new sports car. Operatives become more powerful as players advance and players can decide whether to use them to help themselves or their team or trade them with other players. Operatives are collectible non-player characters, providing the goods and services players need and allowing them to concentrate on the mission. Working 24/7, regardless of whether players are logged in, operatives can be kept up to date through email and instant messages.

Players will be immersed in hundreds of unique missions in The Agency, each with varied end-goals requiring combat, stealth and style. Engage in varied game play including sneaky assassinations, all out assaults, vehicle challenges and mini-games in casinos. Players will need to collect the right weaponry, gadgets, gear, attire and aliases to gain access to locales and eventually acquire influence over them.

With no typical class restriction, players can supplement their gear with exotic and powerful skills thanks to persistent character development. Players can customize their character’s attire based on which mission they are on, some emphasizing combat or support, others stealth and even cover identities. Players can also engage in other activities in The Agency including taking on other players at the card tables, the shooting range or in head-to-head combat.

Fun now, no waiting

“SOE is looking to take the online gaming industry to new places with The Agency, not only in terms of its theme, but also in its design. It’s accessible to all types of players, blending genres and changing up established conventions. It’s different from anything SOE has released before,” said Matt Wilson, Director of Development, SOE Seattle. “Our goal is to break from traditional online games and provide players with a ‘fun now, no waiting’ game play experience in a dynamic, ever-evolving online world.”

Sony Releases PSP Firmware 3.50

A few days ago, Sony had come out with firmware 1.80 for the PlayStation 3. One of the striking features of that update was the ability to use the PSP to access their PS3 via the internet. Now, the PlayStation Portable firmware update 3.50 will add the Remote Play functionality to Sony’s handheld.

Though you won’t be able to play PS3 games (obviously) or access DVD or Blu-ray movies using the PSP Remote Play, you will be able to listen to music, watch compatible videos, pictures and access your friend lists. The PSP firmware update 3.50 will also allow gamers to receive news and other RSS feeds as Sony has added an RSS channel guide for the handheld console.

Hmm… it is nice of Sony to add such features to the PSP, which will make it more cool than before. It would be even better if they include more interactive features to the PSP in the future.