Sony PlayStation Network (PSN) Hacked and Customer Information Stolen

Sony has been dealt a major blow last week when its PlayStation Network (PSN) was hacked and personal information of about 77 million accounts was stolen. After the PSN was down for a week plus, Sony belatedly made the official announcement that they are a victim of some hacker who obtained information such as name, address, date of birth, password and even credit card information if you have it stored in your PSN account. Obviously PSN users all over the world are pissed at Sony’s late actions and severely damaged their reputation and their CEO’s goal of having all Sony media electronics connected and unified in a common shared platform. This security breach has put a serious dent on the users’ trust in Sony’s system. Sony’s slow reaction and late disclosure has angered users who were not aware of the details of the breakdown and could have executed their personal mitigation steps in protecting their personal information like cancelling the credit card linked to the PSN account.

People are starting to file lawsuits against Sony for this matter and we expect there are more to come. Sony is going to pay a very heavy price on this. Do not forget that the downtime has cost Sony millions of dollars considering the revenue which they gain from the PSN activities of approximately $10 million per week. Even if they ended up paying $1 for each customer/account, that’s $77 million. If they pay $2 each, an additional digit is added to the payout amount ($154 million). And quoting the $1 and $2 price is merely to cite examples. I would feel really devalued if I get paid only $2 for them risking my personal information.

The ripple effects of identity theft would be hard to assess in terms of the true damages. All the hassle they caused me could have cost a lot of people a lot of time and money. I am not going to put my credit card info on PSN anymore.

Sony PSPGo Discontinued?

Sources have revealed that the Sony PSPGo is discontinued after the product page was removed from Sony’s website. So all that are left of the PSPGo are those in the shelves.
The PSPGo which was introduced back in 2009 after the PSP-3000 series failed to garner much market attention in its attempt to do away with the UMD and shifted focus to digital media download instead.
This move nicely paves the way for the Sony NGP introduction which is rumored to be sometime around Fall 2011. Will it be another shot at scrapping physical media in favor of digital media download? Most likely not. The market is still too young for full digital content. Unless, of course, Sony chooses to push through this barrier and give it one more try. The Sony NGP release may be delayed due the supply chain being affected by the 311 Japan earthquake.

Best of Both Worlds: Street Fighter X Tekken Game Coming to PS3

This is gonna get the Street Fighter fan pumped up and the Tekken fans excited at the same time. Capcom and Konami have teamed up for a new release: Street Fighter X Tekken crossover game for PS3. The Street Fighter franchise has been a great tradition dating back to my kiddo days when the NES was the game console that every kid on the block wanted. Ryu and Ken are still the living legend in fighting games uptil today. With this collaboration, fans of fighting genre can have the best of two worlds with Street Fighter X Tekken (SFXT). This joint venture however will cast some questions on which franchise is the main star of the game. Obviously nobody wants to take any trademark moves or original features out of both the characters and the settings. To find the midway point of balance between the Street Fighter combo moves and Tekken’s settings can be quite a task in order to satisfy both sets of fans. Put this in your to-buy list. Better still, pre-order your copy at Amazon.com and be ready for the unleashing of SFXT come release date (TBD).

Sony NGP (PSP 2) Rumored to Face Delays Due to Supply Chain Effects from 311 Japan Earthquake

There are rumors circling around about Sony’s next generation portable gaming console being delayed due to the supply chain no thanks to the Japan 311 earthquake. The Sony NGP comes with improved gameplay experience via the back panel sensor which makes use of the gamer’s fore fingers that are normally rested behind a portable gaming console. The NGP is expected to be a hit as it is considered a true 2nd generation of portable gaming console with fresh new features after Sony’s launch of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) back in 2006. The UMD will not be a feature on the NGP and there wasn’t much debate about the UMD being a failure which has seen it been phased out when Sony went for the PSP Go. Trying to revamp the portable gaming console scene, Nintendo has entered the market with its 2nd generation DS in the form of the Nintendo DS 3D in 2011. Game selection is still a constraint for potential portable gaming console buyers and many are eagerly waiting for the Sony NGP to provide truly satisfying portable gaming experience to teenagers, students, and frequent travelers (be it college students embarking for semester break getaways or working adults being dispatched for business trips). NGP, I will wait for you…..

First PS3 Custom Firmware is Released!

The PS3 jailbreak scene was kicked off with the release of PS3 jailbreak on USB dongle which did not require any hardmod (hardware modification) and done via the PS3’s USB port. It prompted Sony to file for an injunction in Australia court to ban the sale of the PS3JailBreak USB dongle while they work on their firmware update to close the loophole from firmware version 3.5 onwards.
And today, I saw a post about the first PS3 custom firmware being released. One can enable homebrew and in most cases play backup copies of your games right from the flash memory or disk memory instead of reading from DVD for improved read time when one installs a custom firmware in place of the original or official firmware from the manufacturer. Manufacturers have always been against the homebrew in fear of game piracy, which affected the previous PlayStation generations (PS1, PS2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox360, Wii, etc.) It has been reported that game piracy costs the industry billions of dollars every year.

PS3 jailbreak has already been confirmed doable for PS3 consoles with firmware version 3.41. Do a quick search on PS3 Jail Break on a search engine or the popular video streaming site should yield many usable results if you like to get more details or proof of its existence. Of course, homebrew fans would argue that Sony broke their promise when they launched the PS3 by blocking the installation of Linux. Nevertheless, homebrew is an area of interest because it enables the hidden capabilities of the console which are not put to use by the manufacturer through the official firmware. I’ve previously had CFW on my PSP and installed custom ROM on my Windows Mobile smartphones and I believe the idea of getting all the juice out of that internally powerful gaming console of PS3 or Wii sounds pretty tempting if the CFW is stable and reliable.

33% of People Waiting for GT5 Do Not Own a PS3

If you’re reading this site, you probably know Gran Turismo 5 is a big deal for the PlayStation brand, but we can’t often quantify that into numbers. Data collected by marketing research agency OTX GamePlan, however, gives a peek into stats you know Sony is taking into careful consideration. According to their latest survey, 33% of people who plan on purchasing GT5 don’t yet own a PlayStation 3 console to play it on. In other words, if GT5 sells anywhere close to GT4’s 10.9 million copies, there will have to be several million consoles out the door along with it. For a system that sells around 10 million units per year, that would be healthy increase. Without a solid release date for the game, though, those consoles could be sitting on the shelf for a while…

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands for PS3 for $13 @ Amazon

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands for PS3 is on sale at Amazon.com with free shipping if you buy above $25 (or if you have Amazon Prime). I was introduced to the Prince of Persia franchise by my old housemate who played it on PC a few years back. I gave it a try a few times as well while he was trying to finish it off. It has an average rating of 4/5 (as reviewed and voted by 27 people). If you're a Prince of Persia fan, this is a decent price for this game and I hope you enjoy it.


Product Features
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

* From huge-scale multi-enemy combat to dizzying feats of acrobatic prowess in gigantic environments enhanced by the Prince?s ability to control nature and time, The Forgotten Sands will push the Prince?s prodigious abilities to a not-yet-seen level.
* With all-out war at the gates of the kingdom, the Prince?s abilities will be challenged like never before through the course of epic wow moments, be it by scaling a castle tower collapsing under bombardment or combating foes hundreds of feet tall.
* Wielding powers of nature and time, the Prince will have unparalleled mastery over his environment and his enemies. The Prince will discover that harnessing the forces of nature itself will prove to be a devastating companion to his ability to rewind time.
* Powered by the Anvil Engine used for Assassin?s Creed 2, The Forgotten Sands promises to bring a Prince of Persia experience like never before seen. Battle hordes of enemies at once, explore life-like settings, and experience a more powerful Prince.
* Set between Prince of Persia ? The Sands of Time and Warrior Within, The Forgotten Sands provides fans with a new chapter in the saga of the Prince, and an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the events from this series.

Embark on an adventure to an exotic land and unleash your legendary moves on enemies as the acclaimed Prince of Persia: Sands of Time story line makes its return. Unfolding with the mystery and powerful narrative that have become classic elements in this series, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands challenges you to unleash powerful offensive attacks and destroy your enemies. Race against time in an unforgiving world as you experience the return of the vaunted Prince of Persia.

Sony PSP2 Out in 2010?

Many thought the new PSP Go is going to replace the previous PSP, but Sony puzzled many by letting the PSP Go to be sold on store shelves alongside the older PSP-3000 model. This brings up the possibility that there actually will be a new PSP2 and the latest piece of news essentially confirms that there's gonna be a release for the Sony PSP2.

According to BSN, the new generation of portable technology from Sony will indeed arrive in 2010 (next year?!) and it will feature PowerVR SGX543 graphics. It has been rumored that the development works for Sony PSP2 has been ongoing since 2008 and last year, Sony unofficially announced the selection of Imagination Technologies' SGX graphics processor.
Therefore, we have a scenario whereby Sony will push forward and continue to develop the PSP Go and replace the PSP-3000 with the PSP2. That would mean there'd be 2 variants of PSP by Sony in the market concurrently (I am puzzled)... Sources informed that Sony will launch the all new PSP2 within "the next 12 months."

Amazon Deal: Tekken 6 for PS3 and XBOX - $33 Free Shipping

Amazon.com is having the game Tekken 6 for PS3 and Xbox 360 for only $32.98 with free shipping! This is the best deal seen for this game currently. Tekken 6 for PSP (not for the new UMDless PSP Go) is still at $40. If you're a true fan of the Tekken series, you might be interested in the Limited Edition which includes a limited edition Tekken 6 controller (a must-have for Tekken aficionados)

TEKKEN 6 sees the return of many familiar faces as well as new characters to create the largest line-up the series has ever seen. With a growing roster of fighters, each equipped with their own deadly techniques, martial art moves, and attack combinations, TEKKEN 6 will be the best “King of Iron Fist Tournament” yet. Adding to the already rich gaming experience, a deeper character customization feature will only enhance the incredible fighting intensity as players go mano-y-mano.

Sony PS3 Firmware Update 3.10 Gives You Facebook Integration

Sony announced that the next iteration of the PlayStation 3's firmware is version 3.10 adn the biggest perk for many is that it now adds Facebook functionality to the PS3, including automatic Trophy and purchase updates. Now you can show al your Facebook friends what you've been scoring (or sucking) at your PS3. This also allows developers to include "trigger points" for Facebook integration in their PS3 games. Sony calls this Facebook service "the first phase of a variety of new features to further connect and enhance the online social experiences of PlayStation(R)3 (PS3[TM]) computer entertainment system owner." Other, less marquee features, include a new grid layout for photos and an updated friends list with the ability for users to change the background color of profiles.

Sony PS3 Drake's Fortune Bundle 160GB - $299.99!

Sony is offering 160GB PlayStation 3 Drake's Fortune Bundle which includes 2 Dualshock 3 controllers for $299.99 with free shipping. This is quite a good price I would say for this bundle, so Drake's Fortune fans should snap up this deal. Earlier on, this bundle costs a whopping $499.99. It seems obvious that Sony is trying to get rid of the old stock of the non-slim PS3. This now sells for $349.99 at Amazon.com.

Product Features of 160 GB Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Pack
* Internal 160GB HDD for storing your games, music, and photos
* Built-in Blu-ray player and HDMI output for 1080p resolution
* 2 USB Ports, Internet ready with built-in Wi-Fi, and Free PlayStation Network Access
* Includes 1 Dualshock 3 wireless controller
* Includes Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and a PAIN Downloadable game voucher

Sony PS3 Slim Officially Announced - Get It for $299 September 1 2009

Sony officially announced the PS3 Slim, well long after the leaked pictures made it to the world wide web. And now, everyone is happy with the latest price tag. Sony PS3is the costliest gaming console in the market compared to the XBOX 360 and Nintendo Wii. Now, Sony has decided to bring down the price to a much affordable $299. Rejoice PlayStation fans, it's time to finally own one if you haven't. The new PS3 slim is actually by design 33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter, and comes with a 120GB hard drive. Sony redesigned the internal architecture of the new PS3 system in order to meet the new more compact form factor. This is about the same as what Sony did to the previous generation PlayStation, the PS2. The PS3 Slim is powered by a new 45nm version of the Cell processor which runs at the same speed as the 60nm processor in the "old" PS3, but is smaller and more energy-efficient. According to company reps, power consumption for the PS3 Slim has also been cut to two-thirds, "helping to reduce fan noise".





One element which changed against my liking is that the surface of the PS3 Slim is matte as compared to the classy looking shiny piano black finish of the PS3. Also, the "PLAYSTATION 3" words are no longer written across the top, replaced by "PS3". The Sony PlayStation 3 Slim is available for pre-orders from Amazon.com.

Gran Turismo 5 for PS3 Release Date December 29 2009 - Pre-order at Amazon Now!

All Gran Turismo fans! The latest installment of the GT series, Gran Turismo 5, is scheduled to be released on Tuesday December 29 2009. That's approximately 5 full months before you get your hands on a copy of this much awaited edition. Exclusively dubbed as "the real driving simulator", Gran Turismo will surely bolster its current fanbase after the noted success of the previous editions. You can now place your pre-orders from Amazon.com for $56.99. Surprisingly, the release date is after December 25 2009, therfore missing the Christmas holiday season. I strongly believe that if this was released ahead of Christmas, it is sure bound to the top seller of all games!

The next installment of the award-winning racing franchise, Gran Turismo® 5, is coming exclusively to the PlayStation®3 system. Known for its signature beauty and precision, the highly anticipated racer will showcase new jaw-dropping cars, real-life tracks, and diverse racing styles. Gran Turismo promises to deliver exciting advancements to the series in the most comprehensive racing experience ever.

New PSP Go is for REAL! Leaked Photos of PSP Go Before E3

So much for the rumors spreading like wildfire after the initial emergence of the new PSP Go box which shows the new PSP with a slide up screen as opposed to the current single horizon platform. So the PSP Go is really going to be UMDless and it also packs in a whopping 16GB of internal flash memory but no touch screen here right now. It's amazingly 43% lighter than the current PSP-3000, so the PSP Go is speaking for itself, easy and lightweight to carry to anywhere you go. I like! And it's confirmed that Gran Turismo is coming to PSP. And it will be announced alongside the PSP Go at the E3 2009. The PSP Go utilizes the Memory Stick Micro as many of us expected and a new feature is the Bluetooth capability added in, most likely to support wireless Bluetooth headphones.

Sony PSP Go Specifications:
# 3.8-inch display (resolution is undisclosed)
# 43 percent lighter than the PSP-3000
# 16GB of Flash storage
# Bluetooth built-in; supports handset tethering and BT headsets
# No UMD drive
# Memory Stick Micro slot
# New Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and new Metal Gear Solid (!) on the way
# Full PlayStation Network support (movie and TV rentals / purchases)
# Integration with PlayStation 3 (works the same as the PSP-3000 does)

There you have it, the real shots of the new PSP Go, even before Sony's announcement at E3 2009. The retail price is still unknown, but I do hope it is not more than the current $199.99. Considering no touch screen technology was put into it, I reckon it will not be a big difference.

UMDless PSP or PSP Go - E3 2009 Annoucement?

The heavily rumored UMDless Sony PSP is gaining momentum ahead of this year's E3 as many are looking at an almost certain upcoming official announcement for this product. According to insider tips, the slim PS3 spy shots portrayed the real slim PS3 which is now still under development and won't be announced at 2009's E3. However, the very same source did mention that new UMDless PSP, a.k.a. PSP Go, is going to be revealed soon, very soon. This will really hamper my plan to own a PSP-3006. Why would I get one now when I can get the UMDless version in a few months time, and with better battery life and performance I would guess. As you all can predict pretty accurately, it will most probably hit the shelves by year end to catch up with the Christmas sales period provided that it is unveiled at E3 2009. I would bet my money on that.

PSP Go and PS3 Slim Box Leaked Photos - It Must Be Real

Leaked photos of the box of the rumored PSP Go and PS3 Slim are showing resemblances to each other and that just proves one thing: it's real. 16GB of internal memory instead of the UMD, which turned out to be a failure.

New UMDless Sony PSP Coming This Fall @ E3

*Apparently all Sony PSP fanboys have been following up with the rumors/news of the revolutionary upcoming PSP (PSP 2 or PSP-4000). So far, Sony only tweaked the original PSP to have a slimmer body, better LCD and better battery life. Nothing much was changed or upgraded. It still remains a generation 1 PSP. Technology and gaming enthusiasts alike are waiting for the release of the PSP 2 (PSP-4000) or any official words from Sony.

A major hardware change or interface change is what many of us are yearning for. One point which we all believe is going to turn out to be true is the death of UMD. Many rumors have circulated over the past few months about Sony going UMDless in the next generation of PSP. Maybe a 8GB or a 16GB internal memory is going to be used. Rumors are heating up citing reliable sources within Sony that the new PSP will feature a sliding unit while maintaining the current controls platform which is very much a trademark of Sony Playstation. E3 in June is not so long away. We should see the unveiling of PSP 2 at E3....fingers crossed.

*Not actual PSP-2 photo

PSP-3000 Homebrew Hack and Hackable: Lite Blue Tool Service Mode Battery

Rejoice PSP fanboys! Finally, the new PSP-3000 is homebrewable, thanks to the Datel's Lite Blue Tool service mode battery! Just in time for Christmas. Now your new PSP 3000 model is perfectly hackable thanks to Datel's newest tool battery. Once you're in service mode, you can downgrade your PSP and pretty much do what you want with it! (From this mode, users are approaching the PSP with the access of a Sony engineer and can load old, cracked firmware that's open to run homebrew.) This LITE BLUE TOOL battery will enable the service mode on both the PSP Slim (PSP-2000) and also most importantly, the PSP Brite (PSP-3000). It will come with the option to toggle between a service mode and normal mode, and also features a built in LED power gauge (sweet). The LITE BLUE TOOL will be available beginning November 28th with a retail price of $29.99 across North America. It is the best option at the moment for hacking the PSP-3000. Like I said, just in time for Christmas.

Black Sony PSP-3000 Media Pack Cancelled

Sony has decided drop the Black Sony PSP-3000 Media Pack which was supposed to ship at the end of November 2008. So if you want to get a bundled Sony PSP-3000 pack, you should get the Silver Rachet & Clank bundle, your best option right now. As reported on Engadget recently, the PSP-3000 a.k.a. PSP Brite, is proving to be a tough one to crack as even hackers like Dark Alex is still trying to find away to liberate the PSP-3000 for homebrew.

PSP-3000 Is Out in North America

The new PSP-3000, dubbed the PSP Brite, is hitting the shelves in North America markets. The 3rd edition of the PSP series, up from the previous PSP Phat (PSP-1000) and PSP Slim (PSP-2000), it has a brighter LCD screen and reportedly still gives its owners the same amount of battery life. The silver Ratchet & Clank bundle is one of the 1st few that you can pick up now. It's a Silver PSP with a copy of Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (I had the demo UMD previously, a fun game I would say), a National Treasure 2 UMD movie(which I already watched and it's a good one if you enjoyed National Treasure and Nicolas Cage), 1GB memory stick (too small for my liking, you can get 4GB ones for ~$25 nowadays) and an online download voucher for echochrome.

The PSP-3000 is priced at $199.99. Widely available from Amazon (no need to pay tax). Try Amazon Prime for Free 2-Day Shipping. It's a free trial and you can cancel after the trial without getting charged.