Sony Demonstrates PS3 PlayTV

The BBC received a demonstration of Sony’s upcoming PlayTV accessory which will offer PS3 owners over-the-air tuning (DVB-T, abroad), OTA EPG, DVR functionality, and PSP placeshifting. Looks pretty cool (other than the UI load time)… Though, I wonder if we’ll ever see this in the US – is the PS3 OTA ATSC market large enough … Read more

Netflix on Gaming Consoles?

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I wasn’t planning to cover this, but the amount of attention it’s received (and the amount of pings I’ve received) have led me to say something: Netflix movie streaming to PS3 and/or Xbox 360 ain’t gonna happen any time soon. When conducting market research surveys, scenarios are often presented in the present tense, as if they currently existed. For example, last summer Netflix gathered opinions on the possibility of a $50 or $100 movie-renting set-top box. Seen one yet? So let’s be clear – gaming console Netflix movie viewing doesn’t yet exist and you probably won’t see anything like it for many months, if ever.

Having put it in perspective – I think this could be a killer app for any gaming console and something I’d personally appreciate. Tons of movies, perhaps unlimited viewing included with my monthly subscription on a box I already own, and the Netflix name to market the service (and console). However, Netflix will find several barriers to entry… Going beyond their technical challenges, Microsoft currently runs their own movie service on Xbox Live. Would they consider augmenting it or replacing it with Netflix? Because the only way Netflix will land on the 360 is with Microsoft’s blessing. Unless they go the extender route which isn’t as clean or elegant and would reduce their potential customer base exponentially.

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Apple’s Got Game?

By appyling to expand their trademark coverage last week, Apple’s keeping the door open to enter the gaming arena: Toys, games and playthings, namely, hand-held units for playing electronic games; hand-held units for playing video games; stand alone video game machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; LCD game … Read more

Deal of the Day: $100 Off PS3

We’ve seen this one before: Get a Sony credit card and save yourself $100 on a $299 or more (PS3) purchase. Unlike the last offer I came across, gear need not be purchased via Sony Style. Though the virtual cash back has been reduced to $100 versus $150. Lower your credit score for a $300 … Read more

Fix Your Rock Band Guitar With Animal Stickers

Within a few days last month, two Rock Band guitar strum bars gave out. Whereas I initiated a guitar replacement via EA’s self help site, Blake (aka Sling Media CEO) took matters into his own hands. After removing about a dozen screws, he discovered a small leaf switch was no longer making contact when strummed. … Read more

Best Gaming Chair Ever?

I’ve done the bean bag thing. I’ve even done the rocking gaming chair thing. While those were relatively comfortable, I could use something a bit more sophisticated in the living room. Which is why the Jump Seat Ottoman, announced yesterday by Salamander Designs, is quite appealing. When closed, the Jump Seat would allow me to … Read more

Rock Band’s Quality Control Problems

You know those faulty Rock Band guitar reports? Unfortunately, I can confirm them on both the PS3 and Xbox 360… Two guitars have up and died in the last week. At our company holiday party, Blake and I attempted a Rock Band guitar duet on the PS3 when he claimed his guitar stopped working. Yah, … Read more