Sony has revealed via the official PlayStation blog that PS3 firmware 3.10, due "soon," will allow the console to communicate with social media site Facebook. The news comes on the eve of Microsoft's latest Xbox 360 Dashboard update roll-out -- which, among other features, introduces Facebook functionality to that platform.
So this is why Netflix's stock went soaring. After countless rumors, Netflix's streaming service is finally coming to the PlayStation 3. Even better: it'll be free for PlayStation Network members that have a Netflix account. According to the press release, "Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month at no additional cost to Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system."
Price cuts helped Sony Corp's Playstation 3 become the top-selling video game console for the first time since its release, as U.S. sales of video game gear and software in the United States rose a modest 1 percent in September from a year ago, a research group said on Monday.
The PlayStation 3 dethroned long-running champ Nintendo and its Wii console to take the top spot, according to NPD. Microsoft's Xbox 360 came in third.
Bad form to reply to my own comment but I wanted to add something.
Sony desperately needs to give their Free network services a little more credibility with the average person. People, unfortunately still equate FREE with "Crap". Most people already accept it as the de-facto HD player, but now that standalone units are available for $150, Sony needs to move to move PSN storefront up to the forefront (and I don't mean just putting the icon under every option on the XMB).
@Joe80, I think it's just MS wanting profit off their hardware
I agree fully, but think that a high end 360 could be cheaper, ensuring victory for Microsoft, while making tidy profit on every unit.
In my opinion Microsoft is not operating in line with (their own) conventional wisdom: software sales and SAAS (Live) having the highest profit margins. Either that, or they are just being greedy to the detriment of their successful brand.
Sony is missing a HUGE opportunity themselves as KoC pointed out. The current bundles are nice, but I think what would really shake things up is a "buy a PS3 SLIM 120GB and get a code for 30$ in PSN money", or "DOWNLOAD 2 from a list of old 1st party titles" to promote 250 GB models. Phil is totally right to say Sony needs to think outside the box.
I suppose this is true, that the bundles haven't helped Sony substantially in the past. But I don't think it can hurt if they bundle a game and keep the price the same. There really is very little cost to including an older game in the bundle.
Yes, they have done bundles in the past but they don't do it consistently. They keep going back to rolling out SKUs that don't include any games. As a consumer shopping for a PS3 today, I would be questioning why the PS3 doesn't come with any games now when it used to come with a game. The product should be unambiguously adding more value to the customer with each iteration, not cutting back on some avenues.
I think the God of War collection would have made a good bundle as well. I think the strategy here should be for Sony to introduce franchises to new users.
@PhilHarrision, In US: Motorstorm bundle, MGS4 bundle, Uncharted bundle, Killzone & MGS4 bundle I think, & a bundle with 2 Greatest Hits games, probably something I'm forgetting too.
@KultofCows, I agree, although they tried this before a number of times and it didn't seem to help that much. It would probably help more with the lower price, but perhaps not enough.
@zeromous, I think it's just MS wanting profit off their hardware. It's probably the same price strategy as they have for their overpriced proprietary accessories.
@KultofCows,Not as busy as MS in this area but didn't SONY have a Motorstorm bundle for over a year? A MGS4 bundle (both limited and non). Haven't they had the Uncharted Bundle for over 6 months? (North America market we are speaking of).
I think for Xmas they should have bundled the God of War remakes/Demo and a PSN DL of 300.
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