Modified PS4 and Xbox One will offer 4K later this year, Netflix says

February 3rd, 2015, 23:03 Posted By: wraggster

New versions of both the PS4 and Xbox One will released later this year, Netflix has said.
Chief product officer Neil Hunt told a press conference, as reported by The Huffington Post, that Sony has “promised” a PS4 hardware revision that will increase its maximum video output to 4K.
When contacted for clarification by Forbes, Netflix said that while, according to the site, it “clearly it isn’t in a position to speak definitively on Sony’s plans, [Hunt] believes that when both the PS4 and Xbox One consoles do their traditional two-year hardware refresh (which would be due around October or November) they will add the necessary components to deliver 4K video playback”.
Both Sony and Microsoft declined to comment on the claims, although Sony did say: “Support for high-resolution 4K output for still images and movie content is in consideration, but there are no further details to share at this time.”
Back in 2013 Sony announced a 4K video service for PS4, although nothing has been heard of it since the console’s arrival. Sony Electronics President Phil Molyneux said at the time that while the machine will support 4K video, 4K gaming will not be possible.
Indeed, Sony confirmed to Forbes that that “the PS4 does not currently support 4K output for gaming”.
The site, however, says that both machines would need an additional chip to support Netflix and Amazon’s HEVC 4K UHD streaming format and 4K’s HDCP 2.2 copy protection protocols. Their HDMI ports would also need to be upgraded to HDMI 2.0 if 60fps 4K playback were to be offered.
UPDATE: It has also been previously suggested that Xbox One as it stands can already support 4K output and includes HDMI 1.4.


http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/modif...x-says/0144646

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New games added to PlayStation Now

February 3rd, 2015, 23:36 Posted By: wraggster

Sony Computer Entertainment America has added five new titles to PlayStation Now's subscription library.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, God of War II HD, Red Faction: Armageddon, Galaga Legions DX and Arcana Heart 3 have joined the game streaming service, taking the total number of titles members can play to 109.

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Sony shifts 6.4m PS4s in Q3 although PS TV misses targets

February 4th, 2015, 21:15 Posted By: wraggster

The success of PS4 – and the yen’s exchange rate – have helped Sony to a decent Q3.
The console shifted 6.4m units in the month ending December 31^st, up from 4.5m units in the same quarter the year before. Portable hardware sales fell from 2m to 1.4m units, however, while software sales climbed from ¥128bn in Q3 2013 to ¥147bn.
Network sales doubled year-on-year to ¥100bn.
The company has upped its console sales forecast for the full year from 17m units to 17.5m, while it still expects to shift 3.5m portable consoles in the period. Software sales are now forecast to reach ¥420bn, up from the previously forecast ¥390bn.
Sales at the company’s Game & Network Services division are expected to climb 16.8 per cent year-on-year to $4.39bn, with operating income soaring by 122.8 per cent to $228m. Increased PS4 sales and network service revenue, as well as a favourable exchange rate, were the main drivers, offsetting PS3 declines.
The division’s operating income more than doubled to $228m.
However, while PS4 is soaring, Sony has admitted that PS TV has not hit its sales targets, hitting lower than expected unit sales for the quarter.
Overall Sony Q3 forecasts expect sales to climb 6.1 per cent to $21.1bn. On a constant currency basis, however, sales are expected to fall one per cent year-on-year. Operating income is expected to double to $1.48bn, purely due to the success of PS4.
For the nine months ending December 31^st Sony expects sales to jump 6.3 per cent, or two per cent on a constant currency basis.
Sony said in January that PS4 sales had passed 18.5m units worldwide.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/sony-...argets/0144709

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New PlayStation Store sale launches

February 5th, 2015, 21:16 Posted By: wraggster

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has launched a new PlayStation Store sale.
Alien Isolation is billed as the deal of the week, with up to 65 per cent off the regular price of the survival horror game.
Numerous Call of Duty titles and DLC packs are also discounted, as are various season passes and digital games, all of which are listed below.

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Resident Evil beats zombie rival Dying Light in January PSN charts

February 9th, 2015, 23:27 Posted By: wraggster

Capcom’s Resident Evil HD finished ahead of Warner Bros’ Dying Light in last month’s PSN charts, Sony has revealed.
The remastered title finished top of the latest European PSN charts, with Dying Light debuting in second place.
Both games have so far only been released digitally. However, while Capcom’s game isn’t currently pencilled in for a physical release Warner’s title will be arriving on disc later this month after last month’s delay.
Also note that while Resident Evil costs £15.99, Dying Light currently sells for £54.99 on PSN.
Other new entries in the PS4 charts included Telltale’s Game of Thrones, Grim Fandango: Remastered and Monopoly Plus. Here are all the charts in full, as per the PlayStation Blog:
PS4:

1. Resident Evil (New)
2. Dying Light (New)
3. Minecraft (6)
4. Grand Theft Auto V (1)
5. Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (RE)
6. Driveclub (RE)
7. FIFA 15 (2)
8. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition (13)
9. EA Sports UFC (RE)
10. Game of Thrones: Season 1 (New)
11. Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty (RE)
12. Battlefield 4 (5)
13. Outlast (RE)
14. Dragon Age: Inquisition (4)
15. Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (18)
16. Grim Fandango Remastered (New)
17. Monopoly Plus (New)
18. PES 2015 Pro Evolution Soccer (10)
19. Valiant Hearts: The Great War (19)
20. The Crew (11)

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Console Modder Turns PlayStation One Into Final Fantasy VII’s Midgar

February 9th, 2015, 23:35 Posted By: wraggster

image: http://www.siliconera.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/1618282_1444270522529936_5076733185923091719_o_thu mb.jpg

Read more at http://www.siliconera.com/2015/02/09...D7zECiaxPAE.99

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PlayStation 4 online multiplayer unlocked for all this weekend

February 9th, 2015, 23:36 Posted By: wraggster

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Unofficial app brings PS4 Remote Play to unsupported Android devices

February 11th, 2015, 21:17 Posted By: wraggster

PS4 Remote Play is now possible on a number of non-Sony Android smartphones.

Sony’s official PS4 Remote Play app allows owners of supported Xperia handsets to stream games from their console. However, Polygon reports that an unofficial version of the app brings this functionality to a wide range of non-Sony smartphones – with the Samsung Galaxy S3 demoed in this video.
Effectively, this lets users play titles such as The Last of Us, Destiny and the upcoming The Order: 1886 from anywhere where there is an internet connection. An on-screen virtual button overlay means that no peripherals are required, although controller support is offered – albeit with an extra layer of technical tinkering.
As the app is unofficial it’s not as simply as simply downloading it from Google Play, but there are guides out there for those with the technical nous.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/unoff...evices/0145066

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Your PlayStation account is ready to grow up when you do

February 15th, 2015, 23:53 Posted By: wraggster

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Numblast Exploit for PS Vita firmware 3.36!

February 16th, 2015, 00:20 Posted By: wraggster



Exploit once again by Qwikrazor

Exploit Files (v2): http://wololo.net/talk/viewtopic.php?...

138Menu: http://www.mediafire.com/download/ad9...

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Native: First Homebrew for the PS Vita Webkit Exploit!

February 16th, 2015, 00:25 Posted By: wraggster



Remember the PS Vita native webkit exploit that has been published for PS Vita firmware 3.18, and works up to firmware 3.20?

It has been quiet about that topic, but now there is a homebrew available, which pretty much lets you play Pong on your PS Vita.

The controls? Well, see for yourself...

Download: http://wololo.net/2015/02/12/pong-for...

Play without download: http://www.zload.net/vita-pong/

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Linux news

February 16th, 2015, 00:36 Posted By: wraggster

Hello guys, here are some news on the Linux front. Yes I know, I ought to do that more regularly

In short progress is slow but steady

* A port to wxWidget 3.0 was done recently, mostly because Debian will drop wxWidget 2.8 . It is enabled by default but wx2.8 is still there, you can restore is with the -DWX28_API=TRUE build option.

• Most of regressions were fixed so it will work as bad as before No I'm kidding, it actually works better on my PC. Feel free to test it.
• Unfortunately Windows is still blocked to wx2.8, contributions are welcome (first step is to add a wx3.0 library build)
• Some wxWidget libraries depend on GTK3. PCSX2 code was updated to support GTK3 but wxWidget is not as stable as expected. Nevertheless, you can enable GTK3 with the -DGTK3_API=TRUE build option (debug build only).

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New jpcsp revision 3703

February 16th, 2015, 00:39 Posted By: wraggster

The revision 3703 of the emulator jpcsp was released and built. Here are the download links:

windows-x86-32: http://rapidga...x86-32.7z.html
windows-x86-64: http://rapidga...x86-64.7z.html
linux-x86-32: http://rapidga...x86-32.7z.html
linux-x86-64: http://rapidga...x86-64.7z.html
macosx: http://rapidga...macosx.7z.html

check out the Live Downloads section for more builds


http://www.jpcsp.org/

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ARK-2 eCFW Numblast Exploit files released

February 16th, 2015, 00:44 Posted By: wraggster

Qwikrazor is on a coding spree! Even though the Numblast exploit for firmware 3.36 has only been announced a few hours ago, he already finished the exploit files. The installation of the ARK-2 eCFW for the Numblast exploit is pretty easy. You simply copy the savedata folder from your PC to your PS Vita and start Numblast. Thats it. Numblast is one of the few auto-triggering exploit games, which do not require any kind of user input to trigger the exploit. Since Numblast is neither a Minis, nor a firmware 3.18 exploit game, it is capable of running the ARK-2 eCFW itself.


http://www.eurasia.nu/modules.php?na...ticle&sid=3383

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Mednafen 0.9.38.1

February 16th, 2015, 00:47 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

NES/GBA/GB/Lynx/PC Engine/PC-FX/Wonderswan/Genesis/SNES/VirtualBoy/PS1 emulator has been updated recently. Changes:
- This release fixes a few minor bugs in 0.9.38-UNSTABLE, including broken PSF/PS1 EXE support.
File: Download
News source: http://sourceforge.net

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Ppsspp 1.0

February 16th, 2015, 00:54 Posted By: wraggster

via http://emu-russia.net/en/

First version of Sony PSP emulator for Android/Windows has been updated. Changes:
- Many, many bug fixes in JIT and elsewhere, improving compatibility
- Proper fix for Zenfone and related devices
- Direct3D 9 supported as a rendering backend on Windows, helps on old GPUs and can be faster than OpenGL in many cases
- You can now create specific configs per game
- FPU rounding modes much better supported, fixes the Peace Walker boss that was undefeatable. NOTE: This breaks saves in Gods Eater - you must turn off the better rounding, load your save game, turn it on and save.
- The JIT now uses SSE on x86, improving speed considerably. This does not affect ARM devices, that's for the next version or two.
- Improved audio output code on both Windows and Android, reducing audio latency on Windows and on some Android systems
- FFMPEG upgraded, fixed some music hangs ("GHA phase shifts")
- Some Ad Hoc improvements, coldbird.net is now default adhoc server. Ad Hoc still unfinished and hard to use.
- Graphics fixes: Bezier/spline drawing fixes, vertex position fixes, DanganRonpa on Adreno fixed, flat shading fixed, vertex cache improved, some PowerVR blockiness issues fixed, screen scaling filter added, Google Cardboard support
- Simulate UMD speed better, fixing hangs in several games
- More Atrac3 fixes, fixing hangs
- Somewhat better disk full handling
- Fixes to dynamic unloading of code, fixing problems in GEB and TRM 2/3
- Updated to SDL2 where applicable (Linux, Mac)
- Some new features, like analog/dpad-swap hotkey, graphics hack for Phantasy Star, show last bit of debug log in dev tools, etc
- No more need for MSVCRT DLLs on Windows
File: Download
File: Download
News source: http://www.ppsspp.org
News source: https://play.google.com

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ePSXe 1.9.25 for windows and linux have been released.

February 16th, 2015, 01:22 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emulation64.com/

A new release of the Playstation emulator ePSXe has been released.

For more news and downloads go to the epsxe site here, and discuss on our forums here.

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Nucleus Git (2015/02/15)

February 16th, 2015, 01:32 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

Nucleus Git (2015/02/15) is compiled. This project focuses on PlayStation 3 emulation.



Please, understand that I'm not interested on providing support, releases, or attention to any comments, issues or pull requests for now.


Nucleus Git Changelog:
* Added PPU recompiler memory instructions
* More PPU integer instructions for the recompiler
* Fixed function returns and added module logging
* Recompile and verify PPU blocks/instructions
* PPU recompiler insert points

https://www.sendspace.com/file/8ckbpz

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rpcs3 Git (2015/02/14)

February 16th, 2015, 01:37 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

rpcs3 Git (2015/02/14) is compiled. rpcs3 is an open source PlayStation 3 (PS3) emulator for the Microsoft Windows. Current versions can run only small homebrew for PS3. Developers are planning to make it to emulate PS3 on its speed in the near future.

rpcs3 purpose:
- Make PS3 developers easily test their apps and homebrews on PC without crashing their PS3 or moving their apps from PC to PS3.
- Just playing PS3 games on your PC and have fun! ( In the future )

rpcs3 Git Changelog:
* Merge pull request #1009 from Nekotekina/master
Memory cleanup
* Some cleanup
* Compilation fix
* Merge branch 'master' of https://github.com/DHrpcs3/rpcs3
* Merge pull request #1008 from robxu9/master
Fix building on OS X 10.10
* Fix building on OS X 10.10
* Small fix
* Memory cleanup, page flags implemented
RSXCMDMem, SPRXMem, MmaperMem removed
MainMem range fixed
* Memory cleanup: u64 -> u32, empty TLS fixed
cellGameContentPermit fixed

https://www.sendspace.com/file/heom71

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Play! Git (2015/02/12)

February 16th, 2015, 01:38 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

Play! Git (2015/02/12) is complied. Play! is an attempt at creating an emulator for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) console on the Windows platform. It is currently written in C/C++. It uses an instruction caching/recompilation scheme to achieve better performance while emulating the CPU.

Play! Git Changelog:
* Improved PsfAot gather msbuild script.

https://www.sendspace.com/file/jm57vy

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PCSX2 Git (2015/02/11)

February 16th, 2015, 01:39 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/


PCSX2 Git (2015/02/11) is compiled. PCSX2 is an open source PlayStation 2 (PS2) emulator for the Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems. With the most recent versions, many PS2 games are playable (although speed limitations have made play-to-completion tests for many games impractical), and several games are claimed to have full functionality.

PCSX2 Git Changelog:
* gzip iso: 2nd attempt to fix non-english file names (windows only)

https://www.sendspace.com/file/aycikp

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Top 5 gaming apps for smartphones

February 16th, 2015, 16:06 Posted By: wraggster

With online gaming becoming so popular in the modern age, casino themed apps are becoming the latest trend to hit our smartphones as well as those available online at sites like www.iPhoneCasino.com.au. But with endless pages of them available in apps stores, which ones are the best to play on? Here are five great examples:

Royal Baccarat
If you are looking for an app which just lets you fully concentrate on the game in front of you, Royal Baccarat is perfect for you. As James Bond’s choice of casino games, baccarat can be seen as a more upper class game, but this app helps players with tips and tutorials to make you an all-round better player.

Big Win Slots
Big Wins Slots is ideal if you like playing with small amounts of money on a number of different games. The apps sticks with the classic Vegas rules offering both three and five reeled platforms and you can win extra credits through the VIP section.

Zynga Poker
Gamers are given 20,000 chips worth of credit when they first start on Zynga Poker, so you have a good basis to begin your playing career. With over 6 million players taking to the app on a daily basis, you feel truly part of a gaming community.

GSN Casino
Do you like TV shows like Deal or No Deal and The Wheel of Fortune? Well if you do, GSN Casino has all the themed games you could throw a hat at. The app offer big Vegas styled graphics and offer gamers free poker, slots and blackjack for hours of endless fun.

Big Fish Casino
Aimed more for those gamers looking for a bit of friendly fun and a laid back, Big Fish Casino is perfect for the more novice gamer. You can play along with your friends and family, as well as creating and sending them little gifts and treats – all in the name of fun!

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PlayStation won 2014's battle of the gaming headlines, report claims

February 16th, 2015, 23:59 Posted By: wraggster

An analysis of articles published online in 2014 has shown that PlayStation enjoyed around 35 per cent more coverage than Xbox.
A report from Ico Partners’ Thomas Bidaux found that the PlayStation brand as a whole was the subject of 560,573 articles while the Xbox brand received 411,380. That number was almost matched by PS4, with 400,751 articles. Xbox One received 301,132.
At the beginning of the year the gap between the two was minimal, but it increased as the year progressed.
“Interestingly enough, Xbox One stands about the same level as Android or iOS,” Bidaux added. “Keep in my mind that the media we track are biased towards gaming. A number of tech media are included, but in no way is this as exhaustive as the game media. Android and iOS being at the same level as the Xbox One is quite impressive.”
Nintendo is excluded from these results as a full year’s worth of data was not available.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/plays...dlines/0145272

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PSN Sub Accounts now upgradeable to Master Accounts

February 17th, 2015, 00:11 Posted By: wraggster

PlayStation Network users are now able to convert Sub Accounts to Master Accounts.
Sony Network Entertainment VP Eric Lempel announced the much-requested feature in a post via the PlayStation Blog.
"Starting today, PlayStation Network (PSN) users will gain the ability to upgrade a sub account to a master account," he said on Thursday.
"We're always listening to user feedback, and this is a feature that many of you have asked for. You'll be able to upgrade an account first through the web and later through PlayStation 4."
He went on to confirm: "Your profile will be carried over when upgrading to a master account, along with items like your friends list and Trophies."
Sony has posted instructions on how to carry out the process here.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ster-accounts/

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PSNPatch Version 4.66.32

February 17th, 2015, 22:20 Posted By: wraggster

As usual, the scene of ps3 we can find a myriad of applications for the same purpose, with any new, different or unique feature , such as PSNPatch, that in addition to allowing access to PSN / ON-LINE, I possesses the ability to activate PSN content (Games, Demos, DLC, etc ...) as discussed below.
http://ps3.scenebeta.com/noticia/psnpatch

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New jpcsp revision 3708

February 17th, 2015, 22:27 Posted By: wraggster

The revision 3708 of the emulator jpcsp was released and built. Here are the download links:

windows-x86-32: http://rapidga...x86-32.7z.html
windows-x86-64: http://rapidga...x86-64.7z.html
linux-x86-32: http://rapidga...x86-32.7z.html
linux-x86-64: http://rapidga...x86-64.7z.html
macosx: http://rapidga...macosx.7z.html

check out the Live Downloads section for more builds


http://www.jpcsp.org/

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Play! Git (2015/02/17)

February 17th, 2015, 22:50 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

Play! Git (2015/02/17) is complied. Play! is an attempt at creating an emulator for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) console on the Windows platform. It is currently written in C/C++. It uses an instruction caching/recompilation scheme to achieve better performance while emulating the CPU.

Play! Git Changelog:
* Make sure there's enough space in the MACflag pipeline to store 5 results.
* Added new VU flags test and fixed stuff in test framework.
* Added VuAssembler for easier test case creation.
* Merge branch 'master' into vu_dependcheck
* Added some missing VU flags checks.
* Changed names of some dependency check functions.
* More dependency checks.
* Filled up some blanks in VU reflection tables.
* More VU dependency checks.
* Added some more missing dependency checks.
* First pass on VU dependency check improvements.

https://www.sendspace.com/file/ngw4qo

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Nucleus Git (2015/02/17)

February 17th, 2015, 23:00 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

Nucleus Git (2015/02/17) is compiled. This project focuses on PlayStation 3 emulation.



Please, understand that I'm not interested on providing support, releases, or attention to any comments, issues or pull requests for now.


Nucleus Git Changelog:
* Function detection algorithm fixed

https://www.sendspace.com/file/vz29j8

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PCSX2 Git (2015/02/16)

February 17th, 2015, 23:06 Posted By: wraggster

via http://www.emucr.com/

PCSX2 Git (2015/02/16) is compiled. PCSX2 is an open source PlayStation 2 (PS2) emulator for the Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems. With the most recent versions, many PS2 games are playable (although speed limitations have made play-to-completion tests for many games impractical), and several games are claimed to have full functionality.

PCSX2 Git Changelog:
* Less verbose SPR stall control logging, avoids fps dives in ST:Voyager

https://www.sendspace.com/file/fskkvn

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The first ever 20th Anniversary Edition PS4 could be back up for grabs

February 18th, 2015, 23:38 Posted By: wraggster

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PS4 sales to outpace Xbox One by 40 per cent through 2018, analyst predicts

February 18th, 2015, 23:45 Posted By: wraggster

PlayStation 4 will beat out Xbox One over the first five years of the current console era, market research company Strategy Analytics has predicted.
Games Industry reports on the firm's findings, which claim Sony's hardware will outsell Microsoft's by 40 per cent and is “on path to reproduce the success of the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii.”
The firm forecasts PS4 will move 80m consoles by the end of 2018, while Xbox One will sell 57m.
The report also states that the Wii U is in the midst of a modest comeback thanks to first-party releases.
"Despite reports to the contrary, the game console market is not dead," Strategy Analytics senior analyst Eric Smith said.
"Core gamers have moved faster to this current generation than in any previous generation. The main difference in this generation is that casual gamers who bought a Wii are remaining largely on the side lines as free-to-play casual games and midcore games on tablets and smartphones have captured this segment of consumers."

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ps4-s...edicts/0145397

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Sony's big new three-year strategy bets on PS4

February 18th, 2015, 23:56 Posted By: wraggster

Electronics giant Sony has outlined a new three-year strategy for a return to profitability after a series of huge losses - and PlayStation is central to the plan.Sony boss Kaz Hirai, once ruler of all things PlayStation, has quite the job on.

Sony today held a crucial corporate strategy meeting in which it said it would give the various divisions within the group more autonomy in a bid to reach 500bn yen (£2.7bn) in earnings during the 2017 financial year.Each of Sony's businesses will be classified as "growth driver", "stable profit generator" or "area focusing on volatility management".The Game & Network Services business, of which PlayStation is a part, falls under the "growth drivers" category. This comes as little surprise following PlayStation 4's stunning sales success: it's sold 18.5m units since going on sale in November 2013, with around half of PS4 owners subscribing to PlayStation Plus.As part of its new plan, Sony intends to expand the installed user base of the PlayStation platform and the highly profitable PlayStation Network. A PlayStation Plus subscription, which costs £40 a year, is required for multiplayer gaming on PS4.Other businesses classed as "growth drivers" include Devices (CMOS image sensors), Pictures and Music.Stable profit generators are Imaging Products & Solutions (cameras) and Video & Sound.Now onto the naughty step and the areas focusing on "volatility management". Many attribute Sony's high-profile financial troubles to its smartphone and TV business, and, as you'd expect, the TV and Mobile Communications division falls into this category."Sony will place the highest priority on curtailing risk and securing profits in its operation of these businesses," it said in a note issued today.

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PlayStation placed front and centre in new Sony business plan

February 20th, 2015, 00:34 Posted By: wraggster

Sony is to spin-off many of its businesses as PlayStation, Sony Pictures and image sensors are being repositioned as the core of its new structure.

The company intends to split its audio and video (TV) divisions from its main operations in the same way it did its Vaio PC business. It is also considering doing the same to its smartphone operations.
Not only does this elevate PlayStation to top billing within the company’s hierarchy, but it also places a level of reliance on former market rival Apple, which is the biggest customer of Sony’s image sensor business.
The announcement marks the potential end for Sony as a core consumer electronics company, with current boss (and former PlayStation head) Kaz Hirai bravely taking on what is increasingly looking to be a very transformative legacy from his time in charge.
"Sony will place the highest priority on curtailing risk and securing profits in its operation of these businesses," the company told investors.
"Since both markets are experiencing intense cost competition and commoditization, Sony will strive to further increase the added value of its products by leveraging its in-house technologies and component devices. By carefully selecting the territories and product areas it targets, Sony will seek to limit its capital investment and establish a business structure capable of securing stable profits."


http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/plays...s-plan/0145432

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US retailers are now giving away PlayStation TV

February 20th, 2015, 00:35 Posted By: wraggster

Two retailers have begun giving away the PlayStation TV microconsole in the US.
GameSpot reports that both GameStop and Best Buy will be giving the hardware to any customer who buys a PS4 and 12-month PlayStation Plus subscription as part of a The Last of Us Remastered bundle.
PlayStation TV garnered huge media and consumer interest when it was unveiled under the name PlayStation Vita TV back in 2013.
The hardware sold out the moment it became available for pre-order in Japan. Sony went on to admit that it was surprised by the level of interest shown in the device from the West, which at the time was a region it had not yet planned to launch in.
However, despite a strong start in Japan sales have slowed to a virtual standstill, with PS TV regularly selling just a few hundred units each week. In February Sony admitted that the format hasfailed to meet sales expectations.
Last month US retailers cut the price of the device by $20 to $80. In the UK the machine still has an RRP of £84.99 although it can be found for under £70.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/us-re...ion-tv/0145426

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Why Sony Should Ditch Everything But the PlayStation

February 22nd, 2015, 22:26 Posted By: wraggster

A couple weeks ago, we were surprised by news that Sony was spinning off its game development studio. More recently, the company has been thinking about exiting both the mobile phone market and the TV market. An opinion piece suggests Sony shouldn't stop there, focusing more on the its PlayStation division and a few other areas — and giving up on the rest. "Continuing to concentrate on phones and other products actually makes the PlayStation experience worse for most people. Take the PS4's ability to stream games to mobile devices — a killer feature needlessly limited to the PS Vita and Sony's Xperia Android line. Why can't I play Destiny on my iPad when the TV's occupied? The iOS PlayStation app, meanwhile, is a confusing mess that hasn't even been updated for the iPhone 6. These sound like minor points, but imagine what Sony could do if everyone at the company were focused on making its most important product as good as possible. As Microsoft is learning with its recent iOS and Android experiments, you have to serve the customers where they already are."

http://games.slashdot.org/story/15/0...he-playstation

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PlayStation 4 Console + The Order: 1886 + The Last of Us Remastered: $429.99

February 22nd, 2015, 22:44 Posted By: wraggster

Cheap PS4 Console Deals!Grab the PlayStation 4 Console + The Order: 1886 + The Last of Us Remastered for $429.99 at Amazon!

Check it out: Amazon - PS4 + The Order: 1886 + The Last of Us Remastered

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'Better resolution' named as main reason buyers opt for PS4 in US

February 27th, 2015, 00:20 Posted By: wraggster

A survey of US console owners has found that the main reason PS4 buyers opted for Sony’s console is “better resolution”.
A number of third party titles (including the likes of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Far Cry 4, Shadow of Mordor, Lords of the Fallen, PES 2015, Watch Dogs, The Evil Within and the recent Battlefield: Hardline beta) display at a higher resolution on PS4 than Xbox One.
The top reason Xbox One buyers chose Microsoft’s machine, according to Nielsen’s report, was due to the brand, which historically has always been very strong in the US.
Other reasons cited by PS4 buyers include Blu-ray support (also offered on Xbox One), its game library and a faster processor. Xbox One buyers named its innovative features, again a faster processor (which in the case of Xbox One is true – it does have a faster CPU than PS4, but offers less GPU and RAM performance), exclusive games and content and what is called the ‘fun-factor’.
It will come as no surprise to those who know a Nintendo fan to hear that ‘fun-factor’ was named as the main reason for buying a Wii U. The other reasons were its suitability for kids, the price, backwards compatibility and exclusive games.
76 per cent of Xbox One owners polled had also owned an Xbox 360 whereas only 66 per cent of PS4 owners previously owned a PS3. 86 per cent of Wii U owners were former or current Wii owners.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/bette...-in-us/0145772

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