Playstation HUB, PS3 September Launch in Japan/US

[bapenguin]

Next-Gen (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2270&Itemid=2) is reporting that Sony's XBox Live Killer will bed dubbed, Playstation HUB. The service will be a subscription based service much like Live. Also Next-Gen brings word that we should see a September launch for the PS3 in both the US and Japan.

Developer sources are also suggesting that PlayStation 3 is currently scheduled to launch in September. A launch games release schedule seen by our sources states a September launch. Although the schedule does not explicitly state a hardware launch date, nor a launch territory, we understand Japan and U.S will both see the machine in September.

Some in the industry have taken this as a lead to speculate that September 16 would be a launch date in Japan (a Saturday before a national holiday) followed by September 21 in the U.S. These dates are not confirmed.

Lots of PS3 info leaking out lately, we could be close to some official announcements.
Thanks Borys for the tip.

[Borys]

Muchas gracias, bap.

I'm knee deep in X++/ SQL right now... God have mercy on me!

BTW this news = disappointment total.

[Dr Quincy]

Why, Borys? If they can undercut Microsoft on subscription while providing greater functionality then Sony FTW!

[TheEpicOfTyler]

I'm liking all the PS3 new lately. :)

[Scaryboy]

And Europe.... is once again the red headed stepchild of the video games industry. Will we ever get a break? :(

[Roc Ingersol]

I'd expect the first official announcement of PSHUB functionality to include the ability to transport you into the Matrix!
;)

[Vandenh]

If they can undercut Microsoft on subscription while providing greater functionality then Sony FTW!

They can't. Nuff said.

September is not really spring is it?

Europe March 2008....

[Wraith]

Even if it were the same price and roughly the same features as XBL, it'd still be a "good thing" for the PS3.

[bapenguin]

Muchas gracias, bap.

I'm knee deep in X++/ SQL right now... God have mercy on me!

BTW this news = disappointment total.

No prob. I don't see what's so bad about it. If people really think you can create a global online network with all the functionality of Live without any cost involved to the consumer, it ain't going to happen. Though with today's post about possible Ad supported service, maybe it is. :)

[The Letter 3]

Europe March 2008....
U.S. September 2006 and Europe in '08? Sounds like a Microsoft "simultaneous launch" to me!

[Dr Quincy]

They can't. Nuff said.

Don't be silly, of course they can. Pay per view movie downloads? All in delicious HD quality? Transferable game demos for your PSP? For that matter an entire Live Arcade style system for downloading WHOLE PSP GAMES to your PSP memory cards, which you could then return to your PlayStation 3 if you were running low on Memory Stick space?

They have the potential at least.

[Mortis]

HUB is a stupid ass name for the service. Hopefully the yearly subscription will be equal to or less than Live.

[bapenguin]

Don't be silly, of course they can. Pay per view movie downloads? All in delicious HD quality? Transferable game demos for your PSP? For that matter an entire Live Arcade style system for downloading WHOLE PSP GAMES to your PSP memory cards, which you could then return to your PlayStation 3 if you were running low on Memory Stick space?

They have the potential at least.

That would be pretty sweet for the PSP. Of course...there'd actually have to be games in the first place for that to happen....*zing*!

[KidCactus]

HUB is a stupid ass name for the service. Hopefully the yearly subscription will be equal to or less than Live.
Why stupid? It's what it is.

[Kelegacy]

Don't be silly, of course they can. Pay per view movie downloads? All in delicious HD quality? Transferable game demos for your PSP? For that matter an entire Live Arcade style system for downloading WHOLE PSP GAMES to your PSP memory cards, which you could then return to your PlayStation 3 if you were running low on Memory Stick space?

They have the potential at least.
Don't bother. It will only fall on deaf ears here. Sony can do no right. They are on top by pure luck and coincidence...and an exclusive rights deal with The Devil.

[darkwarrior]

HUB is a stupid ass name for the service. Hopefully the yearly subscription will be equal to or less than Live.



Stupider than Xbox 360, Live, Vista or Mortis?

[Dr Quincy]

Don't bother. It will only fall on deaf ears here. Sony can do no right. They are on top by pure luck and coincidence...and an exclusive rights deal with The Devil.

And there was me thinking it was a complete lack of credible competition for the last generation that did it.

[Vandenh]

>They have the potential at least.

Yeah true... we will see.

The only problem is that actually writing a service like this takes quite some time... maybe EA will do it for Sony?

[Serapth]

Don't be silly, of course they can. Pay per view movie downloads? All in delicious HD quality? Transferable game demos for your PSP? For that matter an entire Live Arcade style system for downloading WHOLE PSP GAMES to your PSP memory cards, which you could then return to your PlayStation 3 if you were running low on Memory Stick space?

They have the potential at least.

Dont hold your breath on PPV in HD any time soon. I downloaded LOTR:1 in HD and it came in somewhere around the 30GIG mark, compressed. We just dont have the bandwidth inplace yet for HD movies over the wire, on either XLive or Hub ( dog, what a bad name... ).

Im on a 6meg DSL connection, which I believe is still considered quick by todays standards, and that download still took 14 hours. I dont think most people are willing to wait 14 hours to watch a movie.

[Dr Quincy]

My provider, one of the largest in the UK, is about to offer a 100M (http://www.sys-con.com/read/181985.htm) trial.

[Kelegacy]

Stupider than Xbox 360, Live, Vista or Mortis?

I just laughed out loud at work. Thanks. :mad:

[Serapth]

My provider, one of the largest in the UK, is about to offer a 100M (http://www.sys-con.com/read/181985.htm) trial.

Jesus, thats just wrong. Our local cable provider I thought was hitting the bandwidth gap already. Watching HD content over Rogers cable is a pixelicious affair. Im suprised they have the room to get to 100.

Oh well, bandwidth seems to be following its own moores law. Then again, if its going into trials now, it probrably wont penetrate the market with an reasonable numbers for a good 5 or so years. I do look forward to it. Actually, I hear Germany was looking an internet over powerlines. THAT I look forward to... compared to the copper coming into my house, that is a big trunk! :)

[Dr Quincy]

It's probably way off yet, Serapth. The PS3 looks ready for it though - three ethernet ports? Whoever heard of such excesses!

[Serapth]

three ethernet ports? Whoever heard of such excesses!

See this stuff is just spec padding and penis waving. The ethernet ports, 2 hd connectors etc... its all very stupid in my mind. Adding features at $$$ that perhaps 1% of their customer base may be using by the end of the platforms life, so they have a bullet point feature to beat the XBox 360.

Mrs Clueless comparing the two boxes... Hmmm,,, 360 looks pretty good, but sheesh, its only got one of these eeeeetthurnet ports? Hmmm, PS3 has 3. Must be 3 times better then!

Sadly, the world is truly that stupid and yes, it probrably will gain them sales :(

God, I hate consumers some times :(

[Norse]

Sony obviously don't like us europeans so I hope we'll stop buying their Playstations soon :). MS at least tried to give us X360 at the same time as the rest of the world, Sony won't even try. As long as Sony keep ignoring us when launching consoles, I won't be buying their products.

[Eran Hawke]

Don't be silly, of course they can. Pay per view movie downloads? All in delicious HD quality? Transferable game demos for your PSP? For that matter an entire Live Arcade style system for downloading WHOLE PSP GAMES to your PSP memory cards, which you could then return to your PlayStation 3 if you were running low on Memory Stick space?
So your argument is that the PS3, if it delivers upon the lofty promises, will make a good accessory for the PSP, the lame duck of gaming handhelds?

sure

If you have money to burn, pick up a new accessory for your PSP, the new PS3.

I can see the advertisements now...

'Bored with your PSP? Breathe new life into your expensive papperweight with the new PS3!

Use the PS3 to spend more money on downloadable movies and music. Put them on expensive Memory sticks so you can watch and listen to the same old garbage anywhere you go.

Never have to worry about buying another game for your PSP, just buy the new PS3 today!'

[Dr Quincy]

What is your point there? That any innovation is pointless? And when has the PSP ever been considered the "lame duck" of handhelds? Odd post.

[Mortis]

Stupider than Xbox 360, Live, Vista or Mortis?

Imo yes, except for Vista that is a hell of a lot worse than HUB.

[johnperkins21]

How in the hell is HUB worse than Live? Oh that's right, because Sony picked the name. My bad, I almost forgot about the rampant anti-Sony bias that consumes this place. I think Live is a pretty dumb name, and so is HUB, but once you get used to calling it that, who cares.

And the real point is that it's a service similar to what MS has that a lot of people have been clamoring for. Now that they've announced it the big issue is that it's a dumb name? I don't care if they called it Sony Cheeseburger as long as it gives me the ability to download game demos and play online with my friends.

[Mortis]

How in the hell is HUB worse than Live? Oh that's right, because Sony picked the name. My bad, I almost forgot about the rampant anti-Sony bias that consumes this place. I think Live is a pretty dumb name, and so is HUB, but once you get used to calling it that, who cares.

And the real point is that it's a service similar to what MS has that a lot of people have been clamoring for. Now that they've announced it the big issue is that it's a dumb name? I don't care if they called it Sony Cheeseburger as long as it gives me the ability to download game demos and play online with my friends.

It has nothing to do with it being a Sony picked name or service. Live suggests playing a game "live" with other people. HUB or hub is a center of activity or interest, certainly a good descriptor of that type of service but it just sounds wrong to me.

In my original reply I stated that I hope the price is equal to or less than that of the Live service. That along with what it actually offers as a service (features, performance) is the "big issue" I think. As for the anti-Sony shit there may be those types here that will blindly bash a company and their products regardless, but I am not one of those people.

[Montolio]

How in the hell is HUB worse than Live? Oh that's right, because Sony picked the name. My bad, I almost forgot about the rampant anti-Sony bias that consumes this place. I think Live is a pretty dumb name, and so is HUB, but once you get used to calling it that, who cares.

And the real point is that it's a service similar to what MS has that a lot of people have been clamoring for. Now that they've announced it the big issue is that it's a dumb name? I don't care if they called it Sony Cheeseburger as long as it gives me the ability to download game demos and play online with my friends.

I'm all for Sony getting in on a version of Xbox Live. It will be very interesting to see how they launch and how everything works right away. I mean, even Microsoft waited a year between launching a new console and its new online service. What will happen when it's done all at the same time?

It would be embarrassing if Sony can't do this correctly. If you're the industry leader (and the facts and figures say you are), then lead the way and set the bar as high as possible. For the moment I feel a lot better about Microsoft's expertise in doing what they do and have done with Live than Sony. It's been said in this thread that anything would be an improvement for PS fans and I can't help but agree with that.

I didn't care for the Live name at first and that lasted for about 10 seconds so that really doesn't matter. What matters is delivering on everything that has been promised to the customer. Come up short in that area and this time around my feeling is they'll really feel it where it hurts.

[Serapth]

How in the hell is HUB worse than Live? Oh that's right, because Sony picked the name. My bad, I almost forgot about the rampant anti-Sony bias that consumes this place. I think Live is a pretty dumb name, and so is HUB, but once you get used to calling it that, who cares.

And the real point is that it's a service similar to what MS has that a lot of people have been clamoring for. Now that they've announced it the big issue is that it's a dumb name? I don't care if they called it Sony Cheeseburger as long as it gives me the ability to download game demos and play online with my friends.

WOW, chill time. You do realize that by your comment that anybody saying anything bad about Sony is therefore an MS fanboy. Um... get over it.

As to why hub is a bad name. Say it, out loud. Hell say these to sentences and tell me which flows better... "We played it on live last night" vs "We played it on hub last night". Dont see a difference?

HUB is a very blunt and harsh word phonetically. Im sorta shocked they didnt go with station, since they already have it inplace, trademarked etc. Then again, I dont think station is that great of a name either... and no, not because Sony started it!

[Mortis]

As to why hub is a bad name. Say it, out loud. Hell say these to sentences and tell me which flows better... "We played it on live last night" vs "We played it on hub last night". Dont see a difference?


This is what I was trying to say in my last reply, it just sounds wrong to me. Well said.

[Dr Quincy]

Played it on The Hub last night? It sounds like that magical place where the internet ends and dreams begin...

/vomits cheese

[Zanzibar]

Prediction: Japan September, US November. Nothing about that article confirms anything except 'launch in September':

Developer sources are also suggesting that PlayStation 3 is currently scheduled to launch in September. A launch games release schedule seen by our sources states a September launch. Although the schedule does not explicitly state a hardware launch date, nor a launch territory, we understand Japan and U.S will both see the machine in September.

I'm curious how they jumped to that conclusion that it will be both Japan and the US. I'd be shocked if Sony doesn't throw the Japanese gaming public a bone and launch there first. If they want to avoid the same shortages as the X360 had, they won't launch at the same time.

[Wonka]

I'm just glad that it sounds like Sony might do a service. We need some competition in the marketplace to get MS off of their ass.

[Kamalot]

Sony, we hope the online network is as wonderful and easy to use as your online music store, your PSP network config settings and your wonderful MP3 player sync tools.

We can only hope that the optional hard drive will be as popular the 2nd time around. Oh Sony, this time, please release it 4 years into your console's life and right before a hardware redesign, please!

[Grimmjow]

im liking the fact that there taking a little bit more type to make sure the iish is working fine...nobody want broken units (cough cough ***) do they? im looking forward to E3 even better then i was 2 mins ago!

[Grimmjow]

Prediction: Japan September, US November. Nothing about that article confirms anything except 'launch in September':



I'm curious how they jumped to that conclusion that it will be both Japan and the US. I'd be shocked if Sony doesn't throw the Japanese gaming public a bone and launch there first. If they want to avoid the same shortages as the X360 had, they won't launch at the same time.

not exactly all yo ureally have to do is manufacture more units to avoid a shortage

[Roc Ingersol]

They'll have a shortage either way. It works too well.
The trick is replenishing better than MS has.

But they've already got a head start on launch production by ignoring the Euros.

[bapenguin]

I like Sony Cheeseburger a lot better than HUB. :)

I agree...Hub breaks up the flow when talking about it. Naming aside, we've yet to have "official" confirmation of any of this...so who knows.

[KSmitty]

As to why hub is a bad name. Say it, out loud. Hell say these to sentences and tell me which flows better... "We played it on live last night" vs "We played it on hub last night". Dont see a difference?
Well to be fair you have to look at a couple of things. Live is an established entity with a community and instant name recognition. So it sounds better coming out simply because you are used to it. The phrase 'on live' is very close to 'online', yet another familiar association. Also HUB is more than likely to be rephrased by the gaming community to give it 'a flow', ie DS, GBA, etc. You dont say "I played this game on XBox Live Arcade last night". I thought XBox Live sounded corny and Sony HUB sounds just as corny, but the name is both descriptive and fitting so hey..it works.

And I would also like to cast my vote for Sony Cheeseburger!! :)


-K

[Kelegacy]

Sony, we hope the online network is as wonderful and easy to use as your online music store, your PSP network config settings and your wonderful MP3 player sync tools.

We can only hope that the optional hard drive will be as popular the 2nd time around. Oh Sony, this time, please release it 4 years into your console's life and right before a hardware redesign, please!
Admit it, you want their hardware and services to suck, don't you? I think many people here do. Because if Sony releases something truly stellar there will be nothing to complain about.

[jeffbax]

Good for PS3, PS2 online was a joke compared to XBL.

that said, I'm sticking with MS this gen, its got more interesting games for me as a former PC gamer and XBL is already proven to own.

[johnperkins21]

WOW, chill time. You do realize that by your comment that anybody saying anything bad about Sony is therefore an MS fanboy. Um... get over it.

As to why hub is a bad name. Say it, out loud. Hell say these to sentences and tell me which flows better... "We played it on live last night" vs "We played it on hub last night". Dont see a difference?

HUB is a very blunt and harsh word phonetically. Im sorta shocked they didnt go with station, since they already have it inplace, trademarked etc. Then again, I dont think station is that great of a name either... and no, not because Sony started it!

It just seems that there is a recent (albeit somewhat deserved) movement to bash Sony at every given opportunity. This is fantastic news if true. Even if it isn't pulled of as well as MS has with Live, the fact that they are trying is good for everybody. To nitpick on the name of it just feels like stretching to find fault.

I do agree that HUB does not roll off the tongue as nicely as Live. But come on now, did you really think XBOX Live was a good name when you first heard it? I still think Live is a dumb name for their online service, as it does nothing to describe what it is or does. And who says "we played it on Live last night" anyway? I have never heard anyone say that, it is always the more general "we played it online last night." Of course that is just my circle of friends (granted a very small circle of me and my Sony branded teddy bears).

The more I think about it, Sony Cheeseburger is a stroke of genius.

[bapenguin]

And who says "we played it on Live last night" anyway? I have never heard anyone say that

Yeah that saying is a daily occurrence around our office.

[Bumbuliuz]

As always! Europe Sony's 2nd largest market get's the loving middle finger from Sony :(

[Borys]

Dudes, it's simple:

Playstation HUB = lame and nerdy. HUB = switches, bridges, networking and Linux in my mind.

Playstation Live = rip-off off you know who

Playstation Connect = good

Playstation World = THE BEST NAME. Why not, Sony? It ties with the former Playstation 2 ad campaign: "Live in your world, play in ours".

Of course the name has NOTHING to do with the quality of the service, but hey after the retarded "Xbox 360" name I'd like something with a little bit more sense.

[Major Dan]

Don't be silly, of course they can. Pay per view movie downloads? All in delicious HD quality?

I would not want to download HD movies in my current High Speed pipe, DSL, as it would take for everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I don't see this as very appealing option. Just an observation. :)

[Major Dan]

Sony, we hope the online network is as wonderful and easy to use as your online music store, your PSP network config settings and your wonderful MP3 player sync tools.

We can only hope that the optional hard drive will be as popular the 2nd time around. Oh Sony, this time, please release it 4 years into your console's life and right before a hardware redesign, please!


DUDE, your sacrasm filled my otherwise dreary day and made me laugh out loud, thanks.!!!! :) :D

[Grimmjow]

Dudes, it's simple:

Playstation HUB = lame and nerdy. HUB = switches, bridges, networking and Linux in my mind.

Playstation Live = rip-off off you know who

Playstation Connect = good

Playstation World = THE BEST NAME. Why not, Sony? It ties with the former Playstation 2 ad campaign: "Live in your world, play in ours".

Of course the name has NOTHING to do with the quality of the service, but hey after the retarded "Xbox 360" name I'd like something with a little bit more sense.


I somewhat agree..i think it should be called Playstation World also

[Sl1pstream]

But what if they want to open a Playstation amusement park?

[Grimmjow]

hmmm call it Playstation land :)

[Serapth]

Playstation World = THE BEST NAME. Why not, Sony? It ties with the former Playstation 2 ad campaign: "Live in your world, play in ours".

Lamest name ever! Im sorry, it sounds like a McDonalds branded thing. The only name worse I can think of would be iPlaystationWorld!

What was Sega's old online banner? I seem to recall it being pretty cool.

[Sl1pstream]

SegaNet

I think.

[Serapth]

Ah nope... HEAT.net. Just remembered :) Granted it didnt do to well...

[Mason]

Hubba hubba!

Yeah, they could've done better. And won't that get Nipponized as "hubu" or somesuch? That won't be fun to hear repeatedly while maintaining expectations regarding culturally sensitive behavior.

I figure that a simultaneous American release will be the exact first thing on the chopping block if any difficulty arises. This includes Sony secretaries having car trouble.

[Kelegacy]

Dudes, it's simple:

Playstation HUB = lame and nerdy. HUB = switches, bridges, networking and Linux in my mind.

Playstation Live = rip-off off you know who

Playstation Connect = good

Playstation World = THE BEST NAME. Why not, Sony? It ties with the former Playstation 2 ad campaign: "Live in your world, play in ours".

Of course the name has NOTHING to do with the quality of the service, but hey after the retarded "Xbox 360" name I'd like something with a little bit more sense.
I agree. I have a weird fetish with names, and I loathe the 360's title. It screams "half-assed" (but made to compete with Playstation's 3 suffix...a 360 has 2 extra numbers...it HAS to be cooler!). HUB sounds...half-assed as well. How about Playstation Playground? Something that sounds good when you add the nickname "PS" in front of it. PS HUB doesn't flow. PS Playground is smooth, if childish sounding. I don't know.

In the end, we'll all accept the shitty names. I mean, I already have stopped calling it the Threeshitty or Xbox 2 and call it the 360 now. Even though it doesn't excuse the lame official title.

[Serapth]

See, I love my 360 and still call it a threeshitty ( actually, 3-shiddy, 50 cent style ) cause I just like the way it sounds.

Then again, I call everything fiddy aswell, for much the same reason.

No matter what they call it, if it is more then one work its going to become an acronym. Thats why live works well, single word, doesnt get shortend too much. Plus, when it does, it goes to xbl, which sorta looks cool anyways. Sony has to know, if the call it say, Play Station World, its going to be PSW.

How about Play Station Official Fun Factory? aka... psOff!

[Kamalot]

I have a weird fetish with names.
That's not the only thing you seem to have a wierd fetish with. My Mom still talks fondly of you. ;-)

[Phades]

I don't care what Sony calls it. In the end, it's just a name. Video games don't exactly have a tradition of having great names attached to them. The Playstation name is already pretty stupid (and no, not lamer than Xbox or 360).

I despised the name 360 at first, I'm over it. Criticise a product for what it is, not what it's called.

[Grifter]

All the names are stupid I mean come on Play Station, childish but PS2-PS3 I like, and then OOOOOO it's the X Box, scary. The 360 doesn't bug me as much because you can refer to it as just the 360 where if you add X Box to the mix it sounds retarted imo. I have always dug the "Live" name, it just flows.

Now that that's out of the way I can garauntee that none of these names are "Half-Assed" the amount of money that go's into coming up with this shit is ridiculous.

I think PSnet is good(PSN), Playstation Connect(PSC)

As far as the service goes I really don't care as much about movies and music right now as I do about the actual gaming features and givin Sonys track record with software I think they need to focus on game features first then worry about movies and music a year or two in. People will wait.

Just the Idea of having two consoles that are equally powerfull and sport a similar quality of online features each with a differint style of quality games exites;) me. I hope Sony can deliver a great service without killing MS.I also hope Sony isn't over extending themselves with all the anounced features. If everything works out in both camps the only Losers I see this generation are the people who still thinks gaming is for kids or the PC guys not willing to give one of these consoles a spin.

[Yeti2005]

I think this has been said before but who cares what Sony calls it. The PlaystationHub could be their codename for all we know (all of this info is unconfirmed anyway).

I can almost guarantee Sony will announce that the Hub will do everything under the sun (chat with friends, play games online, download music; movies; demos, interact with the PSP, etc) but they'll release a basic version at launch (play games online, chat). This isn't a bad thing since I think it's going to take time to get all those features working well.

[Megalith]

PlayStation NUB.

What.

[bone_matrix]

Whichever service implements the party system from Halo 2 into EVERY game that plays online will be the winner. I don't want anymore COD2 crap lobby, and I don't want to register for every damn game I play online with the PS2 OR PSP. I don't want to pay for another online service, but if it is good, I can justify it.

[Sensei-X]

Not excited at all, regardless of what the hell they call it. I was burned by SOE and then again by their craptacular Sony Connect music service, I really have no desire to use any other internet based anything from Sony. I may be wrong, but my money is on them screwing up a perfectly good service with overbearing DRM, lame proprietary codecs and lack of desirable features right out of the box.

[Grimmjow]

grifter_66: i like PSnet

thats better then wut i agreed on above Playstation world....i do have to say also PSone, PS2,PS3 i like these abbreviations better

[Last of the Red Hot Mamas]

I agree. I have a weird fetish with names, and I loathe the 360's title. It screams "half-assed" (but made to compete with Playstation's 3 suffix...a 360 has 2 extra numbers...it HAS to be cooler!). HUB sounds...half-assed as well. How about Playstation Playground? Something that sounds good when you add the nickname "PS" in front of it. PS HUB doesn't flow. PS Playground is smooth, if childish sounding. I don't know.

"Playstation" is pretty childish-sounding, too. The big problem with Playstation Playground is that it doesn't abbreviate well -- I doubt Sony wants two gaming-related products with the initials "PSP."

[Kelegacy]

"Playstation" is pretty childish-sounding, too. The big problem with Playstation Playground is that it doesn't abbreviate well -- I doubt Sony wants two gaming-related products with the initials "PSP."
Or, I want to go play with my PP online.

[Grifter]

Leave it to Kelegacy to implement the homoerotic angle on any subject.

[saran_js]

Hey I actually thought of it before I even read Kelegacy's post. Great minds think alike. :O

[mister_slim]

Interesting, Hub has the same connotations the name Xbox 360 is supposed to imply.