What you will get is a kind of "service offering with premium content and services" that you can't get in the free edition, but what that is is unclear. But it's unlikely that Sony will charge for the services they give away now, such as the ability to play for free online. [Gamespot via Engadget]

Update: For now, IBM's just saying that the successor to the current PowerXCell 8i is canned, not all Cell development. [Fudzilla via MaxConsole, Driver Heaven]

Painfully, the ad makes it look like the God of Collection is two separate games. A quick comparison of Black Friday console deals from the big guys:

Walmart
• Playstation 3 Console w/Infamous & Batman Arkham Asylum Games + Dark Knight Blu-ray – $300

Best Buy
• Sony PlayStation 3 Package w/120GB Console, Little Big Planet, and Ratchet and Clank – $300
• Xbox 360 Elite 120GB with Pure and Lego Batman + four games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Spider-Man Web of Shadows, Wall-E, and Ghost Recon 2 – $300

So if you're after an Xbox 360 Elite, then Best Buy seems to be the clear winner so far, while for me, Walmart's PS3 deal looks like the pick of the crop. GameStop does have a bunch of cheap games, though. Check out the listing at: [Kotaku]

"Avatars displayed to a user, in response to user gestures in the real world, e.g. in response to manipulation of a game controller or other such expedient [PlayStation Eye or wand-based motion control?—Ed], may toss tomatoes that stick to the actor's face or bounce off the actor's face and roll along a table that appears in the movie or television show."

The virtual avatars would be overlaid just like Joel Robinson's silhouette in Mystery Science Theater 3000. In fact, the patent application actually mentions the cult U.S comedy series.

"The avatar of the audience member 39a is now out of its seat, has rushed up to the actor in the scene, and has kicked the actor in the behind while the target is still displayed. The first participant to accomplish this may be awarded points…The kicked individual may be displaced or the portion of the body that is kicked may respond. Key to this aspect of the invention is modeling the physics and the interaction of the impacting object, e.g. the duck and the underlying object, e.g. the water, in a way that is realistic. Known game technology techniques can be used to accomplish this modeling."

Sony's patent also mentions the possibility of overlaying advertising like Nike and Coke logos. Come to think of it, being able to throw tomatoes at ads might actually get me to stop skipping them. At least until the novelty wears off. Either way, crazy stuff, no? [USPTO via Silicon Era via Kotaku]

The game, which hits in Japan on Dec. 17, will include a new battle system, a "dramatic story" focused on the emotions of the character and will feature a Leona Lewis single as the game's opening theme.

Also, holy crap, are you looking at this video? Because it's spectacular. The video also gives us a better look at the game's Paradigm system.

You may want to watch this video full-screen, just click on that button in the bottom right corner.

OK, the last one isn't super interesting, but the Facebook feature would be nice. Looks like Sony caught on before we had the chance to confirm the pics ourselves, but ScrawlFX says it found the them here, here and here. [ScrawlFX via Kotaku]

The interface is technically new in that it's visually catered to the PS3, but it should look familiar to anyone who's used Netflix on a Blu-ray player or connected TV in the past. This means it's pretty basic: so far as I can tell there are just "Instant Queue" and "Recently Watched" tabs, with none of the additional—though admittedly kind of useless—category views Xbox users are used to, and video navigation is unchanged, with the same visual timeline taking care of FF and RW funtions. One thing Xbox users aren't used to, though, is not having to pay for the privilege: Netflix-subscribed PS3 owners can just order a free disc and be done with it; Xbox owner need to have a paid Live subscription as well. (Ballmer's gotta eat!)

In any case, the experience is smooth from start to finish, with a fast-loading interface and the same near-instant streaming you get on any other platform. It's just a shame you need a disc—until this is part of the PS3 firmware, it'll feel more like a hack than a new feature. [Engadget]

Among my favorites were the alarm clock, the CyberShot, the old-school Discman (I have one like it hiding in a drawer!), the PSP, and, of course, the Playstation 3.

Those are the Sony toys which got my attention, but you can check out the rest of the gadget porn over at Wired, and then maybe make some of your own. [Wired]

Apparently, the free disc activates the Netflix mojo via BD-Live, in what must be the best use of BD-Live ever. At least until the next major system update, you'll have to load up the disc every time you want to use Netflix. But you'll be able to pick out movies or throw stuff into your queue using an onscreen interface, so there's no going back to the old-school days where you had to add stuff to your queue on your computer before strolling over to your Xbox and TV.

Pop on over to Netflix to reserve the disc now—I have a feeling there's gonna be a huge demand crush for them. [Netflix, Sony, Thanks Kyle B!]

$1,000,058.98...I'm not gonna lie. It's tempting. [Amazon Thanks Naked Fish!]

As you can see, a removable mask also turns the face into Skeletor. For $25, you too, can celebrate bad taste and creepy peripherals this Halloween. Yes, Sorceress! [USB Geek via Technabob and DVICE]

Cross-game text chat has been around since April, but voice chat has so far been a no-show. Kotaku writes that they tried to contact Sony for a truly official response, but only received a curt reply:

As you know, we haven't made any announcements on upcoming firmware and don't comment on rumor or speculation.

It's quite possible that the next firmware update will in fact bring cross-game chat, but I think we're getting a bit too excited over a forum post. [Playstation Forums via Kotaku]

So will there be 1:1 movement, accelerometers, or IR bars? We don't know. All the product promises in terms of functionality is the full gamut of Dual Shock controls (though note one analog stick is missing), "three dimensional motion sensing" and "super sensitive movement sensors."

But somehow the Blaze PS3mote promises to be compatible with Sega Tennis and Tiger Woods. Without the full support of EA or Sega (which we're doubting they have), it's hard to imagine the controller working very well. But hey, we're happy to be proven right when it comes out at an undisclosed time for an undisclosed price. [Blaze via ubergizmo]

First Place—Brian Garten

Second Place—Jairo Filho

Third Place

Create a twisted PlayStation 3 ad for Sony, and send it to me at contests@gizmodo.com with Sony Ad in the subject line. Save your files as JPGs or GIFs, and use a FirstnameLastname.jpg naming convention using whatever name you want to be credited with. Send your work to me by next Tuesday morning, and I'll pick three top winners and show off the rest of the best in our Gallery of Champions. Get to it! [Original image from Charlie White's "Understanding Joshua" series]

There's a storage nook for the power cord, front slot-loading Blu-ray drive, and an Iron Man Arc reactor-inspired fan grill. He also says it could have been made smaller, but he wanted to keep the big 17-inch display. Sexy! (More pics once Ben uploads them to his site).

Version 1.3 of Home, as previously detailed, will add universal game launching from within the service. No need to stop doing the Running Man just to start up a Resistance 2 fragfest, as any title can be launched from Home as of tomorrow.

Of course, there's more to it than that, including new items, emotes and clothing categories. Plus, Home residents will be able to preview wearable items and furniture in real time. And soon you'll be able to eat shrink cakes and take pictures with an in-Home camera! Truly, we have finally jacked into the Matrix.

PlayStation Home v1.3 Coming Thursday + New Central Plaza, Neptune Suite and More! [PlayStation.blog]

Godzilla and The Ugly Truth—both Sony Pictures films—will include extra discs that won't do anything special when placed in a standard Blu-ray player. But when played in a PS3, users will be able to download a PSP-exclusive digital copy. The PSP copy can be downloaded over USB (we doubt it will work over Remote Play, but that'd be pretty handy).

Whether or not you own the necessary PS3/PSP combo or have any interest in digital copies of your Blu-ray movies, this news seems like yet another reason why the PS3 makes for the most attractive BD player on the market. While it doesn't have features like Netflix streaming, Sony will always put the new stuff on the PS3 first. [Blu-ray via Joystiq]

Once your signals hit the receiver, you can support Windows, Linux, Mac or Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii (supposedly). Hard to tell whether or not it can actually do all of these things, since the website looks like one a kid would make for his dad's business over the summer between Jr. High and High School, so we'll have to see for ourselves to be sure. [EFO via The Gadgeteer via Oh Gizmo]

We've seen a large number of creepy as hell Sony ads, and these seem to be just about at the same level as the dude with a thumb for a penis. And gee whiz, the whole "creepy ad" strategy seems to be working, as Sony is absolutely dominating the gaming marketplace. Right? Keep on keeping on, Sony! [Copyranter]

Update: Sony sends along this note from the president of BBDO Chile, the ad house responsible for these things:

This creative design did not involve and was never approved by Sony Computer Entertainment or Sony. This "mock campaign" was developed by BBDO Chile staff and was submitted to various creative competitions/festivals without prior notification or approval from SCE/Sony, and it is not representative of the views or advertising policies of SCE/Sony. BBDO Chile apologizes for using this creative concept without authorization or prior approval, and for its misrepresentation of the PlayStation brand and its values.

Cristián Lehuedé B.
Presidente Ejecutivo
BBDO Chile

Oops! Sony can't be happy with BBDO over that one.

- October 1: Either two Platinum titles or Infamous
- October 16: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
- October 19: Blu-ray movie pack with Wolverine, The Dark Knight, and a Blu-ray remote.

In Australia, bundles on October 15 will include Uncharted 2, SingStar Mowtown, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack In Time, and EyePet. All well and good, but Australians (including me) will be gouged A$600 (US$517) for the damn thing. Ouch.

We'll fill you in on the U.S. info as soon as we've got it. [Kotaku U.S. | Kotaku Australia]

Motion Controller
Spring 2010 launch (March in JP)
No bundle/pricing details yet, should come Sept 1
Plan on selling 4-5MM units WW
SCEA agreed to provide a list of Sega IP that would work well with the motion controller, Virtua Tennis was an example
Motion Controller support allows easy way to differentiate PS3 SKU
Other differentiation opportunities include PSP/PS3 interoperability – think of features that would make users want to buy both PS3 and PSP SKUs.

PS3 and PSP interoperability? I could imagine a bundle with the motion controller and a PSP to replace the Dual Shock 3...if only it had all the necessary buttons.

The other potentially big piece of news here refers to Dreamcast titles coming to PSN (PS2 games are technically mentioned as well). Apparently Sony is courting Sega for their old games.

DC Digital Titles
If we provide a list of DC titles SCEA will let us know which ones they're interested in having exclusively.
If we give them a long period of exclusivity they'll give us more marketing support.

Note that the "long period of exclusivity" is not permanent exclusivity, meaning that a slew of Dreamcast titles may be on their way to other platforms as well. [Objectif Sega via NeoGAF via Kotaku]

Update: The PlayStation and Naughty Dog logos aren't facing the right way, if you're talking perspective, but since it's a rendering and not a photo, that could just be an error on the part of the creator. Not a definitive way to say whether it's fake or not.

Update 2: Also, the rumor about these bundles came out earlier this year, so that may lend more or less credence to the rendered box shot.

According to an interview with Kotaku, Vivid Entertainment head Steve Hirsch, he's gunning after Sony first due to their willingness to allow on-demand adult movies to the PS3 in Japan.

Somehow, I don't think Microsoft would be down with this, and even though Sony is in Japan, the US is a much more puritanical country. Just look at our total lack of tentacle porn!

In any case, be sure to check out Kotaku's story for the full interview. [Kotaku; Image Source]

Anyone who's played a FPS on a console knows that having to move your thumb to reload or jump puts you at a momentary disadvantage. Having those buttons on the back are awesome. The controler also has rubber grips and a "soft-touch finish for extended gaming sessions." The downside is that it's not wireless, but Mad Catz claims that will provide a "robust and latency free connection with the console." Right. I don't remember ever having issues with latency with wireless controllers, but that's just me. And seeing that the PS3 version of the same controller is wireless, it was clearly a cost-cutting move because Microsoft won't let them do it.

The other official MW2 peripherals include a "Throat Communicator," which is a bit too much for me, and a series of keyboards and mice for PC gamers. Here's a gallery and the full presser with the entire list:

Mad Catz® Announce Licensed

Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Accessory Range for Consoles & PC

Range to Include Combat Controller, Throat Communicator, Elite Keyboard and Sniper Mouse

San Diego, August 24, 2009

Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading worldwide third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today announced a full range of licensed Modern Warfare® 2 accessories for Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION® 3 and PC, which are expected to ship across North America and key European territories with the release of one of the year's most anticipated games in November 2009.

Developed by Infinity Ward and set for worldwide release by Activision Publishing, Inc. on November 10, 2009, Modern Warfare 2 is the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game in history, Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare®. The title is rated "M" (Mature) for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language.

The products expected to ship as part of the range include:

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat Controller – Xbox 360

Complete with a host of features designed to customize the in-game experience, the Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller has Rubber Grips and a soft-touch finish for extended gaming sessions. Featuring two unique buttons located on the rear of the Controller, players can re-map Action Button or Thumbstick commands empowering players to shift melee or sprint to the rear buttons in order to maintain full motion control on the analog sticks. Immersive Analog ThumbStick Backlighting enhances the in-game atmosphere while Dual Vibration Feedback allows the user to experience every shot and explosion. Lastly, the fully braided connection cable provides a robust and latency free connection with the console.

MSRP: $49.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Throat Communicator – Xbox 360

Based on authentic military design, the Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator allows gamers to comfortably communicate with teammates and other Xbox LIVE® players. Fashioned in authentic graphics, the unique microphone design reduces background noise and allows gamers to clearly communicate with each other, bringing them closer to the field ops experience. The Throat Communicator is fully compatible with the official Microsoft® controller as well as the Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller.

MSRP: $29.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Faceplate and Console Skinz – Xbox 360

Featuring custom Modern Warfare 2 artwork, both the highly collectible Controller Faceplate and Console Skinz allow gamers to customize their Xbox 360 and official controller. Depicting official in-game art, the Console Faceplate attaches simply and safely, transforming your console in seconds and the removable Console Skinz wrap around the sides of the Xbox 360, providing a fully immersive themed landscape.

MSRP: $29.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Wireless Combat Controller – PS3™

Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Combat Controller for PLAYSTATION 3 utilizes a secure 2.4 GHz wireless link to connect with the console for accurate wire-free action. Featuring two unique buttons located on the rear of the Controller, players can re-map Action Button or Thumbstick commands empowering players to shift melee or sprint to the rear buttons in order to maintain full motion control on the analog sticks. The Controller features Immersive Analog ThumbStick Backlighting and an internal Rechargeable Battery that allows for charging directly from the console's USB port and provides up to 60 hours of game play from a single charge.

MSRP: $49.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth® Technology – PS3

Sophisticated, discrete and fashioned with Modern Warfare 2 graphics, the Headset for PLAYSTATION 3 allows for wire-free communication with teammates and PlayStation Network™ (PSN™) users. Featuring a high-quality, noise-reducing microphone, ideal for frantic game play, the Headset utilizes Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology, and operates at a range of up to 30 feet from the console.

MSRP: $39.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Controller Faceplates – Xbox 360 & PLAYSTATION 3

Depicting official artwork from Modern Warfare 2, the highly collectible Controller Faceplate allows gamers to customize their official Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 controllers in style. Highly durable and featuring a high-gloss finish, the safe and removable Controller Faceplate attaches in seconds to the official controller and features authentic artwork to support the game (Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 Controller Faceplate sold separately).

MSRP: $14.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat GamePad – PC

For those who enjoy gaming on their PC but prefer the feel of a gamepad over a keyboard and mouse, the Modern Warfare 2 Combat GamePad provides a comfortable and highly ergonomic method of play. Featuring full analog control, the Combat GamePad is fashioned in authentic Modern Warfare 2 artwork and comes complete with a complement of four Action Buttons and four Trigger Buttons as well as a stable eight-way D-Pad delivering precision and accuracy where fast response is crucial to survival. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Combat GamePad ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram the four Action Buttons to suit their personal preferences or for use with other software titles. The Combat GamePad is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.

MSRP: $24.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Sniper Mouse – PC

Fine-tuned for razor-sharp assault, the Modern Warfare 2 Sniper Mouse allows for precision in-game control. Instantly adjustable DPI (‘Dot Per Inch') allows gamers to adjust the speed of the mouse cursor at any time, ideal for a multitude of missions and varying styles of play. A built-in weight cartridge allows gamers to add or subtract weights from the Mouse tailoring the feel for personal preference. Fashioned in fully authentic graphics, the Sniper Mouse is certain to be the weapon of choice for PC enthusiasts. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Mouse ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram the Mouse Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Sniper Mouse is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $49.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Combat Keyboard – PC

The Modern Warfare 2 Combat Keyboard features ‘Anti-Ghosting' in key action areas and a Windows Key Lock to prevent accidental disruption to game play. Easily accessible Media Keys provide instant access to volume control, play/pause and other essential media-related functions and a weighted base with strategically placed large rubber feet that prevent the keyboard from slipping off the desk. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Combat Keyboard ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram Function Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Combat Keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $49.99

o Modern Warfare™ 2 Elite Keyboard – PC

Built on the successful ‘Cyborg™' Keyboard platform, the Modern Warfare 2 Elite Keyboard is ideal for those who take their gaming seriously and will prove to be an essential ally in the field. Multi-Color backlighting, including adjustable brightness and ‘Tru-Vu™' illumination, provides gamers with the ability to set ambient lighting, ranging from red through to amber and green. Touch-Sensitive Back-Lit Dashboard controls provide access to keyboard lighting and media functions. Further aiding in the custom nature of the keyboard, the WASD, cursor, ‘Cyborg™' and NumPad keys can all be lit independently from the rest of the keyboard, allowing players to highlight keys commonly used in-game. One-touch ‘Cyborg' mode instantly disables the Windows™ keys and adjusts the keyboard illumination to desired settings for simple set-up and no fewer than twelve Cyborg keys can be programmed to replicate any sequence of keyboard presses in a single button. Durable Metal-Plated key caps provide reinforced strength on the most commonly used gaming keys and gold-plated connectors for USB and microphone inputs allow other accessories to be passed through the keyboard without accessing the PC. Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Elite Keyboard ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram Keyboard Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles. The Elite Keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $99.99

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, "This new range marks our first full line of licensed PC products launching alongside the console accessories. The Saitek and Cyborg names are brands respected by PC gamers worldwide and we believe that consumers will respond enthusiastically to these high quality licensed products. Modern Warfare 2 is one of the most anticipated software titles this year and we are excited to support it with a comprehensive range which is certain to enhance the gaming experience."

Sony Labs has been researching this technology for a while. I think most people are familiar with it from Smile Shutter in the Sony CyberShot, and autofocus with face detection. But now, we've migrated this technology to PS3, and made it available as an SDK.

Through its various points of detection, the system can recognize individual faces and overlay a different model for each person. And that's where things get a little more interesting. Aside from augmented-reality uses, Sony imagines the tech being used to generate virtual world avatars on the fly...[DigInfo]

Mikhailov also confirms that the combination of camera tracking, gyroscopes and accelerometers are precise enough for the wand to be used in more complicated games, not just casual titles.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the multiple axis tracking may improve on traditional dual stick DualShock controls. We should hear more from the Tokyo Game Show on September 24. [Sony]

First Place

Second Place

Third Place

The complaints are coming in via a big thread over at the official PlayStation 3 forum. Regardless of PS3 model: Some claim the issue affects their authentic DualShock 3, though it now looks like any problems may be specific to knock-off controllers.

Kotaku also mentions that a handful of users are reporting mid-game freezes in Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, but points out that it's not uncommon for this sort of thing to happen with PS3 or 360 system updates.

They've contacted Sony for comment, and we'll let you know what they have to say. In the meantime, have you run into any problems yourself? [Kotaku]

While many TV makers are using polarized glasses in their 3D concepts, Sony's plans involve high-definition active shutter glasses that alternate the image for the left and right eye. Hopefully they won't make me cross-eyed like my old 3DFX Voodoo shutters did. [Sony]

In this demonstration, conducted by the same source as the original testing, we see the PS3 Slim (firmware 2.8) load Uncharted: Drake's Fortune against the PS3 Slim (firmware 3.0). The difference is considerable (you know, for adjustments to software alone), and we don't see why most other games wouldn't encounter similar loading improvements.

That's gravy.

Of course, whether or not the Slim is booting or loading Blu-ray movies with less delay than before is yet unmeasured (so you may have gravy without the meat and potatoes). But given that the most annoying wait times revolve around game load times, let's just call the Slim the overall winner and be done with it (well, technically gravy can't shouldn't be the most vital part of any meal, so maybe this metaphor isn't working out). [Thanks Eric!]

UPDATE: Blu-ray loading is faster, too.

Additional Features:

•Blu-Link offers advanced PS3 button shape and colors and dedicated buttons for Triangle, Circle, Square, X, Select, Home and Start, Blu-Ray DVD controls for Top Menu, Popup Menu, Angle, Audio Channel and Subtitle movie features
•Blu-Link is an "advanced learning" remote: learning button assignments from existing remotes; and user-configurable.
•Blu-Link's non-volatile memory retains button assignments even when it's 2 AA batteries have been removed
•Blu-Link supports more than 400 brands of standard and HDTV television and flatscreens, 150 VCR brands, 200 Satellite Receiver models, 100 Cable TV Receiver brands, 50 DVR models and 200 home theater surround sound systems

The Blu-Link is available starting today with a price tag of $50. Not a bad deal if you have like 20 remotes sitting on your coffee table. Consolidate! [SMK-Link]

Go to "System Update" in the XMB to get the update, which replaces the Information Board with an icon-based system called "What's New," plus premium themes, trophy displays, and a status indicator at the top that shows things like number of friends online and messages. Check it out and let us know of anything else you find hidden in the update. [PlayStation Lifestyle]

Hearing how the technology works is cool and all, but what caught my attention was that it'll have rumble feedback, buttons, and an analog trigger. I'm looking forward to seeing how games use it at the Tokyo Game Show on September 24. [Sony]