If a report from
Reg Hardware is to be believed, Sony is currently working on a visual redesign of its PlayStation Network service. The makeover will apparently place PSN more in line with Steam and Xbox Live as opposed to its current text-heavy style.
Interesting... Right? Now honestly, I don't use the store a whole lot. Why? Well, there isn't anything that I would really buy.. I used to buy a lot of Rockband DLC, but I just used the link through the game, as it was much easier that way. Maybe that's one reason they want to switch it up? Make it easier for people to download through their store, instead of using the link through the game they are playing. Interesting...
It would seem that these changes would affect the PlayStation Store rather than the main XMB. A source tells the website that Sony is trying to de-clutter the service in favor of "an aesthetic layout with logically marked sections and rolodex lists". New features include a live search that shows more results with each character entered along with database-like listings for both games and movies, showing details like developers or cast on the right side of the screen. The blue background will also be eschewed, to be replaced by a black one, with brighter colors highlighting content. A 'deal of the week' section will also accompany the relaunch, the report claims.
You know, I still haven't used the whole welcome back program thing yet that we got since the network was down for.. EVER. I need to do that before it expires. What are some things that you would like changed with the store and such? One thing that I really want, is VOICE CHAT! I want to be able to have several friends in one chat and be able to just talk to them. Not having to rely on the game we are playing to support voice chat. Other wise, it's just very annoying to even play the game having to type out everything. Keyboards help, yes, but they are just a nuisance to used compared to just.. Talking.
What other things come to your mind about the PSN Store?
Let me know in the comments below.
Another thing that I would like to touch on real quick, is that they are saying the PS4, and next XBOX could be coming out in 2012.. Is this true? Personally, I don't want it to. Yes, it would be cool if they did come out with another power house of a system (both Sony and Microsoft) but why? They are still selling 360's and PS3's, and I would like to get at least another 2-3 years outta my console, and not have to drop 400 bucks on a new one. Because right now, I don't have that kinda cash! Advancing the gaming technology would be great. But with the reasons I stated... NO!
Digitimes, a Taiwanese manufacturer has claimed that the PS4 is on track for a release in 2012, and that it will feature "body movement-based control like Kinect". The source indicated that manufacturing duties will fall to Foxconn and Pegatron Technology, the company that made the PS3, with a minimum of 20 million units planned to ship in 2012. The report comes after weeks of speculation that the next Xbox will also be released next year, after being unveiled at E3 2012.
I'm not too worried about it coming out next year, partly because it flies right in the face of Sony's much-publicised ten-year strategy for the PlayStation 3, and partly because Sony has been so very vocal about how un-bothered they are by Kinect and Wii U. A 2012 PS3 successor would be more than a little premature.
But still, Sony, if you are pondering about releasing the console next year... Hold off!
That's all for today kids.
-j-
