http://digg.com/d31AXaf

The PS3 really is become more a multimedia and multi-application piece of hardware, and less of an entertainment device. Good move by Sony.

I like Digg.

EDIT: Raylax can't spot a randomly generated advert when he sees one. Now I must hastily bodge together a proper response to this thread in order to save face. Um.

YAY PS3... STUFF

But really, multimedia stuff is a good idea, nice to see them throwing the doors open.

Well, it's important Sony did something. The PS3 isn't seen as a toy, like the Wii, nor does it have the hardcore gamer appeal the Xbox 360 does.

The best thing Sony could do is broaden the PS3 out into areas like music videos, Ti-Vo-like capabilities and other non-game related applications, and make the PS3 an entertainment device, rather than a gaming one.

Very smart by Sony, imo.

Since when does it not have hardcore appeal? Not that I'm personally excited about these games, but how much more hardcore do you get than Demon's Souls and MAG? Very different games, yes, but there are very different definitions of hardcore floating around there, and I think those two alone cover both ends of the spectrum. They are still playing catch-up with 360 in terms of "entertainment" services, too. 360 had Facebook and NetFlix first, so why isn't it more of a multimedia device? I'm confused by your analysis of this announcement. PS3 has been doing very well lately, and it's all to do with the price and games, not multimedia solutions. This certainly won't hurt, but it's not like the console is living in the shadows of its colleagues anymore.

? Of course the PS3 has hardcore games, but then so does the Wii, it's just that both lag far behind the Xbox in terms of appealing to the hardcore market (quantity etc etc).

While the Xbox might have been first off the boat with multimedia features, Sony's the one really pushing it. TiVo-like devices, music video streaming, video downloading and now this - while Microsoft is throwing its marketing machine behind Natal - a gaming application.

I still see the Xbox being treated like a gaming device first and foremost, with the PS3 being a broader entertainment device (anecdotaly I know people who didn't buy a game for it, but bought it in a TV bundle for the Blu-Ray and music streaming), and the Wii a social gaming device/ toy.

It's not to say there aren't crossovers, but I see a definite move from all three vendors to separate the consoles down those lines. None of them are really competing with the other two any longer, as far as I'm concerned.

Considering the huge game catalog overlap between the two, it's hard to imagine the 360 and PS3 doing anything but competing. I don't really buy "quantity etc etc." PS3 has dropped far more exclusives recently and is set to do so next year, too. Slim sales show that consumers were just waiting for a price drop. Their Eye + Wand is set to do the same things Natal does, too, minus voice commands. I'm glad they're pushing this multimedia stuff, too. I mean, it can't hurt, can it? But it's still very much a gamer's platform, at least as much so as 360. Not talking about quality (as really, no one wants such an argument), just features and appeal.

But you know, whatever. I play Wii games more than PS3 games anyway, so what do I care?

IT
ONLY
DOES
EVERYTHING.™

I don't even own a PS3 or Xbox 360 <_< But as I said. Going on the way Microsoft and Sony are marketing and positioning their consoles, and the way both talk to journalists, I do see the PS3 more being promoted as an ultimate "DVD Player", while Microsoft is positioning the Xbox 360 as "GAMES ++++++"

@WaltzElf.... yeah man I hate to break it to you but you are wrong on the fact that Sony doesn't have a hardcore base. Actually Sony has a bigger Hardcore Base than Microsoft. Im talking about True Hardcore Difficult Gameplay, not the "First Person Shooters are the New Hardcore Games". Yeah some are on the 360 but with Demon Souls bein one of the most difficlut series out there and the Ninja Gaiden Sigmas being expanded upgrades of the 360, Uncharteds Crushing Modes, etc. Sony doesn't mind to really punish their gamers. Sony themself know that their hardware is built for the hardcore, BUT it is expanding into casual in a very good way. Streaming Video through Netfix (I got the day it released) is fantastic, Facebook got added today with full trophy updates. Wich is when you complete achievments ingame it updates your Facebook page so its still there built around the games. EyePet is amazing casual software, and the motion controller is goin to be aimed at younger kids, but isn't a major push for Sony just to expand into casual SOME. Singstar and Buzz series are also Casual that are very good as well. Sony has stated over and over, the console does literally everything, but it will always be about the game at its heart and will never abandon its hardcore gamers. You should also check out this update on Sonys sales as they are absolutely turned the system upside down lately in a very good way.

http://www.pushsquare.com/8750/playstation-3-sales-up-70-in-t...

But, the PS3 has Been Expanded. Playstation Home launced months ago and has a constant userbase of over 1 million users active and is basically a Second Life social gaming experience. I dont care for it much as I play games, but the casual guys/gals are really enjoying it and Sony has really put a Lot of effort into it as its constantly getting new additions and expanded areas based on new games...... oh, and did I mention its Free. So many people have given the PS3 a blind eye because of its price but now its $300 USD and with the Blu-Ray Capabilites, Free Online, Playstation Home, Netflix, Facebook, Hardcore and Casual Games, it definately lives up to its moto "It Only Does EVERYTHING"