VampireG’s Blog

Ok so there has been rumours that there is a 40% failure rate on the new 40GB PS3. So it looks after-all that Sony are no better than Microsoft with faulty consoles! Sony did respond to this and their press release is below:

“We are very proud of the quality and reliability of PLAYSTATION 3 and are disappointed that such extremely sloppy journalism has resulted in this totally inaccurate story,” said David Reeves, President, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Since launching the 40GB PS3, we have experienced a fantastic jump in sales and the failure rates have remained at the very low level that we not only strive for, but have been achieving since the launch of PS3.”

Hmm what does the PS3 do when it fails? If you have screens or you are in the know let me know, I wonder if it has it’s own version of the “Red Rings of Death”.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today the availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system software. Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system via the Remote Play1 function, allowing for a truly mobile partnership between the two systems.

Building on the success and potential of the Remote Play functionality, Version 2.00 will cement the partnership between PS3 and PSP and create a truly global experience. With the ability to turn your PS3 on and off from Wi-fi connection, there is now the opportunity to listen to the music, look at the photos and watch the videos saved on the PS3 Hard Disk Drive, anywhere in the world.

To further enhance the PS3 offering, Version 2.00 allows for the creation of personalised playlists in both the music and photo sections. This simple to use function gives users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists for all occasions, as well as sharing favourite photos in glorious high definition.

Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu screen. Change the colour and brightness with the greatest of ease or have something completely different by setting a custom theme. With the potential for new backgrounds to become available on PLAYSTATION®Network in the future, Version 2.00 truly opens up a whole raft of options.

A host of other enhancements includes the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep people up to date on the latest PlayStation® news, the inclusion of a new PLAYSTATION Network category and logo for easier navigation and Trend Micro Web Security, a free2, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.

OK well here is my take on the big debate on whether the 360 is better than the PS3 or vice versa!?!

Before I go into the nitty gritty I want to point out a couple of things first:

• I have a PlayStation 3
• I have an Xbox 360
• I am not a PlayStation Fan-boy
• I am not an Xbox 360 Fan-boy

Why did I mention the above? Well I really wanted to make the point that I am going to give this a fair go and try and understand the differences, the strengths and the weaknesses of both consoles before I make an opinion. It was also worth stating that I own both of the consoles as people who normally slate the 360 don’t actually have one and the people that slate the PS3 also don’t actually have one.

It is also worth saying I am not a fan-boy of either and I am coming at this from pretty neutral ground.

So where to begin!…

The looks

XBox 360 -Ok so this is a pretty ugly looking beast I would have to admit, yes the Elite is black and to be honest black is better but I don’t have a black one, I have the Premium Console which was purchased on day 1. I think standing vertically improves the looks by a small degree but overall I would have to conclude that it really does not make me feel I own a piece of amazing technology. The Green circle of lights is a nice touch although the 3 red ones are not (more on that later) however it looks like a nice shiny green ring of lights sitting on the front of a very big ugly lorry. Have you all seen those boy-racer blue lights that the lorry drivers have on their dash, well it reminds me of those really.

PS3 - So the PS3 is going to win round one hands down really, it is black and it is sleek. It looks like something that just broke the atmosphere and landed on my TV stand, I can almost imagine the back opening up and lots of tiny little spaceships to come flying out and shoot the shit out of the Xbox 360. It looks as if it was designed to be a sexy gadget that you would not mind taking front of stage in your living room. I love the cobalt blue light something I liked on the PS2, I like the front loading CD and I love the shiny black finish. (The wife incidentally hates the shiny black finish as she has to keep dusting it).

So round one would be a PS3 victory and probably by a long way. Yes the Xbox 360 hides the presence of dust and the PS3 is a dust magnet, it is just the PS3 is overall a damn nice looking gadget. You would not mind taking the PS3 out to dinner and showing it off to your mates, with the Xbox 360 however… well it has face made for radio! However in the next blog we will find out whether looks actually matter a hoot, when I will take on the first of what I know will be the crunch test “GRAPHICS!”