Sony Takes Aim at Xbox Live

Joystiq and the site ComputerandVideoGames are reporting on the first real action in the next-gen war. Sony is apparently readying a strong online service that will meet or exceed the features of Xbox Live. With no firm PS3 launch date yet released, the 360 still has the advantage, but if Sony is rolling out an online matching and media service with their (reportedly) more powerful console things could look bad for Microsoft's new system. From the article: "This story, together with the recent survey Sony conducted, should remove any doubts about Sony's online ambitions. Is it possible that Sony could create a network the size and scale of Xbox Live in such a short time. It has cost Microsoft, the world's largest software company, billions and taken years just to lay the framework for the current Live service. Sony is know for their hyperbolic marketing: the PS2's Emotion Engine, the PSP as iPod-killer; it seems unlikely they could take the crown from Microsoft on their first try, but any attempt is a huge relief. It was beginning to look like Sony didn't think the Live service was a valuable addition to console gaming, or a serious competitor to their hegemony. "

Coming soon!

[ShaneThePain]

Playstation 3 with rootkit pre-installed!

HOW is this news?

[wfberg]

A game console that's coming out in 2006 will have "on-line" capabilities? Really?! I'm shocked! They'll try to be better than their main competitor? You don't say!

That's like saying Ford will be coming out with a car that has airbags! Or the pepsi company launching a new "soft" "drink" that is carbonated! And they're saying it will taste better than coke or fanta.. I'm so excited!

Re:Free?

[mordors9]

Heh, yeah, that's the ticket... free. Is that as in beer or GPL...

Real action in the next-gen war

[msbsod]

If you like real action with the IBM Cell processor in the next-gen war, why not try this baby:
http://www.mc.com/powerblock200/ [mc.com]
It knocks the stuffing out of any Sony PS3.

mmhmm

[UU7]

In other news, DNF will be a PS3 launch title.

No...

[ickeicke]

The great thing about this new network from Sony, is that it can install rootkits for you. And not even on-demand, but non-demand! Isn't that great?

Except in Soviet Russia of course, there the rootkits install Sony's new network...

Everybody Wears Pants!

[Mendy]

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20051 104 [ctrlaltdel-online.com]

Re:I love xbox but...

[Esteanil]

Why even in NORWAY they have this to say! Bill Gates och hans någotsånär stora företag Microsoft har som alla bör känna till släppt nu två konsoller på marknaden. Den första gick enligt Forbes back hela 4 miljarder dollar. Gates snackar om detta, och han berättar att Xbox'arna är en långtidsinvestering.

The language you're quoting would be swedish...
Generally, we norwegians do not write in swedish ;-)

sony's online service is.... good enough

[YOND R BOY]

sony is totally that guy that just makes up outrageous stuff every time he opens his mouth.

here are some possible add campaigns:

Sony's online service: more amazing than the time michael jackson came over the house to use the bathroom

Sony's online service: More amazing than the time kutaragi saved those old people from that nursing home fire

Irony of ironies...

[notaprguy]

So let me get this straight. Sony of PS1 and PS2 fame, Sony the company that dominates the video gaming industry, Sony the company that laughed off Microsoft's XBOX Live plans...is now playing catch up? Microsoft, the company that always follows, the company that never innovates, the company that only copies...is the leader? Next thing you know, Apple will buy an old style media company.... Oh wait...

Re:Coming soon!

[WesBEnterprise]

That was an expensive paperweight then.

Re:Coming soon!

[Rebelgecko]

Your comparison is wrong, since Microsoft doesn't intentionally design security holes for their system.

Re:Slashdot Humor

[Anonymous Coward]

You must be new here :)

But, to be honest, I agree with you.