Our man in Japan, Ben Torode, has exclusively translated a recent interview feature with the team behind the PS3 and PSP firmware updates, just for us. If you’d like to read more about the PS3 browser, the simultaneous PS3/PSP updates and various techy features on upscaling, read on.

SCE (Umemura), on the reason for implementing simultaneous updates for PS3 and PSP:

With respect to the PSP, enabling direct access to the PS Store was the biggest change. But doing so required support on the PS Store server-side. While there were changes on the PS3 side as well with PlayStation Network account management and other functions were moved over to the XMB, since the same servers are used for the PSP, we wanted the changes to the PSP to coincide with those on the PS3 side (in the interests of maintaining compatibility).

SCE (Noda), on DRM for downloadable contents:

“Device Authentication” is carried out when transferring content. While this was implemented in the past when transferring from the PS3 or PC, in the case of direct access (to the store) from the PSP, this authentication is carried out on a per unit basis when downloading. This device authentication is something that authenticates the PSP unit. Therefore, even a memory stick holding this data is inserted into another unauthenticated PSP, it won’t run.

SCE (Takase) On PS3 Browser:

Even using our own benchmarks, the Java Script execution speed is 2.8 times faster than the previous version, and is of a comparable level to viewing on PCs… while it loses out to browsers such as Google Chrome that have made recent advances, we believe it is faster than regular browsers such as IE7.

The PS3’s memory has always posed problems. However, since we have supported “virtual memory” using the hard disk from Version 2.0 onwards, this has been eased to some extent. Even so, since accessing data from the HDD reduces speed, the fact that there is a struggle with memory hasn’t changed.

Playback of H.264 content from within Flash is handled through an independent process on an SPU. Processing different aspects of the web browser independently has the characteristic of making it easier to improve frame rates. While I’d stop short of saying we will eliminate all dropped frames in the future, this can be considered a strength unique to the PS3.

SCE (Takase) on Chroma Up-sampling:

Even up to now we have been doing 4:2:0-to-4:2:2 up-sampling. But we introduced features to produce an even higher quality output this time. While this will of course have some effect on HD picture quality, since HD by nature is higher quality, it will not be that noticeable. For SD, however, you will clearly see the effects of the improved picture quality.

Q: Specifically what kind of algorithm processing is being carried out?

A (Takase): When converting from 4:2:0 to 4:2:2, we carry out a kind of chroma upsampling processing that adjusts to movement in the footage. A special method unique to the PS3 is used to process the video. However, please allow me to keep the technical specifics of this undisclosed.

Q: Why can’t Blu-Ray discs recorded with the BDMV format use the chroma upsampling function?

A (Takase): If this is requested by customers we will consider supporting it, but as always, we do not intend to implement features as console functions if users cannot experience any benefits from those features.

SCE (Matsui) on future firmware updates:

In future updates, there are thoughts of raising the level of interaction, in the sense of “interactive entertainment”. Among those ideas are enabling the PSP to cope with more processing while using computational resources on the PS3 side for areas where the PSP lacks resources, so we think that interaction between the two systems will be possible by having them successfully complement each other .

In addition, as with Life with PlayStation, we take the approach of making the PS3 something people will use from when they wake up, like switching it on to watch the news in the morning. Since we believe that there must still be many areas in with both the PS3 and PSP can be of use in people’s daily lives, we want to continue to make firmware updates with this perspective in mind.

SCE (Umemura) on the lack of ad-hoc WIFI support on the 20 GB PS3:

At present, an add-in such as a USB WIFI adapter is difficult. So for the 20GB model, there is unfortunately no solution.

http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2008/10/...are-interview/ ...

Our man in Japan, Ben Torode, has exclusively translated a recent interview feature with the team behind the PS3 and PSP firmware updates, just for us. If you’d like to read more about the PS3 browser, the simultaneous PS3/PSP updates and various techy features on upscaling, read on.

SCE (Umemura), on the reason for implementing simultaneous updates for PS3 and PSP:

With respect to the PSP, enabling direct access to the PS Store was the biggest change. But doing so required support on the PS Store server-side. While there were changes on the PS3 side as well with PlayStation Network account management and other functions were moved over to the XMB, since the same servers are used for the PSP, we wanted the changes to the PSP to coincide with those on the PS3 side (in the interests of maintaining compatibility).

SCE (Noda), on DRM for downloadable contents:

“Device Authentication” is carried out when transferring content. While this was implemented in the past when transferring from the PS3 or PC, in the case of direct access (to the store) from the PSP, this authentication is carried out on a per unit basis when downloading. This device authentication is something that authenticates the PSP unit. Therefore, even a memory stick holding this data is inserted into another unauthenticated PSP, it won’t run.

SCE (Takase) On PS3 Browser:

Even using our own benchmarks, the Java Script execution speed is 2.8 times faster than the previous version, and is of a comparable level to viewing on PCs… while it loses out to browsers such as Google Chrome that have made recent advances, we believe it is faster than regular browsers such as IE7.

The PS3’s memory has always posed problems. However, since we have supported “virtual memory” using the hard disk from Version 2.0 onwards, this has been eased to some extent. Even so, since accessing data from the HDD reduces speed, the fact that there is a struggle with memory hasn’t changed.

Playback of H.264 content from within Flash is handled through an independent process on an SPU. Processing different aspects of the web browser independently has the characteristic of making it easier to improve frame rates. While I’d stop short of saying we will eliminate all dropped frames in the future, this can be considered a strength unique to the PS3.

SCE (Takase) on Chroma Up-sampling:

Even up to now we have been doing 4:2:0-to-4:2:2 up-sampling. But we introduced features to produce an even higher quality output this time. While this will of course have some effect on HD picture quality, since HD by nature is higher quality, it will not be that noticeable. For SD, however, you will clearly see the effects of the improved picture quality.

Q: Specifically what kind of algorithm processing is being carried out?

A (Takase): When converting from 4:2:0 to 4:2:2, we carry out a kind of chroma upsampling processing that adjusts to movement in the footage. A special method unique to the PS3 is used to process the video. However, please allow me to keep the technical specifics of this undisclosed.

Q: Why can’t Blu-Ray discs recorded with the BDMV format use the chroma upsampling function?

A (Takase): If this is requested by customers we will consider supporting it, but as always, we do not intend to implement features as console functions if users cannot experience any benefits from those features.

SCE (Matsui) on future firmware updates:

In future updates, there are thoughts of raising the level of interaction, in the sense of “interactive entertainment”. Among those ideas are enabling the PSP to cope with more processing while using computational resources on the PS3 side for areas where the PSP lacks resources, so we think that interaction between the two systems will be possible by having them successfully complement each other .

In addition, as with Life with PlayStation, we take the approach of making the PS3 something people will use from when they wake up, like switching it on to watch the news in the morning. Since we believe that there must still be many areas in with both the PS3 and PSP can be of use in people’s daily lives, we want to continue to make firmware updates with this perspective in mind.

SCE (Umemura) on the lack of ad-hoc WIFI support on the 20 GB PS3:

At present, an add-in such as a USB WIFI adapter is difficult. So for the 20GB model, there is unfortunately no solution.

http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2008/10/...are-interview/ ...

Our man in Japan, Ben Torode, has exclusively translated a recent interview feature with the team behind the PS3 and PSP firmware updates, just for us. If you’d like to read more about the PS3 browser, the simultaneous PS3/PSP updates and various techy features on upscaling, read on.

SCE (Umemura), on the reason for implementing simultaneous updates for PS3 and PSP:

With respect to the PSP, enabling direct access to the PS Store was the biggest change. But doing so required support on the PS Store server-side. While there were changes on the PS3 side as well with PlayStation Network account management and other functions were moved over to the XMB, since the same servers are used for the PSP, we wanted the changes to the PSP to coincide with those on the PS3 side (in the interests of maintaining compatibility).

SCE (Noda), on DRM for downloadable contents:

“Device Authentication” is carried out when transferring content. While this was implemented in the past when transferring from the PS3 or PC, in the case of direct access (to the store) from the PSP, this authentication is carried out on a per unit basis when downloading. This device authentication is something that authenticates the PSP unit. Therefore, even a memory stick holding this data is inserted into another unauthenticated PSP, it won’t run.

SCE (Takase) On PS3 Browser:

Even using our own benchmarks, the Java Script execution speed is 2.8 times faster than the previous version, and is of a comparable level to viewing on PCs… while it loses out to browsers such as Google Chrome that have made recent advances, we believe it is faster than regular browsers such as IE7.

The PS3’s memory has always posed problems. However, since we have supported “virtual memory” using the hard disk from Version 2.0 onwards, this has been eased to some extent. Even so, since accessing data from the HDD reduces speed, the fact that there is a struggle with memory hasn’t changed.

Playback of H.264 content from within Flash is handled through an independent process on an SPU. Processing different aspects of the web browser independently has the characteristic of making it easier to improve frame rates. While I’d stop short of saying we will eliminate all dropped frames in the future, this can be considered a strength unique to the PS3.

SCE (Takase) on Chroma Up-sampling:

Even up to now we have been doing 4:2:0-to-4:2:2 up-sampling. But we introduced features to produce an even higher quality output this time. While this will of course have some effect on HD picture quality, since HD by nature is higher quality, it will not be that noticeable. For SD, however, you will clearly see the effects of the improved picture quality.

Q: Specifically what kind of algorithm processing is being carried out?

A (Takase): When converting from 4:2:0 to 4:2:2, we carry out a kind of chroma upsampling processing that adjusts to movement in the footage. A special method unique to the PS3 is used to process the video. However, please allow me to keep the technical specifics of this undisclosed.

Q: Why can’t Blu-Ray discs recorded with the BDMV format use the chroma upsampling function?

A (Takase): If this is requested by customers we will consider supporting it, but as always, we do not intend to implement features as console functions if users cannot experience any benefits from those features.

SCE (Matsui) on future firmware updates:

In future updates, there are thoughts of raising the level of interaction, in the sense of “interactive entertainment”. Among those ideas are enabling the PSP to cope with more processing while using computational resources on the PS3 side for areas where the PSP lacks resources, so we think that interaction between the two systems will be possible by having them successfully complement each other .

In addition, as with Life with PlayStation, we take the approach of making the PS3 something people will use from when they wake up, like switching it on to watch the news in the morning. Since we believe that there must still be many areas in with both the PS3 and PSP can be of use in people’s daily lives, we want to continue to make firmware updates with this perspective in mind.

SCE (Umemura) on the lack of ad-hoc WIFI support on the 20 GB PS3:

At present, an add-in such as a USB WIFI adapter is difficult. So for the 20GB model, there is unfortunately no solution.

http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2008/10/...are-interview/ ...

At last, LittleBigPlanet has been patched in North America, (v1.02) making it safe, harmless and inoffensive forever. Also, we keep getting flooded with tips about LBP's servers being down. That's on purpose. While the game is available for play, official word is that the servers come online the week of Oct. 27. That's tomorrow at the earliest. Also, many of you have said the pre-order codes for DLC do not work. I don't have the game, but maybe that's related to the servers not being online yet. Sit tight, folks. It's a hell of a game you can play offline for a couple of days.

http://kotaku.com/5068924/lbp-patche...n-til-tomorrow ...

I really have no idea what the tone of the national mood is in Canada regarding the Brandon Crisp disappearance. It's a big enough story on the Canadian news sites, but then, it could be that way because they say so, not because Canadians are actually gripped by this story. In the States, if we didn't have a campaign, this has all the markers of an overcovered 24-hour news cycle bender that makes everyone nauseous.

That said, Toronto's National Post has a story up this weekend that does a good job at knocking this down from a sensational video game controversy story to what it really is — a disturbed kid gone missing and terrifying his parents. The lead to the story:

Blaming video games for the woes of teens such as Brandon Crisp, who disappeared after his parents confiscated his Xbox, might be missing a bigger point, child psychologists warn. Obsessive behaviour in any form, combined with sudden shifts in habits, could indicate deeper, emotional turmoil that often eludes many parents.

The reporters, Craig Offman and Natalie Alcoba, then seek out Harvard psychologist Dr. Lawrence Kutner, whose book Grand Theft Childhood had a provocative title but really gave an evenhanded, well researched look at child behavior and video games.

Dr. Kutner said the overwhelming majority of children who play video games do not suffer any psychological damage. If anything, he added, the consoles provide an effective means to be burn off excess adolescent energy and anxiety.

"In essence, it's a way of self-medicating," he said. "Kids play for a variety of reasons: for the fun of it, for the challenge. Or they play for emotional regulation. They can get their anger out."

Of course, "self-medicating" is the watchword. One can self-medicate with alcohol, pot, or other behaviors. It doesn't completely exempt gaming; it remains associated. But it's interesting to see a newspaper of record and an authoritative source combining to back this story away from hysteria.

http://kotaku.com/5068978/experts-ca...-disappearance ...

Brandon Crisp, a 15-year-old Barrie, Ontario native and avid gamer, has been missing since October 11. Crisp stormed out of his home shortly after his parents, afraid for the teen's social well-being due to his proclivity for Call of Duty 4, took away his Xbox 360. Since Crisp's disappearance, several groups have made major efforts to try and locate the teen -- including Microsoft, who donated $25,000 to a reward fund for anyone with information on Crisp's whereabouts.

Following the suspicions of Crisp's parents, the cyber crimes unit of the Ontario Police are now turning to an unlikely source for leads -- Brandon's Xbox Live friends list. Fearing that one of his clanmates might have something to do with his disappearance, police asked Microsoft to breach their own privacy protocols to reveal the personal information of Xbox Live subscribers that frequently associated with Crisp. Regardless of what you may think of Microsoft's actions, we're sure we all share the hope that Brandon will return home quickly and safely.

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/on...g-cod4-player/ ...

Those who've been anxiously awaiting their chance to virtually mingle with fellow PS3 owners in Sony's much-anticipated Home, but have been unable to procure an invite to the closed beta would be well-served by checking out the November issue of Qore. The sixth edition of the "interactive magazine" will not only feature a comprehensive tour of Sony's social networking tool (given by the incomparable Veronica Belmont), but will reportedly also include an invite into the Home closed beta for both annual Qore subscribers, and one-time purchasers.

The next issue, and your best chance to get an early look at Sony's Second Life-esque service, will be coming early next month.

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/26/no...d-beta-invite/ ...

Get ready, because the iPhone 3G unlock is coming to an iPhone 3G near you. The iPhone Dev Team have been able to break in the baseband processor. As you may remember from the first-generation iPhone unlock, this is big news because it means they have access to the core of the system, which gives them the ability to fully manipulate the iPhone 3G hardware and, therefore, unlock it. They gave us all the technical details and posted a demo of it in action

http://gizmodo.com/5068884/iphone-3g...-unlock-closer ...

Earlier this evening firmware 2.2 Beta 2 was seeded to developers. In this firmware version Google Street View is enabled. Firmware 2.2 beta 1 included the APIs for Street View but the feature wasn't enabled.

Other things like push still haven't been confirmed but we expect to see push supported before the public release of 2.2. What are some features you want to see in 2.2?

Something else new that appears in 2.2 Beta 2 could be more options when getting directions via Google Maps. According to someone on iphoneyap bus and walking directions are now options in firmware 2.2 beta 2. It appears in the photos below that the bus directions even include bus schedule times.

http://www.modmyi.com/forums/iphone-...reet-view.html ...