Ps3 Online Service Detailed

Source - CVG

It's all about the PS3 this morning and, following confirmation of a worldwide release date for the console this November, Sony President Ken Kutaragi has also provided first details of the console's online offering.
Referring to the "PlayStation Network Platform" during the Tokyo announcement this morning, Kutaragi explained that the service would be ready for the console's launch in November.

While it doesn't seem like we're in for a direct all-encompassing competitor to Microsoft's Live (at least initially), the PNP is set to feature all kinds of multiplayer game match-making services including voice chat. It will also apparently include some kind of marketplace and commercial aspects, including a software download facility.

You'll be able to connect to PS3 online via high capacity broadband networks through Gigabit Ethernet and the PlayStation Network Platform has apparently been created with the help of Sony Online Entertainment. Potential PS3 owners will be relieved to hear that the PNP will be free in its standard form, although presumably that doesn't rule out some paid components in the future.
We'll keep tracking developments and bring you more comment and analysis shortly, while we mull this one over.