Sony Rep Denies Need For PC, PS3 Better 148
Phil Harrison continues down the road of marketing hyperbole, now having gone on record stating 'we do not need the PC'. He has also denied claims of copying Nintendo with the PS3's Dualshake controller. From the Gamasutra article: "In a certain way, I understand why people would say such things, but it is stupid, if you'll forgive me saying so ... We have already worked on it a long time, and Nintendo almost certainly has done likewise with something similar. It is perfectly naturally for two companies to work on identical devices. It's like that with technology." Must be nice to live in fantasy land.
Poor Deluded Phil (Score:5, Funny)
Sony has been playing around with the idea of allowing consumers one PS3 in exchange for that consumer's first born son (or the trimmed down version for first born daughter). Analysts stated that this strategy would be met with disgust in most parts of the world but may play well in third world countries and those suffering from over population.
When asked why he would no longer need a PC, Harrison merely gestured to the screen displaying the new console and said, "Look at it! Just
Sony has set up large preemptive trauma centers for players who will seek medical attention after attempting to "play" the PS3. Harrison explained that only players with "mad skillz" will be able to touch the PS3 and not walk away with their entire reality altered. Harrison also alluded to the idea that much of life after the PS3's release will be dedicated to playing the PS3 and trying to conceive of what life before the PS3 might have been like. Phil was skeptical any of their consumers would own any other consoles aside from the PS3 and stated that doctors were investigating ways to wean heroin addicts from the drug by giving them a PS3 as a substitute.
Some of the developers of the PS3 were admitted to mental institutions for possible instability. Many were sobbing and laughing at the same time screaming anything from "It is done!" to "It is
Reporters noted that Phil looked quite thin and ill but when asked about his health, he became extremely defensive saying, "Why do you ask about the physical things? If you had god in your living room, would you pause your conversation with him to eat?!" he cried, "Why do you vex me with puzzles non-PS3 based?" He had shaved his head [gamasutra.com] for reasons unknown. He then jumped off the stage and ran to his celebrity van outside--presumably to play an in-development version of the PS3.
So, is Sony going to do all their development on PS3s from now on if they don't need PCs?
Re:Poor Deluded Phil (Score:1)
" You claim that the PS3 will replace the computer, my question is, have you replaced your PC with a PS3?"
a decent follow up to the predictable an
Re:Poor Deluded Phil (Score:2)
A question like that, if posed in a courtroom, would draw a objection from opposing counsel before the witness could even inhale in preparation of answering.
Being that the goal of testimony in a courtroom is to uncover Truth, I propose that journalists should strive to keep their questions similar to those that an attorney would ask of a witness. Leave the leading questions, the
Re:Poor Deluded Phil (Score:2)
1) In a deposition, you'd have objections raised, but they'd probably be told "answer him anyway, even if he's being rude."
2) In a courtroom, you'd probably be called to sidebar.
3) What makes you think the goal of testimony in a courtroom is to uncover truth? Many times, the goal of testimony is to judge the credibility of a witness, to view the emotional impact, or just to let someone "tell their story." There are process values that have little to do with "truth" -- if all the courts
Re:Poor Deluded Phil (Score:1)
OUCH! Trimming down a daughter sounds painfull!
I am now ready to become one with my PS3. Or is that 3 with... nevermind.
Yes but... (Score:1)
Re:Yes but... (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Yes but... (Score:1)
Re:Yes but... (Score:2)
Apparently it's rumoured to come pre-installed [slashdot.org] with Linux.
Re:Yes but... (Score:1)
you do know there was a linux kit for the ps2
It and the original fat PS2 that it required were both discontinued quickly.
Re:Yes but... (Score:2)
PS2 Linux (2002-2003) (Score:1)
Wikipedia claims [wikipedia.org] that the PS2 Linux kit was introduced in 2002 and discontinued in North America in 2003. And the slim PS2 (SCPH-70000), introduced in late 2004, removed the internal drive bay that the Linux kit requires.
Re:Yes but... (Score:2)
Linux doesn't necessarily imply easy homebrew (Score:1)
the ps3 runs linux natively
True, the PlayStation 3 console is said to run a Linux operating system, but if it doesn't include a linker, and third party linkers don't work due to inability to add Sony's digital signature, then it's just as "Linux based" as a TiVo DVR.
Re:Linux doesn't necessarily imply easy homebrew (Score:2)
the fact that they claim linux runs natively on it could be a ruse i admit, but who cares? the people that will mind the most will
-tepples, havent argued with you in a while... where have you been? i almost thought you'd stopped fol
Cost effective? (Score:1)
when has the lack of direct linux support held the homebrew community back from developing a version of linux that runs on it?
If it costs more to mod a console to run Linux or NetBSD than it does to buy a comparable PC that can boot a well-known Linux or *BSD distribution, then running Linux on that console isn't cost effective. With the new version 1.6 Xbox consoles and the removal of vulnerable copies of MechAssault from the retail chain, Microsoft appears to have succeeded in plugging a lot of the ho
Re:Cost effective? (Score:2)
im sure the linux community is itching to see what the cell can do. so far the ps3 seems pretty pc-like as is. keyboard and mouse support, usb peripherals, bluetooth, connects to a monitor, etc etc etc...
wait a sec... was the 1.6 xbox comment a swipe at the xbox 360? LMAO!!!!
Re:Cost effective? (Score:1)
but where can you find a comparable pc with a cell chip inside? and for under $600?
Until the PS3 retail unit is demonstrated to be unlocked out of the box, or until it is unlocked using a mod chip, the appropriate price comparison is not the PS3 retail unit but the PS3 development kit plus the cost of drafting a business plan to gain access to the PS3 development kit.
was the 1.6 xbox comment a swipe at the xbox 360?
No, it was a swipe at the original Xbox. But now that you bring up the Xbox 360, th
Re:Yes but... (Score:1)
Re:Yes but... (Score:2)
Computing in the 80's (Score:1)
The full interview here (Score:4, Interesting)
And here's one for the ages:
When we launched Playstation in 1994 we introduced the concept of real-time computer-generated 3-D-graphics for the first time. When Nintendo released the N64 in 1996 and they had real-time CG 3-D-graphics, did you hear us say, "Nintendo, you've stolen our idea?" Of course not. These innovations are things that become possible because of a combination of technology, price and manufacturing capability.
What you say !! Does Starfox ring a bell? What about Battlezone? Not only are they denying that they obviously based they idea off of Nintendo's, but they're taking credit for 3D graphics... Do these people even listen to themselves?
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
Wolfenstein 3-D (1992) - http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/wolfenstein-3d [mobygames.com]
Doom (1993) - http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/doom [mobygames.com]
I guess those aren't true polygonal 3D games though (they used tricks to simulate it, as I recall, which limited the engines a bit). I can't think of an example of a texture-shaded polygonal 3D PC game from 1994 or earlier, but I'm sure some exist. Quake was around the same time, but I don't think it was earlier.
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/alone-in-the-da
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
Re:The full interview here (Score:1)
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/star-fox-/scree nshots [mobygames.com]
Here's a PC game from 1991 that used a similar quality of flat-shaded polygon graphics:
http://www.mobygames.com/game/epic/screenshots [mobygames.com]
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
The shareware version of Descent [mobygames.com] came out in December 94, but a couple of weeks after the PlayStation.
The Sega Saturn came out a couple of weeks before the PS, but I don't know if it had any 'proper' 3D titles on launch.
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
Sony also seems to be forgetting that shortly after the N64 launch is when they released the first dual shock controller... hmm lifting Nintendo's ideas isn't even a new conce
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
Quake came out in July of 96.
Star Fox, which was released in 93, was the first to actually render a 3D environment on a home console.
I can't think of any PC games that did it prior to Star Fox, though I know Virtua Racer was released in 92.
Re:The full interview here (Score:1)
Re:The full interview here (Score:1)
Arctic Fox [wikipedia.org]?
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
I can't think of any PC games that did it prior to Star Fox, though I know Virtua Racer was released in 92.
Elite [wikipedia.org], 1984.
Re:The full interview here (Score:1)
Both were true polygonal 3D games. But yet Sony invented it in 1994. Because they are SONY.
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
The games you listed used polygons that were shaded but not textured.
Re:The full interview here (Score:1)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driller_(game) [wikipedia.org]
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
Microsoft Flight Simulator had flat-shaded polygons up to v5.0 in 1993, when textures were introduced.
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
I'm 90% sure Rowan's "Operation Overlord" was textured, and I'm 100% sure Origin's "Wing Commander: Armada" was textured. Both of those were released months before the Playstation was launched.
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
the saturn was released earlier, but they [sega] admitted to throwing in the 3d capabilities last minute in response to sony announcing their ps1 graphical specifications. the jaguar, sega cd, 32x and 3do were also capable of light 3D, but those were all machines for sprite pushing; they were not dedicated to 3d processing although they had the ability to.
the sega cd showcased 3d gr
Re:The full interview here (Score:3, Insightful)
When we launched Playstation in 1994 we introduced the concept of real-time computer-generated 3-D-graphics for the first time. When Nintendo released the N64 in 1996 and they had real-time CG 3-D-graphics, did you hear us say, "Nintendo, you've stolen our idea?" Of course not. These innovations are things that become possible because of a combination of technology, price and manufacturing capability.
What you say !! Does Starfox ring a bell? What about Battlezone? Not only
Re:The full interview here (Score:2)
Finally! (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Finally! (Score:1)
Re:Finally! (Score:2)
Re:Finally! (Score:1)
Re:Finally! (Score:1)
Is Slashdot shorting Sony stock too? (Score:1)
VAIO? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:VAIO? (Score:2)
Oh, good! (Score:3, Funny)
Still, it's a distinct step up from my Family Computer [wikipedia.org].
And the less said about my Entertainment Computer System [wikipedia.org], the better.
(Translation: The "our console will also be a computer!" lie is older than quite a few of the people who will read this post, and older than many of the customers Sony is targetting. Believe it when you have the computer hardware and general-purpose, useful software in your hands and running in your living room and doing something useful, and not one second earlier.)
Re:Oh, good! (Score:2)
I prefer to believe it when it happens in someone else's living room first. $700 is way too much to spend on something I don't believe in yet.
Lies... (Score:1, Interesting)
and Nintendo almost certainly has done likewise with something similar.
He's talking about how the N64, in 1996, "stole" 3D graphics from the 1992 PSX, ignoring the fact that Starfox (SNES) and (of course) Saturn already had 3D graphics.
Re:Lies... (Score:2)
the saturn came out first, but sega admittedly added 3d processing ability to the saturn in response to the ps1's just announced tech specs.
Re:Lies... (Score:2)
Plus the PC had been doing 3D game for quite some time too!
Yes it is hyperbole, but (Score:1)
Re:Yes it is hyperbole, but (Score:2)
Maybe we need a comparison between the PS3 and a human brain...
http://www.ps3411.com/show/news/12/0/PS3_1_as_Pow e rful_as_Human_Brain.html [ps3411.com]
Re:Yes it is hyperbole, but (Score:2)
PS3 1% as powerful as the human brain?!, yeah, and my ass is rated at 4 teraflops.
That means, that a supercomputer rated at 200 teraflops (based on the PS3's claimed 2 Tflops) is equivalent to the human brain. So, when Blue Gene/L [ibm.com] is complete, it'll be 1.8x as powerful as the human mind. Can you smell it yet?
At least one thing is for sure, Blue Gene/L (or the PS3) will never be able to run on cheetos and coffee.
Re:Yes it is hyperbole, but (Score:2)
I have no problem believing that Blue Gene/L will be 1.8 times as "powerful" as a human brain. But it still won't pass the Turing Test.
We'll get there, though.
Re:Yes it is hyperbole, but (Score:1)
This may sound silly-- (Score:3, Interesting)
"You know, Sony really has fucked themselves pretty good. First they pulled this whole embarassing PSP trick, now they're trying to sell the average person a $600 game machine."
Then suddenly I thought of something. With a hard drive, Linux, broadband, keyboard, mouse and HDTV and or a VGA display, the PS3 is a pretty nice little computer.
Maybe Sony will be attempting to not exclusively compete for space under the television but ALSO on the desk?
Once upon a time there were people who had their Commodore 64's hooked up to televisions because they couldn't afford monitors or because they really didn't see the need since they only used them to play games anyway.
If the PS3 finds itself being purchased by people who want a "powerful computer" but don't need the full range of computing accessories (printers, desks, computer chairs, etc) the days of the living room computer may be making a come back.
I can easily see poeple with a PS3 in their living room, browsing the web, downloading music, playing games, and even possibly chatting/blogging/emailing on a PS3.
On the other hand, the PS3 might just do piss poorly and make Sony rethink their strategy for the PS4.
256M RAM Supercomputer??? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:256M RAM Supercomputer??? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2)
Re:This may sound silly-- (Score:2)
Also, see the last line of text in my post.
Didn't Sony say exaclt the same... (Score:1)
Typical Sony, trying to overhype. It makes you wonder who falls for this...
Who would want a multifunctional computer... (Score:2)
Remarkable (Score:1)
Re:Remarkable (Score:2)
Keyboard + mouse? (Score:1)
Re:Keyboard + mouse? (Score:2)
Re:Keyboard + mouse? (Score:1)
Re:Keyboard + mouse? (Score:2)
Of course they didn't copy the Wii controller! (Score:1)
More seriously, it's entirely possible that instead of being motivated by copycatism, Sony changed to the DualShake controller due to their bleak prospects in the suit filed against them concerning their DualShock patent infringement.
Re:Of course they didn't copy the Wii controller! (Score:2)
If nothing else the motion control makes for a poor er
GOOD!, yes good excuse as to why it went from shock to shake.
Time for an upgrade (Score:1)
In Other News.. (Score:2)
Re:In Other News.. (Score:2)
Not polar bears.
Re:In Other News.. (Score:1)
Is that the truth? (Score:1)
The truth is that, when Sony saw what Nintendo was doing, the completely redesigned their controller, and DROPPED a feature, to put in accelerometers. Further, the company that you had demo the "new" technology for you didn't find out about the motion sensing features until a week before the biggest event in videogame history.
There is simply no way that Sony has been working on this for any extended period of time. Having to
Misinterpretation - he was talking about online (Score:3, Informative)
"SPIEGEL ONLINE: Speaking of online, Microsoft has just announced "Live Anywhere", an integrated Windows-Xbox-Mobile environment. Is that something you're worried about because you don't have the same access to the PC market as Microsoft does?
Harrison: No, it doesn't concern me and I don't think it concerns the consumer either. Once you adopt a game system as your primary entertainment device, that's what you want. We think that Playstation 3 is the place where our users will be doing their gaming, their movie watching, their Web browsing and a lot of other computer entertainment functions. That will satisfy them. Playstation 3 is a computer. We don't need the PC."
Taken from: http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1
Note the last part of the interviewer's question, and the last part of Harrison's answer, and it starts to make sense. Quite typical that a Sony exec's comments have been taken out of context and misreported, in my opinion - it's happening a lot lately.
Re:Misinterpretation - he was talking about online (Score:2)
Re:Misinterpretation - he was talking about online (Score:1)
We = Sony (Score:2)
I don't think that's accurate. He was saying the PS3 will be the primary entertainment platform, including for online entertainment, for most of its users (he specific refers to entertainment functions) and that, therefore, Sony doesn't need to have a presence in the PC universe to compete with Microsoft's "Live Anywhere" to make the PS3 competitive with the Xbox 360 in overall exp
Re:Misinterpretation - he was talking about online (Score:2)
"We think that Playstation 3 is the place where our users will be doing their gaming, their movie watching, their Web browsing and a lot of other computer entertainment functions. That will satisfy them. Playstation 3 is a computer. We don't need the PC."
Emphasis Mine. Did it never come to him that people do more than entertainment on computers?
Harrison = Itagaki (Score:1)
Re:Harrison = Itagaki (Score:2)
Re:Harrison = Itagaki (Score:1)
On Biohazard / Resident Evil 4:
Re:Harrison = Itagaki (Score:2)
What the hell?? (Score:3, Insightful)
They got a web-browser or any other software I might want? It's a Sony product, so I doubt I could rip CDs with it. Can I get iTunes for it? What about my tax software, has that been ported? Inkscape? Google Earth?
That man needs to be significantly whacked with a clue-stick. Because the PS3 doesn't do what a PC does. Not by a long shot. Or did he mean just for gaming?
Why on Earth would anyone claim that a locked down, non-upgradeable, lacking-an-operating-system or software system is superior to a PC?
Flippin' wierd if you ask me!
Re:What the hell?? (Score:1)
The main OS has a web browser actually.
"Why on Earth would anyone claim that a locked down, non-upgradeable, lacking-an-operating-system or software system is superior to a PC?"
Well it does come with Linux on the HDD
But I agree with Anonymous earlier about this being a case of crossed wires. I think he was talking about where the PC fits into their online strategy i.e. it doesn't.
Re:What the hell?? (Score:2, Interesting)
The main OS has a web browser actually.
In which one can probably run AjaxTax, taking care of gstoddart's tax software complaint.
Well it does come with Linux on the HDD ;)
But can it run executable programs that have not been signed by Sony?
Wow (Score:3, Funny)
At least you wouldn't have to worry about DirectX (Score:1)
By definition, all games would automatically work, since they have to be PS3 compatible.
Additionally, you know you'd get browser support, as most websites can't ignore hundreds of millions of consumers, if they did choose to use the PS3 instead of a PC.
Now, that said, I still think you'd be better off
Consoles and PCs (Score:2)
Consoles really have turned into stripped down PCs. It's gett
Porn is coming to PS3? (Score:1)
there is a lot of people who do that all day long.. so if they would replace their computer with a PS3, this would be a great selling point!
LOL
I really really really hope he's right.... (Score:2)
"We do not need the PC" (Score:2)
Re:Wow... (Score:2, Funny)
It's just one thing after another with Sony. I'm beginning to wonder if this is some kind of extended version of Punk'd.
yes - but... (Score:2)
That's not what he's saying - NOBODY was sitting about trying to decide whether they should buy a PS3 or a PC
This is like him saying buying a PS3 will make your requirement for oxygen obsolete.