With Sony staking the world with 3D, the PlayStation Blog has just been updated informing their users what we can expect with the next update.
The last update saw Sony start the 3D revolution with their first foray into the world of 3D, and now they are ready to launch the new PlayStation Plus, which is a new subscription service that will allow users to “expand and enhance your gaming service” all for a nominal fee of course.
Many PlayStation users won’t be happy to hear that they will have to pay for extra content, as one of the main differences between Xbox live and the PlayStation Network is that Sony made theirs free. But from the mega success of Xbox Live it is obvious that Sony can’t compete with their free service, so that’s why they are looking to charge. You’ll still be able to play online for free, but if you want extra stuff it’s going to cost.
Multimedia seems to be Sony's target on this one, as they also added a Video editor and uploader feature, which will allow you to edit, save, and upload video files stored on your PS3 to Facebook or YouTube.
There's also a new Photo Gallery feature, which is a network based photo sharing feature. This new enhancement will allow you to upload, browse, and comment on pictures on Facebook and Picasa. It's a shame that it doesn't work with Flickr yet, but maybe for the next version.
The PS3 has also gone green, with a built in power save feature. The default setting is to turn the console off automatically after 2 hours, however this is customisable, and there are additional power save options to further improve the "green" credentials of the PS3.
Rumours are flying all over the internet that the new subscription service will allow users to get their consoles updated autonomously and you’ll no longer have to wait for the dreaded firmware updates. For us, this should be free – but Sony obviously needs to cover their costs.
It would seem that Sony’s whole ethos of free gaming is slowly eroding and we think that the PlayStation Network will become an subscription service within a couple of years. After all Xbox users don’t complain about the £40 subscription fee as they get the best online service available and it is great value for money. And Sony’s is as good as your going to get for free.
So what do you think about having the PlayStation Network as a subscription service ? Have your say below…..
Via PlayStation Blog
One thought on “PlayStation Firmware Update Coming Soon with Plans of a Paid Subscription Service for the PSN”
I am lucky enough to wown an xbox and a ps3 and for me what is missing on psn is streaming video content. In the UK on xbox we get a few different IGN offerings each month along with the official xbox mag stuff and a couple of xbox live offerings. I just hope that the premium psn content is as good if not better. I will definitely be a subscriber though, at least for a month.