Coming this fall: The 160GB PS3

If news of an upgraded PSP wasn't enough for you, how about a new PS3 bundle? Sony has announced a 160GB PS3 that will hit stores in November for US$500. The limited-edition system will also include the rumble-ized DualShock 3 controller and two games: Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and (via a voucher for the PlayStation Store) Pain.

Sony was less specific on other details, but the presence of just two USB ports on the spec sheet would seem to indicate that this is basically a "Core" model with a bigger hard drive--which means no built-in flash card reader, and no backward compatibility with PS2 games.

The addition of the 160GB model comes as the 40GB Core PS3 is being replaced by an 80GB Core model--meaning anyone buying the entry-level PS3 will soon be getting twice the capacity for its US$400.
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Sony BDP-S350 coming soon

Have you checked out our Sony BDP-S350 review yet? This Blu-ray player is unique in the sense that it's easily the sleekest unit around, featuring just half the depth of its peers to be exact. It's almost future-proof, too, with a promised BD-Live (Profile 2.0) firmware upgrade and USB storage expansion option. For the less patient crowd, there's even a Quick Start function to power up the player within 6 seconds, as well as a faster disc-loading time.

According to our Sony insider, the BDP-S350 should be launched in Singapore within the September and October time frame. Availability for the rest of Asia and pricing are not available at the moment, but we'll keep you folks updated once we receive more news from the company.

Photo credit: Sony

PS3 Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour instruments interchangeable

CNET sister-site Gamespot is reporting that instruments for the games Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour will work universally with either title on PlayStation 3. In addition, the peripherals will also work with games like Rock Revolution and SingStar.

SCEA director of publisher relations Michael Shorrock was quoted saying: "For the past several months, we have been working closely with Neversoft and Activision, Harmonix, and Konami to ensure that PlayStation 3 guitars and drum sets will all feature a basic level of gameplay compatibility."

While this interchangeable functionality was already confirmed for the games on Xbox 360, there was little word on whether a similar fate would play out for the PS3 hardware. This, of course, is a significant development for the gaming audience who chooses to purchase both rhythm-based games as now they won't need to buy both sets of instrumental hardware. On whether the equipment will work with current versions of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, Shorrock replied: "We hope to have an announcement on that shortly."

Rock Band 2 will have limited exclusivity with the Xbox 360 in September. PS3, Wii, and PS2 versions will then ship before the end of the year. Guitar Hero: World Tour is scheduled for a release on all platforms sometime this fall.

Via Crave CNET

StarHub to launch true video-on-demand

It's taken three years, but StarHub cable TV subscribers will finally get true video-on-demand (VOD) services starting Wednesday. Previously, the Singapore telco offered what it called near VOD, where subscribers could only tune in every quarter hour for their show selection to begin.

True VOD will quite literally put TV viewing control at customers' fingertips 24/7. Patrick Lim, head of Cable TV Services, Services & Solutions, stated at today's press briefing that "near VOD was a good indication to us to open up a wider range of content… Today's customers really want control and convenience". Though Lim declined to divulge figures, StarHub's Q2 2008 report back in June disclosed that Pay TV revenue had jumped 25 percent to S$102 million from S$82 million, with the customer base up 3 percent to 511,000. Unspoken as well is the fact that there's keen competition in the form of SingTel's mio TV, albeit transmitted via IPTV.

Among the more obvious changes affecting customers tomorrow will be the HubStation settop box. Previously for retail (at S$599.20 with GST, no contract), this will now be offered for rental only at S$8.45 (with GST) per month. Lim explained that this is intended to make the hardware more affordable and accessible to the public.

What's free: For a limited period as well, those wishing to trial the HubStation can do so for free till end September.

Content-wise, there will be two categories of on-demand services: VOD for one-off purchases, and On Demand Channel for unlimited library access at a flat monthly subscription. Take heed that you'll still have to subscribe to at least three Basic Groups before taking on additional channels or packages.
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Hi-tech PC, retro shell

Damn, I sure miss the cool 1990s arcade machines such as the three-player Beast Busters and the bloody Mortal Kombat. They are probably antiques or regarded as prized collectables nowadays, but if you'd like to relive the good old days, there's the Retro Space. This is a life-size replica of the real deal loaded with 100+ classic games and emulators including Pacman and etc, complete with authentic joysticks and colored buttons.

Powering this retro piece is a high-tech Intel Core 2 Duo computer and a huge 24-inch LCD screen capable of delivering stunning full-HD visuals. Other juicy addons includ wireless networking such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, plus a high-power 180W hi-fi system. Oh, the whole system looks pretty compact judging from its shallow depth, perfect for the bedroom and lounge. If you're interested, drop the designer a note here to enquire or order.

Via Retro Thing | Photo credit: Retro Space

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