PlayStation 3 update brings automatic downloads to all PSN users, more Vita sharing options

PlayStation 3 update brings automatic downloads to all PSN users, more Vita sharing options

Sony’s next-generation console may be nearing its launch date in some parts of the world, but the Japanese company isn’t forgetting about its aging PlayStation 3 just yet. With an update that’s due to roll out in the next few hours, the PS3 will no longer limit automatic firmware downloads to PlayStation Plus subscribers, a definite plus for non-paid PlayStation Network users. What’s more, version 4.50 also brings additional privacy settings to trophies and the ability to transfer data from the PS3 to PS Vita via a WiFi connection. It may not be the beefiest of updates, but sometimes keeping things short and sweet is just what the doctor ordered.

Update: 4.50 is now available.

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Via: Polygon

Source: PlayStation Blog

PlayStation 4’s game recording and streaming features not tied to PlayStation Plus

PlayStation 4's game recording and streaming features not tied to PlayStation Plus

Sony’s PlayStation 4 allows any owner to stream, record and share game footage with or without a subscription to Sony’s PlayStation Plus service. That stands in stark contrast to Microsoft’s admission yesterday that the aforementioned features (and some other functionality) won’t work on its Xbox One without a subscription to Xbox Live Gold.

SCE Worldwide Studios head and extremely active Twitter user Shuhei Yoshida answered as much when asked by fans directly if Sony’s upcoming next-gen game console would require a PS Plus membership for recording and streaming gameplay, as well as watching streaming content (such as Hulu or Netflix). He flatly stated “no” when asked about the Plus requirement, and elaborated that all users will have that functionality. That’s a reflection of the current state of PlayStation Plus on PS3 and PS Vita, neither of which require PS Plus membership for media streaming or online play. Most online multiplayer on PS4 will require a Plus membership, unlike the Vita and PS3. In any case, though Yoshida’s answers are short, we appreciate the black and white messaging — something Sony’s rival could be doing a much better job of at the moment.

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Via: DualShockers

Source: Twitter

PlayStation Plus adds monthly subscription option for $10, discounts Music Unlimited to $42

PlayStation Plus adds monthly subscription option for $10, discounts Music Unlimited to $42

PlayStation Plus offers do come around every now and then, but Sony has just announced a more permanent addition to the service: the option of a $10 (or 7 euro) monthly membership to supplement the regular 90-day and annual subscriptions. The lack of commitment comes at quite a price, given that the longer contracts bring the the effective monthly cost down to $6 and $4 respectively, but it may still make sense for flighty types. Anyway, once you’re in, you’ll find a secondary, time-limited offer: an annual Music Unlimited Premium subscription for $42 (42 euros), which is okay, but nowhere near the discount offered in 2012. Those who remain outside of Sony’s inner circle can also temporarily get 12 months of Music Unlimited for $60, or half of the usual cost. Lastly, a few more E3 crumbs: the PlayStation Network is now officially called “PSN”, which is pretty much what we called it anyway, and PlayStation Plus also gets a new logo (shown after the break, not that it’s especially shocking.), reflecting reflect its heightened status in the PS4 era

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Source: Sony (PDF)

PS4 to require PS Plus membership for multiplayer play

PS4 to require PS Plus membership for multiplayer play

Sony is delivering mixed blessings here at E3: while it’s more than willing to avoid DRM on the PlayStation 4, it just echoed Microsoft’s approach to multiplayer services. You’ll now need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online. That may be a small price to pay when both Plus and the PS4 itself are cheaper than Xbox Live and the Xbox One, but it’s an unfortunate extra cost for those used to getting their multiplayer gaming for free.

Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.

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PlayStation Plus membership will carry over from PS3 to PS4

PlayStation Plus membership will carry over from PS3 to PS4

Just moments after baiting Microsoft with the PlayStation 4’s less restrictive DRM policies, Sony announced that existing PlayStation Plus memberships will apply to all Sony gaming devices for no additional fee. “Members will have access to all the benefits across PlayStation 3, Vita and PlayStation 4 for one price,” Tretton explained, sweetening the deal by outing a few of the free titles subscribers could expect to see in the coming year: Don’t Starve, Outlast and Secret Ponchos. Naturally, Tretton summed up the PS Plus’ major services as a steal at $5 a month — just remember to buy in bulk, kids.

Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.

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Sony discounting one year of Music Unlimited Premium to $12 for PlayStation Plus members, $60 for everyone else

DNP Sony discounting one year of Music Unlimited Premium to $12 for PlayStation Plus members, $60 for everyone else

Looking to get your Jazzy Jeff on at the family Thanksgiving get-together? Starting on November 20th, Sony will reward its loyal PlayStation Plus members this holiday season by offering a year of its Music Unlimited Premium service at the discounted rate of $12. Regularly priced at $10 per month, this plan allows users to stream ad-free music across multiple devices, including: PS3, PSP, PS Vita, PC, Mac, iPod, iPhone, Android devices and more. For those without a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can pick up the service at a reduced premium of $60 for the year. Since Sony hasn’t detailed how long this promo will run, we suggest that you move swiftly if you’re looking to take advantage.

Continue reading Sony discounting one year of Music Unlimited Premium to $12 for PlayStation Plus members, $60 for everyone else

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Source: Sony

PlayStation Vita launches PS Plus service on November 19th, free for existing PS3 subscribers (video)

PlayStation Vita launches PS Plus service on November 20th, free for existing PS3 subscribers

Wrapped up in the Sony handheld’s version 2.0 update, the PlayStation Vita is finally getting PS Plus. Detailing the offering for European users, the subscription-based service will add four free games per month, with the launch line-up including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Gravity Rush and Chronovolt. Like its big console brother, you can expect to see discounted titles, free demos and other content arrive alongside full titles. Your Vita will also be able to tap into cloud storage for game saves, with an additional 1GB of space added for the portable console. If you’re already paying for PlayStation Plus on your PS3 ( three months at $18 or a one-year plan for $50), you’ll pick up the service for free on your Vita starting November 19th (and the 20th in Europe), provided they’re linked to the same PSN account. There’s a quick video outline (and the European press release) right after the break.

Continue reading PlayStation Vita launches PS Plus service on November 19th, free for existing PS3 subscribers (video)

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PlayStation Vita launches PS Plus service on November 19th, free for existing PS3 subscribers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Store redesign goes live in Australia, Europe and New Zealand with a rocky start

PlayStation Store redesign goes live in Australia, Europe and New Zealand with a rocky start

Sony vowed a long (long, long) overdue PlayStation Store remake starting this week, and it delivered just that today with launches in Europe as well as Australia and New Zealand. As promised, the PS3 shop’s cleaner design scales more elegantly from standard to high definition, brings more intelligent searching and makes it easier to find everything related to a given game. We still wouldn’t be too eager to dive in just yet, as there’s been hiccups early on — the sheer amount of traffic has reportedly brought the new store to a crawl, on top of teething issues with adding funds and recognizing PlayStation Plus memberships. Sony has promised fixes, but we’re suddenly not feeling so bad about having to wait for that October 23rd North American launch.

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PlayStation Store redesign goes live in Australia, Europe and New Zealand with a rocky start originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Plus added to Vita this November, existing users already in

Sony pushing PlayStation Plus to Vita this November, existing users already in

PlayStation Vita owners will get access this November to the promised PlayStation Plus program, previously exclusive to Sony’s PlayStation 3 console. Like on PS3, Vita PS Plus subscribers will get “free games, receive discounts for select titles, and enjoy other benefits unique to the service.” Sony detailed some of those unique benefits on its US blog, including “Instant Game Collection” (free games), “Discounts” (um … discounts), “Online Game Storage” (1GB of cloud storage for game saves and DLC), “Automatic Updates” (auto-start and download/install of game demos and updates), and “Automatic Trophy sync” (which syncs your earned Trophies to PSN). In so many words, it’s exactly what you get on the PS3, but on the Vita. When it launches this November, it’ll come in a few pricing options: 90 days for $18 or one year for $50 (30 day subs are locked to Asia). Folks who already have subscriptions on the PS3 will get PlayStation Plus on Vita included in their existing subscription, which seems perfectly swell if you ask us.

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PlayStation Plus added to Vita this November, existing users already in originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Plus cloud storage boost landing ‘soon’ with system update v4.25

If you’ve been sat impatiently tapping your fingers on the desk waiting for that extra PlayStation Plus storage, then you might want to give that hand a break. According to the PlayStation blog, it’s coming, and soon. The capacity bump will come in PS3 system update v4.25, and once installed, you’ll just need to head over to the Saved Data Utility under the XMB’s Game column to see it. Our friends over at Joystiq have pushed Sony for a more concrete time on the update’s release, but if you’ve already maxed out that current 150MB, there’s light at the end of the cloud tunnel.

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PlayStation Plus cloud storage boost landing ‘soon’ with system update v4.25 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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