More details on the PS3 online service

Okay, we’ve given you a few details here and there about the PlayStation Network, like the game titles available online, how it’s integrated into Full Auto 2: Battlelines, and even the interview with Kaz Hirai, where he said that the PS3 was built from the ground up to be online.

We know you might be having an information overload syndrome already, but remember, all this info will come in handy in helping you maximize your PS3 usage once you get your hands on one. So without further ado, here are more details on PlayStation Network:

Communication: This one we’ve already mentioned in previous articles, but if you weren’t able to catch them, the PlayStation will enable text and voice chat as well as video communication. The Remote Play feature in the XMB interface will allow PS3-PSP connectivity for media sharing.

PlayStation Store: Users will create a “unique and secure” PlayStation profile and use some sort of an electronic wallet to buy online content. Unlike the system on Xbox Live Marketplace or the Wii’s online store, you can use real money in the PlayStation Store. Funds from your credit cards or gift card-like PS3 cards can be added to your PS Network accounts. The PS Store will also be accessible even while you’re in-game, so there’s no need to log out of a game should you have a sudden urge to go shopping.

Also, game demos and downloadable games (as long as they’re small) can be re-downloaded up to five times on multiple PS3 units using the same account. Downloadable first-party casual games that are exclusive for download and play on PS3 such as Blast Factor, will cost US$15 at launch.

Web Browsing: Users will be able to browse the web, store pictures and video clips (and view them of course), as well as download and listen to music using your PS3s. The web browser will come with the PS3 package and can be used for free.

Parents will also be glad to know that the PlayStation Store will have an ESRB (Electronic Software Rating Board) system, allowing them to put restrictions and set what their kids can purchase online. Hirai said that the PS3’s online and hardware features won’t be going anywhere any time soon, and that they “…intend to lay a foundation for the next 10 years. This is an entertainment system we call future proof.”

Okay, we’ve given you a few details here and there about the PlayStation Network, like the game titles available online, how it’s integrated into Full Auto 2: Battlelines, and even the interview with Kaz Hirai, where he said that the PS3 was built from the ground up to be online.

We know you might be having an information overload syndrome already, but remember, all this info will come in handy in helping you maximize your PS3 usage once you get your hands on one. So without further ado, here are more details on PlayStation Network:

Communication: This one we’ve already mentioned in previous articles, but if you weren’t able to catch them, the PlayStation will enable text and voice chat as well as video communication. The Remote Play feature in the XMB interface will allow PS3-PSP connectivity for media sharing.

PlayStation Store: Users will create a “unique and secure” PlayStation profile and use some sort of an electronic wallet to buy online content. Unlike the system on Xbox Live Marketplace or the Wii’s online store, you can use real money in the PlayStation Store. Funds from your credit cards or gift card-like PS3 cards can be added to your PS Network accounts. The PS Store will also be accessible even while you’re in-game, so there’s no need to log out of a game should you have a sudden urge to go shopping.

Also, game demos and downloadable games (as long as they’re small) can be re-downloaded up to five times on multiple PS3 units using the same account. Downloadable first-party casual games that are exclusive for download and play on PS3 such as Blast Factor, will cost US$15 at launch.

Web Browsing: Users will be able to browse the web, store pictures and video clips (and view them of course), as well as download and listen to music using your PS3s. The web browser will come with the PS3 package and can be used for free.

Parents will also be glad to know that the PlayStation Store will have an ESRB (Electronic Software Rating Board) system, allowing them to put restrictions and set what their kids can purchase online. Hirai said that the PS3’s online and hardware features won’t be going anywhere any time soon, and that they “…intend to lay a foundation for the next 10 years. This is an entertainment system we call future proof.”