Sony reveals PlayStation Network 2008 plans – digital media download, original content

Now that you’ve probably seen the new interface of the PlayStation Store, Sony believes it’s about time to let us in on their PlayStation Network plans for the whole year. He talks about content coming to PSN and some other features to be added to the network. Head over the whole article to start munching on these fresh details for your PlayStation 3.

With the new interface design for the PlayStation Store already revealed to us, Sony thinks it’s about time to tease us with more details about what to look forward to in the PlayStation Network. Apparently, the PS Store redesign is just the first step.

Over at the PlayStation Blog, Sony’s Peter Dille provides a rundown of their PlayStation Network plans for 2008. According to him, it all starts with the following key priorities:

• The PlayStation community;
• Free online gaming;
• Digital media download services; and
• Original content.

Some of you may know that today marks the arrival of Gran Turismo 5: Prologue and that Echochrome will follow in May. Using them as examples, Dille maintains that content is the most important PSN aspect of all. To further emphasize that point, Dille reconfirms SOCOM Confrontation, WipEout HD, and the indie game flOwer.

Now if you’ve always wanted to download full-length TV shows and movies through your Sony PS3, the wait may not last that long. Dille confirms that North American PS3 users will have this video service. No details are available as of  yet. Dille mentions that the video service will be unique so it is possible this may not even be BBC’s iPlayer.

Dille’s not done yet. Knowing the soft spots of the PS3 community, he tells us that Sony is working hard on the in-game XMB and that PlayStation Home will definitely arrive in 2008. Nothing new there but his reassurance never hurts.

On a last note, Dille informs us that the North American PlayStation Network cards are now in the hands of retailers in denominations of US$ 20 and US$ 50. That gives you another option to access your PSN – we’ll just have to wait and see if Sony will indeed make it worth a visit. Updates as QJ.NET gets them.