From engadget.com:
[QUOTE]
Although Sony announced that the updated 80GB PS3 "Core" configuration would come to the States in September, it looks like other parts of the world will be getting it a little earlier -- Sony Computer Entertainment Europe chief David Reeves told reporters last night that the new SKU would hit Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand on August 27th. Worldwide pricing wasn't announced, but Sony confirmed that the new model would cost £299 in Britain and €399 in Europe.
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Full Story: engadget.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From the press release:
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PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™), led by the launch of the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 bundle, continued to experience tremendous momentum in June 2008, selling 405,488 hardware units - 84% higher than Microsoft's Xbox 360 (according to NPD June 2008 sales data). PS3 year-over-year hardware sales growth exceeded 311% in June, with month-over-month growth exceeding 94%.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, exclusively for PS3, was the best-selling title on any platform in June 2008, with 774,647 units sold. More than 2.4 million software units were sold for PS3 in June, representing an increase of more than 300% from this time last year. (Software totals do not include software units sold as part of the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 retail bundle).

* The launch of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots kicks off the beginning of a blockbuster software line-up for PS3 in the back-half of the year, including highly-anticipated exclusive titles such as SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Confrontation, Resistance 2, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, NBA ‘09: The Inside and LittleBigPlanet to name a few. These monster titles promise to further drive PS3 sales into the holiday season and beyond.
* The PLAYSTATION®Network community continues to grow in popularity with more than 10 million registered accounts worldwide and 180 million pieces of content downloaded worldwide.

The PlayStation brand continued to generate impressive sales, earning $626.7 million in June.
· Year to date (Jan-June), the PlayStation brand generated almost $2.9 billion in revenue, representing an increase of 24% year-over year.
· PlayStation total hardware revenue was $265.5 million in June, representing a year-over-year growth of 90%.
· PlayStation total software revenue in June was $298 million, representing a year-over-year growth of over 52%.
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Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From psu.com:
[QUOTE]
The Home Beta will be made available to Europe and the US simultaneously, it was revealed last night.

During a press conference in Santa Monica, SCEE President, David Reeves, said the online 3D community service would arrive "with the same specs, same support and at the same time in autumn 2008." He went on to say that an exact date for its release would be announced by SCEI "very shortly."
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Full Story: psu.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

Here are the North American hardware sales for June 2008:
Nintendo DS: 783K
Wii: 666.7K
PlayStation 3: 405.5K (MGS4-effect ;))
PSP: 337.4K
Xbox 360: 219.8K
PS2: 188.8K

Metal Gear Solid 4 sold 774.6K copies (not including hardware bundled copies).

Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Sources have indicated to GamesIndustry.biz that Sony Europe boss David Reeves is due to announce that the 80GB PlayStation 3 will be released in Europe shortly.

At SCEE's European press event in Los Angeles this evening, it's expected that Reeves will confirm the new SKU, with a release period close to September 2008 - the date the 80GB model will become standard in North America.
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Full Story: gamesindustry.biz
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

Xorloser released a new tool for the PS3
[QUOTE]
This is a PS3 loader for IDA, it lets you open PS3 elf/self/prx/sprx files in IDA.
I highly recommend you use this with the PPC-Altivec plugin also available on this site.

!!!! THIS DOES NOT DECRYPT ANY FILES !!!!

That means that for now this loader will ONLY work on unencrypted files.
There are a few such files "in the wild" that have been found on sony update servers and such.

As well as loading the supported PS3 filetypes in both 32bit and 64bit vesions of IDA this
also resolves and sets up all imports, exports and syscalls. It also only supports PS3 PPU files
as the PS3 SPU CPU is not supported by IDA at this time.
[/QUOTE]

Official Website: http://xorloser.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today launches the company's new video delivery service on PLAYSTATION(R)Store for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) systems in the United States. Consumers will have the ability to download full-length movies, television shows, and original programming accessible through the PLAYSTATION Store on PLAYSTATION(R)Network. With nearly 300 full length movies and more than 1,200 TV episodes, many available in both standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD), PLAYSTATION Network's video delivery service makes PS3 the ultimate entertainment platform and enhances PSP's status as a portable entertainment marvel. PLAYSTATION Network's video delivery service will become available later this evening.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) will initially make available to consumers content for video rental and electronic sell-through from top movie studios including: 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate Entertainment, MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros. Entertainment as well as titles for rent from The Walt Disney Studios and a wide-ranging menu of popular titles from a variety of television partners.

"PLAYSTATION Network's video delivery service capitalizes on the superior value and entertainment potential of PS3 and PSP -- not only for gaming enthusiasts, but also for the millions of consumers looking to buy the best, most versatile solution for their home entertainment system," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The collaboration of Sony's film, TV and entertainment business units, coupled with our hardware and content offerings, provide consumers with entertainment experiences unlike any on the market."

The video delivery service will have full integration in the PLAYSTATION Network, utilizing the same login, wallet management, and user interface of the newly revamped PLAYSTATION Store. Video will be categorized, for example, by top rating, alphabetical order, television shows, and movies and content is also fully searchable, for example, by title, producer, studio and cast. In addition, PS3's progressive downloading means users can view content shortly after the downloading process begins. Background downloading is also a feature of PS3, allowing users to access other platform features such as gaming and other XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar) content while a video is downloading to their consoles.

20th Century Fox's "Jumper", Lionsgate's "3:10 to Yuma", MGM's "Rocky", Paramount Pictures' "Cloverfield", Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man", and Warner Bros. Entertainment's "10,000 B.C." are a few of the titles available for electronic sell-through on the video service at launch. Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" will also be available for rent. Additionally, SCEI will be introducing original exclusive content such as Xam'd: Lost Memories, an anime series developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, delivered in SD and HD.

Consumers who rent a movie from the video delivery service have 14 days to watch the content. Once content playback is started, consumers have a full 24 hours to enjoy their rental. Pricing for rental movies at launch ranges from $2.99 to $5.99, and pricing for purchased movies ranges from $9.99 to $14.99. Sony has also adopted Marlin Digital Rights Management technology, an open industry standard for protecting and managing digital content, to provide consumers with flexible access to their content while ensuring digital rights are protected. Usage rules of the video download service will allow content for purchase to be shared on multiple activated devices including PS3 and PSP systems per PLAYSTATION Network account, depending on the type of content purchased by the user.

One of the biggest value propositions of PLAYSTATION Network's video delivery service is the ability to transfer digital content onto the PSP from the PS3. For the initial electronic sell-through or rental price, consumers can also transfer content onto multiple devices. The connectivity between PS3 and PSP platforms provides a seamless solution for those looking for entertainment experiences on their own terms -- on the go or in their living room -- all with a new-found freedom of not having to worry about TV schedules, movie listings or viewing on a desktop PC.

Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today unveiled a broad line up of software for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)), PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable), and PLAYSTATION(R)Network during a press event to kick off the annual E3 Media & Business Summit 2008. In addition to revealing new content for over 20 first-party software titles previously announced, SCEA gave attendees a look at over 10 never before seen titles including PS3 system titles God of War(R)3 and MAG, Ratchet & Clank(R) Future: Quest for Booty for PLAYSTATION Network and Resistance: Retribution(TM) for the PSP system. An extensive look into Resistance 2(TM), the highly anticipated sequel of PS3 launch title, Resistance: Fall of Man(R), was given by Insomniac Games President Ted Price to kick off the show.

"The PlayStation family of products is unsurpassed in 2008 with a lineup of exclusive content for all platforms developed by the best and brightest development teams in the world," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We are dedicated to driving the industry forward leveraging our technology and development resources to offer consumers a wide variety of innovative titles, from casual games to hardcore games."

PS3 titles showcased during E3 2008 include Sony Computer Entertainment's next generation open world adventure inFamous from Sly Cooper creators Sucker Punch Productions; LittleBigPlanet(TM) which allows players to create, play and share entire game levels via PLAYSTATION Network; the wild tropical racing action of Motorstorm(TM): Pacific Rift from Evolution Studios; the much speculated God Of War 3 in full 1080p high definition; NBA'09: The Inside featuring the detailed and engaging NBA experience both on the court and behind the scenes; the ultra realistic "Theater of War" epic, Killzone(TM) 2 from Guerilla Games; and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, the return of the defacto online shooter experience with up to 32 players.

The highly-acclaimed Ratchet & Clank(R) series makes an appearance with a fresh title created specifically for PLAYSTATION Network by Insomniac Games, Ratchet & Clank(R) Future: Quest for Booty. Other original content available through PLAYSTATION Network was also on display, granting guest access to previously unseen footage of the experimental PixelJunk(TM) Eden from Q-Games, independent gaming experience of Flower, the episodic Siren: Blood Curse and previously unannounced games like Crash Commando and Fat Princess.

SCEA also announced some of its most entertaining titles making their portable premieres on the PSP system with the quiz show fun of BUZZ!(TM) Master Quiz, an updated and portable version of the classic arcade game Super Stardust Portable and sequels to two of the most innovative platform action games to hit PSP; LocoRoco(TM)2 and Patapon(TM)2. Unveiled to the public for the first time was Resistance: Retribution(TM), a third person shooter developed by SCEA's Bend Studio based in the Resistance universe and featuring a proprietary control system designed specifically for the PSP system.

In addition to SCEA's robust first-party line-up, PlayStation fans will have further reason to get excited about expanding their game libraries as over 350 new titles from their publishing partners will be released this fiscal year for the PS3, PLAYSTATION Network, PSP and PlayStation(R)2 systems, encompassing industry leading franchises as well as new intellectual properties from Capcom(R), Midway(R), NAMCO BANDAI GAMES AMERICA, and Sega(R). Exclusive titles that will only be found on the PS3 system this holiday season include Valkyria Chronicles(TM), a ground-breaking tactical RPG from SEGA(R)'s Japan Studios; Naruto(TM): Ultimate Ninja Storm(R) from NAMCO BANDAI GAMES AMERICA which introduces full 3D ninja combat and all-new free-roaming gameplay; and Disgaea 3, a new twist on the Disgaea battle system in 3D from NIS America, Inc. Activision(R), Bethesda(R) Softworks, Electronic Arts, Lucas Arts(TM), Ubisoft(R), and Take Two Interactive also provided attendees with an inside look on how their development teams were utilizing the power of the PS3 system for some of this year's most highly-anticipated titles including Call of Duty(R): World at War, Quantum of Solace: The Game, Fallout 3, Madden NFL 09, Star Wars(R): The Force Unleashed(TM), Far Cry 2, Prince of Persia: The Fallen King(TM), and Bioshock.

PS3 system owners looking for a bargain can celebrate as SCEA introduces the PS3 Greatest Hits program beginning July 28. With 10 titles as the initial inductees, PlayStation fans have the opportunity to experience the best titles created for the platform at a reduced price of $29.99. The initial titles into the Greatest Hits program include Warhawk(TM), Motorstorm(TM) and Resistance: Fall of Man(R) from SCEA; Call of Duty(R) 3, Activision(R); Need for Speed: Carbon, Electronic Arts; The Elder Scrolls(R) IV: Oblivion(TM), Bethesda(R) Softworks; Ninja Gaiden(R) Sigma, Tecmo(R) ; Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six(R) Vegas and Assassin's Creed(TM), Ubisoft(R)

First party games shown during the event included:

PLAYSTATION 3
BUZZ!(TM) Quiz TV
God of War(R)3
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue
Heavy Rain
inFamous
Killzone(TM) 2
LittleBigPlanet(TM)
MAG
Motorstorm(TM): Pacific Rift
NBA '09 The Inside
Resistance 2(TM)
SingStar (TM) Volume 2
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation

Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

The briefing has now ended ... here are some of the headlines for the PlayStation3.

* Sony will release Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest For Booty as downloadable game on PSN. Due this summer, priced at $14.99. 2 other new PS Network titles announced: Crash Commando (a multiplayer jetpack shooter) and Fat Princess (a multiplayer action title).
Little Big Planet is coming in October 2008.

* Sony introduced a new PlayStation Network feature people have been waiting for for some time now: purchasable and rentable movies and TV shows in both standard and high definition (not all titles are available to buy or in HD tho).
And you won't have to wait, the service will launch directly tonight! (but only in the US we guess ...) and Sony already has many studios on board: Sony Pictures, Fox Film/TV, MGM, Lions Gate, Warner, Disney, Paramount, Turner and Funimation.
TV shows will be priced at $1.99.
Movie rentals will sell for $2.99 to $5.99.
Movie purchases will be sold for $9.99 to $14.99.
The content will also be 'fully' portable, so you watch the movies and shows you downloaded on PS3 on your PSP!

* Gran Turismo TV introduced - racing video content coming to Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, shows like BBC's Top Gear and other original content in Hi Def. Launches August 1st.

* There will be a PC (web) interface for the PlayStation Network, so you access your and do stuff like message your friends from any PC with a internet connection.

* New service in partnership with Google for the PS3: "Life with Playstation". It's a news and weather service accessible directly from the XMB and it will be available by the end of July 2008.

* New PS3 Greatest Hits titles for North America ($29.99): Resistance, Motorstorm, Warhawk, Call of Dury 3, Fight Night Round 3, Need For Speed: Carbon, Rainbow Six: Vegas, Assassin's Creed, The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion and Ninja Gaiden Sigma.

* The 40GB PS3 will be replaced by a 80GB version this fall. It will be called the '80GB Core Pack' as it will have the same features as the current 40GB system and not like the 'old' 80GB pack with PS2 BC and 4 USB ports. Price will stay at $399.99 ... so basically you'll get double the HDD space for the same price. Oh yea ... the sixasis will be replaced by a DualShock 3 too of course.
Can their SKUs get any more confusing?

* 2 new big titles confirmed/announced for PS3: God of War III and MAG (Massive Action Game).
MAG is an PS3 exclusive squad-based shooter supporting up to 256 players divided in 8 player squads.

Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From psu.com:
[QUOTE]
Following the shocking news of Final Fantasy XIII going multiplatform, Square Enix has taken the opportunity to address its plans in regards to keeping Final Fantasy Versus XIII exclusive to the PlayStation 3.

In an interview with Square Enix Executive Shinji Hashimoto, it was revealed that not only will the game remain a PS3 exclusive, but game director Tetsuya Nomura (Parasite Eve and Final Fantasy VII) is developing another game outside of Versus called "One Goal Spirit."
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Full Story: psu.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From ps3fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
The announcement was heard all around the world: Final Fantasy XIII on Xbox 360? No way! Well, today's Square Enix E3 press conference clarified a few details. First: Final Fantasy XIII is still a PS3-exclusive ... at least in Japan. According to Kotaku, Square Enix exec Shinji Hashimoto told reporters: "I think you are right [in assuming that (the Xbox 360 version) is not coming out in Japan.]" It will only appear on Xbox 360 in English-speaking territories.

In addition, Final Fantasy XIII will release in Japan first -- and then will be localized for the international audience. That means Japanese gamers will enjoy FFXIII on PS3 long before the rest of the world will see it go multiplatform.
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Full Story: ps3fanboy.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com