From Dean Takahashi on venturebeat.com:
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For the first time in a few years, I'm not one of the E3 judges who evaluate the best games of the video game industry for GameCriticsAwards.com. Not to worry. I've filled up my schedule and I won't have to try to see every single big game. But I'm a game fan at heart and I'll be going to the show not just to write about business, but to evaluate the best games from my own point of view. Here are my picks for the "most anticipated" games of the show. This post is much more in tune with my old job of being a game reviewer. But you can expect me to voice my opinion on the best of what I see. It's a good exercise to give readers a flavor for where the innovation is strongest in the $50 billion video game industry, which is finally drawing its share of high-caliber financial investors.

* Fallout 3 (PC, Xbox 360, PS 3)
* Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360)
* Wii Music (Nintendo Wii)
* Spore (PC, Mac)
* Resistance 2 (PS 3)
* LittleBigPlanet (PS 3)
* Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360, PS 3)
* Final Fantasy XIII (PS 3)
* Fable 2 (Xbox 360)
* Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PS 2, PSP, DS)
* Halo Wars (Xbox 360)
* Tomb Raider Underworld (Wii, PS 2, PS 3, Xbox 360, PC, DS)
* Rock Band 2 (Xbox 360, PS 3, Wii)
* Call of Duty: World at War (PC, Xbox 360, PS 3)
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Full Story: venturebeat.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From next-gen.biz:
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Sony's chief financial officer Nobuyuki Oneda told investors on Friday that the company was more focused on achieving profitability than increasing PS3 market share.

"Our strategy is not to sell more quantity for PS3 but to concentrate on profitability," said Oneda, according to Smart Money.
"Our plan is not to reduce the price."
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Full Story: next-gen.biz
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From the press release:
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Leading gaming peripherals manufacturer, Nyko Technologies, today provided a sneak peek at its new lineup of products to be on display during next week's E3 Media & Business Summit, taking place July 15th through July 17th. The new product debuts fulfill a line of gaming peripherals recently shipped to market and soon to be released, spanning Nintendo's Wii home console, the Xbox 360, and PlayStation3.

The following new products will be on display at the Nyko exhibition booth in Room 505B of the West Hall:

* Media Hub for PS3 - August 2008
The all-new Media Hub from Nyko attaches to any available USB port on the PS3 and enables the connection of three additional USB devices including flash drives, PSP, MP3 players and additional controllers. Its form-fitting design matches the contour of the PS3 for a clean look. Expected to ship this August, the Media Hub requires no tools or internal modifications, draws its power directly from the PS3, and easily installs in just seconds.

* Intercooler TS for PlayStation 3 - September 2008
Another innovation for this powerful system, the Intercooler TS for the PlayStation 3 also features easy snap-on installation, an AC power supply, and new temperature control technology which will be announced during E3. In addition, four powerful fans reduce ambient air temperature to help keep your system cool and running at peak performance.
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Full press release: teamxbox.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

Dragon Electronics released 2 new accessoiries for the Playstation3:

* 2.4GHz Wireless Duo Shock 3 Controller 2
A very complete wireless controller that is compatible with Playstation 3, Playstation 2 (adapter included) and PC. It is packed with features such as rumble, wireless DVD remote control, 2.4GHz operating mode and more!
Specifications :
- 3D mega vibrator
- 2.4Ghz wireless mode
- Operating range: up to 8 meters
- Comes with analog/digital/dual shock/dual shock 2 function
- Automatic detect and case up 2.4Ghz wireless channel function
- Compatible with PS3, PS2, PSOne and PC action/shooting/ fighting/AVG/RPG/sport and any racing games
- Built-in PS2 wireless dvd remote control function
- 4 controllers can be used simultaneously

* 40G Cooling System for PS3
Built-in 5 high efficient and reliable mega power fans to speed up the air circulation and prevents the console from overheat thus prolongs its life span.
Specifications :
- Easy to set up
- Power wind and without noise
- All-in-one design
- 2 compensate USB slots
- No batteries required
- Built-in led indicator
- Built-in 5 mega power fans

Official Website: http://dragon-electronics.co
Buy Now: 2.4GHz Wireless Duo Shock 3 $23 | 40G Cooling System $13
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From joystiq.com:
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A Wal-Mart spreadsheet allegedly listing products that the company is having difficulty stocking states that the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." We received this sheet from an employee that's sent us solid information in the past though s/he can't confirm the origin of the note that the model will be replaced. Of course, in the eternal battle over semantics, "replaced" could simply mean some minor tweaks to the model and the addition of the DualShock 3.
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Full Story: joystiq.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From the US PS Blog
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Hi, everyone. As many of you know, we released PS3 firmware update v2.40 last week, but had to take it offline temporarily because, for a limited number of users, the XMB wouldn't display after the update was installed. We've been able to fix the problem, and I'm happy to report that firmware update v2.41 will be released shortly.

We want to extend our apologies to the PlayStation community for any inconvenience. Now we'll be looking forward to seeing everyone online and racking up those trophies!
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Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

Here's an official statement from SCEE:
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The PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system software version 2.41 is now available for update from July 8, 2008. With this update, we have fixed the problem that prevented a limited number of PS3s from activating properly after updating to version 2.40, when certain system administrative data were contained on the HDD.

For those users who have updated to version 2.40 and have experienced the problem that XMB™(XrossMediaBar) is not appearing, or no images are displaying on the screen, please contact Customer Service.

We have confirmed that for those users who have successfully updated to the version 2.40 and are able to activate the PS3 system, this problem will not occur on your PS3.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you and appreciate your understanding and continued support.
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Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From gamesindustry.biz:
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Sony's president of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida has confirmed he will soon be based back in Japan, to contribute to the company's future products and direction.

The move follows the promotions of Michael Denny to senior vice president of Worldwide Studios Europe, and Scott Rohde to vice president of Worldwide Studios America.
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Full Story: gamesindustry.biz
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From eu.playstation.com
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Please be aware that there is planned PLAYSTATION®Network maintenance on:
Wednesday 07:00 - 13:00 BST.

During the maintenance, some users might be unable to sign in to PSN, whilst others who have previously signed in (before the maintenance has started) might suffer disconnections.
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News-Source: eu.playstation.com
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From next-gen.biz:
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Sony customer support has now told our friends at CVG that a new firmware update fixing the problems will be released "midweek", although Sony has yet to make an official announcement on the subject. We've contacted the firm for confirmation of the report.
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Full Story: next-gen.biz
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com

From next-gen.biz:
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The firm told MCV that it's planning to make regular shipments of the long-awaited PS3 pad now that it's finally been released, but that early DualShock 3 supply levels are likely to be tight.

"It's going to be a close call as to whether we can guarantee enough stock for everybody day one," said Mark Howsen, SCEE's UK sales director. "However, we'll be making regular shipments thereafter, in order to satisfy demand."
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Full Story: next-gen.biz
Discuss on our forums: forums.ps3scene.com