Sony PlayStation 3 console launch in November

Sony to also launch an online service, along with the gaming console.

26 March 2006
SAN JOSE, INDIA

Sony Corp. has said it will start a new online service in early November, media reports said.
The new online service, slated to have its debut along with the PlayStation 3 console, is aimed at providing services to enable users to buy game downloads and communicate with other players through the web.

The basic service has been internally christened by Sony Corporation as PlayStation Network Platform.

Phil Harrison, president of Sony Computer Entertainment worldwide studios, revealed at a briefing for game developers that the service will be provided free of cost.

It may be recalled that the world’s largest software maker, Microsoft, had introduced its X-box console in November last year.

Analysts say Microsoft’s Xbox live subscription service has been a success. Microsoft’s competitor Sony, which is also a leading entertainment firm, wants to protect its dominance in the video game market with the PlayStation 3 console, after it sensed the success of formidable rivals like Microsoft.

Sony has, however, not provided details about its pricing strategy for the PlayStation 3 console and the number and feature of games it will provide on the console.

Sony also plans to feature voice and video conferencing capabilities on its online service.
Sony sees a demand of one million units for its new console and is confident of meeting the requisite numbers.

Sony’s strategy is also to use its vast resources of film and music libraries and integrate it into its gaming consoles.