Consumer Electronics Daily News

PlayStation 4 Sales Surpass 5.3 Million Units Worldwide

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) is accomplishing much with its new console: the PlayStation®4 (PS4™) computer entertainment system has cumulatively sold through more than 5.3 million units^*1 around the world as of February 8, 2014 (JST), and is continuing to demonstrate strong growth and momentum. 

"I am thrilled that so many customers around the globe have continued to select PS4 as the best place to play throughout and beyond the holiday season," said Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "We are delighted that according to  the NPD Group's latest data, PS4 was January's top-selling console in the United States.  The PS4 system's momentum just keeps growing stronger, and we are extremely grateful for the continued passion and support of PlayStation® fans.  February 22 sees the launch of PS4 in Japan, and I'm looking forward to Japanese fans sharing the excitement of the deep social capabilities and entertainment experiences only possible on PS4."

*1 Number of retail sales to consumers is estimated by SCEI. PS4 sales data in North America and Latin America collected11/15/2013 – 2/8/2014.  Europe and Asia collected 11/29/13 – 2/8/2014.

Gran Turismo 6 Launches Exclusively On PlayStation3

Gran Turismo® 6 (GT6) has been released exclusively for the PlayStation®3 system. Polyphony Digital Inc., developer of 'the real driving simulator' that has inspired millions around the world, has delivered the most authentic experience on any console to date to celebrate the franchise's 15th Anniversary. Complete with the most realistic physics engine and massive online functionality, GT6 offers a staggering collection of more than 1,200 of the world's best cars and 37 tracks, featuring seven new venues that include the iconic Silverstone Circuit,Australia's Mount Panorama and Spain's Ascari Race Resort.

Gameplay features include:

• Expansive Roster of Cars – More than 1,200 cars, with 120 new cars being added to the line-up in GT6. Fans can expect an even greater selection of cars now included in the game, including historic cars, road cars and the latest race cars from popular series such as the FIA GT3, Le Mans Series, World Rally Championship and Nascar. For an out-of-this-world experience, players will also be able to unlock a special event featuring the unique Lunar Rover vehicle.
• World Famous Circuits – From the Nurburgring to the beautiful scenery of Andalucia, to a neon-lit original Kart course,Gran Turismo continues to recreate wonderful tracks, adding brand-new, real-world tracks such as Silverstone Circuit, Ascari Race Resort, Goodwood Hillclimb, Willow Springs International Raceway, Brands Hatch and Australia's Bathurst Mount Panorama circuit as well as original circuits including Gran Turismo Arena, Matterhorn and a revised Apricot Hill Raceway.
• Riveting Online Gameplay – Players of Gran Turismo 6 will be able to participate in online races and communicate with players from all over the world in the network rooms. A forthcoming update will also add a community feature that is compatible with mobile devices.
• Regular Updates Enhance and Expand GT6 – The game is set to evolve and develop with regular updates adding new features, functions, cars, tracks and other content.

"2013 has been a banner year for PlayStation 3 with Sony Worldwide Studios delivering some of the highest regarded games on any console," said Asad Qizilbash, Senior Director of First Party Games Marketing at Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We are excited to continue that legacy with the launch of the legendary Gran Turismo 6. Polyphony Digital Inc. continues to challenge the boundaries of the racing genre, firmly establishing Gran Turismo as an automotive brand in itself."

To celebrate the launch of GT6, Polyphony Digital Inc. has worked with some of the world's most cutting edge brands to launch programs such as GT Academy and Vision Gran Turismo. GT Academy, first developed as an unprecedented program with Nissan to unearth real racing talent from Gran Turismo gamers and turn them into professional racers, has spawned a slew of successful champions. The 2013 season is airing now.

Vision Gran Turismo is another ground-breaking partnership announced earlier this year with 28 global automotive and other brands to create new car projects, underlining Gran Turismo's unique standing in the automotive world. Mercedes-Benz revealed a full-scale model of its AMG Vision Gran Turismo car at the LA Auto Show, and new teaser sketches from Red Bull'sX2014 series have also been revealed. The program celebrates 15 years of Gran Turismo and owners of GT6 can look forward to being the first to try cars that represent the future of driving. Participating companies includes: Alfa Romeo, Alpine, Aston Martin, Audi, Bertone, BMW, Daihatsu, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Honda, Infiniti, Italdesign, Jordan, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nike, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, SRT(Chrysler), Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Zagato.

Gran Turismo 6 continues to be at the forefront of delivering stunning new cars first to its fans before they arrive at showrooms. At the GT6 launch event at the Ascari Race Resort in Spain, BMW unveiled the M4 Coupe which will go on sale in 2014. The camouflaged version of the yet-to-be-launched BMW M4 Coupe will come to life in Gran Turismo 6 after a free update shortly after launch. 

Gran Turismo 6 is available at retailers for $59.99 USD.

Compatible Steering Controllers for Gran Turismo 6:
Guillemot Thrustmaster T500 RS, Logitech Driving Force GT, GT Force Pro, G27 Racing Wheel, G25 Racing Wheel, GT Force RX, GT Force, Driving Force

Angry Birds Star Wars Released For Home And Handheld Gaming Systems

Rovio Entertainment Ltd. and Lucasfilm Ltd., in association with Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc., today launched Angry Birds™ Star Wars® for home and hand-held video game systems. Based on Rovio's wildly popular, action-strategy mobile game, Angry Birds Star Wars brings the interstellar struggle between the ragtag Rebel Birds and dastardly Imperial Pigs to new audiences on the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PlayStation Vita handheld entertainment system, Nintendo's Wii™ and Wii U™ systems and the Nintendo 3DS™ handheld system. Angry Birds Star Wars is also planned to launch on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Sony's PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, when these new next-gen consoles arrive in November.

"Angry Birds Star Wars brings together fans from multiple generations and across two widely loved fictional worlds," noted Jami Laes, Executive Vice President of Games at Rovio Entertainment. "The success of Angry Birds Star Wars is a testament to the versatility of these iconic franchises. As a company we want to be where-ever the fans are, so we are thrilled to be partnering with Activision to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to console and handheld gaming fans."

Angry Birds Star Wars marries the fantastic spirit, legendary characters and classic imagery of Star Wars™ with the accessibly engaging design and energetic gameplay of Angry Birds, thrusting players into a captivating, lighthearted adventure saga, featuring inventive challenges, tantalizing Force powers and a wealth of familiar faces and places. Twenty exclusive, newly created levels join the more than 200 stages already available from the original mobile release of Angry Birds Star Wars. This latest version brings the flock to the fight with the introduction of cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, letting players team up or square off for high scores and galactic bragging rights. Moreover, this expansive edition exploits the unique capabilities of each game system to deliver a distinctive experience tailored specifically to each platform, including sharp and colorful, high-definition visuals (on HD-compatible devices), achievements and trophies, leaderboards, voice command support through Kinect for Xbox 360, and touch-screen controls on Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation®Vita system.

The next-generation versions of Angry Birds Star Wars maintain these core features while introducing new play and interface elements exclusive to each system. The PlayStation 4 system's adaptation makes full use of the DualShock 4 controller's touchpad to offer precision, touch-screen handling, paired with full support for PlayStation Move in both single-player and local multiplayer modes. Players can also easily record and share their accomplishments with the world with the PlayStation 4 system's automatic screenshot and video capture options. Angry Birds Star Wars on Xbox One also allows for automatic video capture and online sharing, while adding all the benefits of the system's improved Kinect for Xbox One functionality, affording intuitive gesture and motion controls, as well as voice command support. The Xbox One iteration of Angry Birds Star Wars also includes unique, timed challenges that deliver fresh trials for players well after the game's launch.

Angry Birds Star Wars is available now for a suggested retail price of $49.99 for Wii U, $39.99 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, PlayStation Vita system and Wii, and $29.99 for Nintendo 3DS. The PlayStation 4 system and Xbox One versions will be available for each console's respective launch in November, both priced at $49.99. The game is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB. For more information, please visit starwarsgame.angrybirds.com.

Strategy Analytics: Previous Peak Sales Out of Reach for Next Gen Consoles

Next generation game consoles will provide a short-term lift to the industry, but offerings from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft will fall short of matching peak sales levels experienced late last decade. The Strategy Analytics Consumer Home Devices (CHD) service report, "Game Console Sales Forecast: 2005-2017," predicts a 15 percent year-on-year drop in game consoles sales in 2013, down to 28 million even as PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One hit store shelves in mid to late November 2013.
With the console war reigniting in less than a month, Strategy Analytics predicts that the PS4 will have an early sales advantage due to several unforced PR errors with the gaming community on the part of Xbox One. "In the long run, however, we expect Xbox One to make up some lost ground against PS4 as consumers begin to realize the full range of multimedia capabilities the device has to offer. While we expect Xbox One to outperform PS4 in the US market, we don't anticipate a significant loyalty shift away from PlayStation in Japan and Europe," analyst Eric Smith added.
Signs have not been favorable for the game console segment as Wii U has struggled to sell one million consoles in the first nine months of 2013 due to a lack of blockbuster titles thus far. In comparison to the Wii U, the value propositions for PS4 and Xbox One are markedly different, and Strategy Analytics expects solid early demand for the new console platforms in the 3 to 4 million unit range each. Overall, game console market demand is expected to peak in 2016, although sales will be down 33 percent from highs reached in 2008.
"While Wii U, Xbox One, and PS4 hold the promise and technological prowess to transform gaming in the living room, this may only benefit core gamers," stated David Watkins, Director of the Connected Home Devices service. "Casual gamers are sufficiently happy with cheaper gaming options on more ubiquitous devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and digital media adapters, which will naturally depress the highs the industry achieved with the Nintendo Wii."

Sony Computer Entertainment Announces PlayStation App

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced that it will release PlayStation®App, a new application for mobile devices, on November 13, 2013 in North America, and on November 22, 2013 in Europe. PlayStation®App will be available free of charge.  

PlayStation App can be downloaded onto various mobile devices, such as iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android™ based smartphones and tablets, from the App Store and Google Play. Once installed, these devices can be used as second screens in supported PlayStation 4 (PS4™) titles, and users can easily access PSN(SM) features such as Friend Lists and Trophies. Furthermore, users will be able to exchange messages with members of their Friends List, and browse through news and information on the official PlayStation website. PlayStation App comes with a variety of features that allow users to seamlessly access and enjoy the world of PlayStation.

The following features are available on PlayStation App:

• Directly access various PSN features and information
  • Users can access their own profile screen.
  • Users can access/compare their own and friends' Trophy accomplishments.
  • Exchange messages between PS4 systems, PlayStation3 (PS3™) systems, PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) systems, and mobile devices installed with PlayStation App.
  • Access and filter friend profiles.
  • Notify users about their friends' shared activities on "What's New".
  • Notify PS4 users when they receive any new notifications or game invitations. Users can also display their lists of game items.
• Browse the official PlayStation website and access information

Users can access the PlayStation official website to browse through news, blogs and game information. The language and content of the website will depend on the country the user's Sony Entertainment Network account is registered.

• PS4 Second Screen Feature

Users can install PlayStation App on to their mobile devices to use as a second screen in supported games.  For example on THE PLAYROOM, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation Camera, users can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game. 

• Spectate other PS4 users' gameplay

When users' friends upload or begin live streaming their gameplay on PS4 systems, the friends' activities are displayed on "What's New" of the PlayStation App screen.  When users tap on this notification, they can boot pre-installed applications, such as browsers, to spectate the uploaded gameplay.  Users can also post comments on gameplay screenshots, footage and live streams.   

• Purchase game content on PlayStation®Store

Users can purchase game content while away from home and download it directly onto their PS4, PS3, and PS Vita systems.

• Use a mobile device as a simple remote to control the PS4 system

Scuf Gaming Signs on to Develop Controllers Optimized for PISTON Console

Xi3 Corporation today announced that it is co-developing with Scuf Gaming new designs and options for gaming controllers optimized for Xi3's PISTON™ Console.

Scuf Gaming is one of the leading independent manufacturers of gaming controllers. Its SCUF hybrid controllers have become the default controllers for pro and elite gamers in first-person shooter and sports games and are one of the only controllers certified for use in the majority of the world's competitive gaming leagues, including MLG, EGL, ESL, Reflex, WGL, and Gfinity.

"We're experts in building the world's smallest and most powerful gaming systems, and when it came time to develop controllers customized for PISTON, there was never any question about where we should look," said Jason A. Sullivan, Founder, President and CEO of Xi3 Corporation. "In their short history, Scuf Gaming has developed a very well-deserved reputation as one of the elite controller designers/manufacturers on the planet, and we're very pleased to be working with them."

"Innovative design coupled with customizability—these are two of the core principles applied at Scuf Gaming, qualities that are also very apparent with Xi3 and its PISTON Console," said Duncan Ironmonger, CEO and Co-founder of Scuf Gaming. "The PISTON Console has built incredible excitement in a very short time frame, and we're very excited to team with Xi3 on this co-development effort."

Additional details about the relationship between the two parties and/or Xi3's controller plans were not released at this time.

Xi3 Announces General Availability Date for its PISTON Console

Xi3 Corporation today announced that its PISTON™ Console will be available for purchase beginning on Black Friday: November 29, 2013. Xi3 customers who pre-ordered a PISTON Console during or before the SXSW 2013 Gaming Expo will receive their PISTON Consoles on or before November 15, 2013.
"The PISTON Console is just Xi3's first step in what we believe will be a transformative technology revolution for the Living Room," said Jason A. Sullivan, Xi3's Founder, President and CEO. "Unfortunately, I can't tell you what I know is coming because it's not time to tell you. But I will say this: the bar has been raised. PISTON is smaller, lighter, and will last longer, provide more gaming options and be more powerful than any other gaming console on the planet. The reason I feel confident in saying this is because we started with a clean slate, unlike competing manufacturers. And that tabula rasa approach is what sets PISTON apart from other gaming systems today and what will set us apart tomorrow.
"That's why I've decided we'll provide the first public preview of production PISTON Consoles at the Interop New York trade show this week at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Journalists and Interop attendees are invited to come by booth #401 on either Wednesday or Thursday (Oct. 2—3) to try out PISTON for themselves."

PISTON Storage Capacity Doubled, Optimized Gaming Traffic & Pack-in Titles Coming
As part of today's PISTON General Availability announcement, Xi3 also revealed additional information about its PISTON Consoles. Specifically, storage capacity for PISTON Consoles has been doubled; PISTON's Ethernet controller has been optimized for gameplay traffic, and PISTONs will ship with pre-loaded "Pack-in" titles. 
Previously, Xi3 announced that PISTON utilizes internal solid-state SSD storage and that PISTON Consoles will ship standard with 128GB of SSD storage. Xi3 further revealed today that it has been able to double the potential SSD storage capacity of the PISTON Console by adding a second SSD connector within its PISTON design, as well as a separate, internal microSD slot. This second SSD connector gives PISTONs the capability of more than 1TB of super-fast (6Gbps) solid-state storage.
Xi3 has designed the PISTON's Ethernet controller to recognize and prioritize computer gaming data to the top of PISTON's network queue. Such data traffic prioritization will further speed-up response times for PISTON gameplay. Additional details about optimized gameplay data traffic will be revealed at a future date.
"With the latest and greatest games—whether played solo, against your buddy, or in online MMO titles—those extra milliseconds provided by PISTON's optimized gaming traffic can mean the difference between victory or death," Sullivan explained. "PISTON's solid-state drives also mean you'll be able to load games faster than ever before, making your overall experience even better. In addition, by adding a second SSD to their PISTONs, users will be able to load a second operating system onto their machines, including the newly announced SteamOS."
Xi3 also revealed today that the company will ship PISTON Consoles with "pack-in" gaming titles pre-loaded onto its PISTONs. Details about publisher and developer partnerships, as well as a list of pack-in titles, will be released before Black Friday.
"Our goal is to set a new standard for the gaming world with the PISTON Console," Sullivan said. "It's so small and lightweight, it can easily fit in the palm of your hand. The PISTON has also been designed to be modular from the ground up, which means we've built it so it can be easily updated and upgraded—no other gaming console manufacturer has ever done that.
"Additionally, PISTON was built for super-fast gaming by utilizing SSD storage and prioritizing gameplay traffic. PISTON also gives you three ways to play — at your desk, in your living room, or via a virtual reality setup. And you can still play with a controller or via keyboard and mouse; you decide. And naturally, we'll ship PISTONs pre-loaded with pack-in games. The bottom line is I can't wait to get this into the hands of gamers everywhere 'cause I know they're gonna love it."
Built on the modular and patented Xi3 Computer Architecture, the PISTON Console is housed in a grapefruit-sized, matte black aluminum chassis with chrome trim. The PISTON Console comes equipped with a quad-core x86-based 64-bit processor integrated with 384 programmable discrete class graphics cores capable of running the most popular games. PISTON further supports up to 4K-resolution (4096x2160 pixels) and provides users with the ability to run three high-definition monitors or displays simultaneously to provide a fully immersive gaming experience.
PISTON Consoles are available for pre-order today at $999.00 at http://xi3.org/buy_now-piston.php. Additional PISTON details will be released between now and Nov. 29.

Nintendo's Hiroshi Yamauchi Dies, Aged 85

The man responsible for bringing Nintendo's video games into global relevancy and demand has died at age 85. At the time of his death, he ran the Nintendo firm for 53 years (from 1949 to 2002) and was the company's second-largest shareholder. Yamauchi was president of Nintendo during the release of the NES, SNES, the Gameboy, the N64, and the Gamecube.

"In that time, he took what was a small-time collectable trading card company and built it into one of the most recognisable-- and successful-- video games brands today," says Dave Lee, BBC Technology reporter.

"He understood the social value of play, and economic potential of electronic gaming. Most importantly he steered Nintendo on its own course and was unconcerned by the actions of his competitors. He was a true visionary."

Rob Crossley, Associate Editor of Computer and Video Games magazine, told the BBC: "You cannot overestimate the influence the man had on the games industry."

Under Yamauchi's direction, he hired Shigeru Miyamoto (maker of Donkey Kong), who was responsible for bringing Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Starfox to households everywhere in the world. Yamauchi remained on the Nintendo board of directors, overseeing the launch of the Wii console and then retiring in 2005.

 

Girl Scouts of the USA and Dell Release Be the Video Game Developer, Available to All Girls

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has received a two-year, $600,000 grant for its Journey and Connect Through Technology program from the Dell Powering the Possible Youth Learning Initiative and is now releasing Be the Video Game Developer, an interactive experience that puts girls in the driver's seat of video game development.

Through Be the Video Game Developer, girls consider what they would like to see in video games and make selections accordingly—choosing avatars, storylines, and other video game features. They learn ideation, critical thinking, and teamwork skills to help them feel like creators in the game design process. Girl Scouts and Dell believe that Be the Video Game Developer will encourage girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math by exposing them to the exciting world of video game development. The program builds on Dell's commitment to personalized learning for all students to help them to realize their academic goals.

Trisa Thompson, VP of Corporate Responsibility, said, "Our partnership with Girl Scouts highlights our commitment to truly 'powering the possible' so that girls can succeed in school, work, and life. We believe that Be the Video Game Developer will empower and provide unique opportunities for girls to acquire knowledge and skills to utilize in future STEM careers."

"We are thrilled to partner with Dell to bring girls a unique and exciting opportunity to design and create their own video game experience," said Anna Maria Chávez, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the USA. "Today's girls are digital natives, as comfortable in front of computer screens and smartphones as adults. Be the Video Game Developer lets girls delve deeper into the world of technology, learning vital new skills and discovering their own creativity in a manner both engaging and interactive. As we face a future of ever-expanding opportunity in science and technology, Girl Scouts and Dell are partnering to create a girl-led learning experience that will drive more girls into these groundbreaking new fields."

On September 18, 2013, GSUSA and Dell will convene a think tank on innovation in today's gaming industry as it pertains to girls, and the key skills girls need exposure to in order to succeed. At Game On: Girls and Technology, a live audience will be treated to an exciting think-tank session of industry insiders and girls discussing the past, present, and future of video games and girls.

There will also be a live, interactive demonstration of Be the Video Game Developer, during which girls and audience members will contemplate what they would like to see in video games and make selections accordingly—choosing avatars, storylines, and other video game features.

Be the Video Game Developer is part of GSUSA's Journey and Connect Through Technology program, and plays an essential role in introducing girls to ICT concepts and helping them gain skills that promote critical thinking.

Dell has been involved with Girl Scouts for more than 10 years and has worked extensively with the five Girl Scout councils that will receive the game upon launch. Dell team members have provided valuable mentorship, volunteering their time and expertise to these councils, which include Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital, Girl Scouts of Northern California, and Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma.

GSUSA is the only organization, out of 50 charities managing 34 programs, to receive a two-year commitment from the Dell Powering the Possible Youth Learning Initiative. The initiative provides $2.4 million to charities nationwide.

Sony PS Vita TV: A Surprise Innovation

Sony surprised everyone today with an announcement for the new Sony PS Vita TV. The product will initially be available in Japan and selling for $95 US, which puts it in Apple TV's price range ($99). 

The device performs the same features as the Apple TV and Roku, but also works as an extension of the PS Vita and PS4. A small slot in the front of the PS Vita TV allows for PS Vita games to be played on a big TV screen with a playstation controller. Like its counterparts, it streams TV and Movies-- the Youtube video didn't hint much at the user interface, so no word on how it stacks up to the clean and easy-to-navigate Roku. Finally-- and here's the kicker-- the PS Vita TV can wirelessly stream PS4 games to any TV in your house that has a PS Vita TV hooked up to it.

Check out the demo video below and get stoked!