Top Five PlayStation 3 Tips and Tricks

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Syed Hassan

Introduction:

In our not-so-ancient post on the Top Five XBox 360 Tips and Tricks, we discussed our five favourite XBox 360 secrets that Microsoft may just have decided to hold back from you. Considering how malicious and easily offended fanboys have become these days, we decided to draft five interesting tips and tricks for the PlayStation 3 (Afterall, the next-generation consoles also go through emotions these days). yet again, the theme of the post remains the same; only the subject changes from Microsoft’s XBox 360 to SONY’s own hunk, the PlayStation 3. Thus, we shall safely assume that the concept of this post would not leave you alienated (Besides, this ain’t exactly a story-based RPG, is it?). Alright, let us dig deep into SONY’s PlayStation 3 this time around and explore the top five secret amenities that it packs.

1. Transform DVDs to HD on the PlayStation 3

Let us not forget the fact that the PlayStation 3 is not just a gaming powerhouse; it also delivers largely on movie playback. Oft-well renowned for its Blu-Ray capabilities, the PlayStation 3 plays as one of the best DVD players out in the market. Yes, hardcore gamers on the PlayStation 3 tend to oversee such promising potential on the other end (Sad, but true). Also, it is hard to expect high quality from DVDs in the modern day when Blu-Ray is the name of the deal but the PlayStation 3, oozing with sheer potential, even polishes DVD imagery to a top-notch quality on a plasma screen. How you do it is a good question to ask, of course. Simply, when you are watching a DVD on a high definition device, press the triangle button on your PlayStation 3 dualshock 3 controller and jump down to AV settings. Upon choosing this, you will be able to see various options for mosquito noise reduction, frame, block and a full up-scale on DVD content. Savour this feat and enjoy the nearly HD quality visuals on your television screens.

2. Transform your PlayStation 3 into a PC

One could argue how stupid an idea it is to transform a next-generation hunk to a fat old fart but hey, do not be mislead and try and be a little more respectful here, please. We wouldn’t exactly be turning consoles into PCs with the stroke of a magic wand. Instead, the process only infuses powers of a PC into your PlayStation 3 while retaining the powers of the PlayStation 3 intact, of course. Not a tough task really. The process does requires a bit of digging up into the PlayStation 3 system but you must have heard of the no pain, no gain theory. To achieve this, surf system settings in the settings menu and jump to ‘Install other OS’. Woo, hold on a bit, before moving on any further you must back up all your data from the PlayStation 3 hard drive to a USB. Following this crucial step, you may download a copy of the operating system from any PlayStation forum and burn it to a DVD and install it to the PlayStation 3 hard drive. Then what, congratulations, you now have a full fledged PC all in one PlayStation 3 console!

3. Using PC Peripherals on the PlayStation 3

With your PlayStation 3 already transformed into a PC, it is sort of unfair to treat it like a half-baked cookie. Want more explanation on that one? Well, imagine how it feels to use the internet on the PlayStation 3 using an onscreen keyboard. A few might even argue that there have been enough accessories on the market that mitigate the issue of typing but personally, I would not prefer a peanut-sized keypad attached to my dualshock 3 to make it seem like some sort of a mini alienship gone wrong. Luckily, for all you PlayStation 3 users, the PlayStation 3 offers full support for standard mice and keyboards that not only allow for enhanced typing experience, courtesy of the inbuilt browser, but really prove their mettle in the gaming scheme of things as well. There is absolutely no rocket science involved in doing so. All you have to do is, get off your couch (Where you have been lying and gaming for hours like a bloak with no life at all) and plug your desired peripherals into the USB ports of the PlayStation 3. Oh, and did I mention that there’s also support for bluetooth peripherals? Drooling already? Hah, before you wet the whole place jump to the settings menu on your PlayStation 3 and choose Accessory Settings. Following this, slect the option of Manage Bluetooth Devices.

4. Setting up a Media Server on the PlayStation 3

If you are one of those music maniacs who just can’t resist the temptation of carrying their music, or even their favourite videos and pictures with them wherever they go, you may well be very interested to know this one. Gone are the days when overburdening the valuable space on your PlayStation was a pain in the backside (Yes, backside), say hello to media streaming across your PlayStation network. Simply download Tversity or the latest version of Windows Media Player on your PC. Moving on, tweak the settings of either software a little to allow for sharing of music, video and photo folders. Select Search for Media Servers on your PlayStation 3 and there you go. Next time your PC is switched on, a new option on the XMB would show up that will actually function as a gateway for streaming data purposes.

5. Make Video Phone Calls (FREE) on the PlayStation 3

Oh what a mouth-watering prospect this one really is. On paper, it sounds like some real technical thing to try but to be honest, there’s less technique and little more trickery involved in here. For this, you would only require a USB headset and the PS EyeToy camera. Upon plugging both the things into the USB slots of the PlayStation 3, start a new chat with one of your friends. Now here’s the trick. Type something like ‘Videochat please?’ in a message. Upon receiving this, the recipient would be given the option of accepting your videochat. Now, if your friend does have a USB handset and the EyeToy camera as well, acceptance of the invitation will open up two windows ans then starts the video chat, all of which costs you..nothing!

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Quick Review: FIFA Soccer 12

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Syed Hassan

Overview:

Behold! The world of soccer sees a new baby. Yes, it is finally here, and it is called FIFA Soccer 12. Unlike the sorry state of game development that cricket has seen so far, soccer games have always managed a glitzy marquee in regards to the minutest of tweaks in gameplay to the very sound of the boots following the kick-off. There’s absolutely no doubt that translating a top-notch sport like soccer into a virtual battle is a tough nut to crack (Trying to sound formal here). However, it seems that the FIFA franchise almost always conjures a feat and manages to carry itself, remarkably well. Let us quickly dribble past all the wait and move on to our quick review on FIFA Soccer 12.

FIFA Soccer 11 to FIFA Soccer 12:

Ancestor to the newly born, FIFA Soccer 11 was a sure-shot success last year but truth is, it doesn’t take much time for soccer gaming fans to become a touch too demanding for further soccer releases. Come the new year, the highly anticipated FIFA Soccer 12 makes a mark with all new updates including: Player Impact Engine, Precision Dribbling and Tactical Defending. It is rather safe to say that the game undergoes a slight makeover and has been rightly revamped following the last instalment of FIFA. Nearly everything about the game, especially the fluid gameplay, looks bigger and better this time, which; infact, lures most soccer fans into the groove with ease and grace.

Presentation:

One of the foremost factors of the game that will surely make it a great hit among most soccer titles lies in how the game looks and plays-its slick presentation. Make absolutely no mistake about it: there is a whole lot more crammed into this year’s sequel to FIFA Soccer. With the all new magnificent stadiums and new overhauled playing kits, coupled with remarkably well polished graphics and stunning player likenesses, FIFA Soccer 12 manages to make a grand appearance this year. Ofcourse, the official licensing in all aspects of soccer that it puts on display for all and sundry already separates FIFA Soccer from the rest. However, there is much more to the success of the renowned FIFA franchise.

The career mode has certainly seen a good amount of revamping this time around and players will surely find themselves spending many more hours to get the most out of it. It’s kudos to the developers really for simplifying the multiplayer mode, thereby proving easy access to online modes and also plunge into competitions by starting an online community which will easily make it a popular choice amongst the die-hard FIFA enthusiasts. The inclusion of fresh voices like Martin Tyler and Alan Smith adds depth and excitement to even the seemingly bland match-ups.

The Football Club mode, truly, is a stand-out feature that indeed warms up the lamp by allowing players to repeat history by choosing from among scenarios ripped from real-life fixtures. Surely, this addition to the game will certainly encourage soccer fanatics to invest a lot more of their time into this new sequel to FIFA Soccer.

All in all, stunning visuals, overhauled game modes and a revamped soccer atmosphere will conveniently kick the action from the pitch to your homes.

IFRAME Embed for Youtube

Gameplay:

Here lies the fun part, FIFA Soccer 2012 is a brilliant improvement over its predecessor when it comes to gameplay mechanics. The life-long battle between Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA continues to flare up; however, FIFA has certainly shown its potential and clearly translates its strong potential into some solid performance, which, as a matter of fact, makes the already fluid gameplay even more engaging for veteran gamers.

The new tactical defending system that has been incorporated in the gameplay is of great value. As suggested by its name, the all-new tactical defending system prove to be a lot more sophisticated approach towards the defence system and provides a more life-like soccer atmosphere all around. Follow the pace at which the defending system demands for your learning and you shall be rewarded for all the patience. This is why the defending system well and truly keeps players on their feet. Precision dribbling is yet another hallmark and truly shines.

Strange as it may sound, this soccer tactic allows players to do much more than just dribble the ball past the opponents. Overdoing it simply a waste; however, use it cleverly and discerningly, and you are sure to reap rewards. It is important to note that player logic and the computer AI has largely enhanced, which really makes for a challenging soccer experience. So, make a slight hash here and there and the computer would make you pay big time.

IFRAME Embed for Youtube

Final Word:

To sum up, FIFA Soccer 12 is yet another sequel from FIFA Soccer that has not failed to impress. With user-friendly menus and the well-delivered commentary along with crisp and clear visuals coupled with gameplay innovations, FIFA Soccer 2012 unveils itself with an unparalleled and authentic tempo which is by no means unrealistic.

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Top Five Indie Games (PC / PS3 / XBox 360)

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Syed Hassan

Overview:

Hello, all you gaming fans out there, big, small or neutral. Today’s edition on games is a touch different from what we usually have to report to you. We believe that there has already been quite a bit of talk on the modern hardcore games, especially that are exclusive to the next-generation gaming consoles. In essence, Indie games is one genre that, we believe, is often overlooked as the shadow of the modern hardcore games tends to build too large on the former. However, there is no denying the fact that there is a true driving sense of passion that goes behind the development of Indie games which speaks a lot for what a thankless job Indie game development is. Yes thankless-these games are comparatively cheap or at times free of cost! (No reference made to the list ahead, though). Selection of a total of top five indie games from amongst a plethora of break out Indie titles is somewhat a cumbersome task alright. That is simply because the temptation to showcase the creativity and adventure-filled minds can easily get the better of you if you were I (Talk about demanding reverence). Without squandering another minute, let us thrill you with our list of the top five Indie games.

1. Super Meat Boy

If there is one video game that can even hold a candle to the classic Super Mario Bros in terms of gameplay (and the story, somewhat), it has to be Super Meat Boy. Rightly described by developers as ‘tough as nails’, this pure Indie 2D platformer comprises of a good two-hundred odd levels of running and jumping missions between hypodermic needles and spinning saw blades. No, we do not regret comparing the story to Super Mario Bros’s one bit as the plot requires saving a Bandage Girl who is kidnapped and encaged in an abandoned castle by Dr. Fetus (Makes me wonder if the doctor’s a child specialist). With seemingly daunting environments and the separation of a single pixel between life and death, Super Meat Boy is one Indie game that righteously rewards you for all your efforts. This Indie development may feel frustrating at times but the sort of environment Super Meat Boy crafts coupled with its precise tools makes for an exciting Indie games experience.

2. Braid

Braid comes across as one of the most compelling Indie games to date. Encouraging is the fact that the PC version of this Indie title manages to do justice to the original XBox live title. Yet again, there is a Princess to rescue in here as well, very much like Super Meat Boy, but Braid manages to craft a completely different little world of its own. More or less a mind-boggling puzzle solving Indie development, Braid immerses you with its high level of accomplishment that comes as an immediate corollary of striving through cerebral and cumbersome tasks. One main highlight of this Indie platformer is the ability to rewind time and take on all sorts of special meaning amidst all the amazingly engaging puzzles. The expertly designed puzzles that come with hefty challenges along with splendid art designs and a mature storyline make Braid an Indie game worth trying for sure. Bottomline is, Braid is a portalesque piece of perfection that should surely catch everybody’s eyes.

3. World of Goo

You may not fancy puzzle-platformers or even those regular narrative-driven Indie games that keep dropping in and out of the gaming market; however, with World of Goo your perception about 2D puzzle platform Indie games is sure to transform. A breathtakingly fresh Indie title, World of Goo, draws a gentle learning curve allowing players to rise among the ranks, slowly and steadily. Rewarding more often than not, World of Goo makes for a smooth learning environment instead of punishing you, mercilessly for all the hashes you make. As the name suggests, this Indie title is based around getting a certain amount of ‘goos’ from one extreme of the map to the other. Undoubtedly, World of Goo is a top-notch Indie game that is addictive in its gameplay and delivers a quirky and smart gaming experience.

4. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2

Hot on the heels of the original Geometry Wars, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 conveniently manages to recreate the magic and deliver the lightning-in-a-bottle excellence that the original Geometry Wars packed. With over six modes of gameplay, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 helps ascend Indie addictive shooters to a level of unprecedented awesomeness. With a standard gun to keep a bunch of snake-like creatures at an arm’s length (Perhaps shorter considering the limited rectangular arena on your screens), Geometry War: Retro Evolved 2 is no happy accident-it is a dream come true (Especially for all you Snake and Pacman fans out there). Being a satisfyingly solid sequel, this Indie title impresses with ease and grace.

5. Lume

Point and click adventure Indie games have seen a barrage of titles which really speaks for the longevity of one of the games oldest genres and proves that it’s still alive and kicking. With the puzzles being highly intuitive and logical, the stand-out feature of this particular Indie title is the presentation. The splendid paperwork imagery make Lume look like one of the most gorgeous Indie game to date. It is no surprise that gamers will enjoy every second spent on this game; despite the game being shockingly brief, mind you. All in all, the plot and puzzles amalgamate well together to put on offer a fluid and well consolidated punch of Indie gaming.

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Guide on Buying the Perfect Gaming HDTV

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Syed Hassan

Overview:

We have already discussed how gaming has gone on to the next level and with all sorts of gaming devices and games flying in and out of the gaming market, the industry of gaming has surely seen a boom period over the years. Be it a young, enthusiastic gaming freak or a part-time mid-aged casual gamer (Agreed, they are rare finds but still), gaming has certainly become the heartbeat of many. The sheer excitement and pleasure derived from all the daily gaming fodder, be it a case of a strategic game that keeps you bashing your brains or a first person shooter that keeps you on your toes at all times, it keeps most gamers go on and on at doing what they do best-gaming. In this edition of Guide on Buying the Perfect Gaming HDTVs, we will guide you on you may buy the perfect HDTV for gaming purposes but before we do move on to the topic of the day let us discuss the innovations in the gaming industry that; in fact, has paved way for HDTV(Talk about pitching in climax). So then, ride along.

Modern Gaming:

There used to be a time when PC gaming was the only real sort of gaming that most gamers could enjoy; not anymore though. The advent of next-generation gaming hasn’t put PC gaming out of commission (Certainly not!), but what it has done really well is that it has extended the approach of many more, previously quality gaming deprived, potential gamers towards state of the art games. Gone are the days when gaming meant sitting in a computer chair and sitting in front of a PC for hours without food or exercise (Yes, that puts YOU out of commission). Not-so-old entrants like SONY PlayStation 3, Microsoft XBOX 360 and Nintendo Wii have indeed taken gaming to a higher level. Gaming is not just a matter of sitting before a TV or computer screen and killing time for countless number of hours-instead it has opened the gates for cognitive skills, problem solving and a bit of creative thinking. More so, the induction of motion-sensing technology into gaming, especially in shape of Microsoft’s XBOX 360 Kinect and SONY’s PlayStation Move has allowed people to hop, skip and jump around their living rooms and work a sweat to develop their reflexes.

Gaming HDTV For The Win (FTW):

There is no doubt whatsoever in the fact that HDTV or high definition television is perfect if you wish to experience pure and polished gaming atmosphere all round. Crisp and clear sounds coupled with the unparalleled high definition clarity and sharpness is a dream come true for all gaming fans out there. It is apparent that an HDTV has all that it takes to home next-generation gaming. It is true that most HDTVs out in the market today provide a lot better picture quality than the regular home televisions but the task of buying the perfect HDTV for your home entertainment can be an overwhelming one. It really comes down to more than just the choice of the perfect HDTV. Important thing worth noting here is the fact that the perfect gaming HDTV is the one that really suits best your gaming preferences (See, that is what the topic says up there). Let us have a look at a few main HDTV features that you must have knowledge about so as to taste the best of gaming.

Enter the Perfect HDTV:

Now then, here starts all the fun and talk on the main features to look out for while choosing the perfect HDTV for gaming, and gaming only.

Size:

While buying an HDTV, the screen size is seen as one of the foremost factors to consider so as to enjoy the perfect gaming experiences. The size of whichever HDTV you are buying needs to be consistent with the space-that is paramount. Viewing distance range charts largely help in sorting this out. However, we feel that anything between 26 inches and 42 inches is round about perfect.

Game Mode:

The talk of the table for most gaming enthusiasts, Game Mode comes across as an exciting new feature that makes gaming on an HDTV a perfect and pleasurable experience. Surprisingly, this HDTV feature provides an essential combination of the majority of perfect features on an HDTV, most noticeable of which are improved resolution and shorter response time.

Input Lag:

Often termed as response time, Input lag refers to the response time between the HDTV screen and the gaming controller. An HDTV with the lowest of Input lag makes for the perfect gaming experience; hence, enhanced response time.

Refresh Rate:

Refresh rate is also a very important factor to consider when buying an HDTV specifically for gaming. This very feature of an HDTV refers to the number of per second the screen on the HDTV updates itself. The higher the better.

Contrast and Resolution:

Although two slightly different terminologies, these two, but they basically deal with the clarity of an HDTV. While contrast maintains a combination of light and color variance, the higher resolution brings out the perfect picture on an HDTV.

3D Functionality:

Following its success in featured 3D movies, 3D functionality is rapidly gaining popularity in the gaming arena; hence, an HDTV with 3D functionalities will certainly beef up your gaming environment, thereby, putting on offer the perfect setting for gaming on a quality HDTV.

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Five Common SONY PlayStation 3 Problems with Solutions

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Syed Hassan

Overview:

If you ever thought that the Microsoft XBOX 360 is the only gaming device that has had major performance issues (most notable of all is the Red Ring of Death), well you better give it a second thought. Let us get this straight before various PlayStation fanboys start to drop in a little too soon: there is absolutely no doubt that the SONY PlayStation 3 has won the hearts of many in the gaming arena with the countless gaming amenities that it puts on offer and certainly offers fierce competition against its counterparts including the XBOX. However, no matter how grand the PlayStation 3 is it doesn’t come without problems (Infact, it even gives you a run for your hard-earned cash in the worst case scenario). The console has had a fair share of problems and if you are a PlayStation 3 owner (New or Old), you would, hopefully, find this article really helpful in terms of helping you deal with some common performance related issues associated with the PlayStation 3. So then, let us guide you on the five common PlayStation 3 problems along with how you may have any chance of resolving them.

1. Freezing:

By far the most common of all PlayStation 3 issues, freezing comes across as a performance error experienced by most PlayStation 3 owners. In case of any such occurrences, pressing and holding down the power button until the console shuts down normally resolves the issue (Convenience at its very best, no?). Power the console back on and hope for the best. To be honest, freezing is not as much a persistent issue (In normal circumstances) as some of the other problems that we will cover ahead of this one. However, if the problem persists you may boot your PlayStation 3 to safe mode and try formatting the system settings; thereby, reinstalling the firmware.

2. Overheating:

Yet another issue with most next-generation gaming consoles these days is overheating. Poor ventilation may very well be a cause for this, which it usually is. Simple thing is to make sure that your gaming room is well ventilated and more importantly, your beloved PlayStation 3 is kept well away from heat-emitting sources. In case, neither one of these tips helps resolve the issue, chances are that your PlayStation 3 is experiencing hardware issues (This is where you should really start to sweat worries, mind you). For your information, this will come with a colour, yellow, hence the name Yellow Light of Death (Surely, nothing to be proud of).

3. Error Reading Discs:

Another pain in the head (Not backside this time around because you’d most probably be banging your head because of this one) is error reading discs whereby the PlayStation 3 refuses to play games. There’s a whole wide variety to it: there would be times when the problem occurs, sometimes not. In other cases, the console may play a DVD and not a Blu-Ray and vice versa. Whatever course the error takes, the indications are clear: the laser/lens is on its way out. Obviously, laser replacement is the only solution to this. What YOU must do to be sure is to try inserting a Blu-Ray movie in the PlayStation 3 (Sounds ridiculous but certainly works). In case, the movie does work the installation of a faulty update on the PlayStation 3 may very well be the cause. Be sure to try this before you format your hard drive and try a different hard drive in the worst case scenario.

4. Blinking Red Light:

Blinking Red Light is one problem that is often encountered by most clumsy PlayStation 3 users. What is it? In actuality, this is a cause of a broken or loosely connected cable. The solution is an inevitable one: Simply, check if all the cables linked with the console are properly connected. If you notice any damage done to either of the cables, make sure you replace it. It’s worth mentioning here that poor connection may no be the only issue, Blinking Red Light may be a corollary of poor ventilation and accumulation of dust. Just to be on the safe side, make it a habit to clean off any dust that accumulates around your PlayStation 3 console. Plus, never ever have the fan vents at the back of the console blocked by placing the console pressed against a wall. Do NOT ever do that if you want to buy your console a few extra years of life!

5. Video Distortion

This particular issue is not so rare among the PlayStation 3 owners; quite a few cases have been reported, to date. Once again, make sure you haven’t done any damage to the cables. In addition, an inappropriate display setting can also adversely affect the video quality as, for one reason or another, the PlayStation 3 retains the video settings of the television it is connected to before it is ported to connection with a different television set. Therefore, do not forget to reset the video display setting once you change your television set.

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Sony PlayStation Phone Zeus 1 Caught on Tape

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Rabab Khan

The tech world’s very own Yeti, the PlayStation phone, is quickly crossing over from the world of shadows into the realm of fact.

Recently released videos on Youtube have given us much more than the initial unclear pictures.

You can see the PlayStation icon in this video although it has no contents yet:

Rumors had previously stemmed from leaked images and gained strength from statements such as

“I’m very glad that we work with a company like Sony, who actually knows how to [negotiate games rights]… Sony has an extremely strong offering in the gaming market, and that’s very interesting… Sony is of course a very strong brand, and why shouldn’t we use that? Gaming, including content, is a very interesting proposition.”

from the CEO of Sony Ericsson, Bert Bordberg. Interestingly, Howard Stringer, the CEO of Sony Corporation had let slip that Sony intends to broaden its horizon to include mobile phones. The statement was given at the Mobile World congress in February this year. Mr. Stringer said,

“PSN is no secret weapon. Leveraging PSN we are building a new network service that will connect many more network enabled product including Sony Bravias, Viaos and Blu-ray players. To satisfy the demand for more open systems and to broaden the array of network devices connected to our network services we are committed to extending that service to Sony Ericsson mobile phones.”

Taking the lead from these, it has been deduced that there will be two new announcements form Sony at next year’s Mobile Congress in February 2011. One of these is the PlayStation phone also known as Zeus. As we previously reported, the slider phone will run the Android Gingerbread OS and is being designed in collaboration with Sony Ericsson as the above video shows.

courtesy: Endgadget.com

Much of the PlayStation Phone’s specifications seem to be exactly like the images that were released a couple of months ago. Sporting the signature PlayStation console buttons, d-pad and shoulder buttons, the Zeus 1 is Sony’s way of combating the falling sales of its PSP. Gaming has become casual and more convenient with the ability to play free and featured games on the same device that you use to make calls. Carrying separate devices for both, which the PSP demands, have made most consumers switch to phones like the iPhone. Smartphones also allow for the ease of downloading games and other content, something that the PSP lacks. By allowing users to download games from the Sony store through their PlayStation phone, Sony might just be able to rise from the ashes.

PlayStation Phone- May be a Reality Soon

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Rabab Khan

In August, rumors floated around that Sony and Sony Ericsson were teaming up to produce their first Android running gaming phone. Reports said that Google might be a part of the development too since Android has yet to produce any extraordinary gaming on its Android. It seems the rumors about a PlayStation phone might be true after all.

The good people at Engadget have also “leaked” pictures of the soon-to-be-announced PlayStation phone. If this turns out to be true, it could mean a revolution in the world of mobile phone gaming. The device, said to be a cross between Samsung’s Captivate and the PSPgo, is likely to run the Android 3.0 OS (Gingerbread). Sony’s Marketplace will allow users to buy games and download them directly to the phone. With 1GB ROM, 512MB RAM, a 1GHZ Qualcomm MSM8655 chip and a screen between 3.7 and 4.1 inches, this baby seems all set to change phone gaming as we know it.

Courtesy: Engadget.com

Sony and Sony Ericsson are still toying with a few ideas for the camera and some other features, however, there are reports of including a 5 megapixel camera. The landscape slider phone, according to the leaked prototype images, will use game controls to replace the QWERTY keypad along with a D-pad and a long multi-touch touchpad in the middle. The typical PlayStation shoulder buttons will be visible on both sides of this touchpad. Instead of a memory stick, however, the phone will support Micro SD cards.

Because the prototype reveals that the phone may still take time to be ready, the projected release dates fall in 2011. The competition in the market is too high for Sony to take this slowly. Microsoft and its Xbox Live smartphone gaming is all set to be launched for the Windows 7 phones. At the same time, Apple is making millions through its iDevice sales that are flooding the market at breakneck speeds. With the sales of the Sony PSPgo dropping sharply, Sony needs this phone to be released fast.