Load times; PSP phat VS. PSP Lite/Slim

You'll find the new "UMD Cache" option in the System Settings Menu. According to the scrolling description, enabling the UMD Cache will "reduce the frequency at which the system reads from the UMD." We enabled the UMD-caching feature and tested a few games to see if it had any affect on load times. UMD caching requires an initial memory load, so we also tested how fast the games could load up levels after we first started and exited a game to preload the data into system memory. We had time to test out only three games, but early results indicate that the additional system memory and UMD caching really do help speed up initial game launches, as well as subsequent level reloads.

source

PS3 Update v2.00 info (rumor)

Here is his list in it's entirety:

* 1. v2.00 will have updated drivers for its built-in internet browser, for updated flash player functionality and other stuff related to the browser.


* 2. his beta/final build of v2.00 consisted of 2 different downloads - one containing Home, and one without it. this results in the Home software having it's own section in the XMB. Current Beta version are downloaded from the store and are booted from the game section of the XMB. It was mentioned though, that Home has been accessed this way since v1.54 and not to expect Home to actually be released until after v2.10 or v2.20. Kinks are being worked out involving the Home/XMB menu design/access. His group is mainly ironing out

* 3. Anonymous mentioned that there would be no in-game XMB access yet, although the group that he is currently operating with have actually sent this idea, as well as other ideas, to their dept heads. Aside from known bug issues, he also gets to send his higher-ups thoughts/opinions/ideas to improve software. But he hasn't heard of any response from anyone yet about this feature other than that, so far, it is not in his final build.


* 4. Icons for movies/games can now move while other media types are currently being accessed.

* 5. Security is being worked on. You can password protect individual files on your HDD including movies, photos and pictures by pressing triangle to access the options menu. he did state though that this does not appear to be anywhere finished yet, and not to expect it for the v2.00 update, but cool info none the less.

source

Top 10 Reasons PSN will be Xbox LIVE’s Equal or Superior

1. Playstation HOME. Home offers a rich avatar graphical interface for player interaction, activities, and trophies. Oh and can’t forget the posh apartments.

2. Downloadable retro Playstation content (i.e. PS1 games).

3. FREE, FREE, FREE! The PSN is completely free unlike Xbox LIVE.

3. Introduced downloadable multitasking/background downloading.

4. Integrated web browser with the PSN store set up similarly for a layout that most internet gamers are familiar with. PSN thereby branches out from its own system to the world wide web (gosh, that’s so 1995).

5. Future integration of Video On Demand, Music on Demand, Singstar.

6. Easier and cheaper access to the network for Wi-fiers. All PS3s come standard with wireless capability, whereas it costs $99 for a 360 (yes I shelled out the cash for my xbox)

7. Folding@Home. Using the power of the PS3 and the PSN users can contribute to the understanding and possible cure of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and MS. Come on, PSN should win hands down for this humanitarian effort.

8. Frequent firmware updates. Some might gawk at frequency and like only the large chunky and infrequent updates from MSoft. But the slow yet steady addition of new bits and bobs is fun.

9. PSN has already accomplished much of what LIVE has done/has in 9 months. LIVE has existed for nearly 5 years (circa 2002).

10. Free. Oh wait I already said that… oh well, it’s a biggy.

source gamingmirror

Reinforced Rumors for the Second Generation Zune

The rumors involving plans to release a second generation Zune (with codenames like Scorpio and Draco) have been making their way around the Web since the beginning of the year. A Microsoft representative has commented on the approaches that will be taken to expand on their digital audio player.

Additional styles sizes and price points are being considered, indicating that Microsoft is not content with their current share provided by the sole Zune model. Support for features such as video and podcasting are being built to match the offers supplied by competing players, but differentiating features (notably the Zune’s characteristic wireless features) will still retain focus. Reassurance as also given that the Zune will move to overseas markets in time, with adapted qualities to suit it.

We remain speculating on the details of Microsoft’s plans, and no specific dates have been announced yet, but an update can be expected to take place before the end of the year.

source ABI

Update!

I've added a poll so you readers can vote on which console you think is the best. The "Fellow Bloggers" has also been updated giving you some usefull links.

- taleboblen