PSN redesign unveiled; no new content for two weeks [Update]
by Jem Alexander 
{ Mar 31st 2008 at 10:30AM }
Click for high resolution image.
We've known that the Store would be undergoing a redesign in April for a little while, but until now we've had no idea exactly what it would look like. SCEE has been kind enough to reveal some images of the new look for the Store, and it's certainly an improvement over the current one. Be sure to check out the gallery below for high resolution images.
Unfortunately, the redesign means that European PS3 owners will be missing out on two weeks worth of PSN content - the European Store will not be updated between now and when the redesign goes live in "mid-April." That's a sacrifice we're willing to make, however. Sony is keen to tell us that the new look store is a result of "a survey last year which showed that many PlayStation Store users wanted a better interface and easier navigation."
To make up for the two weeks without new content we're promised a "special update in mid-April." This information is currently only correct for Europe. We're waiting to hear from SCEA regarding their redesign plans.
[UPDATE] SCEA has confirmed that the US Store will also be redesigned around the same time. There will be no Store updates between now and the launch.
Unfortunately, the redesign means that European PS3 owners will be missing out on two weeks worth of PSN content - the European Store will not be updated between now and when the redesign goes live in "mid-April." That's a sacrifice we're willing to make, however. Sony is keen to tell us that the new look store is a result of "a survey last year which showed that many PlayStation Store users wanted a better interface and easier navigation."
To make up for the two weeks without new content we're promised a "special update in mid-April." This information is currently only correct for Europe. We're waiting to hear from SCEA regarding their redesign plans.
[UPDATE] SCEA has confirmed that the US Store will also be redesigned around the same time. There will be no Store updates between now and the launch.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
tomas_sharp @ Mar 31st 2008 10:36AM
A special update hmmm? home pleeeeease... and possibly in-game XMB? oh well i guess ill just sit here dreaming...
hey_big_dck @ Mar 31st 2008 10:48AM
i think they are talking about something you can buy of the store or a really good demo or maybe even a beta.
Jerses @ Mar 31st 2008 12:26PM
Im loosing my hope on home now but have to keep the faith... About this news... Nice design...but what about bringing the psn cards like...right now? here in Mexico we cant buy with our credit cards..well not anymore :(
Lars @ Mar 31st 2008 6:51PM
The "special update in mid-April" was probably referring to something coming to the store around that time that they think everyone will want.
I'm just frustrated that I have to wait until April 17th before I can get Still Alive for Rock Band. I always thought the store was fine the way it was (much better than XBLM too). I've heard some say it was slow, but I never really noticed. Maybe it's an internet connection thing? Oh well, I've still got plenty of games to catch up on just from last years catalog. I still haven't beat Pixel Junk Monsters, haven't beaten the main quest in Oblivion, haven't even opened skate, haven't even bought Burnout Paradise yet!
iamchampuk @ Mar 31st 2008 10:50AM
Finally!!!
That looks so much better now, thank you Sony!
Christian @ Mar 31st 2008 1:31PM
Actually integrating the store with the PS3 even if its web based isn't that hard. Sony controls both the browser software and the server here, so they just need to extend the browser to support the PS3 controller buttons more directly. Stuff like SVG and AJAX is quickly pushing the boundaries for what 'web pages' or more correctly termed web applications are able to do these days.
The browser combined with stuff like javascript, svg, and flash can soon be considered a different UI toolkit for your applicance.
ldd @ Mar 31st 2008 4:54PM
I never got to see what was wrong with the interface on the first place. (maybe it's because I have a SDTV?)
Kira @ Mar 31st 2008 10:54AM
Coming Mid-April to the European Playstation Store, HOME
trailer.
Nate @ Mar 31st 2008 10:53AM
Much better. Now if only they don't make it a web page, so it'll actually respond quickly...
Prothean @ Mar 31st 2008 11:04AM
That's the problem with the store, its not so much the design, its the fact that its web based. If it were to be an actual integral part of the XMB, then it would truly be awesome. The design does look much better, but its nothing more than a new coat of paint on the same old beat up car.
Random1448 @ Mar 31st 2008 1:25PM
Notice how it says X and O and select for choosing things? A web based store probably wouldn't be able to do that, it would be point and click. That doesn't confirm anything but, it's something to think about. Also, if it's integrated that would mean they would have to re-write the xmb, not just add something, so they could make it all fit (the PS3's OS is huge), and while they're at it why not add in-game communication? again pure speculation, but something to think about...
Dahk @ Mar 31st 2008 3:45PM
From the Playstation Blog comments:
Ghostm | March 31st, 2008 at 9:48 am
Out of all the excitement I forgot to ask one very important question. Is the new store still a web page or is it going to be installed somewhere in the PS3’s system?
Noel Silvia replied on March 31, 2008 at 10:04 am
The new Store will no longer be browser based in the same way the current Store is, making things A LOT faster and smoother; hence the required firmware update.
On the back end, this switch in systems means having to port all of the current code over to the new Store, and, since the new Store is less “texty” and more “visual”, it also means having to create a whole bunch of new art assets just for this Store.
We appreciate everyone understanding that these things take time, and appreciate everyone’s patience. We’re just as excited about the new Store as you are!
Hope this helped to answer your question!
____
There you go! Non-browser based =).
DMeisterJ @ Mar 31st 2008 10:57AM
Much better.
SparkyJ23 @ Mar 31st 2008 11:19AM
Looks Good but how is 2 weeks of no new content any different from most weeks?
Eggy @ Mar 31st 2008 11:36AM
Hey we get themes! :D
Aaron @ Mar 31st 2008 11:23AM
AWESOME! PSN FTW!!!!
Harry @ Mar 31st 2008 11:28AM
I hope they make the circle button *NOT* mean "exit the browser". To this day, I press circle to go back because 13 years of PlayStation controller experience has engrained that into my muscle memory, and it's annoying that it means something else and I have to cancel the "Are you sure you want to exit the browser?" prompt every time (ironically, using CIRCLE!#!@).
They should make the PS button trigger the exit browser action, as it does for games.
heckteck @ Mar 31st 2008 12:06PM
hahaha i have the same problem every single time i have logged in to psn i press the O button to go back and always get that do you want to exit screen lol.......if only they made the exit option the Triangle button to exit since thats the exit button for many games menu screen
gooftroop @ Mar 31st 2008 11:57AM
just use the l1/r1 buttons like everyone else for back/forward :)
circle for me is to slect things, X for me is to quit. I find that natural and very easy to use
elephant_stone @ Mar 31st 2008 11:52AM
This is brilliant news! I am willing to sacrifice those 2 weeks...I have plenty to be getting on with: GT5:p, Oblivion, PAIN, PJ Monsters :)
I think the special update will more than likely contain COD4 maps and Warhawk expansion!
At least we have the Warhawk patch to look forward to this/next week!
John Benoit @ Mar 31st 2008 6:17PM
This looks great, but I'm hoping the behind-the-scenes changes are bigger than the visual improvement. My guess (and biggest hope) is that they have changed this from a web based page to a program that runs on the PS3, meaning quicker response times. I'd also like to see themes that apply to the store too, so we can change the color/appearance of the store. Lastly, I would really like to see better download speeds (and a video store to utilize that new speed) , right now it's pretty slow.
chris.westermann @ Mar 31st 2008 11:54AM
I agree. It looks like they ignored thousands of requests and still left the O button to exit the browser rather then going back to the previous page in the browser. I still want to press O to go back to the previous page rather then trying to hunt and find the "prev" button because this is the convention of EVERY PS3 menu and game!
I wish Sony would write an actual application for the PSN Store interface rather then using an HTML interface. It wouldn't take much more effort and they can rely on the same conventions for every other game and software written for the PS3. Also an actual application would allow such creative design choices like implementing a rich non-static interface (i.e. like a coverflow type browsing of media content ).
gooftroop @ Mar 31st 2008 12:00PM
oops ment to reply to this one...
just use the l1/r1 buttons like everyone else for back/forward
circle for me is to select things, X for me is to quit. I find that natural and very easy to use
Zack @ Mar 31st 2008 12:09PM
I strongly agree. An application-based interface rather than a web-based interface is the way to go. Just look at other examples such as the iTunes Store or Xbox Live Marketplace. Browsing those stores feel like you're browsing an extension of the device. The problem with a web-based playstation store is the feeling that the store isn't connected to the rest of the console.. I feel like I'm entering a twilight zone of sorts when I enter the PSN store.
Sony needs to realize that consistency is the key, and they've done a great job with consistency on the PS3 for the most part. However, even with this new store update, I don't feel like Sony understands how to make a console-based store. This is probably why I rarely buy games off of PSN.
Aaron @ Mar 31st 2008 12:24PM
Did you even look at the screenshots lol? O takes to to the previous page unless you are at the store front then it exits you. Learn to look lol
chris.westermann @ Mar 31st 2008 3:38PM
Didn't see the other screenshots, this is good news then. Also found out they are not using the browser anymore, woot! Sorry Sony, you DO listen, at least sometimes.
I would imagine that the new store will require another firmware update, hopefully they will fix the Mpeg4 streaming which is seriously broken. Everything except Divx streaming stutters and stops, and even Divx streaming isn't 100%. Then I will love my PS3 unconditionally again.
osirus824 @ Aug 25th 2008 10:22PM
Look a little closer, guys. Circle is only for exiting the store on the home page. In the other screenshots, it's labeled "Back." Also, I don't see any mouse cursor. I think the new store actually ISN'T web-based. Thank god. I might actually enjoy using the damn thing now.
RazLeboL @ Mar 31st 2008 12:54PM
Missed this. Great news.
Jerses @ Mar 31st 2008 12:14PM
Looks cool...but why do we need a redesign of a store... its not like you use the store everyday or that its totally hard to navigate in it. Have you ever wonder...after in game xmb and home...what will the mayor update will be? whats more there to add to the ps3? i can´t imagine anything more to add to it. Im happy with what the ps3 can do now will not cry if updates stops after home :P
ck @ Mar 31st 2008 2:51PM
You know, Sony doesn't just have one guy coding for the PS3. Just because they've updated the store doesn't mean they're not working on other stuff at the same time.
Adam @ Mar 31st 2008 4:56PM
Will the redesign come to canada ps3s to
wilboss @ Mar 31st 2008 12:35PM
So why do we get no updates for 2 weeks until the store redesign 'goes live', surely the new store has been built and checked in a test environment and just needs to be released when ready? Can't see why this should stop updates, not that we're missing much on current form.
The "special update in mid-April" better be damn good to keep us Europeans interested!
dadanman @ Mar 31st 2008 12:42PM
Correct me if I am wrong, if the store was not web based it would take up hard drive space. Then the whinners would start crying about that.
Bottom line the train is rolling! Before it would start then stop. Now we are moving. If Sony gave everyone 50 bucks to spend in the store you would have people complaining that they don't know what to spend it on. Shut up and play some games.
Aaron @ Mar 31st 2008 12:45PM
Revamped PS3 Store "will no longer use the PS3 browser"!
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=129471
oh yeah!
Popfrogs @ Mar 31st 2008 2:57PM
Well, kinda sorta. The official word from Sony at their blog is the following:
"The new Store will no longer be browser based in the same way the current Store is, making things A LOT faster and smoother; hence the required firmware update.
On the back end, this switch in systems means having to port all of the current code over to the new Store, and, since the new Store is less “texty” and more “visual”, it also means having to create a whole bunch of new art assets just for this Store.
We appreciate everyone understanding that these things take time, and appreciate everyone’s patience. We’re just as excited about the new Store as you are!
Hope this helped to answer your question!"
Popfrogs @ Mar 31st 2008 12:45PM
Looks good to me, but I would also like the option of having it an extension of the XMB. How so? Well, by selecting the PSN icon, then having different content categories unfold in a list, which you can hit Right to dive deeper into, like you would when picking music, videos, or pictures. I don't need the whole damn store, just give me an XMB list with icon previews.
Tony @ Mar 31st 2008 12:54PM
DTS MA HD PLEEEEEEZE
Popfrogs @ Mar 31st 2008 1:15PM
#1. Sony doesn't read this blog. #2. Totally unrelated to topic. #3. I agree.
XanthouS @ Mar 31st 2008 1:06PM
This looks to be the same timeframe for the US PSN update. Harmonix has announced the DLC that is releasing this week for XBL won't be available for PSN until April 17th.
NaCHOburger @ Mar 31st 2008 1:17PM
Much better, hopefully thought it much better then just a pretty colors and fancy design.
PSN: NaCHOburger
Joe @ Mar 31st 2008 1:35PM
Any one know if the Store redesign will allow updates every day. Just like on Xbox Live. Because I would like to get stuff when ever it ready and not have to wait until Thursday.
Reckoning @ Mar 31st 2008 1:50PM
That would be great if so.
RazLeboL @ Mar 31st 2008 2:40PM
They could have done that with the original store if they wanted too. I am sure it will stay the same.
swanx @ Mar 31st 2008 1:51PM
I hope they allow 2 people to be signed in at te same time on the same PS3.
Popfrogs @ Mar 31st 2008 2:20PM
Huh? What would you want to do that for?
Bob @ Mar 31st 2008 1:57PM
This had better not delay or get in the way of Warhawks operation broken mirror!!!!
ajiezer @ Mar 31st 2008 2:04PM
It looks nicer but IMO the same, or does it has better functionality? I do not have problems with the current one (despite the low speed), but anyway it's better to keep improving things, thanks Sony
grognard66 @ Mar 31st 2008 2:20PM
Looks nicer, but it shouldn't be an excuse not to have content for 2 weeks!
never$$hort @ Mar 31st 2008 2:25PM
The revamped PlayStation 3 Store "will no longer use the PS3 web browser", a Sony source has told Eurogamer.
Due to launch in mid-April, the Store features a slick new front-end and our source says it's an improvement in other areas too.
"It will cache all images properly and is much faster than the old one," he says.
We were also told that the Store "will require everyone to upgrade to 2.30 [firmware]," which Sony has yet to talk about publicly.
The new Store, officially confirmed earlier today, was drawn up in response to feedback from the PAL PS3 community.
Sony plans to launch it in mid-April and will not be updating the Store with new content until it has done so.
http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=129471
Matt @ Mar 31st 2008 3:08PM
SCEA's plans seem the same as SCEE's, based on the PlayStation.Blog...