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Sony Aino phone launches today with limited PS3 Remote Play capabilities

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 13th 2009 at 2:30PM }

Let's get this out of the way at the top: No, Sony's Aino phone, which touts limited PS3 Remote Play functionality, can't access any of the PSN or PSP games you may have hoped it would. However, a recent Playstation.Blog post revealed the crosstalk capabilities imbued within the mobile device (which hit store shelves today) -- while it may lack ludo-logical punch, it's packing some impressive multimedia tools.

After registering your Aino with your PS3, you'll be able to use your phone to access the XMB, browse the internet, watch any non-DRM'd media on your console, send and receive PSN messages, shop in the PlayStation Store and watch TV shows using the PlayTV service. Best of all, you can use your phone to turn your PS3 on and off, which should prove handy when you attempt to convince your roommate that your entertainment center is haunted.

Sony Ericsson's 'Aino' is almost a PSP phone ... but not really

by Ben Gilbert { Sep 1st 2009 at 9:00PM }

The long rumored PSP phone may still be far away (or never coming, for that matter), but at least Sony Ericsson plans on bringing some of the PSP's functionality to its "Aino" phone. Though the Aino won't feature UMD support (where have we heard that before?), it will allow for Remote Play functionality, essentially granting the phone remote, limited access to a linked PlayStation 3.

Sony Ericsson's Lisa Canning told the Euro PS blog that the first Aino will be arriving "early October in the UK, with the rest of Europe to follow," though no release Stateside has been announced yet. Aside from the missing UMD playback ability, no indication is given whether or not it will support PSP Minis, but unfortunately no games can be played through the Aino's Remote Play functionality. We're still not sure if a PSP phone is ever going to come out -- we are sure, however, that we stopped holding our breath for one a long, long time ago.

PS3 version of BlazBlue outselling 360 version ... and here's why

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 9th 2009 at 5:00PM }

Hardcore fighting fans are all talking about BlazBlue, Aksys' foray into high-def 2D fighting. While equal numbers of 360 and PS3 copies were made, the PS3 version appears to be selling out faster than the other. Why is that? Well, it could be the system's superior D-Pad. While many players will opt for an arcade stick, those who play with a default controller generally find the DualShock layout more comfortable for 2D fighters.

Or, it could be the rare implementation of Remote Play. With a sufficient wireless connection, players can play the game with the PSP system from anywhere in the world. This is one of the few retail titles to take advantage of the feature, the first being Lair (ugh).

Perhaps players are taking advantage of the lack of region coding on the PS3 version. Without a European release in sight, some may look towards importing the American PS3 release. (The Xbox 360 version is region locked.)

However, according to an Aksys representative, the main reason BlazBlue is more popular among PS3 owners is its popularity with Japanese gamers. Aksys' Harry Chang explained that many hardcore players want to play against Japanese players, and people know that the "Japanese players are mostly on PS3." Those that are seeking competition from Japan's best players know which version to choose. No wonder PS3 is Capcom's "platform of choice" at the EVO Championship Series.

Access your PS3 anywhere with the Sony Aino cell phone

by Jem Alexander { May 28th 2009 at 4:45PM }

Sadly, the Sony Aino mobile phone isn't the fabled PSPhone, but it does support one feature from the handheld device. Using the phone, you will be able to access your PS3 via Remote Play and, because the device is 3G enabled, you won't have to rely on Wi-Fi access. Once connected, you'll be able to stream movies, images and music from your hard disk drive.

Europeans will also be able to access PlayTV, allowing them to view, pause and rewind live television, as well as setting programs to record from afar. There's no indication of whether the phone will have access to the PlayStation Network store or the friends list, but that would be the icing on an already tasty cake. Having this feature on a cell phone makes perfect sense -- hopefully this is something that will become a lot more prevalent in the future. Who knows, one day we might see a Remote Play iPhone app. We'd love that.

[Via Engadget]

Zuma coming to PlayStation Store today

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 19th 2009 at 1:00PM }

More PopCap-flavored casual goodness is coming to the PlayStation Store. Zuma has players shooting brightly colored balls from a stone frog idol in order to match three or more of the same color and clear a deadly chain of spheres. The PS3 version includes full 1080p visuals, Trophy support, and offers Remote Play for use on PSP. The game will be available on the PlayStation Store later today for $9.99.

Gallery: Zuma (PSN)

Reminder: Bionic Commando Rearmed works via Remote Play

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 14th 2008 at 3:00PM }

Just in case you guys forgot, don't forget that the PSN version of Bionic Commando Rearmed features an exclusive feature that neither the XBLA or PC versions have: Remote Play. This will allow you to play Bionic Commando Rearmed on your PSP. Not bad, huh? Not only does Capcom's downloadable game have an extra challenge level for PS3 fans, but it will also have support for Trophies in the future. With the DualShock's superior D-Pad, it's clear that the PS3 version of Bionic Commando is superior to the XBLA version. We approve.

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Reminder: Bionic Commando Rearmed works via Remote Play

by Joystiq Staff { Aug 14th 2008 at 3:00PM }

Just in case you guys forgot, don't forget that today's PS3 version of Bionic Commando Rearmed features an exclusive feature that neither the XBLA or PC versions have: Remote Play. This will allow you to play Bionic Commando Rearmed on your PSP. Not bad, huh? Not only does Capcom's downloadable game have an extra challenge level for PS3 fans, but it will also have support for Trophies in the future. With the DualShock's superior D-Pad, it's clear that the PS3 version of Bionic Commando is superior to the XBLA version. We approve.

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PixelJunk Eden certainly is different

by Andrew Yoon { May 16th 2008 at 9:03PM }

The PSN's conquest to be home of the quirkiest downloadable titles continues. flow may have mesmerized audiences, but Q-Games is trying their own hand at something really new. PixelJunk Eden, the next title in the PSN downloadable collection, is a rather strange platformer to describe. Players control a small creature called a "Grimp" (formed from the combination of "grip" and "jump") to explore a variety of constantly changing scenes. By smashing into enemies, players release pollen that can help the plants grow and transform. As players develop, they'll be able to leap, swing, jump and soar higher than ever, trying to get all the energy and light from a level before time runs out.

There will be ten stages in all, rendered in full 1080p HD graphics. Music will come from an award-winning Japanese artist, Baiyon. Both rumble and tilt will be supported in the DualShock 3 controller, and online trophies and leaderboards will be available. Finally, PSP Remote Play will also be included, a feature also found in PixelJunk Monsters.

Gallery: PixelJunk Eden

PSP firmware 3.95 adds minor remote play features

by Kyle Orland { Apr 8th 2008 at 11:58AM }

Attention, people who enjoy playing console games on a portable system via a wireless internet connection: We have important news for both of you! The new PSP firmware version 3.95 offers two minor tweaks to enhance your remote playing experience.

Remote players can now remap the PSP's limited button layout to more usefully replicate the DualShock when playing PSOne games. The new firmware also allows players to stop remote play without turning off the PS3, allowing any background downloads to continue unabated. While these new tweaks aren't exactly revolutionary, it's always nice to see a company continuing to support product features well after their release.

[Via PSPFanboy]

Firmware version 3.95 now available [Update]

by Jem Alexander { Apr 7th 2008 at 8:40PM }

That's right, another firmware update - and less than a month after the last one, too. Whether you're a fan of frequent updates or not you won't be able to enjoy this latest revision to its fullest without access to a PS3. A miniature update, by all accounts, that adds two PS3-based features to your favorite handheld. Eric Lempel details v3.95, which will be "made available shortly" on the PlayStation.Blog. The update contains the following:

While playing PSone games on your PSP, you can now customize how the buttons are assigned by going to [Controller Settings] > [Assign Buttons] and select [Custom]
You can now quit Remote Play and choose to turn off your PS3 or leave it on after quitting. This is useful if you are performing a download and want to quit Remote Play, but still want your download to continue on the PS3. Select [Quit and Turn Off the PS3 System] or [Quit Without Turning Off the PS3 System] from [Quit Remote Play] when you press the HOME button on the PSP system.

[Update: Firmware is now available through Network Update.]

Eric Lempel talks PS3 firmware 2.20

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 25th 2008 at 2:30PM }

People have been excited about the latest PS3 firmware, 2.20. However, some many be confused by all the features hidden in this latest update. SCEA's Eric Lempel walks us through the firmware in this very informative feature. Not only does he talk about BD-LIVE, he talks about connectivity with the PSP. Watch how he transfers a playlist to the handheld. Not bad, huh? The internet browser has also been enhanced -- something we've all been waiting for. All in all, this seems like a solid update.

PS3 Fanboy interview: Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 5th 2008 at 10:30AM }

Dylan Cuthbert should be a name familiar to any real PS3 fan. Responsible for Q-Games, and their PixelJunk series of PSN games, the team has been hard at work at delivering unique experiences exclusively for the PLAYSTATION Network. Not only has the team delivered one truly stellar game (PixelJunk Monsters), it has worked on a few other technologies for Sony. Did you know that they're responsible for the Earth music visualization? We chatted with Cuthbert at GDC, and we're proud to present our interview.

I wanted to start with a topic that I'm sure no one has asked you about yet. Q-Games is responsible for the Earth visualizer, yes? Where did that come from?
Well, we've always had a close relationship with Sony. They came to us and asked us to make an intro for the PS3 before it came out. For the OS and everything. They had these ideas that were like the earth, and the PS3 logo were in a bubble. So we said instead of making a fake earth, we should make a proper rendering. We showed a prototype to them, but ultimately Sony wanted to go for a more simpler style. The intro became much simpler, orchestral. So we had a very well rendered earth and we didn't know what to do with it.

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'Bionic Commando: Rearmed' on PSP with Remote Play

by Justin McElroy { Feb 26th 2008 at 9:45AM }

We've got to admit that over the last 12 months, we've been increasingly more impressed with the PSP, and we'd bet you have been too. Now, thrill as it becomes an even more relevant system: Capcom's Ben Judd recently let it slip to MTV that PSN game Bionic Commando: Rearmed will be playable on PSPs using the Remote Play feature. If this and Pixel Junk Monsters mark the start of a trend, it seems like a PSP purchase should be all but an afterthought for PS3 owners.

We are a little concerned though about how well an action game like Bionic Commando will make the leap across the internets to land in the PSP. As excited as we are for PSP arm swinging, it could all go to pot if lag is an issue. We'll keep our six-million dollar robotic claw crossed.

Bionic Commando Rearmed will feature Remote Play

by Jem Alexander { Feb 25th 2008 at 7:00PM }

As if you needed another reason to pick up Bionic Commando: Rearmed, Stephen Totilo of MTV Multiplayer has received confirmation from a Capcom representative that the NES remake will be playable on the PSP. The game will be available from the PSN this May and will feature full remote-play capabilities. This will allow you to play the game anywhere in the world as long as you've got a wi-fi signal. Not bad eh?

Rearmed joins PixelJunk Monsters and Lair as some of the games that currently allow Remote Play. We certainly look forward to more third parties taking advantage of the system. So if you have a PS3, a PSP, a love of old school 2D platformers and are too lazy to get out of bed, you can still play Bionic Commando: Rearmed. Not bad, eh?

Bionic Commando: Rearmed coming to PSP (via Remote Play)

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 25th 2008 at 3:15PM }

As discovered by MTV Multiplayer, the upcoming PSN title, Bionic Commando: Rearmed is coming to PSP, via PS3 and Remote Play. The title, which originally started as a PSP-exclusive title, made the jump to the next-gen consoles with much enthusiasm. Good thing to see PSP owners aren't left behind, though. Rearmed joins the slowly-growing line-up of titles that support Remote Play, such as PixelJunk Monsters and Lair.

Of course, this feature will not be available on the PC and Xbox 360 versions of the game.