Kaz Hirai: PS3 web browser based on consumer demand - 5.7.05

Sony Computer Entertainment America boss Kaz Hirai has spoken to US magazine EGM, in which he discussed features of the PS3. Hirai talked about users being able to browse the web via the next-gen console but also stressing that online is only one part of the firm's overall strategy.

Hirai said with the advent of HDTV displays, web browsing on a console device is practical, adding;

there's really no reason why we or some other software publisher can't come out with a web browser.

According to Hirai, it will also be possible to plug a standard USB keyboard into the USB ports on the PS3, and the decision on whether or not to ship the PS3 with a web browser was purely based on consumer demand for the service.

He also went on to discuss the downloading of content and games, saying that the technology was there for the PS2 but not the infrastructure. Microsoft got their regular wooden spooning as Hirai attacked their online strategy, saying they are putting all their eggs in the one basket with the XBox Live service.

"When we talked about PS2 back in '99, I believe, it was obviously the technology we had," he said. "The other half is obviously the infrastructure - unfortunately, we don't control it. And I think that the broadband networks, the adoption of broadband and hopefully, you know, faster broadband, is something that consumers are going to adopt very quickly."

"Once we have the infrastructure and we have the technology, then you're good to go," he continued. "You've got to have both sides of the equation."

However, Hirai was careful to note that while PS3 will have a strong focus on online functionality, it's only one element of the company's approach with the console - and he criticized Microsoft's heavy reliance on Xbox Live to differentiate their offering, saying that "they seem to really put their eggs in the online basket."
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By Gary (Email: Gary at igniq dot com)

	« Igniq.com Gaming News Kaz Hirai: PS3 web browser based on consumer demand - 5.7.05 Sony Computer Entertainment America boss Kaz Hirai has spoken to US magazine EGM, in which he discussed features of the PS3. Hirai talked about users being able to browse the web via the next-gen console but also stressing that online is only one part of the firm's overall strategy. Hirai said with the advent of HDTV displays, web browsing on a console device is practical, adding; there's really no reason why we or some other software publisher can't come out with a web browser. According to Hirai, it will also be possible to plug a standard USB keyboard into the USB ports on the PS3, and the decision on whether or not to ship the PS3 with a web browser was purely based on consumer demand for the service. He also went on to discuss the downloading of content and games, saying that the technology was there for the PS2 but not the infrastructure. Microsoft got their regular wooden spooning as Hirai attacked their online strategy, saying they are putting all their eggs in the one basket with the XBox Live service. "When we talked about PS2 back in '99, I believe, it was obviously the technology we had," he said. "The other half is obviously the infrastructure - unfortunately, we don't control it. And I think that the broadband networks, the adoption of broadband and hopefully, you know, faster broadband, is something that consumers are going to adopt very quickly." "Once we have the infrastructure and we have the technology, then you're good to go," he continued. "You've got to have both sides of the equation." However, Hirai was careful to note that while PS3 will have a strong focus on online functionality, it's only one element of the company's approach with the console - and he criticized Microsoft's heavy reliance on Xbox Live to differentiate their offering, saying that "they seem to really put their eggs in the online basket." Read on Related: PS3/Xbox360/PSP/DS Compatibility Rumours Swirl Gamespot Rumor Control: PS3/360/DS/PSP connectivity No harddrive for PS3 upon launch? Sony hide millions, face 4.5 billion yen fine PS3 To Lose Over A Billion In The First Year? More Xbox 360 support in July? PS3 and Xbox 360, disappointing CPU performance? Konami hint at Xbox 360 exclusive Xbox 360 to side with HD-DVD? XBox 360 PSP/iPod Compatible (17 May) Discussion >> By Gary (Email: Gary at igniq dot com) Sponsored links: Concert Tickets Buy Wii Games Online Best prices: PS3 (60 GB) Console Place a link here