PS3 Officially Launches in Malaysia, on Sept 20th.

Its finally here, Sony Malaysia have announced that PS3 will be officially sold in Malaysia. It will be launched 10am on Sept 20th at 1U at Ground Floor Highstreet New Wing (that's a popular mall in PJ, locals will know how to get there) and there is even a 24hours Soul Calibur IV tournament before the launch day.

For the launch, Sony Malaysia will be selling a special launch bundle:

80GB PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) Bundle Early Birds Promotion

1 x 80GB PS3™ (CECHK06)
1 x DUALSHOCK 3® Wireless Controller
1 x Soul Calibur IV™ game
1 x Selected PS3™ game (Resistance, Ratchet and Clank Future, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Assassin's Creed)
1 x Custom made PS3™ Tote bag
1 x Soul Calibur IV™ CD holder
Price: RM 1,799

To sweeten the bundle further, Sony Malaysia have generously added special gifts for the first 120 buyers of the PS3 Malaysian bundle, as detailed below:-

1st - 3rd customer - RM 1,000 Sony Cash Voucher
4th - 21st customer - RM 500 Sony Cash Voucher
22nd - 50th customer - RM 300 Sony Cash Voucher
51st - 120th customer - RM 100 Sony Cash Voucher

To facilate for those who wants to be 1st in line, the queue line will be opened at 8am, so plan your day/night well.

And not forgetting those of you who don't ever leave the house, Sony Malaysia have generously made the same PS3 Malaysian bundle available as an online pre-order purchase. The first 20 online buyers will get a bonus Blu-ray movie thrown in. However, details on the online purchase, delivery method and the free Blu-ray movie are not included.

All these details (except for the online pre-order deal) are available from here (http://corp.sony.com.my/3/main.asp).

What this means is that Malaysia will join HK, Singapore and Taiwan as the 4th country to officially have the PS3 (Japan is a whole region as far as PS3 distribution, and its not Asian region). All these while, the PS3s in MY stores are simply parallel imports (usually from Singapore) and the warranty is from the country of origin only. With the launch, Malaysian PS3s can be repaired by Sony service centres in Malaysia itself.

Hopefully, this will lead Sony Malaysia to bring in PS3 games directly as well as any PS3 peripherals and accessories, and that the prices will be cheaper than the parallel imports.

Firmware 2.40 removed from PSN, temporarily according to SCE.

Due to some reports of buggy installation causing some PS3s experience problems. These problems range from reports of bricking, PS3 restarting itself halfway during installations, and even claims that the update wipes out the whole HDD.

SONY have responded to this complain by removing the firmware completely from PSN, and issued a statement in their Playstation.blog. The full statement there is as below:-

"As has been reported on many gaming blogs and websites, we have temporarily taken Firmware v2.40 offline. We’ve received a limited number of calls from consumers experiencing an issue with installing the system software update on their PS3. While our consumer services department has seen a low volume of calls on this topic, we are committed to providing the PS3 community with XMB access features delivered in the v2.40 update. We are working diligently to isolate the problem for those few consumers and to identify a solution before we put the firmware back up.

We’ll provide further information as necessary here on the Blog."

However, there are also numerous PS3s that have been update with no problem whatsoever. For those of us that have not update the firmware yet, we can only wait for SONY to fix this snafu and hopefully get their act together and not release buggy firmware.

For me, there is no hurry as most of the new features (custom music soundtrack, Trophies) only work in ONE game so far. With the already released games not supporting it yet, and only games coming after fall supports it, there is no hurry to update the firmware.

GTA4 patched to V1.02

Last week, GTA4 was patched to version 1.02. The patch is mainly to improve the online multiplayer experience by fixing the following:-

• Fixed an issue where players were unable to enter or exit vehicles in GTA Race.
• Fixed an issue where scripted vehicles were causing games to unexpectedly crash.
• Improved reliability and frequency of PS3 online leaderboard updates.
• Fixed a rare hang some players encountered when moving from a Race or GTA Race lobby into gameplay.
• Fixed a hang that would occur when players were switching teams during the countdown in the lobby.
• Fixed an issue where players were able to get ridiculously high scores from Cops 'n Crooks matches.
• Changed GTA Race and Race so that the last player remaining always receives a reward of $250.
• Fixed an issue where spectating players would prevent the game from finishing.
• Fixed an issue where players were unable to spectate in Round 2 of Cops 'n Crooks games.
• Changed countdown timer in lobby so that it no longer resets when new players join a game.
• Changed the kick option so that kicked players are no longer brought back to single player.

The patch retrieval is done automatically when you launch the game and is connected to the internet, and the patch is small download at 19MBs only (if you are using broadband). Now let me get back to MSG4....

PS3 Firmware update 2.40 to be released July 2, 2008.

PS3 will get the much awaited Firmware 2.40 tomorrow. This latest update is different Firmware 2.36 (released last week) which improves "system stability when playing select PlayStation format software titles," but not mentioning which games.

With Firmware 2.40, SONY finally adds in-game XMB, custom soundtrack options and their own version of Xbox's Achievement system, known as Trophies.

The in-game XMB is a full scaled XMB, with new options to quit game, go online, access Playstation Store, change headset settings and even checking on which of your friends are online, all done without ever leaving the game. Note that the XMB will only work for PS3 games, so accessing the XMB by pressing the PS button on the controller while in a PSOne or PS2 game wont work.

Custom music option for games are also added to the XMB to play your own music, and SONY have added a control panel within the Music category with buttons to play, pause, skip and even to control the volume if its affects the game's audio effects. This feature needs to be added to the game, so it wont work on existing releases but it could be easily patched if the developer chooses to.

The biggest addition to Firmware 2.40 and to the PS3 itself is the Trophies system. Similar to Xbox360's Achievement system, PS3's Trophy system goes a few step further. Instead of points, different type of Bronze, Silver and Gold Trophies will be awarded for completing different tasks. Each game will also have one single Platinum Trophy is available for completing all Trophies in the game. You can then compare your Trophy collection with your friends, and the collection will also be added to you profile for all to see.

To make things more enticing, Sony have added a Level system to the Trophies. Gaining Trophies will level up your profile in PSN, giving gamers more incentive to collect as many Trophies they can find. This will definitely improve PS3's online community draw, as there are much more reason to getting Trophies as opposed to simply having Points to show.

All this and more will be available to PS3 users come tomorrow, so be ready to fully embrace SONY's new online community direction.

Dark Mist themes are to be bought, no longer free?

Oh no!! If this are the shape of things to come, then PS3 users will be lighter in the wallets from getting new themes to dress up their PS3s.

In order to dress up your PS3 with the new Dark Mist themes, users will have to fork out SG1.29 or HKD7.00 (RM3.00) to get it from Sony HK, as per screen shot above. This is an unprecedented move and this may signal the end of Sony PS3's free online content?

Whats even more strange is that Sony HK is asking you to pay for Themes! I really hope that they will not start charging for their online multiplayer, as this is their key difference from Xbox Live, a paid user online service for Microsoft's Xbox360.

It seems that US and EU PS Stores have not started this, perhaps it will soon?

PS3 Firmware updated to V2.35, but dont fix GTA IV's freeze.

PS3's latest firmware patch is now at V2.35, available as of May 15, 2008. Sony was pretty vague about what the patch do, only stating "System stability during use of some PLAYSTATION(R)3 format software has been improved."

Users have reported online that the patch DOES not fix the problems with GTA IV, and Sony acknowledges it while saying that they are looking the problem and may have a solution soon.

You can try calling Sony's customer support in your area to check.

GTA IV PS3 gets patched to V1.01

Rockstar have released GTA IV patch for PS3. Weighing in at 18MB in size, the patch is said to improve online experience by fixing some server related issues and stuff as mentioned below.

"Rockstar Games has released a GTA IV patch for Playstation 3 today that prevents Gamespy's servers from being overloaded and therefore reduces the impact on those servers that were causing the game to stutter and lock up. This update will ensure that everyone will experience Grand Theft Auto IV the way it was intended. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused," statement released by Rockstar regarding the patch.

Online forums users have reported that the patch also helps with the lock-ups on single player mode, especially the one dealing with the auto saved game load. The patch seems to have fixed that too.

I personally do not have any lock up issues in both single and multiplayer mode, so I cant tell the difference. Will play the game more to see if I can see any fixes done.

My wish list for Rockstar if they are reading this (yeah, fat chance), if the player thats hosting a multiplayer game (the one with the "crown" icon who decides on the settings) is idle for extended periods, please kick the player out automatically. I had several instances where many players are waiting to get into the game but is hampered by the host not being ready. Fix that and the multiplayer will be much much sweeter.

Also, why is the PS3 version darker than the Xbox360 version, even if the PS3 version have better shading and looks more realistic??

PS. I have been playing multiplayer so much that I have neglected the single player mode....

PS Store new look, and PS3 Firmware 2.30 out now.

Sony's brand new layout for the PLAYSTATION Store is now live. Also tagging along is PS3 latest firmware update to version 2.30, which brings DTS-HD Master Audio sound reproduction to the console. Cool stuff.

Playstation Store revamp starts today.

The above is the new re-designed Playstation Store layout and look. To facilitate the revamp, Sony will not be updating the PSN Store with new content for two weeks with effect from today. Users will still be able to access to existing contents while the revamp goes on.

The new revamped Playstation Store is expected to be go live "mid April" in all regions. The redesign will not affect existing PSN accounts or their virtual wallets.

Dualshock 3 finally reaching US shores, Sixaxis phased out.

Sony announced that the Dualshock3 will hit US next week, one whole week earlier than the April 15 2008 expected release date. In the same announcement, they have released a list of PS3 titles that are compatible with the Dualshock3, click here to check the list.

This will also mean that future PS3s will be shipped Dualshock3 in the package, which will be very good news for future PS3 purchasers.

With Dualshock3 already available in Japan and Asia, it is not shocking news that Sony is plasing out of Sixaxis. Existing stocks is estimated to be cleared by summer 08, so buy now if you wish to have rumble-less controllers for the PS3 in the future.

Major security vulnerability on PLAYSTATION Network discovered, rectified.

Following a SCE Japan alert, SCEA US Site have released a consumer alert, reproduced in its entirety as following:-


"Notice to PLAYSTATION®Network Users:

We have found out that there has been a possibility of unauthorized access to personal information on the PLAYSTATION®Store through PCs, a content download service of the PLAYSTATION®Network. Although unlikely, it is possible that the passwords of a small percentage of PLAYSTATION Network users may have been changed through unauthorized access, making it possible to view users' personal information and/or use the Wallet for the PLAYSTATION Store. PLAYSTATION Network accounts do not display entire credit card numbers, so any unauthorized access to your PLAYSTATION Network account is very unlikely to compromise your credit card number.

We have taken immediate measures to rectify this issue and system security is restored. We have investigated the extent of unauthorized access and possible alteration of passwords that could have occurred before corrective measures were taken, and are directly contacting customers who may have been affected by this incident. In order to verify that your account is intact, we strongly suggest that PLAYSTATION Network users sign in to the service. If you can successfully sign in with your pre-set password, your account is not affected by this incident.
For additional information and immediate 24 hour online support, click here for the PlayStation Knowledge Center."

What this mean is someone have hacked and accessed into some member's PLAYSTATION Network accounts, capturing their ID, password and wallet. Sony have rectified the security issue and is in the process of investigating the damages.

Meanwhile, if you want to know if you are affected, login to your account with your password. If you can't get in, chances are you have been affected and should contact your nearest Sony service center.

PS3 Firmware 2.20 is available now.

SCEH released PS3 Firmware V2.20 via PLAYSTATION Network last night. The firmware is a 121.8MB download and installs into your PS3.

The firmware update enables BD-Live, a feature that enables users to access online contents for Blu-Ray movies. The 2GB file size restrictions for DivX and WMV movies have been removed too.

Also available are updates to playlists (users can copy their PS3 playlist to PSP) and other minor tweaks.

Good times for BD movies buff using the PS3.

Satin Silver PS3 retails in Singapore today!

The new Satin Silver 40GB PS3 will be available in Singapore market today according to Sony HK's press release. This new colored PS3 will retail at SGD499 (RM1150), the same as the White or Black 40GB PS3 available currently, while a matching colored Dualshock 3 will also be available at SGD73 (RM170).

PS3 and PSP software updated, COD4 PS3 patched as well.

Sony's PS3 firmware is now at V2.17, while PSP is upped to V3.93. Downloading them give your PS3 and PSP under the hood tweaks: PS3 will experience improved gaming experience (what the heck that means, let me know if you find out!) while PSP will get 20 (count 'em) players for its internet radio feature (I think there are some stuff to twart hackers thrown in too).


Meanwhile, after being patched on the Xbox360 earlier, the PS3 version is now receiving the same love as Call of Duty 4 is now at Version 1.20. This patch is a 12MB download, and it improves gameplay slightly.

Hackers able to run PS3 back-ups via HDDs!

Hackers working on PS3 have manged to run PS3 retail games back-ups off its internal HDD or via USB HDD! This may soon lead to piracy issues similar to Sony's PSP UMD games being run off the Memory Sticks. While there seems to be more that needs to be done before this leads to mass piracy so rampant on the PSP, but things are slowly creeping towards that eventuality. Oh no!

While some are quick to point out that blu-ray discs can contain up to 25GB of data in one single layered disc, it must be noted that cross platformed games appearing on Xbox360s and PS3s does run on dual layered standard DVD (9.6GB) for the Xbox360 console. This simply means that current games are not using the limit of the blu-ray discs yet. So a 40GB HDD PS3 could still store up to 4 dual layered DVD games, theoritically speaking.

This will be very interesting to watch, as the PS3 is seemingly close to being fully hacked for piracy.

Link to the mumbo jumbo tech stuff here.

PS3 Devil May Cry 4 requires HDD install.

As a first for PS3, Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 will install 5GB worth of files on the PS3's HDD. The whole installation will occur during the initial run of the game and will take a whopping 20 minutes to complete. In that time, Capcom have kindly inserted a history of the entire Devil May Cry series while the PS3 is locked during the installation process.

The installation is supposedly to improve loading times on the PS3, but there are contrasting reports that this may not work that well. Many have said that load times are just few short seconds faster than the DVD streaming of the Xbox360. I will test it out when I get the Xbox360 version soon.



I sure hope that this is not the sign of times to come, as I did not get consoles to bear with installation times.

Yahoo! board rejects Microsoft's bid, saying its too little.

Well, that was fast. Shortly after Microsoft announced a USD 44.6billion offer for Yahoo! to the Yahoo! board, Yahoo! have officially announced that they are not interested in the deal, citing that the offer was too low for Yahoo!'s potential.

In the press release, "the Yahoo! Board of Directors has carefully reviewed Microsoft's unsolicited proposal with Yahoo!'s management team and financial and legal advisors and has unanimously concluded that the proposal is not in the best interests of Yahoo! and our stockholders."

"After careful evaluation, the Board believes that Microsoft's proposal substantially undervalues Yahoo! including our global brand, large worldwide audience, significant recent investments in advertising platforms and future growth prospects, free cash flow and earnings potential, as well as our substantial unconsolidated investments.", it adds.

Microsoft have since then said that they are still very keen on pursuing this merger/buy-out. Lets see how this unfolds.

Japanese Super Smash Bros. Brawl disc read error on Wii.

Nintendo of Japan have issued a statement about reported disc read errors for the game. According to the statement, Nintendo has received complaints from Super Smash Bros. Brawl buyers of the Wii being unable to read their newly bought disc, or of videos chopping up during playback. These users claim to have had no such problems with past games.

Nintendo then did a study, and concluded that the problem arises from dust building up on the Wii laser lens. As Super Smash Bros. Brawl uses a dual layer DVD (the touted D9), the disc is more sensitive to dirty lens. A fix to this problem is to clean the Wii laser lens but its not something regular Wii owners can't do on their own.


To fix this, Nintendo of Japan have offered to clean Japanese Wiis for free and even pay for the shipping fees. All you have to do is ship your Wii, warranty card and a copy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl (to prove you actually bought the game, and not simply wanting a free service) to Nintendo's service center in Kyoto. Only drawback, you lose your Wii for one week while Nintendo cleans your lens.


Be aware, please don't send in your modded Wii and expect a free service, ya?

Microsoft bids for Yahoo! at USD$44.6 billion.

Steve Ballmer CEO have sent a letter to Yahoo!'s board of directors, persenting a formal offer of USD$31 per share for the company. This merger will cost Microsoft USD$44.6 billion at that offer price, with Mr. Ballmer stating "We have great respect for Yahoo!, and together we can offer an increasingly exciting set of solutions for consumers, publishers and advertisers while becoming better positioned to compete in the online services market."

"Today, the market is increasingly dominated by one player who is consolidating its dominance through acquisition. Together, Microsoft and Yahoo! can offer a credible alternative for consumers, advertisers, and publishers." he adds. Microsoft's current move is seen as their move to counter the threat of Google's market share in search engines.

Yahoo! have yet to respond to the "merger agreement", while Google's David Drummond, senior VP of corporate development (and the company's chief legal officer) says that he worries the acquisition of the internet portal by a company that has "frequently sought to establish proprietary monopolies" could "extend unfair practices from browsers and operating systems to the internet." His concern centers around the possibility that the combination of the two monoliths could "unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors' email, IM, and web-based services."

Seems Google is anxious to keep their lead on their ad revenue, but this is going to be a very interesting watch over the next few months.

PS3 Firmware 2.10 is available in US

Firmware 2.1 is out in US. It adds DivX (and xviD) and WMV support to the PS3. Also added are Blu-Ray Profile 1.1 which adds features like Pic-in-Pic capabilities (something HD-DVD have long time ago).

Firmware 2.1 is not yet available for Asian region yet (www.asia.playstation.com) but I am sure it will be there few hours later, so check it again later.