NINTENDO CAUGHT USING PS3/XBOX 360 FOOTAGE IN E3 KEYNOTE

Nintendo's E3 2011 keynote yesterday gave the world its first official look at the all-new Wii U hardware plus (we thought) a glimpse at the graphical capabilities of its next console. As it turns out, the impressive list of upcoming games for the 2012-bound console was just that, a list, with the visuals we saw on screen coming from PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of said titles.

Nintendo of America chief Reggie Fils-Aime has confirmed that to be the case in an interview with GameTrailers, where he also points out that the eventual Wii U games will look at least as good as their PS3 / 360 counterparts. Which is why, in his eyes, it's okay to show us those games being played on the competition's (current-gen) hardware. He does remind us that the Wii U will be delivering graphics at a 1080p resolution, and points to the garden tech demo that also graced E3 as an indicator of what can be done with Nintendo's next console.

SONY TO REMASTER SOME PSP TITLES FOR PS3

The HD collections of past game series have proved popular for Sony. But it looks like the raiding of back catalogs isn’t just going to stop with consoles games, Sony is now looking to its handheld titles for new releases.

A new range entitles the PSP Remaster collection will bring exiting PSP titles to the PS3. These aren’t just ports, though. Sony intends to spend time updating the visuals in each game to be HD quality as well as adding support for Dual Shock 3 force feedback, and 3D.

Existing owners of Remaster games on PSP may be tempted as new content will also be created for each title. So not only will you be playing some of the most popular PSP titles on PS3, you’ll most likely have new levels, characters, even a whole new storyline to indulge in. We also suspect multiplayer features will play a key part dependent on what games are remastered.

If you own the game on PSP and PS3, then save games can be shared across both platforms. That means while you’re at home you can enjoy the HD visuals, but then carry on playing while on the move using your PSP from your last save point. Vice versa when you return home and switch back to the PS3. Sony’s recently announced cloud save service for PlayStation Plus subscribers is sure to play a part in this feature.

VUDU HD MOVIE RENTAL COMING TO PLAYSTATION 3

VUDU has announced they will launch HD streaming on the Playstation3 starting November 23rd. VUDU will give instant access to over 4,000 HD movies at only $2 for a two day period. Read below for the press release.

PlayStation®Network Continues to Expand its Industry Leading Entertainment Offerings with VUDU™ HD Streaming Movie Service

VUDU Brings High Definition Movies On-Demand to the PlayStation®3 System

FOSTER CITY, Calif., November 16, 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced that on-demand movie service VUDU™ will launch on PlayStation®Network in the United States with an application that allows for High Definition (HD) and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound streaming to the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. VUDU delivers a massive library of movies to the PS3 system in true 1080p HD format, providing another choice for PS3 users to experience cinema-quality entertainment in the comfort of their living rooms. When the VUDU application launches on November 23, 2010, the PS3 system will be the first and only system with dedicated gaming functionality to offer this service. This partnership further establishes PlayStation Network as the complete home entertainment hub, which includes the latest in gaming, movies, television shows, sports, original programming, internet browsing and social networking.
Using the VUDU streaming movie service, PS3 owners will be able to conveniently and instantly access more than 4,000 HD movies from all major Hollywood studios on-demand, including new releases available the same day they are released to DVD or Blu-ray Disc. The VUDU streaming movie service also offers great value to PS3 households, with an enormous collection of titles available for only $2 for a two night rental.
"PlayStation has long been the leader in providing living room entertainment. PlayStation Network has emerged as the industry leading entertainment hub for experiencing an unmatched amount of digital content," said Susan Panico, senior director, PlayStation Network. "With the addition of the VUDU application to our free PlayStation Network, users will have another way to access entertainment, with thousands of HD movies available instantly in the comfort of their own home."
"PS3 is tailor-made for the high-quality, high-speed VUDU streaming experience," said Edward Lichty, general manager, VUDU. "Now with VUDU on PS3, we are able to deliver a completely immersive experience to those loyal to their entertainment system when they want, where they want."
Customers that have a free PlayStation Network account can download the VUDU application in the "Media" category on PlayStation®Store and then access it under the "Video" icon on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu. New VUDU customers receive a $5.99 credit, enabling them to watch their first HD movie on the service for free.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations.
About VUDU
A leader in digital entertainment, VUDU offers the world's largest selection of streaming HD movies, including thousands of blockbusters, Hollywood classics, and indies available in stunning HDX 1080p with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Movies are available the same day they are released on DVD or Blu-Ray, and can be rented or purchased without a subscription. VUDU comes built in on select internet connectable HDTVs and Blu-Ray Disk Players from, LG, Mitsubishi, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Toshiba and Vizio, and is also available on PC or Mac via the Boxee platform. VUDU is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Stores, Inc., and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, visit http://www.vudu.com/

PS3 NETFLIX GOES DISK-FREE, GETS 1080i AND 5.1 SURROUND SOUND

Netlix and Sony have announced that starting November 18th PS3 users will no longer have to use the special disk to stream Netflix content.  In addition Netflix will be streaming their content in 1080i, versus 720p for all other devices, and 5.1 surround sound.

Netflix has partnered with Dolby to offer the 5.1 surround audio, named Dolby Digital Plus.  Netflix did say that 5.1 surround sound would be coming to other devices "over time". [Gizmodo]

TiVo GETTING OUT OF HARDWARE?

TiVo marketing VP Joe Miller suggested to PC Magazine their hardware business won't be the companies focus for long.  Miller also stated software is the "core competence," said it was "in our blood" and "the thing we do well," and even added that "the software is what we're all about."  With the plethora of DVR devices on the market, it is no surprise TiVo would move to focus on their outstanding software and license it to the hardware manufacturers. [Engadget]