PSP Go: Confirmed!!

With E3 just around the corner, rumors of upcoming titles, systems and handhelds have flooded the internet, leaving gamers roaring for confirmations! Well one thing that VANTAGE can confirm for you guys is the upcoming PSP Go.

The PSP Go is the evolution of the Sony PSP, which sports a brand new look, and is packed with loads of new features! Features like a sliding screen that hides the buttons and UMD drive, 16GB of internal memory, bluetooth, and many more. 

More titles have also been rumored to be released for this handheld. Titles like Kojima's new Metal Gear installment, Little Big Planet, and Gran Turismo.

Here are a few more pics:

I'm definitely loving Sony's new sleek design for this handheld. I definitely wouldn't mind owning one of these if I were to base my purchase on hardware alone. But  let's admit it, the first generation PSP also looked cool as hell, but it failed to make sales and generate cash for Sony. Nintendo's DS was definitely king in the handheld wars. My advice to Sony, make sure that they release some big name titles if you guys wanna sell this. I mean, it looks great,the features sound promising, but nobody's gonna buy this if there aren't any games to play. Metal Gear, Little Big Planet, and Gran Turismo is definitely a step in the right direction. Now let's keep the games coming! 

Oh and another thing, one tip I wanna share with you guys, don't buy one right away. Sony is definitely gonna release a variety of colors, so be patient. I'm definitely holding out for a white or red one!

What do you think? Comment!!

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Latest Rumors from GDC!

For those who don't know, GDC, or Game Developers Conference, is just around the corner. Its basically where we hear what the game developers out there are up to, straight from them. And just like I how I believe 2009 will be Sony's (PS3) year, here are the latest rumors/announcements that will make Sony fans very happy... if they turn out true that is.


- A new 80gb Ps3 bundled with 2 games at the end of March & will cost $399. A new 40gb PS3 will be launched in May, priced at $299!

Looks like there will be no price cut on the 80gb version, but 2 free games already adds up to around $120 (Uh oh for the 360)! And $299 for a 40gig-er? Most definitely affordable!

- The PSP slide will be shown in this years E3 and launched next year. The current PSP will also get a price cut which will bring it down to $119!

New products and more price cuts... looks like Sony is helping people out who are feeling the effects of the economic crisis? cool cool.

- Shadow of the Colossus Online will be annouced. Syphon Filter is also in production for the PS3, rumored to be using the same engine as Killzone 2.

Some of the biggest games on the PS2, coming to the PS3? More exclusives to add to the list? Hopefully!

- Insomniac is developing an action RPG platformer thats much like Zelda.

You can trust Insomniac to bring you good games outta the box, and a Zelda clone with the PS3's power? Intersting.


Just a reminder, these are only rumors, though the 80gb PS3 one seems like it has already been confirmed. We must all wait for GDC to see if any of the others will come to fruitation. If so, 2009 will defintely belong to Sony!

New Poll Question!!

In light of the recent debate that we had here at VANTAGE on the current console war between Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, we have decided to relate our new "Poll Question" on the matter.

With so many new games set to be released this year, we would like to know you guys' opinion on which console you think will dominate this year. Some have said that this could be the PS3's year, and some have disagreed! So head on over to the "Poll Segment" and give us your opinion!

Here at VANTAGE, we are very neutral between all 3 consoles. While the only system I own is the PS3, I don't in any way feel like the 360 is lower in quality. It's just that right now, the games I prefer are on the PS3, so please, no personal attacks! We would appreciate your opinions tho.

For those who are interested to read Ersh's post on the matter, click HERE

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FIGHT!!!: Microsoft Vs. Sony. No Blu-ray??

Those with hopes for native Blu-ray support in Microsoft's upcoming Windows 7 operating system should flush them down the shitter because there has been confirmation the new OS won't play Blu-ray movies out of the box. Blu-ray support in Windows 7 will be provided by "PC makers or BRD drive makers," according to Steven Sinofsky, senior vice president of the Windows and Windows Live Engineering Group at Microsoft, in a statement published by windows7center.com.

Just as with Windows XP and DVDs, Blu-ray playback under Windows 7 will require the installation of third party media suites such as CyberLink's PowerDVD or Corel's WinDVD. By refusing to licence the Blu-ray playback decoder for Windows 7, Microsoft is pushing the costs onto PC makers who will generally obtaining Blu-ray licenses bundled with Blu-ray drives.

Microsoft backed the doomed HD DVD format in the high definition format war which saw the Sony-backed Blu-ray format emerge victorious. Windows has not completely turned its back on the format, with Windows 7 offers the ability to read and burn Blu-ray data discs.

Is Microsoft that little kid with a bad attitude, not supporting Blu-ray because of its main console competitor, Sony? Who knows, but this does put Microsoft in a bad light in my book and on the losing side of the battle. You have to adapt. Right now, Apple is making its mark over MS with its incredibly superior Operating System, thus basically making Apple a better software manufacturer with respects to that. And now, game producers want more space to produce their games and HD-DVD just doesn’t cut it anymore. MS, you really do need to move on and just accept the new, just like Sony knows that iPod’s reign supreme in the music player industry, thus actually making iPod compatible components and even peripherals. Pride is a terrible thing MS, and if you continue your selfish ways then SEE-YA!

Sony's PSP In New Carnival Colors!!

Sony has recently announced that they will be releasing their popular handheld, the Sony PSP in new carnival colors! Although, I'm not sure new colors can save this losing battle for the PSP. I think that some new features or functions would've been better.

Anyhoo, beginning Mach 5th, colors like Radiant Red, Vibrant Blue, Bright Yellow, and Spirited Green will be made available in Japan. They are said to come alone for about 19800 yen (regular price for a PSP) or with a matching wrist strap/case and a 4gb memory stick for about 24800 yen (about $280.00).

Like I said, I believe that new colors isn't the answer for Sony. I've recently been to Japan, and believe me when I say that a huge chunk of the people walking around with handhelds are walking around with the Nintendo DS. I can't say for sure why, but my guess is that, maybe bacause the DS really has more to offer, functionality wise that is! But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

What do you think? Am I Wrong? Comment!

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Sony's OLED TV?

Hey guys, so I though I'd post some more stuff I found during my vacation in Japan.

So here is more cool tech I found during my vacation in Japan. This could "possibly" be Sony's much talked about OLED TV. When I saw this, the first thing I noticed was how ultra thin it was! Like you wouldn't believe how thin this thing was. This is considered to be the first OLED in the US, and features a 1 000, 000:1 contrast ratio, low power consumption, and rapid response time.

The OLED however only comes in an 11 inch, I wouldn't suggest picking these up for your home theater.

Oh, and for those who don't know, OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode.

Here are some details abut this anticipated TV:

XEL-1 Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) Television
Available in January for about $2,500

• North America's first Organic LED television

• 11-inch screen is ultra slim with a depth of only 3 millimeters

• Light emitting structure delivers 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, very deep blacks and unmatched color expression and picture detail

• Extremely bright picture with low power consumption

• Rapid panel response time for a clear, blur-free picture

• Exceptionally wide viewing angles unmatched by other TV devices

• Remarkably wide color range surpassing other displays

The only thing I can say about his TV is "DAMN" The width of this thing is unbelievable! I can't even imagine a TV getting thinner than this! But hey, I wouldn't be surprised. If I had $2,500 to burn, I'd definitely head to the nearest Sony to pick this bad boy up! I personally think that the specs justify its price.

What do you think? Comment!!

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Sony's Rolly

Here's something cool I stumbled on in Japan! This is Sony's Rolly. For those who haven't heard about this, this Sony's latest portable music device. It may look a little weird at first, but it actually looks like this because this device can actually dance to the beat of the music it plays!! Gotten your attention huh?

Rolly is made with several motors so that it would be able to rotate and spin to the beat. It also sports LED lights on its edge, the "cup-like" wings, which actually opens and closes as it dances.

Rolly is able to detect beats, rhythm, voice and pitch through sound sensitivity. This allows Rolly to automatically react top the music. Preprogrammed movements and downloads can be downloaded from personal computers and bluetooth.

Here's a quick vid of Rolly that I took from The Sony Building in Japan:

This device went on sale on in Japan on Sept. 29, 2007 for a retail price of about $399.99. It comes in black or white. Sony also made the "engrave it" option available, as well as different colors of arms and other accessories.

I think this device is cool. Very innovative if you ask me. However, when I saw this I was all like, "when would I ever use this? It's not like quality of the sound it produces is that good." I mean, I guess for those who have cash to throw around, I'd suggest you head out and get one! It would make a great conversation piece for when you have get-togethers! But for those who are more practical, I suggest you think about it first!

What do you think? Comment!

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Sony Touchscreen Walkman!

Sony is also joining the line of touchscreen gadgets with its new Walkman, scheduled to be revealed @ CES 2009. This will be the most advanced music, video and photo Walkman music player Sony has released to date. All the usual suspects are here... WiFi, browser, large amounts of audio & video codec supports, YouTube, and an OLED 3" screen with around 10,000 contrast ratio. Wait a sec... OLED 3" screen with a 10,000 contrast ratio?! Thats not normal! What's that you ask? Well, lets just say that this screen will put the ones on our iPhone's and iPod's to shame! SHAME I say!

Other notable features is that it includes FM radio! Where has that been on our iPod's, Apple?!?! It will also have some kind of search feature which can tell you more about the artist you're listening to, the album, music video's etc... With this Walkman, I'm not even gonna go into sound quality cuz Sony has never been lacking in that department.

As much of an Apple Fanboy as I am, Sony still holds a place near and dear to my heart... and this Walkman looks to definitely be capable to break that iPod streak I've been on for the past few years (3rd gen, Mini, Mini 2nd gen, Nano, 5th gen U2, Touch)! Now, all that matters will be it's styling. Can it do better than Apple? If so, Sony, you've got my pick for the best music player!

Sony Organic Screen

"This Is So Going In My Blog,"

How many of you guys remember the scene from Minority Report where Tom Cruise eats from an animated box of cereal? Yeah, didn't seem like that was ever gonna happen right? Well today we take a step forward to actually seeing that in our pantries. Getting excited yet?

The dudes at Sony and Germany's Max Planck Institue have developed a flexible and organic display that  features video capabilities. This is basically made possible by the OLED application. With this tech, we'll basically be able to see animated shirts,  and digital newspapers and cereal boxes. Yup, somewhere down the line, we won't be reading the paper anymore, we'll be watching it straight from the paper. But that's not all, with tech like this, we could very well be seeing wallpaper TV's in our bedrooms.

I think this is definitely a huge leap towards "the future." I'm excited to see what they're able to do with this. May it be animated cereal boxes, or digital newspapers, it's definitely an exciting time for everyone. We are literally seeing the future come to life and I'm just glad I'm here to see it all happen!

What do you guys think? Comment!

Sony's 'Quantum of Solace' VAIO laptop

Sorry, no hidden missile or grenade launchers here. No tracking device, laser beam or supersonic sound thingee. Believe it or not, this machine isn't actually a piece of high-tech spy gear -- it's a garden variety Sony Z-Series with the usual kit: Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 128GB SSD or 320GB hard drive, 3G connectivity, 4GB RAM, 13.3-inch LED backlit LCD, fingerprint reader, Motion Eye camera and Blu-ray drive.

This piece of cinematic history will be limited to 700 units, and it's expected to set you back a cool $4,000! But hey, for that kinda money, look what you get, a slick 007 logo! Secret agents, eat your heart out!!! This piece of machinery is expected to ship @ the end of October.

Sony Vaio TT: World's Lightest Blu-Ray Laptop

"This Is So Going In My Blog,"

As you might have noticed, me and my co-authors here at VANTAGE are pretty much huge Apple fans. BUT, that don't mean we don't apreciate the other brands out there! Remember the time, when Sony was top dog? They ruled during the times of walkmans and discmans, they dominated in the TV industry, and their pc's and laptops were always able to hold their own. While Sony has lost a huge chunk of thier share in these industries, they still produce some of the coolest gadgets out there today.

Today I'm posting about their latest notebook, the Sony Vaio TT. This notebook is considered to be the world's lightest blu-ray laptop. It's chassis is made of carbon fiber. Arriving in a variety of configurations, the VAIO TT is available with an XBRITE-DuraView LCD, Intel's Centrino 2 technology, an HDMI output, dual channel 256GB (128GB x 2) SSD setup with RAID, Sprint WWAN (EV-DO Rev. A) and Windows Vista running the show. It will be available in carbon black, silk black, champagne gold, and crimson red. No word yet on battery life yet, but stay tuned. This Vaio is estimated to cost about $2000.00, while the blu-ray pack will go for about $2700.00.

Now like I said, I'm very much an Apple fan and would prefer a mac, but right now, I actually use a Vaio. Vaios would be my second choice. And if I were to get another laptop other than the mac, I would definitely consider this notebook. I like its design. I would get it in Crimson Red. And I love the fact that it will be able to support blu-ray, and the fact that it's the lightest. Always gotta go with what's light people!

What do you think? Comment!

"True Story"

PS3-3000: Update

"This Is So Going In My Blog,"

As I mentioned in my earlier posts, Sony has announced their followup to their "PSP", the "PSP-3000."

The unit pretty much looks exactly the same. One of the new features the PSP-3000 will come with is a better LCD. The quality will be better, and it will also be anti glare. They will come in 3 colors: "Piano Black", "Mystic Silver," and "Ceramic White." However, "Ceramic White" will only be available in Europe and Japan. Damn....

Details about this is still very "Hush Hush," so I can't really say much. But I will as soon as I get new information, so stay tuned!

Here are a few pics:

Mystic Silver:



Piano Black:

Ceramic White:

"True Story"