In an interview with US magazine EGM, Sony Computer Entertainment America boss, Kaz Hirai, has discussed possibilities of Web browsing and movie downloads on the PlayStation 3 and didn't miss the chance to have a dig at Microsoft.
With the uptake of HDTV, Hirai thinks web browsing on a console has now become much more practical and said "there's really no reason why we or some other software publisher can't come out with a web browser." He added that the decision to release a web browser would depend on consumer demand for such a service. Hirai also explained how it will be possible to plug standard USB peripherals, such as a keyboard into the PlayStation 3.
Moving on to the prospect of movie downloads, Hirai revealed that this was a feature discussed back in 1999 for the PlayStation 2, but despite the technology being available, the network infrastructure was not.
"When we talked about PS2 back in '99, I believe, it was obviously the technology we had," said Hirai. "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." He went on to add. "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."
Hirai was keen to emphasise that online is only part of the approach for the PlayStation 3, criticising Microsoft's reliance on Xbox Live to offer something original, claiming "they seem to really put their eggs in the online basket." Seemingly having another dig at Microsoft he went on to add that it's more important to make great content than have online play.
"I think especially with this generation of hardware - not PS3, but PS2 - I've said from day one that online is not the be-all end-all," explained Hirai. "It's a great experience. It's a very important thing that we embark on... But we also don't want to lose sign of the fact that it's all about great content."
In a concluding remark about online features, Hirai said. "like I said, I'm not belittling it, but there are other important aspects that one cannot forget to ensure success to move on and transition to the next generation."
It's hard to know if Sony really do believe that Microsoft have been putting all their eggs in one basket, or, behind the talk, are actually envious of what Microsoft have achieved with Xbox Live.
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