Sony says it has no plans for revamped XMB, Netflix service
By Donald Melanson 
posted Dec 9th 2008 6:42PM
posted Dec 9th 2008 6:42PM
No real surprises here but, in a recent interview with GamePro, Sony's John Kohler said that the company doesn't have any plans to pull a Microsoft and redesign its XMB interface, nor does have any intention to offer Netflix service on the PS3 in the foreseeable future. More specifically, while Kohler says that Sony is willing to make changes "if consumers pound on our door loudly enough," it's not likely to make any "grand-scale changes" to the XMB "because it's something that's been so well-received." As for Netflix, Kohler expectedly shifted the focus to Sony's own download service, saying simply that "our efforts will continue to be there, because our customers want to own the content." Not surprisingly, Kohler didn't exactly invite any door-pounding on that matter, though there's certainly nothing stopping anyone that feels so inclined.
[Via PS3 Fanboy]
[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Apart of me understands why Sony made this decision, the other part of me... WTF?!?!!??!?!!
I realize that sony would not make a dime being that the PSN is free, and that X360 had to make their customers upgrade to gold in order to use Netflix. X360 still has a market place in tact.
Im a supporter of PS3, because I use it for blu-ray, media player (networked) and gaming system... although it wouldnt make any attached revenues with Netflix, wouldn't that make it another selling point?
I know there's people out there that say it would take away from blu-ray, but the true offer here is "variety". Yes, I am going to buy a copy of The Dark Knight, but there might be a movie I'm thinking of watching in HD within a half a day or less, and I dont want to go out and buy the optical media.
Sony's online store sucks... they cant even keep up with the free stuff (trailers).
ridiculous! of course it would be a selling point. if you are a netflix customer who is ready to buy bluray, this would really make the PS3 the top choice. why does sony really need to DO anything to make this happen? how hard could it be? now i have to pay $30 for a half baked solution to PlayOn for something that any computer (which the PS3 is) can do? lets pound doors!
Big mistake, the Netflix thing, though I am not sure if I believe it won't happen. This is a great selling point and there are alot of people getting into streaming, the PS3 should have Netflix streaming too.
Not cool. i love my ps3, and everyday i defend it against my xbox roommates....but when they got netflix...i was really impressed, its disappointing, maybe sony will come out with streaming through the ps3 store that and i wish they would allow rentals for new releases, i saw hancock was released and wanted to rent it, but the only option was to purchase for $14.99. thats ridiculous.
hmmm XMB well recieved by who ?
Its a rehase of the PSP interface, which was a rehase of the PSX interface that was on the PS2 DVD recorder thing that came out in Japan only...
Nothing like keeping the dev cost down is there ?
Sony...how about giving us MKV support playback? You know you want to do it :)
Rumor has it that Sony is partnering up with Blockbuster for online movie streaming via PS3. Whether it's true, and how it ends up launching is anyones guess.
I have both, and am enjoying the Netflix streaming via 360. Library isn't stunning, but while my 2 BDs are enroute in the mail, I can catch up on some older titles I've been meaning to watch and that are available for instant view.
Blockbuster would first have to come out with a movie streaming service first. All they currently have is pretty much the exact same system of video downloads as the PS3 and XBL's Video Marketplace.
I've been seriously considering selling my PS3 to get the HD netflix streaming on a player like the samsung 2500.
I'm a big fan of the Xross Media Bar thanks to the PS3, and when I was deciding between a Sony and a Samsung LCD, the Bravia's XMB took it over the top. Now I'm in the market for an A/V receiver and the fact that some of Sony's models also have an XMB is making me lean toward them. Don't mess with a system-seller, Sony.
Absolutely agree. I love the XMB and have considered buying Sony for my XMB purely for that feature as well. Why mess with near-perfection just for the sake of something new? Small tweaks only, please Sony.
Sorry, meant to say "for my AV receiver"...
I think Sony is so confident after finally winning a format war (BluRay v. HDDVD) that they won't acknowledge the fact that physical format is just one (small) piece of the current pie. Why use a delivery system created by another party when they can spend $100's of millions of dollars to build their very own square wheel?
Thank god Sony can build a decent TV.