In case you missed it, it seems Sony is very busy trying to make sure that the PSN HOME will hit the open beta stage by the end of the year. According to Sony Worldwide Studios Vice President Jamie MacDonald, at the Tokyo Game Show this year it was announced that it would be ready for the open testing by year's end. We know, though, how many times Sony has delayed HOME. It was supposed to be out already. Let's hope this date holds.

Sales of PS3 titles doubled in the past 12 months, but apparently that was not enough to offset the declines of the PSP and PS2 game sales for Sony's fiscal outlook. PSP game sales fell by 0.8 million units to 11.8 million, while PS2 games dropped by 14.9 million to 23.1 million. Of course, we expect PS2 to decline, that's what old systems do. As for PSP, we love our handheld, but Sony needs to now focus on games instead of new PSP models.

Just a heads up, folks. The PSN store has been updated. We have two full games, Prince of Persia Classic, and Penny Arcade Adventures: OTRSPOD Episode One. Add two demos, Lego Batman and Valkyria Chronicles, mix it with a slew of game-add ons, and one Soul Calibur IV Yoda, and you have PSN for Oct 24, 2008.

In Europe, now developers do now have to submit PS2 games for content approval. This effectively makes the Sony console an "open platform." This is going to further smaller and independent game developers, says Sony, and there is going to be a new global approval system implemented to accommodate the indie devs. Before, every region had a separate submission area for game approval. Now, indie devs simply submit their idea to a single website for approval. On top of this, Sony will now allow developers to publish with third-party publishers. What does all this mean in real-world practice? Basically, just like XNA and the Xbox Live Arcade, and the WiiWare channel, we will see smaller, indie-style games, being developed for PS2 and the PSN. Good to hear.

Sony has posted a new PSN HOME advertisement on the network sign-up screen on the PS3 PSN, it seems. This is fueling new speculation that the almost-year-overdue service may be launching soon, or at least the promised open beta will. Sony has denied to comment on this speculation, of course, and says "Autumn" is still the best date they can give.

Sony has revealed that the earnings forecast for this fiscal year may be down as much as 57%. The company expected to make about 4.8 billion USD, but now is expected to show a profit of around 2.0 billion. Sony said this is due to the lower demand for its products, particularly the company's video game department. Sony also said the LCD TV, and digital and video camera business was lower than forecasted. The economy is affecting everything these days, it seems.

Users have been complaining about the new PSP 3000 screen, apparently. The LCD on the new hardware apparently has evident scanlines in certain situations. According to Sony, nothing can be done to fix this problem, and nothing is planned for users. More woes for Sony, it seems.

"Yes the colour gamut is wider, yes the black levels are lower, but this screen now has what looks like scan lines that were not visible on PSPs before," commented one user, adding: "I am not happy about my 'upgrade'."

Reports are now claiming that Sony may be considering a reward system for gaining trophies on the PS3. The system is nowhere near as widely accepted or implemented as the MS Achievement system, but if Sony is to offer actual, tangible, rewards, it may prove more popular indeed, and give it a much-needed boost. According to CVG, the latest OPM reports that Sony is considering offering special treats for gamers who earn some of the more difficult trophies. It won't be cash or a cash equivalent, they say, but it may be things like access to early betas. Sounds good to us, let's hope so!

“We doubt it'll be cash (or the equivalent), but we suspect it might be exclusive access to early betas and the like.”

Sony is sending out email indicating they have updated their PSN and PS3 use Terms of Service. Most of the changes likely have to do with all the online-enabled games being released soon, but some of the changes may affect game sharing, it seems. Read the updated changes in red, and see what's new.

Sony has released the official info on the upcoming firmware upgrades for both the PSP and the PS3. The PSP 5.00 firmware update and the PS3 2.50 firmware update both add significant features and updates. Click read more for the full info.

PRESS RELEASE

FOSTER CITY, Calif., October 13, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced details of the next PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) and PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system software updates, adding new features to both platforms to benefit consumers. PS3 firmware update (v. 2.50) will include the implementation of advanced voice chat features for the PS3 Official Bluetooth® Headset, the ability to capture screenshots in-game with supporting titles in the future, and enhancements to make the PlayStation Trophy interface more intuitive. PSP firmware update (v. 5.00) will add direct access to PlayStation®Store on PSP, enabling consumers to browse the store and download games whenever they’re at a Wi-Fi hotspot. Both system software updates will be released this month.