What the!? Sixaxis Crisis

[Metal Sphere]

Check this out folks. It sounds like utter bullshit to me, but if it's true it'll be the dumbest thing Sony's done to date. I mean, seriously, don't they have a PR office trying to keep FUD under control?

This information is from an article dated today on the Japanese tech site BroadBand Watch
Link: http://bb.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/special/15818.html

The controller, while using Bluetooth and therefore being wireless, needs to be connected once to the machine by USB cable prior to use so that the machine can detect the cable (pairing process). This process will be necessary every time the console is powered off then on

The lithium battery inside the controller is also recharged using USB connection. Approx. 2.5 hours of recharging is required for a maximum of about 30 hours of play. The controller can be used even if the battery runs out of power by connecting it to the console (USB). However, as the battery cannot be replaced once it becomes unusable (ceases to recharge), the controller has to be replaced or sent for repairs

[Effulgence]

Hopefully its only when you power it off from the back (assuming its similar to PS2).

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Uh...man I hope that's not true. That's just retarded.

[BruceWayneIII]

I don't believe the part about having to cable-connect the controller every time the console is powered off then on...

[PUNK em 733]

This should be interesting to say the least.

[Sephiroth_VII]

The lies are in italic, truths in bold, and unknowns in normal.
The controller, while using Bluetooth and therefore being wireless, needs to be connected once to the machine by USB cable prior to use so that the machine can detect the cable (pairing process). This process will be necessary every time the console is powered off then on. [You simply press the PS-button for a few seconds, and it's connected. This only needs to be done once every time you reboot the console.]

The lithium battery inside the controller is also recharged using USB connection. Approx. 2.5 hours of recharging is required for a maximum of about 30 hours of play. The controller can be used even if the battery runs out of power by connecting it to the console (USB). However, as the battery cannot be replaced once it becomes unusable (ceases to recharge), the controller has to be replaced or sent for repairs

[indiekid4]

sounds like FUD to me!

[Sephiroth_VII]

I don't know why W&I would post that crap. They're a pretty respectrable site, so it's most likely a case of Japlish, e.g. a mistranslation.

[SevenDesigns]

However, as the battery cannot be replaced once it becomes unusable (ceases to recharge), the controller has to be replaced or sent for repairs

I honestly doubt that's going to happen in the PS3's lifetime (or atleast until the next next gen comes along).

[OnBake Platinum]

What does FUD stand for?

[Diresu]

I really think it means when you power it off in the back. Because just turning it off sets it to standby from what I hear.

[OmniCloud]

LOL^that doesn't make any sense whatsoever...

[SevenDesigns]

I really think it means when you power it off in the back. Because just turning it off sets it to standby from what I hear.

How does this relate to the topic at hand?

[Diresu]

Because it would mean unless you turn it off in the back...you wouldn't need to resync the controller. That at least seems to be the main conclusion around the IGN boards where I originally saw this posted. Do explain what it makes no sense.

[BruceWayneIII]

Settings are saved on the hard drive - so powering off the console won't make you loose any settings.

This would be a first time for ANY Bluetooth device to require a cable.

I repeat: a wireless device requiring a wire... ;)

[TheGreenElf]

I honestly doubt that's going to happen in the PS3's lifetime (or atleast until the next next gen comes along).

Look at it this way...iPod's as popular as they are, are plagued by the same problem. Average life of an iPod battery is a year or 18 months depending on usage, and after so many recharges, all rechargable batteries start to die, and after so long, to the point where one "full" charge will only allow 1/4 or 1/8 or so of the original charge life (For example, my friend's lasts less than 1 hour on a full recharge, when originally it lasted about 14, and she's had hers for 2 years starting in December 06). At this point, an iPod can either be sent in to have the battery replaced (often at a higher price than buying a new one) or basically just discarded. Considering the amount of usage most people will get from a PS3 as compared to an iPod and somewhat similar battery lives, if this is true, then you will likely have to replace the controllers quite a few times in the consoles life unless it lasts less than 2 years...which isn't going to happen.
I can't imagine Sony doing something so stupid as not allowing the battery port to be opened and just selling replacement batteries, but if this is true, which it very well could be, it would most likely be due to the ergonomics of the controller, and not to shaft the customers.
Basically, take this article with a grain of salt, and if it is true, don't be overly surprised.

[Viper]

The Wii uses a similar approach called SYNC (it's wireless though). Like PS2 and most likely PS3, Wii has a always power on state so you only need to sync the controller and console once every cold boot.

I feel the PS3 is the same way. You sync them on the initial boot but not everytime you take the system out of stand-by.

[Sephiroth_VII]

^We all agree that they'll be synced wirelessly, right?

[BruceWayneIII]

^ yes, and I guess we all think that a cable is only necessary for charging...

[VG Aficionado]

Sounds like someone got it wrong or they're spreading FUD. I have never heard of any Bluetooth devices that need to be used like that in order to work properly and I've been using Bluetooth devices for a long time now. The pairing process is done wirelessly and both devices should remain paired unless they're deliberately unpaired.

Unless there's any proof of this, and I doubt there is, this case is closed. Remember it's been said that the PS3 controller can be used to turn the system on and off, which would mean that there's no way this is true.

[SevenDesigns]

Because it would mean unless you turn it off in the back...you wouldn't need to resync the controller. That at least seems to be the main conclusion around the IGN boards where I originally saw this posted. Do explain what it makes no sense.

Ahh, okay. This makes sense. For a second, I thought you were lost. This might be the case. But will it really upset people? How often do people really turn off the console with the switch in the back? Since I bought the PS2 (launch baby!), I only touched that switch maybe three times. It's not something to worry about, I guess.

[venomv]

I alway turn it off from the back........

[SevenDesigns]

I alway turn it off from the back........

Then if this 'rumor' is true, then you'll just have to use the USB cord to sync the controller(s).

I don't know why people turn it off from the back. It doesn't make a difference.

[makeitlookreal]

Why can't they just make the controller with a few screws that you could take out, then open up the controller, and then take out the battery and put in a new one? I just don't understand why in the world they would make a controller with batteries you cannot replace on your own.

I don't listen to much music (except a little on the radio) but a friend of mine had an IPOD and I was facinated with it. Then when he told me about the battery issue I was flabbergasted! Now, I don't want to EVER buy one because it's downright pathetic not to be able to open up the unit and replace the battery.

[venomv]

Then I won't be turning it off in the back anymore, lol. I probably turn it off from the back out of habit, I didn't know it had stand-by when I first got it.

Why can't they just make the controller with a few screws that you could take out, then open up the controller, and then take out the battery and put in a new one? I just don't understand why in the world they would make a controller with batteries you cannot replace on your own.


Well, we still don't know yet, but I have never seen a panel on the back, but I imagine it will be openable somewhere.......Now that I think about it I have never seen the back....

[SevenDesigns]

Why can't they just make the controller with a few screws that you could take out, then open up the controller, and then take out the battery and put in a new one? I just don't understand why in the world they would make a controller with batteries you cannot replace on your own.

I don't listen to much music (except a little on the radio) but a friend of mine had an IPOD and I was facinated with it. Then when he told me about the battery issue I was flabbergasted! Now, I don't want to EVER buy one because it's downright pathetic not to be able to open up the unit and replace the battery.

Hmm... good idea. Maybe you can change it yourself? I bet everyone of us have opened up our PS2 controllers atleast once.

[BillCosby]

You shouldn't have to re-sync if you just put the thing on stand-by. Also as long as you dont over charge or allow the battery to experience extreme fluctuations in the amount of charge it holds, it should last you for a good long time. I have had my cellphone for 1 1/2 years now, and as far as I know the battery life is as good as it was at day one. In a class I took a while back they went into detail about how to properly care for li-ion batteries. You should try to keep it around 3/4 of the way charged. Completely draining it after its been charged once or leaving it on a charger for too long will damage the battery. As long as your mindfull of how long you charge it you shouldn't have problems.

Hmm... good idea. Maybe you can change it yourself? I bet everyone of us have opened up our PS2 controllers atleast once.

I cant see why the battery inside wouldnt be one you could get off the shelf. Like a phone battery.

[VG Aficionado]

I turn my computer off completely many times, and also remove the batteries from my Bluetooth mouse from time to time. And guess what: I never need to pair the mouse with my computer again in any case. Same goes with the case of my car and my cell phone.

People, I really don't think this will be very troublesome. There must be some mistake somewhere.

[GTAce]

I alway turn it off from the back........

Me 2 but i could make it in another way.
So by the PS3.

[FantasyGhost]

My cell phone with a bluetooth earpiece: once paired it stays paired. I just need to reconnect when i've done charging batteries. But it quickly finds it back, no pairing needed.
Btw wasn't it the latest Bleutooth software they were gonna use?

[Stelio]

Check this out folks. It sounds like utter bullshit to me, but if it's true it'll be the dumbest thing Sony's done to date. I mean, seriously, don't they have a PR office trying to keep FUD under control?

I've got quite a few bluetooth wireless gizmos and allow me to say that u have nothing to worry about. It's safe...

- STELIO

[Metal Sphere]

Hopefully what you guys have said is true, because this is just flat out ridiculous. Sony needs to clear this shit up ASAP, because negative press spreads way faster than the good kind. Simply standing there at DigitalLife listening to at least 40 or 50 people over the course the event (4 days) trash everything and anything PS3 will ridiculously old rumors (can't buy used games, $100 games, no online, 2.1Ghz downgrade). With that many casuals around not knowing what's right or not, this is not a good thing.

Sony basically has to lay everything out on the table at Gamers Day. Peripherals, rechargeable batteries, downloadable content pricing, pay setups, the works.

It has to be set down in stone, officially, what this thing is about. IMO, they've waited much too long and the negative press is having a noticeable effect on the PS3's image.

[VG Aficionado]

It has to be set down in stone, officially, what this thing is about. IMO, they've waited much too long and the negative press is having a noticeable effect on the PS3's image.Relax, man. PS3's launch is almost here and a lot of the FUD will fade away as soon as people realise what's true and what isn't about the system :) People say a lot of crap now that PS3 isn't here yet, but when it's around, a lot of that BS will disappear. And new BS and FUD will replace it, but that's inevitable.

[Fazares]

does someone really believe this bs???

[Viper]

I think we can chalk this one up to being lost in translation.

[Gegenki]

You shouldn't have to re-sync if you just put the thing on stand-by. Also as long as you dont over charge or allow the battery to experience extreme fluctuations in the amount of charge it holds, it should last you for a good long time. I have had my cellphone for 1 1/2 years now, and as far as I know the battery life is as good as it was at day one. In a class I took a while back they went into detail about how to properly care for li-ion batteries. You should try to keep it around 3/4 of the way charged. Completely draining it after its been charged once or leaving it on a charger for too long will damage the battery. As long as your mindfull of how long you charge it you shouldn't have problems.

Oh dear.
I thought you were meant to charge em, then use em until they were almost empty, then charge em back to full again, without disconnecting.
My PSP must be dieing fast

[Kabbage]

LOL

and the one person I knew would agree with this already had LOL.

Yes lithium Ion Batteries do lose charge but I would say you wouldnt ever really need a new controller... because even by the time it only gets down to being able to hold 1/4 of a charge (Which i guess will be probably a couple of years) it shouldnt be much of a problem since that is still roughly 7 and a half hours of playtime.

[Sephiroth_VII]

Listen, even after a cold boot, you only need to press the PS-button! No cable, no nothing! After being awakened from sleep mode, you don't have to resync at all. This is what Sony has said, and that's what we're gonna have to believe.

[Kabbage]

Listen, even after a cold boot, you only need to press the PS-button! No cable, no nothing! After being awakened from sleep mode, you don't have to resync at all. This is what Sony has said, and that's what we're gonna have to believe.

Unless we get it ourselves and find out different :nervous:

[Gegenki]

Its a stupid idea anyway. What would happen if you took your PS3 to your friend's house and forgot the usb?!
You can't use the wireless controllesr?!!! that makes sense. That would also imply that any bluetooth wireless devices would need to be custom made for PS3 with a cable, which pretty much defeats the objective of having bluetooth

[Lekko]

My rational guess here is that their office got a demo or Dev PS3 without the full specs. Much like the ones before they implemented the PS button. From what I understand, pressing the PS button syncs the controller to the system pretty easily. The only reason you would ever need a cable is if there were multiple PS3s all together without controllers and you try to wirelessly sync. (playing two games with one controller would be kinda neat though..).

As for the charge time, I'm fairly certain that they are comparing FULL charge time to FULL battery life. If you have a cell phone, than you know that if you plug it in for 15 minutes, you have about 3/4 battery life, but need it plugged in for an hour or so to get it completely full.

So 2.5 hour charge for 30 hours of play, or 30 minutes of charge for 24 hours of play. Something like that.

[Gaul]

Hopefully its only when you power it off from the back (assuming its similar to PS2).

Powering it off from the front is exactly the same as the back, except the little red light remains on and instead of reaching around the back to turn it on you just push the green button. Methinks this was implemented for people who had it in a tight spot so they wouldnt have to pull it out to flick the switch

[Gegenki]

I think front power off is just to make it look more like part of your living room. Almost the whole stereo system in my livingroomstays on constant standby. Powring off the PS2 at the back is like unplugging it from the wall or powering off your PC at the back.
Powering off at the back may be beneficial tho as it could protect against power surges

[VG Aficionado]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/1268/ps3bluetoothdd0.jpg

I think this speaks for itself.

[Metal Sphere]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/1268/ps3bluetoothdd0.jpg

I think this speaks for itself.

Not really VG. That could simply be the screen where you have to register everytime you cold boot the machine. At least that's what haters would say as soon as they saw that...

[Hrama]

I think front power off is just to make it look more like part of your living room. Almost the whole stereo system in my livingroomstays on constant standby. Powring off the PS2 at the back is like unplugging it from the wall or powering off your PC at the back.
Powering off at the back may be beneficial tho as it could protect against power surges

Well no, not necessarily. Like the optical mouse for my computer for instance. I can turn my computer off and the mouse light will stay on. It only goes off if I completely unplug my computer, or hit the I/O switch on the back of the power supply. I am assuming that the PS3 works the same way, so powering it off from the front shouldn't have any negative affects on blutooth devices. That and like it has been stated multiple times, the PS button should register controllers wirelessly.

[VG Aficionado]

Not really VG. That could simply be the screen where you have to register everytime you cold boot the machine. At least that's what haters would say as soon as they saw that...And when you turn it off, all of your savegames and stored music and video are lost :laugh:

[Lekko]

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/1268/ps3bluetoothdd0.jpg

I think this speaks for itself.

I don't. Maybe that's only for bluetooth keyboards, mice, headsets, phones, or any OTHER bluetooth device.

[Metal Sphere]

And when you turn it off, all of your savegames and stored music and video are lost :laugh:

LOL! VG, see what I told you? Look at Lekko's post... I told you someone was going to come along.

Oh, and here's even MORE confirmation for all the FUD-spreaders out there:

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_14_1161119322.jpg

[VG Aficionado]

I don't. Maybe that's only for bluetooth keyboards, mice, headsets, phones, or any OTHER bluetooth device.Are you serious at all? :huh: Because if you are, just take into account that the PS button on the Sixaxis will turn PS3 on without it requiring to be plugged to it, so...

LOL! VG, see what I told you? Look at Lekko's post... I told you someone was going to come along.Why can't people think PS3 could work just fine instead of believing groundless rumours? :duh:

[Dradien]

I don't. Maybe that's only for bluetooth keyboards, mice, headsets, phones, or any OTHER bluetooth device.

That's what I was thinking. Any BlueTooth device that isn't specifically for the PS3. I don't think you'd want your PS3 stealing your headset while you're on the phone, would ya?

[VG Aficionado]

That's what I was thinking. Any BlueTooth device that isn't specifically for the PS3. I don't think you'd want your PS3 stealing your headset while you're on the phone, would ya?I really can't tell whether some people are kidding or not, but anyway: the screenshot I posted proves that PS3 can register Bluetooth devices, no doubt about it. Whether that option refers to devices other than controllers or not doesn't negate the fact that PS3 can save custom configurations for any kind of Bluetooth device that could work with it and thus you wouldn't really need to do anything bothersome to pair devices again. Why would controllers be an exception? If anything, controllers should work seamlessly since day one.

[masteratt]

Even if this is true (very unlikely), nothing that can't be fixed with a firmware update.

[VG Aficionado]

Even if this is true (very unlikely), nothing that can't be fixed with a firmware update.Conversely, there could have been some bug or whatever in the pre-1.0 firmware those guys were using, which won't be there when PS3 launches.

[Dradien]

I really can't tell whether some people are kidding or not, but anyway: the screenshot I posted proves that PS3 can register Bluetooth devices, no doubt about it. Whether that option refers to devices other than controllers or not doesn't negate the fact that PS3 can save custom configurations for any kind of Bluetooth device that could work with it and thus you wouldn't really need to do anything bothersome to pair devices again. Why would controllers be an exception? If anything, controllers should work seamlessly since day one.



I'm not saying controllers wouldn't work from day one. That is a given it will. I'm just saying, like you said, it's for saving custom settings and all...

Nothing negative going on here...

(I hate dorms...My XMB video download is going soooo slow)

[Metal Sphere]

VG, and everyone else, for being so patient with me, I'll present you with a bunch of photos my Finnish mod friend from another forum is taking for us of the PS3 at work.


http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_03_1161116680.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_04_1161120933.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_02_1161117249.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_10_1161117497.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_18_1161117776.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_11_1161118130.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_12_1161118483.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_13_1161118736.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_09_1161119057.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_06_1161120058.jpg

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_05_1161120431.jpg

[masteratt]

Charge level is not in minutes :(
No way am I buying a PS3 now! :mad:

+rep for the pics and thank your friend.

[Metal Sphere]

Charge level is not in minutes :(
No way am I buying a PS3 now! :mad:

+rep for the pics and thank your friend.

Thanks Master, and I thanked him.... and then I hit him with a ton of questions ranging from the controller's charge time, to what products has he tested on the machine.

[masteratt]

We await the answers :)

[Metal Sphere]

We await the answers :)

He's been replying for the past 15 minutes, so he's really going to give me in-depth answers to the intense questionnaire I hit him with (Hey, he volunteered to ask questions).

[Amenophis]

Those are some great pics, they're exactly what I've been wanting to see! +rep

[Metal Sphere]

He responded guys! Enjoy the response. BTW, I'm Metal Sphere. =)



In the closeup of the slot loader, the arrow facing the drive, is that a button or some kind of sensor? Is the power button also a sensor or some kind of button? It could either be pressure or heat sensitive. If you don't know, just say that, no biggie.

I really don't know what exactly it uses. I can't imagine Sony would be stupid enough to start blowing money on something like heat sensing sensors, but they both felt part of the surface, not clickable buttons. We're still debating whether the power buttons does the reset/power off thing the same way as the PS2, or whether it differentiates between a quick tap and a proper press down.

Oh and pressing eject while the tray is empty makes the PS3 beep like it's very crossed at you.


Does the PS3 controller's "PS" button have a name that you know of, and does it glow red during use or after you press it?
I've no official name for it, no. I just use "PS" button for it myself. I'm not entirely sure when the red light activates. It seems to go red when you charge the controller, and when you connect to the console (that is, press the PS button to get a connection to the console).


In the picture where you're holding the Sixaxis with one hand, did it feel too light? I never got to hold it in one hand at the show, and I was too busy getting Resistance impressions to pay too much attention to it.

I'm not sure what your idea of too light is, but it did seem uncomfortably light to me. I figured it's due to the wireless, since I'm so used to cables weighing controllers down. The new L2 and R2 buttons felt very flimsy to me and I kept wishing they and the analogue sticks were stiffer.


How responsive is the XMB? Any bits where it chugged or lagged?


It's very much like on the PSP. You can go back and forth and sometimes very randomly it might hold for a very small pause. It doesn't lag quite as much as on the PSP, but it was there (though rare and short).

Oh and the controller has ridiculously long signal reach. We must have had like 15 meters between us and the console, besides a good three or four walls (from a different hallway) and a game stand and it still worked.


In the resolution menu, I see all the expected resolutions but in the Japanese photos, there seems to be a custom option after 1080p. Is that present anywhere in the model you have available?

I vaguely remember seeing a custom option in the Settings resolution. The pic in the blog entry was from the game resolution and that only listed that. It's possible that the custom option appears for games in a later firmware.


Have you tried the following items on the PS3:

- Digital Camera
- MP3 Player/Ipod
- Keyboard/Mouse

I said this in my (journal) entry, but we didn't get to try much because the firmware in the PS3 didn't really have anything. We got the PS3 online, but that was absolutely no use at all since there was no browser

We put in a Memory stick pro duo and though the console seemed to recognize it (a light next to the reader came on), there was no browser so we couldn't check content.

We're upgrading the firmware soon and playable code arrives on Monday I think so I'm definitely going to do another entry and more shots.


What's with the controller charge screen? How did you get there and what exactly do you do while seeing it?

That was me fooling around. If you hold the PS button for like five seconds, that screen pops up asking if you want to shut down the controller (I guess it disconnects (powers off) and thus charges faster) or shut down the console. After you shut the console down and press the PS button, the PS3 powers back up. I'm told the 360 has the same feature.

What's odd is that there is no properties screen for the controller. On the PSP you can check battery charge status and it'll show you the charge level in percentages, but this screen only shows whether the controller is like completely empty or half empty. Maybe there'll be a separate screen for each bluetooth device connected, who knows.



Hmm, could you try and get us a look at the console's vents to try and see what's cooling this thing? Everything else is just great, the quality of the photos is excellent, so any more photos you take is entirely up to you.

I can try taking a pic of the big fan which you can see through the slightly see-through bottom. The cooling system works like on a laptop, in that it activates every now and then and even then it's really quiet.

[VG Aficionado]

Charge level is not in minutes :(
No way am I buying a PS3 now! :mad:LOL! For what it's worth, I don't think that's the place where you can see the remaining minutes, if it's anything like PSP's crossbar (and sure it is!).

Man, all those pictures were awesome, and thanks for that Q&A!!! +rep!

[GTAce]

Metal Sphere: THANK YOU! Thats great man. Awesome!
A little offtopic question: How can i make this "+rep" thing? :-D

[Hrama]

Thanks Metal Sphere, great Q&A! Oh and GTAce, just click the button in the top right corner of Metal Sphere's post. The one that looks like a bar graph and sits between the post # and the little red flag. Just click "I approve of this post" or whatever and there you go.

[8_Bit]

I don't listen to much music (except a little on the radio) but a friend of mine had an IPOD and I was facinated with it. Then when he told me about the battery issue I was flabbergasted! Now, I don't want to EVER buy one because it's downright pathetic not to be able to open up the unit and replace the battery.


Could'a fooled me. I've replaced about a dozen iPod batteries, my own, my friends, family members, ect.

It's not really tricky either (OK, 5th Gen [iPod w/ video] is a little tricky from what I hear, but not much, and I've never seen one that required replacement) and it requires no tools, save for a thin piece of plastic (I like a "thick" guitar pick) that usually comes with the battery, or soldering.

Go here for all your iPod battery needs:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ipod/batteryreplacement/

They have everything...including instructional videos. If you have a 5G ipod and are scarred to mess with it, they'll replace the battery for you for only $14 over the cost of the part w/ a 72 hr. turnaround.)

It would be a real shame if being scarred of an imaginary battery issue is the only thing stopping you from enjoying one of the best entertainment devices made in my lifetime.


On the subject of PS3 controllers, I'd imagine it'd be about the same as the iPod if not easier. You know there will be third-party support like with the iPod. Unless you are a complete idiot, it should be well within the range of expertise of most people on this forum to unscrew the thing and swap the battery pack, at least.

[Amenophis]

I vaguely remember seeing a custom option in the Settings resolution. The pic in the blog entry was from the game resolution and that only listed that. It's possible that the custom option appears for games in a later firmware.


A custom resolution setting would be great for all of us out there who don't have HDTVs and plan on using our LCD monitors instead. :cheers:

[Metal Sphere]

I asked him to take a picture of the dashboard resolution settings menu, since that's the one that has the custom option. I'd wager that the firmware he's upgrading to soon will make the XMB the final version that's present in the Japanese PS3s delivered today to the press.

[8_Bit]

The standby/power button is not heat-sensing. This was confirmed elsewhere (don't have the link handy) by a variety of tests. Too expensive and too many problems with that kind of device. The button is a "soft touch" sensor. It only requires a touch about the weight of a penny to activate it, which is substantially less than the weight of one's finger. (although the person who did the tests was british and used a UK coin, not a US coin of approx. the same weight.)

[GTAce]

A custom resolution setting would be great for all of us out there who don't have HDTVs and plan on using our LCD monitors instead. :cheers:

That would be me. ;)
I have a 19" LCD Monitor that can show a resulution from 1280x1024 maximum.

And thanks Hrama. :thumpsup:

[Amenophis]

I asked him to take a picture of the dashboard resolution settings menu, since that's the one that has the custom option. I'd wager that the firmware he's upgrading to soon will make the XMB the final version that's present in the Japanese PS3s delivered today to the press.

Awesome, thanks man! :pleased:

[Metal Sphere]

The standby/power button is not heat-sensing. This was confirmed elsewhere (don't have the link handy) by a variety of tests. Too expensive and too many problems with that kind of device. The button is a "soft touch" sensor. It only requires a touch about the weight of a penny to activate it, which is substantially less than the weight of one's finger. (although the person who did the tests was british and used a UK coin, not a US coin of approx. the same weight.)

Thanks for the heads up 8_Bit. Hit me up with the link because there are many people who are interested in what the buttons are. So essentially it's a pressure sensor, eh?

Oh, and no problem!

[Amenophis]

^ From what I understand the buttons are essentialy the same as a laptop's touchpad.

[8_Bit]

Thanks for the heads up 8_Bit. Hit me up with the link because there are many people who are interested in what the buttons are. So essentially it's a pressure sensor, eh?

Oh, and no problem!

Well, it's not THE link I was referencing, but it's a link:

http://playstationteam.com/news/a-sneak-peek-at-the-ps3-with-ign.htm

First off, let's talk about the buttons. If you can remember, we had rumors that say the PS3 will have heat-sensitive panels for buttons. Well, IGN and their friendly Sony PR representative say that's not quite the case. However, the PS3 has touch-sensitive buttons that are reported to work "with the most delicate of touches."

[gozirah]

I don't think it would be pressure sensitive. It would be cheap and more effective for a touch sensitive switch based on capacitance like on a laptop touchpad. A clicky presssure bubble like for some calculators are more prone to wear. Just a guess.

[Sephiroth_VII]

Metal Sphere. To keep information about the XMB and final PS3 model in one place, could you please post it here (http://forums.e-mpire.com/showthread.php?t=63439)?

[VideoGame mania]

The lies are in italic, truths in bold, and unknowns in normal.
how do you know those are the lies? can you prove otherwise?

[Sephiroth_VII]

Countless interviews, demonstrations, and reviews is what I base it on. If you don't believe me check out some of the reviews of the SIXAXIS, just use :google:

[venomv]

http://www.ps3blogi.fi/images/ps3_10_1161117497.jpg

It looks to me there is a battery panel there, I can't really tell though. Looks like there is a little shahow above the sticker that is a screw hole.

[Fredag]

30 ours, 1 recharge.
Battery dies after about 1000 charges.
I play for 30 ours a week.(max, sometimes 30 ours a month)
About one charge every Fredag.(at max)
Thats only 52 charges every year. I'll only have to recharge it 312(max) times before PS4, right?

Is this making any sense?

[Sephiroth_VII]

Ask Metal Sphere to ask the dev he knows. That's the guy who gave us the photo you've posted initially.

[Azel]

I guarantee you do not have to have the USB cable connected in order for the machine to recognize the controller. 100% guarantee.

[venomv]

Ask Metal Sphere to ask the dev he knows. That's the guy who gave us the photo you've posted initially.

Yeah, I simply copied and pasted the link from his post. How about it Metal Sphere? +Rep for any answer.

[Yo MaMa84]

Bluetooth device uses unique codes (address, whatever) once you connect the controller to the device if you plug it out then back on....once you put the controller in search mode....the PS3 will register the controller agian......cuz the controller's info is already stored on the PS3.

(thats how everything else that uses bluetooth works..........but whatever)

[Sephiroth_VII]

I guarantee you do not have to have the USB cable connected in order for the machine to recognize the controller. 100% guarantee.

I'll bet you a SIXAXIS controller that it doesn't.

[Metal Sphere]

Bluetooth device uses unique codes (address, whatever) once you connect the controller to the device if you plug it out then back on....once you put the controller in search mode....the PS3 will register the controller agian......cuz the controller's info is already stored on the PS3.

(thats how everything else that uses bluetooth works..........but whatever)

This is likely what that article meant about you having to plug it in, it's only a one time deal. After that, it's as my friend Qwarky says, you simply press the Playstation button to sync up, the button glows red, and that's it.

BTW, I'll make sure to ask him about the backside of the controller and check if there's anyways of removing it without permanently screwing it up.

[TheGreenElf]

LOL

and the one person I knew would agree with this already had LOL.

Yes lithium Ion Batteries do lose charge but I would say you wouldnt ever really need a new controller... because even by the time it only gets down to being able to hold 1/4 of a charge (Which i guess will be probably a couple of years) it shouldnt be much of a problem since that is still roughly 7 and a half hours of playtime.
Considering you aimed that at me...let me clarify. I said "take this article with a grain of salt"...hardly agreeing with it. Maybe next time Kabbage.

[frosty]

Let's not forget about plugging controllers with dead batteries in until you can get a new one. It's not like we haven't been doing that all along until now. On top of that, I've been using the same Lithium Ion batteries in my Sony camera for 4 years, and they're still kicking strong.

[TheGreenElf]

Let's not forget about plugging controllers with dead batteries in until you can get a new one. It's not like we haven't been doing that all along until now. On top of that, I've been using the same Lithium Ion batteries in my Sony camera for 4 years, and they're still kicking strong.
That's what I was thinking...is it that much of a hassle to plug them in just until you get a new one. Wireless is nice, but cords don't bother me that much.

[Kabbage]

Considering you aimed that at me...let me clarify. I said "take this article with a grain of salt"...hardly agreeing with it. Maybe next time Kabbage.

The guilty will eventually step forward given enough time :loser:

[Marjoh]

[Update: A contact at Sony let us know that the controller does not need to be paired to the console with the USB charging cable; you can pair it by simply pressing the red PlayStation button. They did confirm that the battery would not be replaceable, much like the iPod's; however, how many of us can't remove a couple of screws and get a new battery off eBay?]

Thank goodness.

.aZF