The update also brings remote play from a PC and is supposed to provide future models of VAIO computers with the possibility of steering certain functions of the PS3 over a local network. Sony’s plans are to explain the new feature on the VAIO page next month. The remote play has previously been only an option for the PS3.

The release date for the new features is not known at this moment, but it is likely to be scheduled later this year. PlayTV is thus far available only in a few countries: Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and United Arab Emirates. It is the first official TV tuber for the PlayStation3 and allows users to record Freeview broadcasts through its dual DVB-T tuners. Record and output for 1,080-pixel are supported. PlayTV also includes a program guide and the service is available for users’ access through the Remote Play function from their PSPs.

The mentioned law places the burden of customer satisfaction on the retailer and not on the manufacturer. In case Amazon will have to pay more refunds, it will certainly have to discuss this aspect with Sony. There is also a possibility that Sony brings back Other OS compatibility. In case it does not and the problem gets more serious, the company may go to court. If this happens, Sony has a single argument to oppose to dissatisfied owners by saying that the firmware update installation is optional.

As in the United States the consumer protection laws are not so far-reaching, owners who are not content with the update have the only option of getting justice through a class action lawsuit.

Another option for those who want to enable Other OS functionality on their consoles can also look for eventual hacks.

The current situation shows Nintendo’s Wii to hold the lead. PS3 and Xbox 360 are believed to continue to become stronger, analysts forecasting Sony’s console as becoming the largest platform by 2013. Recent reports present PS3 sales eventually hitting 127 million devices and Wii reaching sales of 103 million units.

Inherent uncertainty is shown by Strategy Analytics when it comes to predicting sales rates for years ahead. Microsoft’s Xbox could sell beyond expectations thanks to Project Natal. At the same time, the motion-based controller of Sony and the planned 3D upgrades may push the PS3 ahead of predicted figures.

The holiday shopping season in December has shown record sales numbers for both Wii and PS3 consoles, with 1.31 million and 3.8 million units, respectively. Overall sales for all brands, however, were down six percent from the previous year, despite the successful winter season. The descending trend is believed to continue this year, SA predicting a further nine percent decline.

For Sony the win is symbolic. Its console sales trail those of Microsoft and Nintendo, but the PS3 continues to be one of the most popular media players for living rooms and has become a default Blu-ray player, although its Internet movie service is less popular than iTunes or the Zune Video Marketplace on the Xbox 360. The console recently added Netflix streaming and has benefited from price cuts, becoming more competitive with Apple TV, Xbox 360 and other devices that had lower prices.

The expansion opens new opportunities to similar deals at other locations and potentially promises other movie services. Studios have been reluctant to agree high definition movie sales and rentals as they potentially generate cut into Blu-ray sales that are still expected to take over from DVDs in a near future. Many studios have extended deals with a series of movie retailers potentially threatened by online-only users. Sony has a partial conflict of interest as it has been the creator and supporter of Blu-Ray.

EA Sports Active 2.0 is based on three phases and is a nine-week program. New mini-programs can be added in order to keep users motivated. The software will be ready sometime in the fall, but prices are not yet announced.

Infinitec claims that their new drive will be compatible to Windows, Mac OS X and also Linux. It is also very possible that content could be streamed between the IUM and game consoles, like PS3, Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii.

Despite the fact that the IUM has no memory storage on its own, it receives a signal and also content through a Wi-Fi connection. A strong feature for Infinitec’s new drive is the plug-and-play operation, as there is no need in installing any software or drivers and it doesn’t have to be paired with the PC.

Infinitec’s new IUM device doesn’t have a fixed release date yet. Its price is also unknown, but some extra information about the product is expected around March 1st.

The Motion Controller from Sony uses a wand-like pad as well as the well known PlayStation buttons and a trigger. It has the same force feedback technology as the current DualShock 3 controller and will be powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The PS Eye will track the orb to estimate user’s movements and distance as well. The wand’s angle and movement will be determines by an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

Microsoft is also working on a version of full body controller that it calls Project Natal and would be due for the holidays.

The BLAZE PS3 Motion Freedom 3D Controller has been ergonomically designed in order to provide superior gaming comfort.

Although there is no pricing information for the moment, the new controller from the video game accessory maker Blaze is expected soon on the gamers’ market.

Sony`s new gaming device might be introduced in Spring in the United States accompanied by a bundle of Sega developed games. As the memo stated, Sony is negotiating with Sega with the view to reach an exclusive agreement and conclude a long-term contract for using various Dreamcast games. For those who do not know, Dreamcast was a gaming console developed by Sega which did not encounter too much success when it was launched. This piece of information represent a really big news considering that the Dreamcast games were some of the best, even though the console was biased.

The leaked memo also presented an interoperability feature between the Play-Station Portable model and its cousin, the Play-Station 3 version. This action may mean that Sony is looking for ways to pair the PSP and its new motion controller. This is a marketing strategy from the company`s behalf by convincing customers to buy this bundle and, thus, the organizations tries to discover how to make them interdependent. However, nothing is for sure.

The speculations arising upon the leaked memo may prove to be accurate, but an independent opinion regarding Sony`s new gadget can be formed only after own tests. Now all that is left for us gaming geeks to do is to wait until the Spring launch of the organization`s new motion controller and pray and hope that this release will be accompanied by at least some of those thrilling Dreamcast games.