AfterDawn: News

Sony to reveal premium PSN subs at E3?

According to VG247, Sony will finally reveal its plans for PlayStation Network premium subscriptions at the upcoming E3 event in June.

The site says they have been assured by sources that nothing in the premium subs will impact the current fee aspects of the service, and the subscriptions are completely optional.



The service will cost under "£50 per year," notes the site.

As an added bonus, all users of the premium subscription will receive a fee PSN game each month, from a choice of up to four that change each month. After a few months, if you count the free games as money back to yourself, you break even on the subscription.

One of the expected new features is an unlimited streaming music app similar to Spotify.

As for cross-game chat? That will be a free update for all users, not part of the paid sub. When it will be released is a different matter.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 18 May 2010 23:52

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• 24 comments

• ukhn99 (unverified)

  So you basically paying for a service that you not going to use, like streaming music to your PS3. who the h*ll listen to music on their PS3 or any gaming console anyway. That what a computer is for, free streaming music any time you want.

  19.5.2010 00:40 #1

• KillerBug

  "The site says they have been assured by sources that nothing in the premium subs will impact the current fee aspects of the service, and the subscriptions are completely optional."
  
  -Sure, and sony also said that they would never remove OtherOS...sounds like they are going to kill off the free PSN!
  
  "As an added bonus, all users of the premium subscription will receive a fee PSN game each month, from a choice of up to four that change each month. After a few months, if you count the free games as money back to yourself, you break even on the subscription."
  
  -The only problem with that is that it is highly doubtful that you will want these games.
  
  "One of the expected new features is an unlimited streaming music app similar to Spotify."
  
  -Um...why not just use Spotify?
  
  "As for cross-game chat? That will be a free update for all users, not part of the paid sub. When it will be released is a different matter."
  
  -This is what they need to work on first...I would rather have cross-game chat than 3D support for 3D games that don't even exist.

  19.5.2010 00:46 #2

• davidike

  i remember that jumped up twonk dancing around on the stage boasting how the PSN will "always be free" and slating microsoft for charging...
  
  sony's way is to build up a huge userbase before being anti consumer where as other companies just are anti consumer from the start!
  
  time yet again ppl to lube up and bend over for sony as your still stupid enough to believe their sales patter!
  

  "The public domain is a dicgrace to the forces of evil"
  
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  19.5.2010 09:22 #3

• Tecbot

  wow...get me a sharp blade to slit my wrists you guys are savagely depressing people.
  
  dont know why you even bother sony could give you everything you wanted and you would still complain about something.

  19.5.2010 09:44 #4

• djeazyg

  @tecbot I second that.
  
  If you don't like what Sony is offering in the Premium package then don't buy it. Plain and simple. Sony has done nothing to change the free part of PSN. You just pay for the extras. Microsoft makes you pay for everything. And they use a gay points system that forces you to pay more for an item than it is really worth.
  Taking away the Other OS function was wrong but PSN is no different unless you want the extras.

  19.5.2010 10:17 #5

• ukhn99 (unverified)

  Originally posted by djeazyg: @tecbot I second that.
  
  If you don't like what Sony is offering in the Premium package then don't buy it. Plain and simple. Sony has done nothing to change the free part of PSN. You just pay for the extras. Microsoft makes you pay for everything. And they use a gay points system that forces you to pay more for an item than it is really worth.
  Taking away the Other OS function was wrong but PSN is no different unless you want the extras. Sound like a fan boy trying to defense Sony.

  19.5.2010 22:07 #6

• KillerBug

  "If you don't like what Sony is offering in the Premium package then don't buy it"
  
  I won't...and that is what worries me; because Sony sold me a PS3 with Linux support and free PSN, and said both would be there forever.

  20.5.2010 00:10 #7

• DXR88

  i bet a golden Buddha the Other OS function was removed to prevent access to the internal NIC functions...Smell that, Smells like one of those dirty minded schemes only Sony could pull out out there ass.
  
  i foresee the removal of ability to play online ...with Free PSN.
  

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  20.5.2010 00:44 #8

• DVDBack23

  There is absolutely no chance that Sony removes free online gaming from PSN. NONE. They would instantly lose all momentum they have gained against Microsoft.
  
  The removal of OtherOS was bold, yes, but they took the risk of alienating the 4 percent (or something along those lines) of console owners running the feature to protect against possible hacking in the future, and a hit to their bottom line.
  

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  20.5.2010 01:09 #9

• drzayus01

  A fanboy just because he has an opinion that is not bashing Sony? We are so quick to label people as fanboy's. Its probably the most overused term on the internet.
  

  "practice makes improvement"
  
  
  
  

  20.5.2010 02:11 #10

• KillerBug

  Originally posted by drzayus01: A fanboy just because he has an opinion that is not bashing Sony? We are so quick to label people as fanboy's. Its probably the most overused term on the internet. I'm not sure it is overused...there are a lot of fanboys out there, and other than the fact that there are also fangirls, I don't think it is s very overused term at all.(apple wouldn't exist without mindless fans who buy whatever they make for whatever price they charge...prior to a big release, you see the apple forums filling up with people who are willing to pay whatever price apple asks for the new device, even before they know what the new device might do or look like)

  20.5.2010 03:02 #11

• kikzm33z

  Hopefully it's a fully working party system that includes cross game chat.
  Cross game chat on its own is useless.
  
  Don't give a toss about the premium service, because the biggest reason why I got a PS3 was for free online.
  

  20.5.2010 10:58 #12

• SDF_GR

  i really dont see the problem here.
  If you want the extras you buy them, if you dont, no one will force you to.
  
  As Tecbot said "sony could give you everything you wanted and you would still complain about something."
  
  I honestly believe that, even if Sony announces tomorrow that with every PS3 you'll get a Zonda F for free, there will be people that will complain saying: i wanted a fiat cause it has a lower fuel consumption.

  20.5.2010 11:04 #13

• Oner

  PSN will always remain free. Sony is not going to commit suicide with changing that. The bottom line is Premium PSN is/will be an OPTIONAL offering with additional features. PERIOD. It is rumored to have possible substantial offerings besides the ones listed in the article to make the service more than worth while (though I highly doubt ALL of it will make it into "PSN Premium") ~
  
  Quote:Cloud Storage Space for Games & Game Saves
  Store your game & saves on a virtual secure saver. This would allow you to access your game/saves at any point in time, and from any PlayStation 3 or PSP console you are logged in on. (This is by far my personal favorite and hope this becomes a reality but it will most likely only be for PSN Games and ALL PS Game Saves NOT all PS3 BD based Games)
  
  Customer Service Priority Access
  Priority access to PlayStation's customer service both online and via phone should you need technical help or have questions about your products. This feature gives you support with little to no waiting.
  
  Exclusive Experiences with Sony Brands
  Get member-only access to attend exclusive Sony events and experiences throughout the year, including those offered by PlayStation, Sony Pictures, and Sony Music.
  
  Extended Console Warranty 3 Years
  Get your PS3 warranty extended to 3 years as part of your overall subscription (requires you to keep your subscription active).
  
  Access to Beta Games
  Get access to Betas of popular games not yet released at retail (Betas offer bigger experiences than typical game demos). You will have the ability to play these games before others do.
  
  Early Access to All Store Content
  Get early access to select free and purchasable game related content on the PlayStation Store before it's available to everyone else. This includes games, add-ons, themes, avatars, as well as free game demos.
  
  Member Demo Sharing of Full Game
  Share a level of a game that you just purchased for your PS3 with a subscriber who doesn't own the game. Your friends could do the same. This would be an exclusive demo not available otherwise to those who haven't purchased the game.
  
  Cross-game Voice Chat Access
  Get exclusive member-only access to cross-game voice chat. This is the ability to use your headset to voice chat with friends on your PS3 regardless of what they are doing on the PS3. (This will most likely be an ALL user PSN feature as described in the article)
  
  Full Title Trial - 1st Hour Is Free
  Download full versions of select Blu-ray and PSN game titles and have the chance to play the entire game (single or multiplayer) for free for the first hour. After that time you will have the option of purchasing the game to continue playing.
  
  Token Wagering
  Get a fixed number of tokens per month you can wager with other players in competitive online games. These tokens could then be built up and redeemed for free PlayStation Network games and other content. (I think this is HIGHLY doubtful)
  
  User-to-user Challenges
  Unlock developer-created challenges while playing games. Compete with your friends to see who can be the first to complete these challenges. The PS3 will automatically offer and track challenges and winners and would post results. An example of a challenge is 'first to get 10 trophies' in a particular game.
  
  Free Access to PSOne Classics, PSP Minis, and PS3/PSP Themes
  Get a fixed number of PSOne Classic games, PSP Minis (bite-sized games), and PS3/PSP themes per month to keep for free for as long as you are a subscriber. The PlayStation Store offers these types of content for $2-6 each. (This is also partially talked about in the article about 1 free PSN title a month etc.)
  
  Discounts on Store Content
  Get weekly member-exclusive discounts on specific games, game add-ons and themes on the PlayStation Store. Discounts may range from 20-50% off regular retail prices.
  
  Member Only In-game Content
  Get exclusive member-only in-game content for your PS3 or PSP such as new game play options, unlocked in-game weapons or player slots, exclusive levels, costumes/skins, and PlayStation Home spaces.
  
  Trophy Alerts
  Get automated alerts on your PlayStation XrossMedia Bar, PlayStation.com, and via text message (if you so choose) that alert you when your friends get any trophy or a specific one. This feature is customizable - you can choose which friends to receive alerts from and what kinds of alerts.
  
  Online Music Service
  Get a streaming music service that allows you to choose your channel based on music style, artist type, etc. and listen to an unlimited number of tracks. This service would be for use outside of playing a game and similar to Pandora or a Last.fm.
  
  Online Music Video Service
  Get a streaming music video service on your PlayStation 3 that lets you stream music videos from a continuously growing catalog of music and allows you to create a custom playlist to play back. (already available in some markets possibly will expand into others like US)
  
  Automatic Downloads and Updates
  Customize the types of updates you want your PS3 to download automatically. These include game updates (patches) for games that you own, firmware updates, and game demos downloaded on your PS3 without manually having to select them and wait for them to finish downloading. Your PS3 can be set to automatically turn on for updates and turn off after completion.
  
  Loyalty Program Rewards
  Get rewards the longer you are a subscriber and also earn rewards by engaging with PlayStation such as buying games, downloading movies, and rating products. Rewards can include full versions of PlayStation Network games and digital movie rentals from the PlayStation Store.
  
  Facebook Connectivity
  Access to member-exclusive Facebook features on your PlayStation 3, such as viewing and linking your Facebook accounts with their PSN ID's, updating your status, editing, uploading and sharing photos, and viewing photo albums of your friends on your TV. (already available and is FREE)
  
  Catch-up TV
  Get access to popular TV shows and movies through service providers such as Hulu, simply by clicking an icon on your PS3 XrossMedia navigation bar.
  
  Netflix Access Without Disc
  Access the Netflix video streaming service on your PS3 without the need to insert a special disc into the drive each time to access the service. A separate Netflix subscription would also be needed to enjoy the service. Netflix offers over 17000 popular movies and TV shows for streaming on your laptop or a supported device such as a PS3.
  Additionally it's quite funny how everyone bitches about a literal "couple" of things that were removed but NEVER really discuss/mention the positive things that were ADDED for NO COST....To quote someone I just came across the other day ~
  
  Quote:Trophy support
  Ingame music (handled by devs to work around competitors "patents")
  Ingame XMB
  PS HOME
  Vidzone
  PSN Video store
  Themes (and the ability to make them as well FOR FREE)
  Dynamic Themes
  Life with PlayStation (& Folding @ Home which is a great public service no one else offers)
  Custom Avatars
  Minis playable on PS3
  Ability to play DivX and WMV files that are 2 GB or larger
  Improved XMB navigation
  Added Facebook support (although this & Twitter were available via the browser a long time ago)
  BBC player
  The PS3 and wireless controllers can now be set to turn off automatically
  The PS3 can be set to automatically turn off after a background download
  Blu-ray Disc playback supports DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio output
  Blu-ray BD-Live Profile 2.0
  Internet Browser that has had improvement updates and there is still rumors of Chrome etc.
  Photo Gallery updates
  Non seizure causing themes when playing music
  Remote Play (awesome & cool feature btw)
  Printer Support
  FREE PSN
  3D video, 3D gaming and Move support/updates on games coming soon or already out
  
  I think I have been well compensated for the loss of an insignificant feature over the years. There are just a lot of spoiled brats out there as far as I am concerned.
  

  
  
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  20.5.2010 14:52 #14

• djeazyg

  Originally posted by ukhn99: Originally posted by djeazyg: @tecbot I second that.
  
  If you don't like what Sony is offering in the Premium package then don't buy it. Plain and simple. Sony has done nothing to change the free part of PSN. You just pay for the extras. Microsoft makes you pay for everything. And they use a gay points system that forces you to pay more for an item than it is really worth.
  Taking away the Other OS function was wrong but PSN is no different unless you want the extras. Sound like a fan boy trying to defense Sony.
  Yea I'm a fanboy. Whatever man. You need to grow up. That's why I said that Sony was wrong for getting rid of the Other OS feature.

  20.5.2010 16:56 #15

• DXR88

  Originally posted by DVDBack23: There is absolutely no chance that Sony removes free online gaming from PSN. NONE. They would instantly lose all momentum they have gained against Microsoft.
  
  The removal of OtherOS was bold, yes, but they took the risk of alienating the 4 percent (or something along those lines) of console owners running the feature to protect against possible hacking in the future, and a hit to their bottom line. God i hope not. its just speculation on my part. if i was a businessman and saw MS raking in Millions of dollars a year. whats to stop me from thinking if they can do it so can we.
  
  and *IF* (i use it very loosely) my Speculation was Correct and Sony did Start to charge to play online. what could we do? they have the right to change, modify and update PSN to whatever the hell they want.
  

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  20.5.2010 17:03 #16

• Paula_X

  cheers Oner..
  
  as we have always fell out about.. it's a matter of personal perspective.. I have one of what you might be ))are??((.. but that aside (don't smile too wide.. my hubby might be watching) on wit da post.. just to wind up da creakster innit?
  
  What may be an "insignificant" feature to joe public might be the ONLY reason somebody bought console x over console y .. removing stuff from devices after sale is illegal.. European law has ruled on this so it's not even a discussion point.. yuanks get screwed over again.. elect "none of the above" next time retards!
  
  Seems fony have shot themselves so squarely in the foot recently we have some common ground.. you are defending them against stalwart supporters, and I'm giggling quietly in the background.. Keep trying.. I noticed you have been rather quiet recently.. not a lot to say really when consumers are being so blatantly screwed over is there.. especially when a major trading sector declares certain "marketing upgrades" illegal and awards compensation.. wasn't covered.. euro zone ps3 buyers.. you can "have a refund".. bollocks.. reinstate the functionality!!
  Canada.. can't say what?
  

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  20.5.2010 17:12 #17

• Oner

  Originally posted by Paula_X: cheers Oner..
  
  as we have always fell out about.. it's a matter of personal perspective.. I have one of what you might be ))are??((.. but that aside (don't smile too wide.. my hubby might be watching) on wit da post.. just to wind up da creakster innit?
  
  What may be an "insignificant" feature to joe public might be the ONLY reason somebody bought console x over console y .. removing stuff from devices after sale is illegal.. European law has ruled on this so it's not even a discussion point.. yuanks get screwed over again.. elect "none of the above" next time retards!
  
  Seems fony have shot themselves so squarely in the foot recently we have some common ground.. you are defending them against stalwart supporters, and I'm giggling quietly in the background.. Keep trying.. I noticed you have been rather quiet recently.. not a lot to say really when consumers are being so blatantly screwed over is there.. especially when a major trading sector declares certain "marketing upgrades" illegal and awards compensation.. wasn't covered.. euro zone ps3 buyers.. you can "have a refund".. bollocks.. reinstate the functionality!!
  Canada.. can't say what? Sorry but I don't speak in tongues nor try to understand it. I say what I have to VERY clearly and with valid supportive proof to justify my meaning. I guess there are still people who don't understand the term "permanent ban" and those who consistently/continually press buttons of which they
  
  a) have lost this battle before
  b) violation of forum rules with improper name calling i.e. "fanboy" etc. (ukhn99 you have been warned)
  c) posting insinuating blatantly false comments about aD staff (of which they have no f'ing clue about how wrong they are)
  d) always come back for more
  
  Keep up the rule violations and I will HAPPILY remove any & all of you. I have the proof of the same old people (or even new ones) doing the same old stuff, in their own words, right here in black and white....Actually you know what? I am going to stop the BS right here and now to avoid the aggravation and keep aD nice and clean without trouble makers. If anyone else would like to continue with rule violations you will be removed. PERIOD.
  

  
  
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  20.5.2010 20:13 #18

• DXR88

  Oner never ceases to Amaze.
  

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  20.5.2010 20:48 #19

• Pop_Smith

  Originally posted by DXR88: Originally posted by DVDBack23: There is absolutely no chance that Sony removes free online gaming from PSN. NONE. They would instantly lose all momentum they have gained against Microsoft. God i hope not. its just speculation on my part. if i was a businessman and saw MS raking in Millions of dollars a year. whats to stop me from thinking if they can do it so can we. I agree with DVDBack23 on this one. Sony has big momentum on online play being free, it was one of the biggest reasons I decided to buy a PS3 back in March when my launch 360 died instead of getting a new Arcade.
  
  The difference with Live and PSN is that Microsoft has charged $50 per year for Live from it's inception. Because of this they can continue to charge for Live and people don't complain (much).
  

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  20.5.2010 23:04 #20

• KillerBug

  Trophy support - Marketing Feature...it sells crummy games.
  
  Ingame music - Does not work with most games, even ones from Sony.
  
  Ingame XMB - Slow, but still somewhat usable.
  
  PS HOME - I have not been there in ages.
  
  Vidzone - Does not work at all, at least in NA.
  
  PSN Video store - It is a store selling things, hardly a free feature.
  
  Themes (and the ability to make them as well FOR FREE) - My system already had these when I purchased it.
  
  Dynamic Themes - You have to pay for Dynamic Themes, so this is not a free feature.
  
  Life with PlayStation (& Folding @ Home which is a great public service no one else offers) - I'll give you that...it isn't really a feature, more of a public service.
  
  Custom Avatars - They don't offer these AFAIK, you can change your avatar, but you cannot upload one.
  
  Minis playable on PS3 - If I wanted to play such games, they would be on my phone.
  
  Ability to play DivX and WMV files that are 2 GB or larger - But not over 4GB unless you transfer them from a media server. Plus, they don't open up any good formats, just a pair of closed ones.
  
  Improved XMB navigation - Would that be all the extra links to the playstation store?
  
  
  Added Facebook support (although this & Twitter were available via the browser a long time ago) - I guess some people will like this, but as for me, my facebook account no longer exists.
  
  BBC player - Does not work at all, at least in NA.
  
  The PS3 and wireless controllers can now be set to turn off automatically - I guess that is nice, but not something I would ever pay for or use.
  
  The PS3 can be set to automatically turn off after a background download - That is nice, but not something I would ever pay for.
  
  Blu-ray Disc playback supports DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio output - It came with BluRay support...and if they didn't keep it up to date, then no one would buy new PS3s.
  
  Blu-ray BD-Live Profile 2.0 - It came with BluRay support...and if they didn't keep it up to date, then no one would buy new PS3s.
  
  Internet Browser that has had improvement updates and there is still rumors of Chrome etc. - The browser is a piece of crap...that is half the reason people used Linux...because the PS3 browser was so terrible, even in it's current form.
  
  Photo Gallery updates - Don't care; still no photo editor.
  
  Non seizure causing themes when playing music - If they had in-game music support, we would not need these.
  
  Remote Play (awesome & cool feature btw) - But little more than a sales tool for the PSP.
  
  Printer Support - Very few printers; sony's own photo printers are not supported.
  
  FREE PSN - This was part of the deal when I bought my console.
  
  3D video, 3D gaming and Move support/updates on games coming soon or already out - How else would they sell their overpriced 3D glasses/broadcaster/3D TVs? Pure marketing here.
  
  So ya, they gave me a couple of features that I kinda like...but nothing I would trade Linux support for.
  
  BTW...they estimate that only about 4% of the people who own a fat were using Linux regularly. By my math, that is 400,000 people in the USA alone. Sony charged $200 for the PS2 Linux Kit that offered less functionality than OtherOS...so they essentially stole over $80,000,000 worth of features from people that were using them (just in the USA). If they are willing to do that, I would not put anything past them.

  21.5.2010 00:59 #21

• davidike

  Originally posted by DXR88: Oner never ceases to Amaze. are fanboys all over this site or what DXR88? you have freedom of speech until you talk about my beloved **** like that, then your outta here!
  

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  21.5.2010 03:36 #22

• DXR88

  Originally posted by davidike: Originally posted by DXR88: Oner never ceases to Amaze. are fanboys all over this site or what DXR88? you have freedom of speech until you talk about my beloved **** like that, then your outta here! i'm quaken in me boot, im so scared.
  
  want be to put it in a way you'll understand....if it where anyone else this thread would be closed. hence why She/he never ceases to amaze.
  
  these articles always turn out the same way, a giant shit throwing contest.
  
  am i a fanboy? sure, if its a good system with a decent selection of decent games im in.(i believe its called jumping on the bandwagon)
  

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  21.5.2010 13:50 #23

• Oner

  Originally posted by davidike: Originally posted by DXR88: Oner never ceases to Amaze. are fanboys all over this site or what DXR88? you have freedom of speech until you talk about my beloved **** like that, then your outta here! You have absolutely no clue about what the reason behind her banning is/was. You REALLY should mind your business and stick to talking about the topic at hand and leave Moderating/Forum duties to those who have that responsibility.
  
  And on that note I will close this topic to avoid any further issues so certain news articles won't have to be locked even before anyone can post...because you are right DXR88 ~ "these articles always turn out the same way, a giant shit throwing contest" instead of a discussion about the topic, with facts and the like. It always escalates to the usual falsely misguided, close minded, uninformed biased opinionated rants with the main point trying to be a poorly veiled insult at whomever mixed in. I.E. Paula_X's comment above.
  

  
  
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  21.5.2010 14:39 #24