One PS3 function dropped. How many more to go?

[Queasy]

Link

The PlayStation 3 will no longer act as a home network router, according to Sony Computer Entertainment boss Ken Kutaragi, who has revealed that the functionality has been dropped because it would have been too expensive.

Speaking with Japanese publication Nikkei Electronics, Kutaragi said that the original specification for the PS3 would have allowed the system's three Gigabit Ethernet ports to be used as a home router.

However, this functionality has now been dropped since it would have made the console cost too much to manufacture, he admitted - and Sony now expects that users will continue to use their existing router hardware, which is becoming more commonplace in households with broadband internet connections.

Whether that means the bank of network ports on the back of the box has actually been reduced to a single port is not clear, however, as the company has previously hinted that it has other plans in mind for the multiple network ports.

The news that the system was intended for use as a router or hub was first revealed at E3, when Sony's Phil Harrison told GamesIndustry.biz that "it can be a hub, rather than just being a terminal at the end of a network."

"Also, we want to be able to have a Gigabit port for an IP camera," he revealed. "So one of the ports is an in, and two of them are through. It can be a server as well as a terminal."

 

[skace]

Like I'd run my PS3 as a hardware router anyways.

 

[wallsfd949]

Using the PS3 as a 'home router' is pointless IMO. I don't ask my toaster to keep my coke-a-cola cold, why should a game console double as a router?

I guess some who are new to networking may find having a 'router' within their game console is nifty, but IMO, let's make routers, routers and game consoles, game consoles

 

[AdamSnow]

I agree... Sounds to me like they dropped a feature that would not be used anyway (like the article, and Skace have mentioned as well)

 

[BlueWeasel]

Not to mention it would have probably been a "dumbed down" or simplified router anyway. I doubt it would have any of the advanced features of true routers like port forwarding, etc.

 

[Blayze]

Originally posted by: wallsfd949
Using the PS3 as a 'home router' is pointless IMO. I don't ask my toaster to keep my coke-a-cola cold, why should a game console double as a router?

I guess some who are new to networking may find having a 'router' within their game console is nifty, but IMO, let's make routers, routers and game consoles, game consoles

:thumbsup:

I completely agree. I've been reading the new features for the upcoming consoles, and I just want them to play games/online gaming. Thats it.

 

[warcrow]

It sounds like a good idea. Glad they did it.

 

[Looney]

Well, if the game console was a fully complete home entertainment center, that stored music, videos, can act like a TIVO, play games, browse the web, etc, then having it function as a router as well would have been sweet.

 

[Queasy]

I'm just wondering how many other "cost cutting" measures Sony is going to take with the PS3 after promising the world at E3.

Dual HDMI - Really necessary?
The slots for all the different media formats - Really necessary?

 

[igowerf]

You guys have to remember that these new consoles aren't just gaming consoles anymore. Sony and Microsoft are marketing their next gen systems as end-all home entertainment machines. That's why we have these ridiculous features like routers, and ultra media readers, etc.

 

[bockchow]

i'm all for them dropping useless features to make them less expensive. never thought that feature belonged there. got to many dam routers as it is.

i know it's just the interweb kiddie way to yell DOOOMMMM but it was a stupid feature and somebody got wise and pulled it.

 

[hans030390]

next: we had to remove the GPU and replace it with a 6600gt to save money.

this is expected....sony promises way too much and slowly its..."well...we wont have that...or that...or this..."
basically, dont expect the ps3 to be as amazing as they say.

 

[Nothinman]

Well, if the game console was a fully complete home entertainment center, that stored music, videos, can act like a TIVO, play games, browse the web, etc, then having it function as a router as well would have been sweet.

Yea, because having your PS3 get broken into and all of your saved games, music and recorded TV shows stolen/deleted would rock!

this is expected....sony promises way too much and slowly its..."well...we wont have that...or that...or this..."
basically, dont expect the ps3 to be as amazing as they say.

Every company does that, MS has been talking about Longhorn for like 8 years and has dropped probably over a dozen features in that time period.

 

[Auryg]

That might be true, but Sony (and Molyneux..heh) are famous for it.

The PS2's emotion engine was supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread...you were supposed to be able to hook into it like 'The Matrix'..and a whole lot of other crap I'm forgetting.

 

[Nothinman]

And that XBox fighting game they kept showing off before release was supposed to be the best and most realistic fighting game ever, it didn't even come out with the release and when it finally did come out it was crap.

 

[skace]

Originally posted by: Looney
Well, if the game console was a fully complete home entertainment center, that stored music, videos, can act like a TIVO, play games, browse the web, etc, then having it function as a router as well would have been sweet.

It'd deffinitely be sweet when it comes time to reboot the router because it is hung up.

 

[royaldank]

Originally posted by: Auryg
That might be true, but Sony (and Molyneux..heh) are famous for it.

The PS2's emotion engine was supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread...you were supposed to be able to hook into it like 'The Matrix'..and a whole lot of other crap I'm forgetting.

MS was quoted saying "Toy Story like graphics." All the companies inflate and embelish a bit. No biggie. Wait till games are nearing completion and then make a choice. No reason to make up your mind yet by any means.