Ensure technical developmentHow Sony could develop a system to attract large number of customers? It''s really a well-planned
marketing strategy? Isn''t it?Sony Corp. announced a revised PlayStation 3
console Monday with a bigger hard drive for storing downloaded content such as
video games and high-
definition movies. The new $599 PS3 increases the
system''s storage capacity from 60 to 80 gigabytes and also includes a retail
copy of the online racing title "MotorStorm," a company spokesman said.
Starting Monday, the current 60
gigabyte model will cost $499 — a $100
price drop. The larger capacity machine won''t be available in the United States
and Canada until August. It plays into the company''s upcoming strategy
of eventually offering downloaded high-definition movies, video games, movie
trailers and demos, Sony spokesman David Karraker said. Karraker said
further details on high-def movies for download would be released at a later
date. The announcement comes two days before the E3 Media & Business Summit
in Santa Monica, Calif., where dozens of industry heavyweights including
Sony rivals Microsoft Corp. and Nintendo Co. are expected to show off their
latest games and related products. In April, Microsoft began selling a
version of its Xbox 360 with a 120-gigabyte hard drive and a souped up
high-definition video connection. Called Xbox 360 Elite, the black-colored
system sells for $479.99. Xbox gamers who already own the $399.99 20-gigabyte
model can buy a snap-on 120-gigabyte hard drive for $179.99.Karraker
said Sony would use the E3 show to focus on two areas: ways to increase the
number of consumers who own PS3s and other products such as the PlayStation
Portable handheld system, and expanding the system''s library of available games.
He said Sony would be releasing 100 new video games during the current
fiscal year, including 15 titles that are exclusive to the PS3 such as the
hack-and-slash action title "Heavenly Sword." Write your abstract here.