Yes, Sony\'s been very quiet about their real online plan. So far, they\'ve only been publicly mentioning common sence applications for broadband connections. Movies, Music, Game Demos, Web surfing, and online games will definately improve the console gaming experience (Imagine walking into a theater in DukeNukem 3D 2 and seeing a preview for a real-life upcomming movie that\'s being streamed in over your broadband connection).. however it\'s nothing that really can\'t be done with a 56k modem and a bit more time.
It\'s certain clues that Sony\'s been dropping that makes me wonder what Sony really has up their sleeve. Dabbling in VR technology, Digimask technology, insistance on broadband, and odd comments about "Jacking into the Matrix".. it\'s not all just hype bull****.
The internet is on the verge of a reveloution from 2D text and graphics to fully interactive 3D worlds. Imagine, rather than picking a CD from a list and clicking on the "Add to Shopping Cart" button, you actually walk into a store.. pick up the CD you want, look it over, Listen to some demosongs (streamed over the net), and then taking it to an acutal 3D checkout counter to pay for it. Imagine creating not just a 2D webpage.. but a 3D world in which users could explore and meet up with other users each with their own customized 3D Avattars. Think of it like this, your webpage could be like a Quake level.. with one room having personal photos hanging in a gallery, another room filled with screens on which someone could watch the movies you\'ve collected, one room setup with portals to other webpages you like, and another room that showcases and shares files you\'ve setup for download.. all the while chitchatting with the avattar of a friend who\'ve you\'ve invited to check out your page.
Sounds unrealistic? Well with 56k connection it basically is (unless you want to spend 15+ minuites downloading each page). This is why I think Sony will not budge on their on broadband only mentality. And remember the transition will not happen overnight.. but will be introduced over time as more an more users get accustomed to using and creating VRML worlds.
Here\'s one more piece of info for you to chew on.. everything I\'ve mentioned has already been propositioned and experimented with by Sony. Not many people know this, but five years ago Sony introduced a primitive VRML web browser (and web page construction set) called the "Community Place" browser. Click the link to below to check out Sony\'s Virtual Society webpage, and get a mere glimpse of the enevitable future of the web.. and what I believe to be Sony\'s online plan for the PS2.
http://www.community-place.comHere\'s some screenshots of a demo webpage called "MudBugs" in which users can participate in online.. eh.. cow excrement fights.
