Click for high resolution image.
We've known that the Store would be undergoing a redesign in April for a little while, but until now we've had no idea exactly what it would look like. SCEE has been kind enough to reveal some images of the new look for the Store, and it's certainly an improvement over the current one. Be sure to check out the gallery below for high resolution images.
Unfortunately, the redesign means that European PS3 owners will be missing out on two weeks worth of PSN content - the European Store will not be updated between now and when the redesign goes live in "mid-April." That's a sacrifice we're willing to make, however. Sony is keen to tell us that the new look store is a result of "a survey last year which showed that many PlayStation Store users wanted a better interface and easier navigation."
To make up for the two weeks without new content we're promised a "special update in mid-April." This information is currently only correct for Europe. We're waiting to hear from SCEA regarding their redesign plans.
[UPDATE] SCEA has confirmed that the US Store will also be redesigned around the same time. There will be no Store updates between now and the launch.
Unfortunately, the redesign means that European PS3 owners will be missing out on two weeks worth of PSN content - the European Store will not be updated between now and when the redesign goes live in "mid-April." That's a sacrifice we're willing to make, however. Sony is keen to tell us that the new look store is a result of "a survey last year which showed that many PlayStation Store users wanted a better interface and easier navigation."
To make up for the two weeks without new content we're promised a "special update in mid-April." This information is currently only correct for Europe. We're waiting to hear from SCEA regarding their redesign plans.
[UPDATE] SCEA has confirmed that the US Store will also be redesigned around the same time. There will be no Store updates between now and the launch.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
3-31-2008 @ 10:36AM
tomas_sharp said...
A special update hmmm? home pleeeeease... and possibly in-game XMB? oh well i guess ill just sit here dreaming...
Reply
3-31-2008 @ 10:48AM
hey_big_dck said...
i think they are talking about something you can buy of the store or a really good demo or maybe even a beta.
3-31-2008 @ 12:26PM
Jerses said...
Im loosing my hope on home now but have to keep the faith... About this news... Nice design...but what about bringing the psn cards like...right now? here in Mexico we cant buy with our credit cards..well not anymore :(
3-31-2008 @ 6:51PM
Lars said...
The "special update in mid-April" was probably referring to something coming to the store around that time that they think everyone will want.
I'm just frustrated that I have to wait until April 17th before I can get Still Alive for Rock Band. I always thought the store was fine the way it was (much better than XBLM too). I've heard some say it was slow, but I never really noticed. Maybe it's an internet connection thing? Oh well, I've still got plenty of games to catch up on just from last years catalog. I still haven't beat Pixel Junk Monsters, haven't beaten the main quest in Oblivion, haven't even opened skate, haven't even bought Burnout Paradise yet!
3-31-2008 @ 10:50AM
iamchampuk said...
Finally!!!
That looks so much better now, thank you Sony!
Reply
3-31-2008 @ 1:31PM
Christian said...
Actually integrating the store with the PS3 even if its web based isn't that hard. Sony controls both the browser software and the server here, so they just need to extend the browser to support the PS3 controller buttons more directly. Stuff like SVG and AJAX is quickly pushing the boundaries for what 'web pages' or more correctly termed web applications are able to do these days.
The browser combined with stuff like javascript, svg, and flash can soon be considered a different UI toolkit for your applicance.
3-31-2008 @ 4:54PM
ldd said...
I never got to see what was wrong with the interface on the first place. (maybe it's because I have a SDTV?)
3-31-2008 @ 10:53AM
Nate said...
Much better. Now if only they don't make it a web page, so it'll actually respond quickly...
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3-31-2008 @ 11:04AM
Prothean said...
That's the problem with the store, its not so much the design, its the fact that its web based. If it were to be an actual integral part of the XMB, then it would truly be awesome. The design does look much better, but its nothing more than a new coat of paint on the same old beat up car.
3-31-2008 @ 1:25PM
Random1448 said...
Notice how it says X and O and select for choosing things? A web based store probably wouldn't be able to do that, it would be point and click. That doesn't confirm anything but, it's something to think about. Also, if it's integrated that would mean they would have to re-write the xmb, not just add something, so they could make it all fit (the PS3's OS is huge), and while they're at it why not add in-game communication? again pure speculation, but something to think about...
3-31-2008 @ 3:45PM
Dahk said...
From the Playstation Blog comments:
Ghostm | March 31st, 2008 at 9:48 am
Out of all the excitement I forgot to ask one very important question. Is the new store still a web page or is it going to be installed somewhere in the PS3’s system?
Noel Silvia replied on March 31, 2008 at 10:04 am
The new Store will no longer be browser based in the same way the current Store is, making things A LOT faster and smoother; hence the required firmware update.
On the back end, this switch in systems means having to port all of the current code over to the new Store, and, since the new Store is less “texty” and more “visual”, it also means having to create a whole bunch of new art assets just for this Store.
We appreciate everyone understanding that these things take time, and appreciate everyone’s patience. We’re just as excited about the new Store as you are!
Hope this helped to answer your question!
____
There you go! Non-browser based =).
3-31-2008 @ 10:54AM
Kira said...
Coming Mid-April to the European Playstation Store, HOME
trailer.
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3-31-2008 @ 10:57AM
DMeisterJ said...
Much better.
Reply
3-31-2008 @ 11:19AM
SparkyJ23 said...
Looks Good but how is 2 weeks of no new content any different from most weeks?
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3-31-2008 @ 11:36AM
Eggy said...
Hey we get themes! :D
3-31-2008 @ 11:23AM
Aaron said...
AWESOME! PSN FTW!!!!
Reply
3-31-2008 @ 11:28AM
Harry said...
I hope they make the circle button *NOT* mean "exit the browser". To this day, I press circle to go back because 13 years of PlayStation controller experience has engrained that into my muscle memory, and it's annoying that it means something else and I have to cancel the "Are you sure you want to exit the browser?" prompt every time (ironically, using CIRCLE!#!@).
They should make the PS button trigger the exit browser action, as it does for games.
Reply
3-31-2008 @ 12:06PM
heckteck said...
hahaha i have the same problem every single time i have logged in to psn i press the O button to go back and always get that do you want to exit screen lol.......if only they made the exit option the Triangle button to exit since thats the exit button for many games menu screen
3-31-2008 @ 11:57AM
gooftroop said...
just use the l1/r1 buttons like everyone else for back/forward :)
circle for me is to slect things, X for me is to quit. I find that natural and very easy to use
3-31-2008 @ 11:52AM
elephant_stone said...
This is brilliant news! I am willing to sacrifice those 2 weeks...I have plenty to be getting on with: GT5:p, Oblivion, PAIN, PJ Monsters :)
I think the special update will more than likely contain COD4 maps and Warhawk expansion!
At least we have the Warhawk patch to look forward to this/next week!
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