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Sony Hints At PS3 'Homebrew' Linux Plans
simoniker writes "Talking to the Japanese press, Sony executive Izumi Kawanishi has illuminated some of his company's PlayStation 3 Linux plans, indicating that it will be possible for individual 'homebrew' coders to create playable content for PS3, something actively blocked for Sony's PSP handheld. He commented: "Other then game studios tied to official developer licenses, we'd like to see various individuals participate in content creation for the PS3"."
"I would definitely reconsider purchasing the console if I could run linux on it and I think many other people would reconsider too. $599 isn't too bad for a console+linux PC."
... that might be a great buy too ... imagine, 2 consoles in my house.
... I can't imagine that would make Sony too happy ... hey even better! Although that is probably the reason why the PS3 won't turn out to be a very good linux platform.
- right on, I haven't had a console since my SNES. I've already decided to buy a Wii (they had me when they announced the virtual console and the rest is just bonus), but if I can use the PS3 as a desktop computer as well
Of course the PS3 would just be for running Linux
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seus
So, on the PSP, they are currently actively blocking any attempts of "homebrew" software. But for the PS3, they are going to allow it?
I don't see how there can be such a big difference in the stance of homebrew applications for their 2 main flagship products.
The difference is this. On the PSP, if someone creates a game you can play Sony gets no money.
On the PS3, if you crate a game for others to play you can probably sell it on the Sony online service and Sony gets a cut.
I'm pretty sure Sony intends this to be a way to have a lot of small games generated to give theonline service buzz, which benefits everyone. It's a shame they can't see reason on the PSP but at least they came to thier senses with the PS3 and it even makes sense in terms of a profit motive.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Maybe they're not having to much success with creating apps on the CELL. Hopefully they'll open it up for the genius's of the world to take a stab at coding in the cell environment. For the coders who want to experiment with the CELL, this could be an attractive offering. I"m sure a CELL desktop/server will cost a hell of a lot more than a $599.
Could be a good thing if they actually give access to all of the hardware. But I doubt it, my PSP is still on firmware 1.5.
MrJynxx
That's funny, since they shipped the hardware manuals with the kit and even gave a "sample" implementation of OpenGL in PSGL. AFAIK the only hardware they didn't give access to was the IOP, hardly the performance-sensitive piece of the kit. Are you sure you're not slinging second-hand, inaccurate information?
"It doesn't matter as long as you have direct access to the graphics processors. Then people can craft thier own libraries. "
Spoken like someone that has never written a line of code.
If having direct access is all that you need then where are the free drivers for nVidia and Ati graphics cards?
Having access isn't enough. You need drivers!
If we are lucky Sony will give you a frame-buffer. Good enough for Frozen-bubble but not enough to get me to pay $600+ for.
See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.