Sony has finished the list of tracks that will take place in the North American soundtrack for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the fifth installment of the billion-dollar selling racing franchise developed exclusively for PS3 by Polyphony Digital Inc. The official Gran Turismo 5 Prologue soundtrack will include an edgy soundtrack that mixes an aesthetic audio blending of indie dance rock, electronica, classic rock and brand new remixes by some of today's hottest recording artists such as Weezer, Mars Volta and DJ Shadow, among others. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be available in April for $39.99 SRP on Blu-ray Disc and as a download via PLAYSTATION Store.

Sony released the latest firmware 2.20 for their PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) console this morning. In case you haven't read what's new in this update, please check our previous story here. Some of the new features include, support for Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-live), the ability to copy PS3 Music and Photo playlists to a PSP system, as well as playing DivX and WMV format files that are over 2 GB. All owners, may now proceed to their PS3 System Update menu.

Sony has updated the PS3's firmware taking it to version 2.17. Unfortunately there are very few improvements with this update - under the main features in this version Sony lists only "The operating stability of some PLAYSTATION 3 format software has been improved." The simplest way to update the firmware is via the PS3's system menu.

The Financial Times citing an unnamed senior executive reports that rivals Sony and Microsoft are discussing the possibility of offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360. Sony Electronics US president Stan Glasgow also noted that the company was holding discussions with both Microsoft and Apple over Blu-Ray. The report even claims that there is also the possibility of an internal Blu-ray drive being incorporated into a new, more expensive Xbox 360 model, as it is already done in the PlayStation 3. Currently all Xbox 360 consoles support the HD-DVD format only, but since Toshiba abandoned production last month, Microsoft has no choice but to reconsider Blu-ray as vital step forward. Microsoft refused to comment on the story.

Sony has revealed the full feature list of Polyphony Digital's PS3 racing title Gran Turismo 5 Prologue this morning. The game will include six tracks including Suzuka Circuit, Eiger Nordwand, Fuji Speedway, London City Track, Daytona International Speedway and High Speed Ring. Prologue will also feature a Drift Mode, an in-depth car tuning system, two player split-screen racing, 16-player online races, and new online and offline racing events. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will hit the PlayStation 3 on April 17 for a price of $39.99, available for download on the PlayStation Store or at retail. Last but not least, 25 new hi-res screenshots were also provided thanks to the guys over at Shacknews.

According to a graph compiled by Next Generation, Sony Computer Entertainment America managed to achieve the highest average game rating for titles released during 2007, edging out Nintendo and Capcom. SCEA attained an average score of 77.9%, with Nintendo close behind on 75.1% and Capcom in third place on 74.2%. EA and Microsoft didn't do too badly, managing 71.3% and 69.2% respectively, with two of the biggest disappointments being Ubisoft and Activision, which came in with average scores of 63.1% and 61.9%. I've attached the graph of results below, along with graphs from 2005 and 2006. The graphs are based on data from Game Rankings, which collects average review scores from a number of online gaming sites.

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan today announced that it would release Cradle (PSP-S360）for the new slim and light PSP (PSP-2000) in Japan on April 24th, 2008 at a recommended retail price of 4,800 yen ($46). A set of Cradle & D Terminal AV Cable (PSPJ-15013) will also become available at a recommended retail price of 6,500 yen ($62). Cradle plays the role of a docking station that allow users to enjoy various entertainment content such as movies, videos and pictures on their TV sets. There's also a card type remote control included in the bundle with some basic functions. For more information please go here.

Sony Computer Entertainment's UK boss, Ray Maguire, has confirmed rumours that Sony plans to include in-game messaging in one of its upcoming PS3 firmware updates. Sony initially sparked rumours when it uploaded a "Friends & Messaging" icon onto its website, which commented about using a USB headset or Eye Camera to engage in voice and video messaging. Maguire told MCV:

Our momentum will continue with the introduction of in-game communication in the summer [and] firmware update 2.4.

Maguire also revealed that Sony has managed to sell over one million of the consoles in the UK.

Sony has announced that Japanese PSP users will be able to use Skype services from March 18th. The software will be included in the next system update scheduled for this month, with Sony releasing official microphones to coincide with the communications service. Skype was originally due for Japanese release in January, but was delayed as Sony hardware failed to meet Skype specification. Sony Japan has also unveiled a new limited edition PSP bundle for the local market. The PSP Matte Bronze Value Pack will go on sale April 24th, priced JPY 23,800 (USD $227), and will come with the handheld, a pouch, hand strap, cloth, 32MB Memory Stick Duo and D Terminal AV cable. In addition, SCEJ will also release an official PSP Cradle & D Terminal AV Cable for the PSP Slim & Lite, also due for release April 24th.

In addition to the Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 released in the US and Canada, Sony has two new PS3 bundles being readied for the European market. These include a special Gran Turismo 5 Prologue version which will launch alongside the game in the Spring. The pack includes the game, 40GB console and one Sixaxis controller. The second bundle is a Movie Pack, with a 40GB console, single controller and three Blu-ray movies replacing the usual game: Spiderman 3, 300 and Casino Royale. Both bundles are expected to come in at the current price points.

In June, a new PSP Entertainment Pack will also be hitting stores, featuring the famous face of the Ghost of Sparta - Kratos. Available for $199.99 (MSRP), you'll get:

• Limited-edition "Deep Red" PSP with Kratos silkscreened on the back
• God of War: Chains of Olympus game
• Superbad on UMD video
• Voucher to download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops from PLAYSTATION Store.

To coincide with the much-anticipated North American launch of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots in late Q2 2008, SCEA will introduce a special PS3 bundle. The Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 will include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499.99 (MSRP). Followed by the introduction of this limited version Sony revealed another much-requested release date: SCEA will introduce the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.99 (MSRP). Compatible with more than 100 PS3 games, DUALSHOCK 3 has both rumble and motion-sending SIXAXIS technologies. Of course Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be 100% compatible with the DUALSHOCK 3.

Well, really, the title says it all. Sony is no longer offering any version of the PlayStation3 console that can actually play games that were released for the previous two Playstation consoles. At this time, the only PlayStation3 model available in stores is the 40GB model, which is not backwards compatible with anything. However, the future is not bleak in Playstation-land. Sony has long been planning a successor, which more than likely will have a larger hard drive and one or two other surprises/goodies. Unfortunately, backwards compatibility will not be among those goodies. If you're into playing PlayStation classics on next-generation hardware, you'd best get yourself an 80GB PS3 before stock completely runs out.

Toshiba is going to buy all Cell manufacturing duties from Sony for ¥90 billion (roughly $835 million USD). Actually, they've been going to do this since October 2007. At the time, though, it seemed like Sony wouldn't have any say in the operation of the facility. Now, in the middle of February, the deal has changed. The running of all Cell manufacturing facilities will be done as a joint venture, and some more details of the sale/incorporation have surfaced. On April 1st, Toshiba and Sony will begin their joint venture. Now that Toshiba has exited the HD-DVD market, they will put a lot of focus towards SSD drives, and making the Cell processor. Toshiba will actually incorporate the Cell into some nifty new HDTV's. We'll keep you posted.

In the quest to replace LED technology, Sony recently dropped ¥22 billion (£105 million/€140 million/$205 million) on OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panel production. The large sum of cash will be spent upon "middle and large size OLED panel production technology", and plans on having something operational by April 2009. Most of the research and production will be done at Sony Mobile Display Corporation's factory in Japan. Once Sony does have an operational product, and a lot of them, they will hopefully implant them in just about everything involving a screen coming out of Sony's factory doors. OLED technology is, at this point, known for being extremely thin and obscenely expensive. If all goes well, Sony will negate the latter.

A 12 year old who had just finished his first period classes got a nasty surprise. His PlayStation Portable, which was off and in his pocket, got "intensely hot", and caught fire. The boy's jeans quickly followed suit, causing quite the stir in the classroom. According to local emergency services, the fire originated from the device's battery compartment. The exact cause as to how or why the battery got so hot remains unknown at this point. The teacher was able to remove the PSP from the boy's pocket before it caused any serious injury. The boy was rushed to a hospital, was treated for second-degree burns, and was back at school in time for recess. Ironically, the game that was loaded at the time of the immolation was "Burn Out Legends".

IBM Cell BE PS3 Processor Shrunk to 45nm

At an ISSCC session yesterday afternoon, IBM announced details of a smaller, lower-power version of the Cell BE processor that powers Sony's PlayStation 3 entertainment system. The Cell BE is currently fabricated on IBM's 65nm SOI process, but IBM will soon move the console chip onto the company's next-generation 45nm high-k process. The 45nm Cell will use about 40 percent less power than its 65nm predecessor, and its die area will be reduced by 34 percent. The greatly reduced power budget will cut down on the amount of active cooling required by the console, which in turn will make it cheaper to produce and more reliable. Also affecting Sony's per-unit cost is the reduction in overall die size. A smaller die means a smaller, cheaper package; it also means that yields will be better and that each chip will cost less overall. All this will help Sony to slash the production cost of every PLAYSTATION3 console. Will this affect end users, only time will show. New price cuts or new PS3 models, haven't been officially announced yet.

Sony to Split PlayStation 3 Into Several SKUs

While Sony has all but confirmed that they are killing off the 80GB PlayStation3, there has been little news as far as what will be replacing it. Fortunately for the consumer, rumor has it that Sony has a plethora of options as far as what to replace the 80GB PlayStation3 with. Unfortunately for the consumer, nothing is final yet, as far as what Sony will be replacing the 80GB PS3 with. Sony does, however, acknowledge that 2 PS3 models is not enough. Hence, we are likely to see two or three new PlayStation3 models when the 80GB model is officially dumped. However, knowing Sony, the only thing separating SKUs might be something as simple as colors.

Lately, most people don't know what to think about the PlayStation3. There's rumors going around that it's getting smaller, and there are rumors that a model with an enormous hard drive is going to arrive. A conference call leaked from GameStop via IGN confirms the latter rumor. It would seem as though Sony is no longer making 80GB PS3s, and is instead focusing on making a PlayStation3 with a larger hard drive. A 120GB PS3 is coming to replace it, and will ship with a Dual Shock 3 controller standard. Considering that two independent retailers and a reliable "tipster" all confirm the same thing, we may be looking at a 120GB PS3 soon after all.

After cutting prices, Sony managed to sell 4.9 million PlayStation 3 video game consoles during the last quarter. Combining this with the lower manufacturing costs, and more and better games, Sony's gaming division has finally made a profit. After many quarter of repeated losses, Sony has managed to turn things around and total profit rose by 25% for the last quarter. Sony also lowered its sales goal for the PlayStation 3 from 11 million for the whole year, to 9.5 million because of the poor start, a fiscal year which ends in March.

Some interesting tidbits trickled their way back from CES 2008: Sony may be planning a new PlayStation3. This particular version of the PlayStation3 would be lighter, thinner, and prettier. This move comes as no surprise, when looking at Sony's past. The original PlayStation ended up as a very tiny PSOne. The PlayStation2 was once as large as the original PlayStation, and now is even smaller than the PSOne. The PSP underwent a similar transformation over the summer.

If this rumor is true, chances are we'll find the 160GB hard drive inside the slimmer PlayStation3.

Sometimes, photographs are taken with absolutely no recollection of exactly where they happened. Thankfully, Sony realized this common problem, and decided to do something about it. Using a process that Sony calls "GPS Tagging", the little device phones home once every 15 minutes, allowing you to effectively track yourself. You can also hook it up to your compatible Sony camera/camcorder to embed your location/the time into your pictures and videos. With 31MB of memory, it can store your trail for up to one month before needing to be emptied. It runs off of your ordinary AA batteries, which Sony claims gives it ten hours of life between charges. It should become available next month for roughly $150USD.

Sony and Nichia Corporation have jointly developed new Blu-ray laser technology that should lead to thinner and smaller notebook drives. The new blue-violet laser measures 14 x 7.4 x 3mm and is expected to be built into slimline Blu-ray drives that can be fitted into ultra-portable laptops, in-car entertainment systems, handheld disc players and maybe a new version of the PS3 console. The module can read and write dual-layer Blu-ray Discs as well as read the newer organic media. Both companies anticipate mass production of drives using the extra-compact laser towards the end of the year.

SCEA already announced plans to discontinue the 20GB and 60GB PS3 SKUs from the Japan market. Two days ago we also reported that a ceramic PS3 is coming to the US. Now a rumour has it that Sony is also discontinuing the 80GB version of PS3. It all starts with an anonymous Best Buy employee scan of an internal letter, which notifies employees that the 80GB system is being discontinued. "The 80GB version of the PS3 is going closeout and won't be replaced at this time," it reads. "It will come off the planogram on Jan. 28. The 60GB version should already be gone from stores. Only the 40GB version of PS3 will be sold in Best Buy stores at this time." The 40GB model currently costs $399, and is the cheapest PS3 available. However, it does have a few limitations: it lacks memory card readers, features only two USB ports, and most importantly, loses backwards compatability, as noted in the memo. "This means that there currently isn't a version that is PS2 compatible,".

After making such a fuss, Sony has just delayed Skype on PSP service in Japan. Originally the Skype PSP service was scheduled for January 24th. The cause for this move seems to be Sony's two microphone products - the single pack PSPJ-15010 and twin pack PSPJ-15011 - which "did not meet the Skype specifications" and thus failed the certification process. A new release date will be announced later.