Bad PS3 Network News: Downloads and Messaging

I'm pretty certain now that the PS3 is going to have some issues they either going to have to change by launch or MS is going to eat them alive. They may seem like small issues but when you consider the alternative and how easy these things are to do on the 360, you'll wonder what Sony is thinking this gen around.

Number 1: News of pay downloads. You're going to have to pony up for game demos. No word on how much, but when they're free on from Live, they better not be more than a buck.

Number 2: The online messaging system can't be messed around with in-game. You get a message while playing GT HD and your going to have to quit the game to answer it. On the 360, you just hit the Dashboard button on the controller while the game is paused. It's always online even if your game isn't. Text, voice chat, voice mail. All of it.

Number 3: There hasn't been voice mail announced yet. Texting is, inherently.

Number 4: Administrator and limited console online accounts. Great! User account management on a game console. That's the last thing I want to deal with when I'm not a work, where I manage stupid user accounts and passwords.

On the plus side, they do have a webbrowser built in that you can use a keyboard and mouse with. That's pretty huge. Especially if you want to call up GAMEFAQs or you blog or message board. Everything on the system is supposed to be fully upgradeable, so it will be interesting to see what web browser they chose to stick you with. That makes all the difference.