Sony announces further delays to its PS3 virtual universe

Sony's game unit said Tuesday it was delaying for the second time the launch of an online virtual universe for the PlayStation 3 because the service needs further development.

"Home" had originally been scheduled for launch in late 2007 but was delayed until early 2008. Now Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. plans to open up an early version of the virtual universe in the second half of 2008.

"We understand that we are asking PS3 and prospective PS3 users to wait a bit longer, but we have come to the conclusion that we need more time to refine the service to ensure a more focused gaming entertainment experience than what it is today," said the head of Sony's game unit, Kazuo Hirai.

The delay is another setback to Sony, which has much riding on the PS3 but faces fierce competition from Microsoft's XBox 360 and Nintendo's Wii.

Sony has said previously that the free service would allow PS3 users to set up an apartment for life-like virtual characters, or avatars, who can invite friends over, share pictures and videos, and play online games.

Users can personalise their virtual home with furniture, art and other items and chat through audio or video links.

The service is seen as a cross between social community website MySpace and Linden Lab's Second Life, which allows "residents" to build homes, create vehicles, nightclubs and stores, and to communicate with instant messaging.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday that Sony was preparing to launch a separate online video service for the PS3 as soon as the US summer, quoting unnamed studio executives familiar with the plan.

Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera - Pink (New Version)

Product Description
Here's a real digital camera that's tough enough-and easy enough-for kids to use. What a perfect way for kids to get creative by taking, viewing and even printing their own digital pictures! Kid-Tough Digital Camera Features:1.3 color LCD preview screen that lets kids instantly see the pictures they've takenTwo-eye viewing which makes it easy to look through the viewfinderSturdy, dual handgrips for a steady shotBig buttons that make it easy for little hands to useControls are simple for kids to understand - no reading requiredBest of all, it's built with a durable, kid-tough designAdditional Features Include:Built-in auto flashStores over 60 pictures, with 8 MB built-in memorySD memory card slot for increased storage capacity (SD card sold separately)640 x 480 resolutionUSB cord for computer connectionCD of digital camera softwareWrist strapCamera is compatible with Windows 2000 or higher and MacIntosh.Requires 4 AA alkaline batteries (not included) and includes 1 lithium battery. Photo Software Requirements:OS Windows 2000/ME/XP Hardware: Pentium Class 500 MHz processor or better 75 MB hard drive space recommended Camera is approx. 5 1/2 W x 4 HAge: 3 years +price info link.

Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera - Blue (New Version)

Product Description
Fisher-Price Kid Tough Digital Camera The Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera is a real digital camera which is tough enough and easy enough for kids to use. The Fisher Price Kid Digital Camera is the perfect way for kids to get creative by taking, viewing and even printing their own digital pictures. The digital camera from Fisher Price is absolutely loaded with different features for the child to use. The Fisher Price Digital Camera is one of the few digital cameras around which is built specifically for the child. One of the biggest features on the Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera is the viewfinder. The viewfinder features two-eye viewing which makes it an absolute breeze to look through. The big buttons on the Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera also makes it simple for little hands to use. The Fisher Price Digital Camera also features dual handgrips for a steady shot. This is one Fisher Price item which really takes the child into account.price info link.

WEBKINZ - Yellow Lab

Product Description
Webkinz animals come with a special internet code where your child can interact with it. They can name it, make it a home, even play games. Not recommended for children under 3. NOTE* Due to limited supply; Webkinz orders are limited to 12 pieces per style per customer. Polyester.price.

VTech Nitro Notebook Electronic Learning Device (Pink)

The software is so very 1980's that it's laughable (until the screaming starts) when you realize as the unit barks commands at you that you cannot mute it: you have 2 levels of volume control- Loud and a Little Less Loud but still freakin' annoying. I wanted to give my very bright little 4 year old daughter her own "little computer" to play with. She has fun on Daddy's big computer and with very little help can point and click with the mouse and is learning to use the arrow keys to manipulate cute characters on age appropriate web sites (Mickey Mouse Club House,etc..) and in K-1st grade software on our hardrive. I thought this product might get her OFF my comp and engaged and learning but alas... It was not to be. The unit LOOKS good but do NOT be fooled as I was!
Price: $49.99

VTech Nitro Notebook Electronic Learning Device

They said : I purchased this activity notebook for my granddaughter who has scheduled a thirty minute session each night after dinner. It was her request, by the way. I like the fact that it tracks progress and has levels of difficulty that will keep her attention for years to come. As a bonus, her little brother can use it as well when he is old enough. I predict its usefulness in their household for at least the next twelve years. Its the best gift I've ever purchased for a child.
Price: $84.95

V Tech - V.Smile DeskPro (Desktop Computer)

They said:I brought this for my eight year old for Christmas,she began to play with it around Feb.she was having great fun with it until it began to freeze up.I took it back to the store in which I had to wait 1month till one came back in stock,took that one home did great for two weeks,same thing happened again.save your moneybuy something that will actually work for that kind of money.
Price: $73.58