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

VTech Whiz Kid Learning System

They said: I purchased the Vtech Whiz kid system as a Christmas present for my two year old. It is a wonderful system and a great learning tool... unfortunately, not for a two year old. From the pictures and videos I've seen, I thought it would be much easier for him to use. I don't regret buying it though because he will grow into it and does enjoy playing with it, but with my assistance. My older children enjoy it and have learning a few things from it. It is easy for them to play, and very rewarding when they choose the correct answer. It plugs into the computer and you can track each childs progress. My favorite feature of this product is the CD rom that comes with the game....if my son destroys one of the pages, it is easily replaced by printing one out. I haven't tried this yet and am not sure how it works, but since I was purchasing this for a two year old, that played a big factor in choosing this system over others. I bought rechargeable batteries for this game and with almost 8 hours of play time, they have not gone dead yet!!! I would recommend this toy to other parents! Your child can play it at home on or off the computer as well as take it along in the car for quiet car rides. This toy will be a good learning tool for my son as soon as he grows into it.
Price: $49.99

Kid-Tough Preschool Game Player

They said : We bought this Game Player for our, then 1 1/2 year old, last Christmas because he had always been interested in electronic toys (or the phone, or remote...) and was always trying to take the Leapster or Gameboy games away from my older children. I knew it was a bit young for him, but it looked tough and durable. We thought that even if he couldn't really play the games, he might enjoy having a game of his own. It also seemed like a toy he could grow into. Well, he's 2 1/2 now, and he LOVES this toy. I love that it's small and "kid-tough!" It's the perfect size for him, with big easy-to-use buttons. I can throw it in my purse so my son can use it in the car, or sitting in the cart at the grocery store, or waiting for a meal in a restaurant. (It has 2 volumes-- but isn't terribly loud, even when it's turned up.) Now he is even able to play most of the games as they were meant to be played (as opposed to just pressing buttons as he did when he was younger). I would highly recommend this toy!
Price: $25.99