Sony is launching a preview of Video Unlimited, a new user interface that lets PlayStation3 users browse PlayStation Network content in a whole new way. It is fair to say that the PlayStation 3 is extremely more powerful than a set top box or smart TV, yet the user experience of the current PlayStation Network doesn’t really reflect that. Video Unlimited changes the paradigm, forever.When Michael Aragon (Vice President and General Manager, Global Digital Video and Music Services) showed us the live demo, I found the user interface to be impressively fast. I have included a video for you to watch, and I think that you will agree with me (drop a comment). The reason why Video Unlimited is so fast is because it uses the hardware potential of the PS3 by leveraging the superior graphics capabilities and extra memory that the platform has to offer. Video Unlimited does not sit around and wait for your next command, it will actively pre-load data that you are likely to use next, and it will keep previously loaded data in case you retrace your step. The end-result is an amazingly fast content browsing on PlayStation 3.
But there is more than speed: Sony has also improved the whole design and browsing experience in a big way. You can now find related content by tags, actors, directors, channel, studio, etc… at a level that was previously not possible – or practical. If you happen to know exactly what you are looking for, Sony has also updated its search with “Tumbler”, a new search system that is PS-controller friendly (vs. keyboard). Within a few clicks, Michael showed us that he can search for something as complex as “The Shawshank Redemption” – try that with your smart TV…
PlayStation Plus subscribers are the first ones who can download Video Unlimited and this new experience will start as an application, which may (or may not) replace the current PSN UI down the road. What do you think?
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