Playstation 3 technology unveiled

by Ben Zackheim { Feb 7th 2005 at 4:52PM }

ps3

So they've gone and done it. IBM, Toshiba and Sony have unveiled the Cell tech for the PS3. After the long wait for the details, they end up being common knowledge, for the most part. Of course, we'll have to wait for the pros to read throught the white papers before that call can be made.

The tech indeed promises 4ghz of processing power (on paper) and is already being trumpeted by the mainstream press as an x86 competitor. For those who thought the chips could share resources over a network (i.e. broadband) you're not out of luck. At least as far as Reuters is concerned. Though the idea of pooling power between PS3s is only mentioned in passing, there is some small focus on the chip as a SETI-like device. Don't hold your breath on that one, though.

A question for the engineers out there — What if you bought two PS3s? Could they potentially share resources? Could Sony have something up their sleeve here?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Matt @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

I'd like to see a game system that could actually utilize a distributed model for its computing power. By that I mean that applying distributed processing in a real-time environment like games would be extremely difficult if not impossible. The latency over any kind of connection would make it quite difficult.

I suppose you could use idle ps3's to run AI or world updates, which would be interesting to see, but that requires a scalable AI system...

Sony's track record makes me think that the Cell is a just a fast processor, and that the rest of this is hype. You know, like how the "emotion engine" was supposed to aid in simulating emotion...

illDigi @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

gotta admit tho, as hype went, "Emotion Engine" was a good campaign. had me pysched.

didn't the Ultra/N64 debit an SGI powered "Reality Engine"? must've been a reality where everything is fuzzy. just as Emotion in Emotion Engine must've meant fear of jagged polygonal edges..

can't wait to hear what kind of hyperbole Sony beats down on with this. maybe the PS3 will be half of what the PS2 was supposed to be.

most likely, it'll be exactly what it's named. a Playstation. the third one.

Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

Saw this on Engadget and thought it was funny...

"The first real life application of the new cell processer is for an internal Sony project. The new Cell chips will allow Sony's hype machine to produce almost ten times the reality distortion effect produced by the emotion engine that powers the PS2. With results like this, Sony determines it can persuade 93% of all television owners that their new home console is worth purchasing without having to actually produce any real-world benefits of the machine, or any playable games."

Ed @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

This grid computing thing has me thinking, maybe they will try to encourage us to leave our PS3's on all the time, and then secretly rent PS3 network grid computing time to companies. Don't try it Sony, cause I want my cut of that action.

metal_mickey @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM

I don't see how a scalable PS3 will be viable. As the key to console success, was the hardware remain constant from launch to next generation. You Buy a console game, you expect your console game to run it, not to run at half the speed of your friends.. because he has 4 linked together. I would assume, that if theoretically possible, the Network like seti power, will be for those with workstation systems, that can make use of several million PS3's and workstations linked. Though what really needs to progress is the artists in the industry and how THEY use the PS3 power.