The first ever blog post written completely on a PS3 [update 1]

by Kyle Orland on Nov 11th 2006 8:30PM

[Update: Added the above picture of the PS3 blogging experience from my laptop. Our picture upload tool did not work on the PS3 browser]

This blog post is being constructed completely on the PS3's web browser using an IBM keyboard, a Microsoft mouse and a Panasonic HD projector (isn't it great when technology companies can work together?). The experience isn't completely seamless, though -- the browser doesn't render our web-based blogging software very well and essential blogger features like copy/paste and spell check are unavailable.

Still, the PS3's web browser provides a relatively full-featured surfing experience that's remarkably similar to that on the PSP browser (except without all the memory errors). Major props: Flash support, multiple windows and easy navigation using the PS3 controller. Major gripes: No Java support, a clunky text-entry interface and no easy way to stop pop-up windows.

We look forward to being able to download the Wii's Opera browser and doing a little compare and contrast once Nintendo's online service is up and running.

Tags: blogathon06, ps3, web browser, WebBrowser

Reader Comments (27)

I find using any console to browse the Web a complete waste of time.

Everywhere I've read says that the Playstation 3 does support Java?

What gives?

The1, it might be useful to quickly check emails or look up something for a game you are interested in, without having to leave the couch to take a look. 640*480 is a terrible resolution for web browsing for any significant period of time, but 720 or 1080 resolutions could work well. Too bad about missing Java support.

So you plugged a keyboard, mouse, and projector into it to post a blog - why didn't you just use your computer again?

Great job, guys. I'm sure this was a lot more efficient than that time I foolishly tried to update my site using my PSP. Or that other time I tried to update my site using courier pidgeons.

Honestly, the idea of having another computer in my living room sounds awesome. I'm lazy enough that not having to get off the couch to check my e-mail is incentive enough to use either PS3/Wii browsing.

Which raises an interesting question about the Wii. Does anyone know if it supports USB keyboards? I know it may be unlikely, but has anyone tried it in the typing parts of the configuration and messaging and stuff?

"So you plugged a keyboard, mouse, and projector into it to post a blog - why didn't you just use your computer again?"

The PS3 is a computer.

"Which raises an interesting question about the Wii. Does anyone know if it supports USB keyboards?"

I recall them saying they aren't supporting USB hard drives, only SD memory. So if they don't support keyboards, then they have two completely useless ports. What other USB devices would be relevant to a console besides keyboard or storage?

"The PS3 is a computer."

A pretty godawful one, then. If I paid $600 for a computer and got something with a browser that couldn't upload files, block popup windows, run java apps, or even COPY AND PASTE, I'd be demanding my money back.

Face it, it's a console. No one who buys it -- NO ONE -- will use it as their primary computer. Some people will put Linux on it, and use it to, I don't know, play tuxracer or try to compile kde, but you aren't going to see little billy writing an essay on his PS3, or mom playing Snood on it.

Browsers in consoles are AWESOME!
I can be gaming and then take a break and check email and stuff.

Or if I get stuck in a game i can go online and view a walkthrough.

Yay for webbrowsers in consoles!

How was the flash plugin? I've been hearing rumours that it isn't really up to much, speed-wise...

@Ed
I can imagine me using the ps3 for using all sorts of things. A PC as good as the PS3 would be well expensive and i dont have THAT kind of money....i see the PS3 as a good investment....=/

And obviously thebrowser will get better over time, not everything comes perfect and fully featured straight away ya know ;)

geez even the dreamcast browser (dreamkey/passport) even had copy and paste.

Maybe somebody has already covered this, but all I see are walkthroughs on what the dashboard looks like, the loading of a game, a PS3 game, etc... But would somebody please just put 'Shadows of the Colossus' or 'Guitar Hero' in the PS3 or something? I'm interested in how it handles backwards compatibility.

...Or is that gone? Sorry if I missed it somewhere on these wide open internets.

Ill Trooper, It has backwards compatibility, but Im a Wii fan so I don't know how extensive it is.

Being able to go on the internet from a console is an awesome Idea,however, especially for games with lots of cheats, You could pause your game go on the internet, and find a cheat to help you out with whatever part of the game yor in. You'd be able to quickly go back and forth from the game to a walkthrough too.

I dought that the Ps3 will be used as anyone's main computer though. curser movement would be horrible with controll sticks, and if it was used as a main computer, It would be on a TV, abig one if it's being used as a primary computer, which means absolutely no privacy.

Probot: Isn't there supposed to be a USB Ethernet adapter? Aside from that, they could juts be there for potential future use. For example, if they make rechargeable controllers, they could plug into a USB port to recharge. Then, they could let you plug them into your computer's USB ports too if you want. Also, I believe it's supposed to be able to take pictures from your cell phone. Do you plug that into the USB port?

But you're right; there aren't that many USB devices to plug into a video game console. Maybe keyboard support is more likely than I thought. Honestly, even if they do have USB keyboard support, I doubt I'll actually plug a keyboard in just for that. i was really only asking because I suspect Joystiq will try to post a blog post with the Wii's Opera browser, too, and that seems like it'd be a bit of a pain with the on-screen keyboard.

Yea I probably won't do anything but cheack walkthroughs or cheats on a console internet browser (I don't care which one) as long as I can get on a website it's fine by me I want a console not another computer.

@12 - A PC (upgrade) that's comparable to the PS3 would cost about the same - $600 is a nice chunk of change for a good CPU and video card. Add that to your current rig, and you've got a pretty mean machine.

Have you played any Flash games yet?
If they ran smooth enough, I'd imagine you'd be able to play a number of Xbox Live Arcade type games for free.

Don't be silly, PS3 won't replace the PC, but it can do half or at least a bit of it, which is enough for most PS3 people, Apple comps havn't even replaced PCs, but they are still popular, besides, PCs will be a thing of the past in the near future, I doubt anyone will even need PCs with the updated technology, I'm a writer and I'd love to use my PS3 to type if I can, don't mind at all.

Copy and paste is a minor, all that can be updated later via firmware updates, its no big issue, there are more important things to deal with, like releasing the PS3 everywhere already >:(

Browsing the web on a console sounds a little hesitant to me. I mean if your using your TV that just seems kind of weird and using a Keyboard and Mouse 6 feet away from what your looking at sounds stupid IMO. Its not neccesarily a bad idea and if you just wanted to check on thing or something its okay, but overall its not a selling point and I'd much rather use my PC anytime, anywhere.

@20 What if his comp was running 95(every one should know what i mean), 128 ram, 20 gigs, no graphics card etc...

@21

For $600, you can buy a better computer than that, and it would still have more functionality than a ps3

- Loque,

Can you $600 computer have a blu ray drive in it? Can it run games such as Motorstorm and Heavenly sword? Don't be jealous just because you cant afford it.

- The1,

5 bucks says if the 360 got a net browser you’d be the first to compliment Micro-transactions… I mean Micro$oft on the fine work.

'The first ever blog post written completely on a PS3 [Update 1: not anymore!]'

There goes your place in history :(

"PCs will be a thing of the past in the near future, I doubt anyone will even need PCs with the updated technology" - Pulse

ROFL! I realize you're excitied about the PS3 -- so am I -- but take a step back, breathe deeply, and stop taking the drugs.

Even though I've been very weary about the PS3, I've gotta say that it has got some very neat features. Now, if it was just a bit cheaper...

Only a n00b still gets frequent memory errors on their PSP. ;) Just a matter of configuring it right (the main thing is to make sure that Wifi Power Saving is off).

The PSP Browser gets better with every firmware too, so that bodes well for the PS3's browser. And of course, if Linux takes off, that'll give you firefox and proper mouse and keyboard support, and then it should be as good as any PC (especially if Adobe picks up and starts bringing the latest Flash releases to the PPC architecture)

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The first ever blog post written completely on a PS3 [update 1]

Reader Comments (27)

Posted: Nov 11th 2006 8:37PM The1 said

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