Surprise! Latest PS3 firmware adds sexy spaceborne music visualizer
by Jason Dobson 
{ Dec 26th 2007 at 1:01PM }
The new tool was created by Q-Games, who developed the terrifically fun PSN downloadable PixelJunk Racers, and the studios' PR manager Duncan Flett tells Gamasutra that the project went through a number of changes prior to release, including an initial stint as the boot sequence for Sony's console. Also interesting is that the visualizer uses texture data lifted from the NASA Blue Marble project, making this one of the neatest uses of science since the application of baking soda to vinegar.
Full disclosure: This writer did, in fact, pen stories for Gamasutra in a previous life before his current tour of duty on board the starship Joystiq.
[Via Gamasutra]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
J.Goodwin @ Dec 26th 2007 1:10PM
Music visualizer in space...anyone remember the SEGA Saturn?
Does this one have cubes that pulse in time to the bassline and a space shuttle? If not, then it's pure fail.
FidliousWong @ Dec 26th 2007 2:19PM
Certain versions of the PSX had visualizers as well.
J.Goodwin @ Dec 26th 2007 2:26PM
This may surprise people, but the Xbox 360 has a music visualizer, and it was designed by Jeff Minter :D
Talk about a trippy bizarre creation, it takes input from all four controllers to tweak various aspects of the viz system.
Christmas NiGHTS @ Dec 26th 2007 3:51PM
Minter should've done that
Space Giraffe as an interactive music visualizer would've been a good idea, especially in a world hungry for portable music players and cheap games that they can play on those players
J.Goodwin @ Dec 26th 2007 3:57PM
He did do that, well, he did it in reverse. Space Giraffe is built on the same engine as the 360's visualizer.
roxxxo @ Dec 26th 2007 8:39PM
i had no idea the 360 had a visualizer on it. and i still don't care. i've never understood the point of them, i'd rather just have music be in the background while i surf the internet or whatever (like I currently am doing)
Akamaru @ Dec 26th 2007 1:14PM
Unfortunately, even the Cell couldn't teach you proper grammar.
Can the wii even play Cd's?
Fernando Rocker @ Dec 26th 2007 1:17PM
Well... at least I try to speak in other language... can you speak other language?
I can speak a little bit of english, italian and of course, spanish.
baby sea tuna @ Dec 26th 2007 1:23PM
Ouch Akamaru, zing confirmed!
el serpiente @ Dec 26th 2007 1:26PM
Callate, cabrón.
lol @ Dec 26th 2007 1:54PM
Saturn did have a pretty kickass visualizer.
Bonus points for the screenshot because it features Lupe Fiasco's The Cool.
David @ Dec 26th 2007 1:30PM
Yeah, I think it's a little lame to make fun of people speaking a second language!
Anyway, I saw this visualizer pop up this weekend and was quite surprised! It doesn't really seem to relate to the music in any way, though. Just something pleasant to look at while playing your MP3s. Thanks Sony!
FrankTheCrank @ Dec 26th 2007 1:35PM
Wow...I've been away for a couple of weeks due to moving into a brand new house we just had built. Things around here are the same old same old. Looks like I haven't missed much. Fernandorocker is still slamming the PS3 any chance he gets. Maybe for 2008 he'll find a more productive hobby?
umm....hello??? @ Dec 26th 2007 1:46PM
umm....duh?! this is old news....when was that update? I discovered it the first day--I believe Joystiq even commented on the new music player visual in their original post covering the firmware update...
GunForHire @ Dec 26th 2007 1:47PM
-1000 respect points for listening to anything by 'Hello/Goodbye'.
Damn those guys suck.
Josh @ Dec 26th 2007 3:19PM
Actually it's Hello/Goodbye by Lupe Fiasco. Merry Christmas!
ssuk @ Dec 26th 2007 3:51PM
Just going to show, you are just trying to look cool... And fail at it miserably.
GRANTED @ Dec 26th 2007 5:55PM
props to lupe. chicago has been representing with great drops from him, kanye, and common this year.
LuckyTurner @ Dec 26th 2007 1:51PM
I currently own a 360 and Wii, and was mulling a PS3 purchase for the Blu-Ray playback (I've got a HD-DVD attachment for the 360 already and want to check out some 20th Century Fox flicks). Cool to see that ontop of DIVX functionality that the firmware is adding some fun bells and whistles.
Also, I can't say how happy I was to see Lupe Fiasco's album playing in the screencapped image. Most underrated rapper ever. Have to respect a guy who drops SF2 references matter of factly into his lyrics.
FidliousWong @ Dec 26th 2007 2:03PM
And yet in his latest album, doesn't he pass the blame of youth violence, which is on a steady decline, on video games? Yes, yes he does.
http://gamepolitics.com/2007/12/26/lupe-fiasco-raps-on-video-game-violence/
Dude, you you're going to hype a rapper for video game references, hype MC Frontalot, Kool Keith, or MC Chris. You know, people who actually know and use the language rather than "dabble" long enought o score a dimebag.
Lupe Fiasco is one of the most indecipherable rappers since Mystikal. Marbles or dicks, one of them is constantly in his mouth.
jackbauer @ Dec 26th 2007 2:47PM
OK you ignorant bastard, first of all although that song is on his latest album he didn't rap that part of the song it was another fellow rapper, Bishop or something. If he wrote it that's another story, but I'm sure there was other co-writers so don't blame all that shit on him.
LuckyTurner @ Dec 26th 2007 2:54PM
@ FidliousWong
The part of "Little Weapon" you're refering to isn't rhymed by Lupe, but rather Bishop G. And while I'm (obviously) not in the camp of 'video game violence breeds real violence', I belive the point in the song was contrasting the violence that 3rd world children are subjected to through militias and religious crusaders with the unnecessary exposure to violence western children experience due to negligence.
Also, while I dig some of the 'nerd-core' contingent, I do think folks who like nerdcore can enjoy Lupe. His content doesn't wholly consist of references to programming in Basic, tracks paying homage to Optimus Prime, or Star Wars tributes, but he's inarguably a palate cleanser to those tired to cocaine rap and monolithic representations of what "hip-hop" is.
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Dec 26th 2007 3:16PM
@lucky
Most underrated? naw. He's good, actually he's fucking amazing. But underrated? Naw. MF doom is a rapper who is insanely underrated.
@FW
Like others have said, that wasn't the point. The lyrics were simply comparing the violence found in games to the violence found in third world countries. That doesn't mean Lupe, or Bishop, were blaming Video games for violence.
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Dec 26th 2007 3:46PM
Read the link. So many face-palms. This is what I wrote in response to the stupidity found on the page.
"Wow. Just wow. I am amazed at the level of ignorance and stupidity found on this page. Sucks and Lupe Fiasco do not go together. He’s regarded as one of the few shining examples of good hip-hop. And he managed to change my whole view point on Rap.
Now going onto Little Weapons, I honestly can’t believe most of you missed the entire point of the whole song. I mean I got it on the first listen. Lupe’s part of the song(the video game reference was written by another rapper) is about child soldiers(most likely in Africa) fighting in wars. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, go watch Invisible Children, a documentary about African children who are kidnapped by the government and brainwashed to become soldiers. Many of the horrors these kids have to go through include watching other children be gunned down, being beaten and killed, and having to destroy their own towns and families. That’s what the first portion of the song is about.
Now we move on to the video game reference. Ok I’ve listened to this part multiple times and I never found it to be anti video game. For one, it is known that Lupe Fiasco is a huge video game, anime, and comic book geek(which he’s reference numerous times in both his albums) so it wouldn’t make any sense for him to be anti-video game. Two: The actual lyrics are not in any way saying that video games are bad. It’s more of a comparison between the violence found in games and the violence found in real world.
What infuriates me the most is that many of you allow your misconceptions of rap to blind you so that you can just group all of rap as just mindless talking about killing, pimping, and gaining material. While I will agree that there are alot of rappers who do that, people like Lupe Fiasco are what is keeping hip-hop alive today. Want proof? From his first album listen to He said she said, American Terrorist, Hurt me Soul, and Daydreaming. And from his second album listen to Streets on Fire, Hello/Goodbye, Fighters, and Dumb it down. In fact just listen to the first track off of The Cool, which basically explains the whole point of the album. But no you won’t do that. Why? Because it’s alot easier for you ignorant assholes to just sit in your comfy chairs and just criticize rap because it’s alot easier than actually looking for talented rappers. Because regardless of what you think, there’s good music everywhere, you just got to search for it. I’m glad that Lupe Fiasco is here, because before I was just like you guys, ignorant and hating rap simply from what I here from the radio. "
FidliousWong @ Dec 26th 2007 5:51PM
Okay, Vegeta. You got me. I took the written lyrics, looked at what they said, and based my opinion off of that. Why? Well, let's put it this way...
After I got a friend of mine into Kool Keith and his many aliases, he got it in his head that he should turn me onto some "hidden" music source I never heard before, usually delving into rap. One of his attempts was Bone Thugs N' Harmony... like I was living in a cacoon for a huge period of my life. But once was Lupe. I listened to the CD front to back and can honestly say I had no love for it. This isn't last weeks release though. I don't care for his rhyme style and from my impression of him, like many other rappers, tends to fall off the beat far too easily. Likewise, he comes from the school of hip hop I don't care much for and I know I'm going to get bashed for this but I'll say it. I liked Hip Hop when it was more about fun and having a good time, celebrating life and such. I'll listen to some contemporary acts but most of my music preference in hip hop COMES from the 80s. I mean, hell, I watch the japanese hip hop culture more than the US just because of occassional gems like konomama.
I'm not saying US Hip Hop has lost me completely. But it certainly needs to stop sounding like each other. And if they take the time to use up the first 40 seconds of a song talking about the great beat they are creating, the LEAST they could do is stick to it.
Lifted 0ne 4l9 (NDF - Fire!) @ Dec 26th 2007 6:16PM
lupe ain't bad, but vegeta you should also check out Akrobatik, Mr. Lif, C-Rayz Walz as they are also unlike the majority of hip hop and have lots of positive stuff to give hip hop.
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Dec 26th 2007 7:22PM
@FW
I'm glad you said what you said instead of, "BAAAAWWWW I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT SO IT'S GARBAGE" That always comes up when rap is mentioned.
I'll say this: At least listen to his album before you make a judgement call on Lupe, you might like it. But if you don't that's cool. I just hate it when people bash the shit out of Rap, and claim rap is the same, when that's not the truth. I mean I can say the same thing about rock, and that it only has people screaming about death and suicide, or singers who sound like they haven't reached puberty(Boys like Girls I'm looking at you). Like I've said previously, you just gotta dig for good music. And never ever rely on the radio. Cause it will only end in tears.
Thr3e2wenty8 @ Dec 26th 2007 1:55PM
Akamaru, silly question to ask (does the Wii even play CDs?)Of course not. It either plays 8 track tapes (being last gen console) or some sort of smaller propritary form of cds that the next gen console (when that comes out) won't accept.
Jerk Face @ Dec 26th 2007 2:06PM
That is actually a pretty nice, if simple, feature. It's an attractive display you could have up when just kicking back and listening to your tunes through your home theatre system.
StrangeBum @ Dec 26th 2007 3:51PM
I agree with you. Surprisingly it's the small things like this that really make me pine for a PS3. I haven't been all too interested in the games or the system itself (for Blu-ray) but rather the little additions it has over the other systems.
Such as:
Web Browser
Ability to run Linux
flOw
Home (it's a neat concept even if flawed)
and now this visualizer (the 360s is trippy as hell, but this just rocks)
Christmas NiGHTS @ Dec 26th 2007 3:53PM
-Ability to run Linux
Whatever came of that? I heard a lot in the months leading up to PS3 about Yellow Dog Linux and the possibilities that could come around, but i have not heard people mention Yellow Dog ONCE since the PS3 came out. I thought it odd, like the feature that dissappeared or something
Josh @ Dec 26th 2007 5:35PM
It's still there, works like a charm. Just look on the offical Yello Dog site or Playstation site's Linux page.
Yoshi Likes Boys @ Dec 26th 2007 9:54PM
You must have one crazy definition of "Charm." PS3 Linux exists but is a pain in the ass and half-functional POS with EVERY distribution out there for it (YDL, Ubuntu, Fedora). Maybe a year later they will have it together, but now, not a chance.
elmersglue @ Dec 26th 2007 2:06PM
This would've been cooler if it reacted to the music thats playing. Maybe the clouds on earth can move around in accordance to the bass. Haha, that would've been sweet. Other than that, it's a pretty visualization, but its rather stupid if its not reacting to the music, might as well be a screen saver.
Draco @ Dec 26th 2007 5:35PM
I believe by definition it is a screen saver.
lol @ Dec 26th 2007 2:25PM
top line is the song title. Bottom line is the artist(s), then album.
So the song is Hello/Goodbye (Uncool)
The artist is Lupe Fiasco [featuring] Unkle
The album is The Cool
Jerk Face @ Dec 26th 2007 2:29PM
Your wife is coming out with version 2.5?
...
Awesome?
whatsdamattau @ Dec 26th 2007 2:42PM
Listening to Night on Bald Mountain by Moussorgky on a pair of Martin Logans while the Earth is projected on the 80" screen is nothing short of breathtaking.
I wish my screen was bigger. A 100" would be perfect!
LAZoftheTamarinds @ Dec 26th 2007 2:48PM
Yeah I also noticed this on my PS3 when I updated. It's actually pretty neat.
And yes I just used the word neat.
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Dec 26th 2007 2:55PM
Lupe Fiasco has the ability to make any console seem cooler than it really is.
borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Dec 26th 2007 3:16PM
Good tip! If I buy a 360 I'll play a little Lupe now and again to ward of the ring of death.
heavenlysword @ Dec 26th 2007 3:45PM
hhahahaha lol :) i was so sleepy until i read your respond. Nice one :)
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Dec 26th 2007 3:48PM
Oh that actually made me lol.
Stellarpimp @ Dec 27th 2007 8:39PM
If anyone remembers the Panasonic/Goldstar 3DO music visualizers? You were able to control the movements of each one. As old as that system is I would have expected the later systems to have surpassed that years ago. As you can see its not high on the priority list.
borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Dec 26th 2007 3:08PM
Fernando,
Dunno, insulting someone's grammar makes about as much sense as showing up on every PS3 thread with a lame put down. Either way you look like an ass to most everyone else.
Your command of English is decent for someone not born to it, and better than some that grow up with English. You could, perhaps, put that skill to better use in these threads.
WiNG @ Dec 26th 2007 3:16PM
Meanwhile the Wii has a DVD drive but can't play DVDs, even though ITS CONTROLLER IS BASICALLY THE PERFECT TV REMOTE.
Seriously, wtf.
(and yes I own a Wii)
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Dec 26th 2007 3:49PM
...
Why would you want to play dvds on the Wii?
Christmas NiGHTS @ Dec 26th 2007 3:55PM
Hasn't this argument already been beaten to death?
Just search joystiq for Wii & DVD and read the comment string, you'll have all the opinions and answers you want
borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Dec 26th 2007 5:23PM
"Hasn't this argument already been beaten to death?"
As the pre-internet cola wars have proved, and as the case of "tastes great" v. "less filling" has added to case law...an argument can in fact be beaten to death more than one time.
All the Internet has added is the Godwin corollary devolving every thread into a comparison to Nazis and/or Hitler. I am proud to note that I am working on the "Greater fanboy" hypothesis, in which every statement will inevitably lead to an accusation of being a fanboy. This theory, in combination with John Gabriel's "Greater Internet Fuckwad" theory, may lead to a grand unified Internet theory of Nazi Fanboy Fuckwads.
I'll keep y'all posted. Anyway, permit me to observe that the Wii seems to be doing just fine without DVD capability.
ushman @ Dec 26th 2007 3:19PM
I can hate on the PS3 just as well as the next person, but every once in a while something like this comes around and I just love it. Its a thumbs up in my book