Editing PlayStation 3

{{Infobox information appliance
| logo = [[Image:PLAYSTATION 3 logo.svg|frameless|upright=1.20|center|Original PlayStation 3 logo]]<br />[[File:PlayStation 3 Logo neu.svg|frameless|upright=0.80|New PlayStation 3 logo]]
| image = <div style="white-space: nowrap; border: #dadada solid 1px;">[[File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-wController-L.jpg|frameless|upright=1.15|Original model]]<br>[[File:Sony-PlayStation-3-2001A-wController-L.jpg|frameless|upright=1.15|Slim model]]<br>[[File:Sony-PlayStation-3-4001B-wController-L.jpg|frameless|upright=1.15|Super Slim model]]</div>
| caption = {{plainlist|
* '''Top:''' Original PlayStation 3 (2006)
* '''Center:''' PlayStation 3 Slim (2009)
* '''Bottom:''' PlayStation 3 Super Slim (2012)}}
| aka = PS3
| developer = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]
| manufacturer = [[Sony]], [[Foxconn]], [[Asus]]
| family = [[PlayStation]]
| type = [[Home video game console]]
| generation = [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|Seventh generation]]
| lifespan = 2006–2017
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|NZ|September 29, 2015|EU|March 2016|AUS|March 2016|NA|October 2016|JP|May 29, 2017|}}
| media = * [[Blu-ray Disc]] (PlayStation 3 game disc)
* [[DVD]]
* [[Compact Disc]]
* [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] game disc
* [[PlayStation 2]] game disc <small>([[PlayStation 3 models#Model comparison|1st and 2nd generations only]])</small>
* [[Super Audio CD]] <small>([[PlayStation 3 models#Model comparison|1st and 2nd generations only]])
* [[Digital distribution]]
| os = [[PlayStation 3 system software]]
| storage = 2.5-inch SATA [[hard disk|hard drive]] <small>(12&nbsp;GB (super-slim only), 20&nbsp;GB, 40&nbsp;GB, 60&nbsp;GB, 80&nbsp;GB, 120&nbsp;GB, 160&nbsp;GB, 250&nbsp;GB, 320&nbsp;GB or 500&nbsp;GB included)</small>
| display = {{Collapsible list
| title=Video output formats
|
* [[Composite video]] <small>([[480i]], [[PAL|576i]]&nbsp;(PAL))</small>
* [[S-Video]] <small>(480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL))</small>
* RGB&nbsp;[[SCART]] <small>(480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL))</small>
* [[Component Video|Component]]&nbsp;([[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]]) <small>(480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL), [[480p]], [[576p]], [[720p]], [[1080i]], [[1080p]])</small>
* [[D-Terminal]] <small>(480i&nbsp;(D1), 480p&nbsp;(D2), 720p&nbsp;(D4), 1080i&nbsp;(D3), 1080p&nbsp;(D5))</small>
* [[HDMI]] <small>(480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)</small>
}}
| controllers = [[Sixaxis]], [[DualShock 3]], [[DualShock 4]], [[Logitech Driving Force GT]], [[PlayStation 3 accessories#Logitech Cordless Precision Controller|Logitech Cordless Precision controller]], standard [[List of USB controllers compatible with PlayStation 3|USB controllers]], [[GT Force]], [[rhythm game]] controllers, [[PlayStation Move]], PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Remote Control, [[GunCon|GunCon 3]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[Wonderbook]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[Game controller#Keyboard & Mouse|keyboard and mouse]]
| connectivity = {{Collapsible list
| title = ([[PlayStation 3 accessories#AV cables|details]])
|
'''Flash memory input'''*
* [[MemoryStick|MemoryStick/PRO/Duo]]
* [[Secure Digital card|SD]]/[[MultiMediaCard|MMC]]
* [[CompactFlash]]/[[Microdrive]]
'''Audio/video output'''
* [[High-Definition Multimedia Interface|HDMI 1.3a]] out
** [[HDMI#CEC|HDMI-CEC]]**
* [[S/PDIF]] out <small>([[TOSLINK]])</small>
* AV Multi out
** [[Composite video]]/[[stereophonic sound|stereo]] audio cable***
** [[S-Video]] cable
** [[SCART]] cable
** [[YPbPr|Component video]] cable
** [[D-Terminal]] cable
'''Other'''
* IEEE 802.11[[IEEE 802.11#802?b|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11#802?g|g]] [[Wi-Fi]]****
* [[Bluetooth|Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)]]
* 2 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]] (''4 × in 60&nbsp;GB launch model'')
* Wired gigabit [[Ethernet]]
----
{{plainlist|
** ''60&nbsp;GB and CECHExx 80&nbsp;GB models''
*** ''Slim models only''
**** ''Included in box''
***** ''All except 20&nbsp;GB model''}}
}}
| compatibility = {{plainlist|
* [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] <small>(all models)</small>
* [[PlayStation 2]] <small>(20&nbsp;GB, 60&nbsp;GB and some (CECHCxx) 60&nbsp;GB and (CECHExx) 80&nbsp;GB models)</small>}}
| predecessor = [[PlayStation 2]]
| successor = [[PlayStation 4]]
| website = {{url|playstation.com/ps3}}
| title = PlayStation 3
| releasedate = {{vgrelease|JP|{{Start date |November 11, 2006}}|NA|{{Start date|November 17, 2006}}|PAL|{{Start date|March 23, 2007}}}}
| unitsshipped = 80&nbsp;million<br /><small>({{as of|2013|11|2|lc=on|df=US}})</small> <!-- {{PlayStation 3 sales}} --> <!-- DO NOT CHANGE these numbers without a reference. VGCHARTS and NEXTGENWARS are NOT reliable sources. -->
| CPU = 3.2&nbsp;GHz [[Cell (microprocessor)|Cell Broadband Engine]] with 1 [[Power Processor Element|PPE]] and 8 [[Synergistic processing element|SPEs]]
| GPU = 550&nbsp;MHz [[Nvidia]]/[[Sony Computer Entertainment|SCEI]] [[RSX Reality Synthesizer]]
| Memory = 256&nbsp;MB [[XDR DRAM]] system and 256&nbsp;MB [[GDDR3]] video
| Sound = {{Collapsible list
| title=Audio output formats
|
'''A/V-Multi'''
* Analog stereo
'''TOSLINK'''
* [[LPCM]] <small>2ch 44.1&nbsp;kHz, 48&nbsp;kHz, 88&nbsp;kHz, 176.4&nbsp;kHz</small>
* [[Dolby Digital]] 5.1
* [[DTS (sound system)|DTS]] 5.1
* AAC
'''HDMI'''
* LPCM <small>2ch, 5.1ch, 7.1ch 44.1&nbsp;kHz, 48&nbsp;kHz, 88&nbsp;kHz, 96&nbsp;kHz, 176.4&nbsp;kHz, 192&nbsp;kHz</small>
* [[DTS-HD Master Audio]]  Bitstream <small>([[#Model comparison|slim models only]])</small>*
* [[Dolby TrueHD]]  Bitstream <small>([[#Model comparison|slim models only]])</small>*
* Dolby Digital 5.1
* DTS 5.1
* AAC
<nowiki>*</nowiki><small>All models can decode Dolby TrueHD and as of firmware 2.30 DTS-HD Master Audio, to be output as LPCM. Output of the raw undecoded stream is limited to slim models.</small>
}}
| onlineservice = [[PlayStation Network]]
| topgame = 
}}
The '''PlayStation 3''' ('''PS3''') is a [[home video game console]] developed by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]. It is the successor to [[PlayStation 2]], and is part of the [[PlayStation]] brand of consoles. It was first released on November 11, 2006, in [[Japan]], November 17, 2006, in [[North America]], and March 23, 2007, in [[Europe]] and [[Australia]]. The PlayStation 3 competed mainly against consoles such as [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox 360]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]] as part of the [[seventh generation of video game consoles]].

The console was first officially announced at [[History of the Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 2005]], and was released at the end of 2006. It was the first console to use [[Blu-ray Disc]] as its primary storage medium. The console was the first PlayStation to integrate social gaming services, including being the first to introduce Sony's social gaming service, [[PlayStation Network]], and its remote connectivity with [[PlayStation Portable]] and [[PlayStation Vita]], being able to remote control the console from the devices. In September 2009, the ''Slim'' model of the PlayStation 3 was released. It no longer provided the hardware ability to run PS2 games. It was lighter and thinner than the original version, and featured a redesigned logo and marketing design, as well as a minor start-up change in software. A ''Super Slim'' variation was then released in late 2012, further refining and redesigning the console.

During its early years, the system had a critically negative reception, due to its high price ($599 for a 60 gigabyte model, and $499 for a 20 GB model), a complex processor architecture and a lack of quality games, but was praised for its Blu-ray capabilities and "untapped potential". The reception would get more positive over time. The system had a slow start in the market but managed to recover, particularly after the introduction of the ''Slim'' model. Its successor, the [[PlayStation 4]], was released later in November 2013. On September 29, 2015, Sony confirmed that sales of the PlayStation 3 were to be discontinued in [[New Zealand]], but the system remained in production in other markets. Shipments of new units to Europe and Australia ended in March 2016, followed by [[North America]] which ended in October 2016. Heading into 2017, Japan was the last territory where new units were still being produced until May 29, 2017, when Sony confirmed the PlayStation 3 was discontinued in [[Japan]].

==Hardware==
[[File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-Console-BR.jpg|link=File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-Console-BR.jpg|thumb|right|The PlayStation 3 was the first console to include an HDMI port.]]

PlayStation 3 is convex on its left side, with the PlayStation logo upright, when vertical (the top side is convex when horizontal) and has a glossy black finish. PlayStation designer Teiyu Goto stated that the [[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]-font-inspired logo "was one of the first elements [[SCEI]] president [[Ken Kutaragi]] decided on and the logo may have been the motivating force behind the shape of PS3".

On March 22, 2007, SCE and [[Stanford University]] released the [[Folding@home]] software for PlayStation 3. This program allows PS3 owners to lend the computing power of their consoles to help study the process of [[protein folding]] for disease research.

===Use in supercomputing===
PS3's hardware has also been used to [[PlayStation 3 cluster|build supercomputers]] for [[high-performance computing]]. [[Fixstars Solutions]] sells a version of [[Yellow Dog Linux]] for PlayStation 3 (originally sold by Terra Soft Solutions). [[RapidMind]] produced a [[stream programming]] package for PS3, but were acquired by Intel in 2009. Also, on January 3, 2007, Dr. Frank Mueller, [[Professor|Associate Professor]] of [[Computer science]] at [[North Carolina State University|NCSU]], clustered 8 PS3s. Mueller commented that the 256&nbsp;MB of system RAM is a limitation for this particular application and is considering attempting to retrofit more RAM. Software includes: [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]] Core 5 Linux ppc64, MPICH2, [[OpenMP]] v 2.5, [[GNU Compiler Collection]] and CellSDK 1.1. As a more cost-effective alternative to conventional supercomputers, the U.S. military has purchased clusters of PS3 units for research purposes. Retail PS3 Slim units cannot be used for supercomputing, because PS3 Slim lacks the ability to boot into a third-party OS.

In December 2008, a group of hackers used a cluster of 200 PlayStation 3 computers to crack [[Transport Layer Security|SSL]] authentication.

In November 2010 the [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] (AFRL) created a powerful [[supercomputer]] by connecting together 1,760 Sony PS3s which include 168 separate graphical processing units and 84 coordinating servers in a parallel array capable of performing 500 trillion [[floating-point operations per second]] (500&nbsp;TFLOPS). As built the Condor Cluster was the 33rd largest supercomputer in the world and would be used to analyze high definition satellite imagery.{{Clear}}

===Technical specifications===
[[File:RSX 'Reality Synthesizer'.jpg|thumb|256px|The RSX 'Reality Synthesizer' on a PlayStation 3 motherboard]]
PlayStation 3 features a slot-loading 2x speed Blu-ray Disc drive for games, Blu-ray movies, DVDs, CDs and other optical media. It was originally available with hard drives of 20 and 60&nbsp;GB (20&nbsp;GB model was not available in PAL regions) but various sizes up to 500&nbsp;GB have been made available since then (see: [[PlayStation 3 models#Model comparison|model comparison]]). All PS3 models have user-upgradeable 2.5" SATA hard drives.

PlayStation 3 uses the [[Cell (microprocessor)|Cell microprocessor]], designed by Sony, [[Toshiba]] and [[IBM]], as its [[CPU]], which is made up of one 3.2&nbsp;GHz PowerPC-based "Power Processing Element" (PPE) and eight Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs). The eighth SPE is disabled to improve chip yields. Only six of the seven SPEs are accessible to developers as the seventh SPE is reserved by the console's [[operating system]]. [[Computer graphics|Graphics processing]] is handled by the [[Nvidia]] [[RSX 'Reality Synthesizer']], which can produce resolutions from [[480i]]/[[576i]] [[Standard definition|SD]] up to [[1080p]] [[high definition television|HD]]. PlayStation 3 has 256&nbsp;MB of [[XDR DRAM]] main memory and 256&nbsp;MB of [[GDDR3]] [[video memory]] for the RSX.

The system has [[Bluetooth|Bluetooth 2.0]] (with support for up to seven Bluetooth devices), [[Gigabit Ethernet]], [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]] and [[HDMI 1.4]]{{refn|group=note|Initially used HDMI 1.3a specification, but was upgraded to 1.4 with the introduction of stereoscopic 3D for gaming and Blu-ray playback (via firmware update). The PlayStation&nbsp;3 does not currently support any other [[HDMI 1.4]] capabilities.}} built in on all currently shipping models. [[Wi-Fi]] networking is also built-in on all but the 20&nbsp;GB models, while a flash card reader (compatible with [[Memory Stick]], [[Secure Digital card|SD]]/[[MultiMediaCard|MMC]] and [[CompactFlash]]/[[Microdrive]] media) is built-in on 60&nbsp;GB and CECHExx 80&nbsp;GB models.

===Models===
PlayStation 3 has been produced in various models: the original, the Slim, and the Super Slim. Successive models have added or removed various features.

===Controllers and accessories===
[[File:DualShock3-in-Hand.jpg|thumb|[[DualShock 3]] controller in hand]]
Numerous accessories for the console have been developed. These accessories include the wireless [[Sixaxis]] and [[DualShock 3]] controllers, the [[Logitech Driving Force GT]], the [[PlayStation 3 accessories#Logitech Cordless Precision Controller|Logitech Cordless Precision Controller]], the [[PlayStation 3 accessories#Official PS3 Bluetooth Blu-ray remote|BD Remote]], the [[PlayStation Eye]] camera, and the [[PlayTV]] [[DVB-T]] tuner/[[digital video recorder]] accessory.

At Sony's E3 press conference in 2006, the then standard wireless [[Sixaxis]] controller was announced. The controller was based on the same basic design as the [[PlayStation 2|PlayStation&nbsp;2's]] [[DualShock 2]] controller but was wireless, lacked vibration capabilities, had a built-in accelerometer (that could detect motion in three directional and three rotational axes; six in total, hence the name Sixaxis) and had a few cosmetic tweaks.

At its press conference at the 2007 [[Tokyo Game Show]], Sony announced [[DualShock 3]] (trademarked DUALSHOCK 3), a PlayStation 3 controller with the same function and design as Sixaxis, but with vibration capability included. Hands-on accounts describe the controller as being noticeably heavier than the standard Sixaxis controller and capable of vibration forces comparable to DualShock 2. It was released in Japan on November 11, 2007; in North America on April 5, 2008; in Australia on April 24, 2008; in New Zealand on May 9, 2008; in mainland Europe on July 2, 2008, and in the United Kingdom and Ireland on July 4, 2008.

During [[E3 09|E3 2009]], Sony unveiled plans to release a motion controller later to be named [[PlayStation Move]] at GDC 2010. It was released on September 15, 2010, in Europe; September 19, 2010, in North America and October 21, 2010, in Japan.

On October 13, 2010, Sony announced an official surround sound system for PS3 through the official PlayStation [[YouTube]] channel.

The PlayStation 3 can also use [[DualShock 4]] controller initially via USB cable, but Firmware update 4.60 enabled wireless connection.

===Statistics regarding reliability {{anchor|Statistics_regarding_reliability}}===
<!-- [[Yellow Light of Death]] redirects to this section; please update it if you change the section header. -->
[[File:Yellow Light of Death- PlayStation 3.png|thumb|upright|Some original "fat" PS3 systems display a yellow light, indicating a non-specific failure.]]
According to [[Ars Technica]], the number of PlayStation 3 consoles that have experienced failure is well within the normal failure rates in the consumer electronics industry; a 2009 study by [[SquareTrade]], a warranty provider, found a two-year failure rate of 10% for PlayStation 3s.

In September 2009, [[BBC]]'s ''[[Watchdog (TV series)|Watchdog]]'' television program aired a report investigating the issue, calling it the "yellow light of death" (YLOD). Among the consoles that experienced the failure, they found that it usually occurred 18–24 months after purchase, while the standard Sony warranty covers one year after purchase. After this time period, PlayStation 3 owners can pay Sony a fixed fee for a refurbished console.

Sony claimed that, according to its statistics of returned consoles, approximately 0.5% of consoles were reported as showing the YLOD. In response to the televised report, Sony issued a document criticizing the program's accuracy and conclusions; specifically that the faults were evidence of a manufacturing defect. The document also complained that the report had been inappropriate in tone and might damage Sony's brand name.

==Software==
===System software===
Sony has included the ability for the [[operating system]], referred to as ''System Software'', to be updated. The updates can be acquired in several ways:
* If PlayStation 3 has an active [[Internetworking|Internet connection]], updates may be downloaded directly from the PlayStation Network to PlayStation 3 and subsequently installed. Systems with active Internet will automatically check online for software updates each time the console is started.
* Using an external PC, a user may download the update from the official PlayStation website, transfer it to portable [[Computer storage|storage media]] and install it on the system.
* Some game discs come with [[system software]] updates on the disc. This may be due to the game requiring the update in order to run. If so, the software may be installed from the disc.

The original PlayStation 3 also included the ability to install other operating systems, such as [[Linux on the PlayStation 3|Linux]]. This was not included in the newer slim models and was removed from all older PlayStation 3 consoles with the release of firmware update 3.21 in April 2010. The functionality is now only available to users of original consoles who choose not to update their system software beyond version 3.15 or who have installed third-party, modified and unofficial versions of the firmware instead.

====Graphical user interface====
[[File:XMB of PS3.jpg|thumb|The XrossMediaBar (XMB) used on the PS3.]]

The standard PlayStation 3 version of the XrossMediaBar (pronounced [[Cross Media Bar]], or abbreviated XMB) includes nine categories of options. These are: ''Users'', ''Settings'', ''Photo'', ''Music'', ''Video'', ''TV/Video Services'', ''Game'', ''Network'', ''PlayStation Network'' and ''Friends'' (similar to the [[PlayStation Portable]] media bar). The''TV/Video Services'' category is for services like [[Netflix]] and/or if [[PlayTV]] or torne is installed; the first category in this section is "My Channels", which lets users download various streaming services, including Sony's own streaming services [[Crackle (company)|Crackle]] and [[PlayStation Vue]]. By default, the ''What's New'' section of ''PlayStation Network'' is displayed when the system starts up. PS3 includes the ability to store various master and secondary user profiles, manage and explore photos with or without a musical [[Slideshow|slide show]], play [[music]] and copy [[Red Book (audio CD standard)|audio CD]] tracks to an attached [[data storage device]], play movies and video files from the hard disk drive, an optical disc (Blu-ray Disc or DVD-Video) or an optional USB [[mass storage]] or Flash card, compatibility for a USB keyboard and mouse and a [[web browser]] supporting compatible-file download function. Additionally, [[Universal Plug and Play|UPnP]] media will appear in the respective audio/video/photo categories if a [[UPnP AV MediaServers|compatible media server]] or [[Digital Living Network Alliance|DLNA]] server is detected on the local network. The Friends menu allows mail with emoticon and attached picture features and [[Videoconferencing|video chat]] which requires an optional [[PlayStation Eye]] or [[EyeToy]] webcam. The Network menu allows [[online shop]]ping through the [[PlayStation Store]] and connectivity to PlayStation Portable via Remote Play.

===Digital rights management===
PlayStation 3 console protects certain types of data and uses digital rights management to limit the data's use. Purchased games and content from the PlayStation Network store are governed by PlayStation's Network Digital Rights Management (NDRM). The NDRM allows users to access the data from up to 2 different PlayStation 3's that have been activated using a user's PlayStation Network ID. PlayStation 3 also limits the transfer of copy protected videos downloaded from its store to other machines and states that copy protected video "may not restore correctly" following certain actions after making a backup such as downloading a new copy protected movie.

===Photo management===
;Photo Gallery
[[File:PhotoGalleryPS3.png|thumb|Photo Gallery main menu]]
Photo Gallery is an optional application to view, create and group photos from PS3, which is installed separately from the system software at 105&nbsp;MB. It was introduced in system software version 2.60 and provides a range of tools for sorting through and displaying the system's pictures. The key feature of this application is that it can organize photos into groups according to various criteria. Notable categorizations are colors, ages, or [[facial expression]]s of the people in the photos. Slideshows can be viewed with the application, along with music and playlists. The software was updated with the release of system software version 3.40 allowing users to upload and browse photos on [[Facebook]] and [[Picasa]].

;PlayMemories Studio
PlayMemories is an optional stereoscopic 3D (and also standard) photo viewing application, which is installed from the PlayStation Store at 956&nbsp;MB. The application is dedicated specifically to 3D photos and features the ability to zoom into 3D environments and change the angle and perspective of panoramas. It requires system software 3.40 or higher; 3D photos; a 3D HDTV, and an HDMI cable for the 3D images to be viewed properly.

===Video services===
;Video editor and uploader
A new application was released as part of system software version 3.40 which allows users to edit videos on PlayStation 3 and upload them to the Internet. The software features basic video editing tools including the ability to cut videos and add music and captions. Videos can then be rendered and uploaded to video sharing websites such as Facebook and YouTube.

;Video on demand
In addition to the video service provided by the [[Sony Entertainment Network]], the PlayStation 3 console has access to a variety of third party video services, dependent on region:

Since June 2009, [[VidZone]] has offered a free music video streaming service in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.<!-- http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=73133 VidZone comes to PLAYSTATION3 providing free music videos ANNOUNCEMENT LINK --> In October 2009, Sony Computer Entertainment and [[Netflix]] announced that the Netflix streaming service would also be available on PlayStation 3 in the United States. A paid Netflix subscription was required for the service. The service became available in November 2009. Initially users had to use a free Blu-ray disc to access the service; however, in October 2010 the requirement to use a disc to gain access was removed.

In April 2010, support for [[MLB.tv]] was added, allowing MLB.tv subscribers to watch regular season games live in HD and access new interactive features designed exclusively for PSN.

In November 2010, access to the video and social networking site [[Mubi (website)|MUBI]] was enabled for European, New Zealand, and Australian users; the service integrates elements of social networking with rental or subscription video streaming, allowing users to watch and discuss films with other users. Also in November 2010 the video rental service [[VUDU]], [[National Hockey League#Out-of-market sports packages|NHL GameCenter Live]], and subscription service [[Hulu Plus]] launched on PlayStation 3 in the United States.

In August 2011, Sony, in partnership with [[DirecTV]], added [[NFL Sunday Ticket]]. Then in October 2011, [[Best Buy]] launched an app for its [[CinemaNow]] service. In April 2012, [[Amazon.com]] launched an [[Amazon Video]] app, accessible to [[Amazon Prime]] subscribers (in the US).

Upon reviewing the PlayStation and Netflix collaboration, Pocket-Lint said "We've used the Netflix app on Xbox too and, as good as it is, we think the PS3 version might have the edge here." and stated that having Netflix and LoveFilm on PlayStation is "mind-blowingly good."

In July 2013, [[Yupptv|YuppTV]] OTT player launched its branded application on the PS3 computer entertainment system in the United States.

===OtherOS support===
PlayStation 3 initially shipped with the ability to install an alternative operating system alongside the main system software; [[Linux]] and other [[Unix]]-based operating systems were available. The hardware allowed access to six of the seven ''Synergistic Processing Elements'' of the [[Cell microprocessor]], but not the [[RSX 'Reality Synthesizer']] graphics chip.

The 'OtherOS' functionality was not present in the updated PS Slim models, and the feature was subsequently removed from previous versions of the PS3 as part of the machine's [[firmware]] update version 3.21 which was released on April 1, 2010; Sony cited security concerns as the rationale. The firmware update 3.21 was mandatory for access to the PlayStation Network. The removal caused some controversy; as the update removed officially advertised features from already sold products, and gave rise to several class action lawsuits aimed at making Sony return the feature or provide compensation.

On December 8, 2011, U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg dismissed the last remaining count of the class action lawsuit (other claims in the suit had previously been dismissed), stating: "As a legal matter, [..] plaintiffs have failed to allege facts or articulate a theory on which Sony may be held liable."

{{As of|2014|01|df=US}} the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit partially reversed the dismissal and have sent the case back to the district court.

===Leap year bug===

On March 1, 2010 (UTC), many of the original "fat" PlayStation 3 models worldwide were experiencing errors related to their internal system clock. The error had many symptoms. Initially, the main problem seemed to be the inability to connect to the [[PlayStation Network]]. However, the root cause of the problem was unrelated to the PlayStation Network, since even users who had never been online also had problems playing installed offline games (which queried the system timer as part of startup) and using system themes. At the same time many users noted that the console's clock had gone back to December 31, 1999. The event was nicknamed the '''ApocalyPS3''', a play on the word ''[[wikt:apocalypse|apocalypse]]'' and PS3, the abbreviation for the PlayStation 3 console.

The [[error code]] displayed was typically 8001050F and affected users were unable to sign in, play games, use dynamic themes and view/sync trophies. The problem only resided within the 1st through to the 3rd generation original PS3 units while the newer "Slim" models were unaffected because of different internal hardware for the clock.

Sony confirmed that there was an error and stated that it was narrowing down the issue and were continuing to work to restore service. By March 2 (UTC), 2010, owners of original PS3 models could connect to PSN successfully and the clock no longer showed December 31, 1999. Sony stated that the affected models incorrectly identified 2010 as a [[leap year]], because of a bug in the [[Binary-coded decimal|BCD]] method of storing the date. However, for some users, the hardware's operating system clock (mainly updated from the internet and not associated with the internal clock) needed to be updated manually or by re-syncing it via the internet.

On June 29, 2010, [[Sony]] released [[PS3 system software]] update 3.40, which improved the functionality of the internal clock to properly account for leap years.

==Features==

===PlayStation Portable connectivity===
[[PlayStation Portable]] can connect with PlayStation 3 in many ways, including in-game connectivity. For example, ''[[Formula One Championship Edition]]'', a racing game, was shown at E3 2006 using a PSP as a real-time [[rear-view mirror]]. In addition, users are able to download original PlayStation format games from the PlayStation Store, transfer and play them on PSP as well as PS3 itself. It is also possible to use the [[Remote Play]] feature to play these and some PlayStation Network games, remotely on PSP over a network or internet connection.

Sony has also demonstrated PSP playing back video content from PlayStation 3 hard disk across an [[Mobile ad hoc network|ad hoc]] wireless network. This feature is referred to as Remote Play located under the browser icon on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. Remote play has since expanded to allow [[remote desktop software|remote access]] to PS3 via PSP from any [[wireless access point]] in the world.{{Clear}}

==PlayStation Network==
'''PlayStation Network''' is the unified online [[multiplayer gaming]] and digital media delivery service provided by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable, announced during the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. The service is always connected, free, and includes multiplayer support. The network enables online gaming, the PlayStation Store, PlayStation Home and other services. PlayStation Network uses real currency and [[PlayStation Network Card]]s as seen with the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home.

===PlayStation Plus===
'''PlayStation Plus''' (commonly abbreviated ''PS+'' and occasionally referred to as ''PSN Plus'') is a premium PlayStation Network subscription service that was officially unveiled at [[E3 2010]] by Jack Tretton, President and CEO of SCEA. Rumors of such service had been in speculation since Kaz Hirai's announcement at TGS 2009 of a possible paid service for PSN but with the current PSN service still available. Launched alongside PS3 firmware 3.40 and PSP firmware 6.30 on June 29, 2010, the paid-for subscription service provides users with enhanced services on the PlayStation Network, on top of the current PSN service which is still available with all of its features. These enhancements include the ability to have demos and game updates download automatically to PlayStation 3. Subscribers also get early or exclusive access to some [[betaware|betas]], game demos, premium downloadable content and other PlayStation Store items. North American users also get a free subscription to [[Qore (PlayStation Network)|Qore]]. Users may choose to purchase either a one-year or a three-month subscription to PlayStation Plus.{{Clear}}

===PlayStation Store===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:PlayStationStore-Screenshot.png|thumb|The European PlayStation Store on the PlayStation 3.]] -->
The '''PlayStation Store''' is an online virtual market available to users of [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]]'s PlayStation 3 (PS3) and [[PlayStation Portable]] (PSP) [[Video game console|game consoles]] via the [[PlayStation Network]]. The Store offers a range of [[downloadable content]] both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games, add-on content, [[Game demo|playable demos]], [[Theme (computing)|themes]] and game and movie [[Trailer (film)|trailers]]. The service is accessible through an icon on the [[XrossMediaBar|XMB]] on PS3 and PSP. The PS3 store can also be accessed on PSP via a [[Remote Play]] connection to PS3. The PSP store is also available via the PC application, [[Media Go]]. {{As of|2009|9|24|df=US}}, there have been over 600 million downloads from the PlayStation Store worldwide.

The PlayStation Store is updated with new content each Tuesday in North America, and each Wednesday in [[PAL]] regions. In May 2010 this was changed from Thursdays to allow PSP games to be released digitally, closer to the time they are released on [[Universal Media Disc|UMD]].{{Clear}}

===What's New===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Whats-new.png|thumb|The ''What's New'' screen]] -->
What's New was announced at Gamescom 2009 and was released on September 1, 2009, with PlayStation 3 system software 3.0. The feature was to replace the existing [Information Board], which displayed news from the PlayStation website associated with the user's region. The concept was developed further into a major PlayStation Network feature, which interacts with the [Status Indicator] to display a ticker of all content, excluding recently played content (currently in North America and Japan only).

The system displays the What's New screen by default instead of the [Games] menu (or [Video] menu, if a movie was inserted) when starting up. What's New has four sections: "Our Pick", "Recently Played", latest information and new content available in PlayStation Store. There are four kinds of content the What's New screen displays and links to, on the sections. "Recently Played" displays the user's recently played games and online services only, whereas, the other sections can contain website links, links to play videos and access to selected sections of the PlayStation Store.

The PlayStation Store icons in the [Game] and [Video] section act similarly to the What's New screen, except that they only display and link to games and videos in the PlayStation Store, respectively.{{Clear}}

===PlayStation Home===
PlayStation Home was a virtual 3D [[social networking]] service for the PlayStation Network. Home allowed users to create a custom [[avatar (computing)|avatar]], which could be groomed realistically. Users could edit and decorate their personal apartments, avatars, or club houses with free, premium, or won content. Users could shop for new items or win prizes from PS3 games, or Home activities. Users could interact and connect with friends and customize content in a [[virtual world]]. Home also acted as a meeting place for users that wanted to play [[multiplayer game]]s with others.

A closed beta began in Europe from May 2007 and expanded to other territories soon after. Home was delayed and expanded several times before initially releasing. The Open [[Development stage|Beta test]] was started on December 11, 2008. It remained as a [[perpetual beta]] until its closure on March 31, 2015. Home was available directly from the PlayStation 3 [[XrossMediaBar#PlayStation 3 XMB|XrossMediaBar]]. Membership was free, but required a PSN account.

Home featured places to meet and interact, dedicated game spaces, developer spaces, company spaces, and events. The service underwent a weekly maintenance and frequent updates. At the time of its closure in March 2015, Home had been downloaded by 41 million users. {{Clear}}

===Life with PlayStation===
[[File:LifeWithPlayStation Weather.jpg|thumb|The ''Life with PlayStation'' application showing weather forecasts and news headlines for [[New York City]]. Screenshot taken at approximately 8pm [[pacific standard time|PST]].]]
Life with PlayStation, released on September 18, 2008 to succeed [[Folding@home#PlayStation 3|Folding@home]], was retired November 6, 2012. ''Life with PlayStation'' used [[virtual globe]] data to display news and information by city. Along with Folding@home functionality, the application provided access to three other information "channels", the first being the ''Live Channel'' offering news headlines and weather which were provided by [[Google News]], [[The Weather Channel]], the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]] Space Science and Engineering Center, among other sources. The second channel was the [[World Heritage]] channel which offered historical information about historical sites. The third channel was the United Village channel. United Village was designed to share information about communities and cultures worldwide. An update allowed video and photo viewing in the application. The fourth channel was the U.S. exclusive PlayStation Network Game Trailers Channel for direct streaming of game trailers.

===Outage===
On April 20, 2011, Sony shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity for a prolonged interval, revealing on April 23 that this was due to "an external intrusion on our system". Sony later revealed that the [[personally identifiable information|personal information]] of 77 million users might have been taken, including: names; addresses; countries; email addresses; birthdates; PSN/Qriocity logins, passwords and handles/PSN online IDs. It also stated that it was possible that users' profile data, including purchase history and billing address, and PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained. There was no evidence that any credit card data had been taken, but the possibility could not be ruled out, and Sony advised customers that their credit card data may have been obtained. Additionally, the credit card numbers were encrypted and Sony never collected the three digit CVC or CSC number from the back of the credit cards which is required for authenticating some transactions. In response to the incident, Sony announced a "Welcome Back" program, 30 days free membership of PlayStation Plus for all PSN members, two free downloadable PS3 games, and a free one-year enrollment in an identity theft protection program.