New model of PS3 rumoured

An Australian technology website has suggested that a revised PlayStation 3 could be less than 18 months away, citing "a Sony insider" as its source.

The Smarthouse report refers to the proposed machine as a "PlayStation 4", but goes on to state that it will be based on the same chipset as PS3, differing from the current model only in the "drive bay and attachment area". According to the source, it will also include a software suite for managing streaming of content to TVs and hi-fis, and feature improved output.

A Sony spokesperson declined to comment on the story, classing it as speculation.

Smarthouse quotes the source as saying, "We have even looked at a Sony home server based on PlayStation technology. This would allow consumers to connect home automation devices to the Sony server while also delivering online gaming and access to an extensive movie and music library."

The idea of a full-fledged PlayStation 4 coming so soon after the company's vast investment in designing and launching PS3 is far-fetched. But expanding PS3's abilities as a media server, connected to multiple devices in the home, would be consistent with Sony's oft-repeated vision of PS3 as a multimedia home entertainment centre.

The device outlined in the aritcle is also consistent with Reuters' recent report that Sony is considering launching PS3s with larger hard drives, much as Microsoft has done with the Xbox 360 Elite.

However, PS3 hard disks are industry-standard components, and users are free to fit larger drives themselves if they wish. Many of the other features described in the story could be achieved by updating the PS3 firmware, with no need for a hardware revision.