Sony to launch PS2 broadband service in Japan

Sony Computer Entertainment unveiled its PlayStation 2 broadband service, PlayStationBB. The service will commence this April in Japan, and will allow users to download games, movies, music, webcasts, and digital publications. The service will also provide connections to the Internet and cellular phones using the Broadband Navigator software, which will be provided by the user's ISP. The service will include a PlayStation emulator/PlayStation 2 player that allows users to play PS or PS2 software downloaded from the network onto the hard drive. It also features e-mail and instant messenger programs that allow for communication among registered users and a PlayStation Jukebox that lets users play music files downloaded from the network onto the hard drive. Sony noted that the software will also support streaming media using RealPlayer software provided by Real Networks. --GameSpotVG