“Technology products are launched daily, and few generate much
excitement. Wrap up the technology as a games console and it can be
a different story. As Sony demonstrated when their web server
collapsed moments after it started taking orders for the new
PlayStation 2.”
“Why does it matter? The PlayStation is already the world’s most
popular games system and has sold 70 million units over five years.
The new version has a very impressive specification, well ahead of
the average PC. … In fact, it’s so impressive that Sony obviously
have plans that go beyond games. Indeed, we know that Sony is
lining up a variety of Internet based services that are intended to
appeal to PlayStation owners in the future. Once the unit is
installed, all it needs is a connection to the Internet, and the
owner has a powerful web browser.”
“It’s all part of a wider trend. In consumer markets,
the traditional computer has only limited appeal. Most people are
uninterested in the details of technology, but are attracted by
what it can achieve. The PC will no doubt continue for some time,
but devices that hide the raw technology will soon dominate the
consumer market.”