New Sony PlayStation 3 CECH-3001A hits the FCC
Today, a mysterious FCC filing by Sony revealed a new version of the Sony PlayStation 3 with the model numbers CECH-3001A and CECH-3001B. This appears to be a new generation of the PlayStation 3, given that the original PS3 and PS3 Slim were part of the CECH-2xxx series of consoles.
FCC filings reveal little about the device other than the label location picture, above. However, FCC Test Reports do show that the CECH-3001A and B were approved for Bluetooth 2.0+ and 802.11 b/g WiFi. Also confirmed is the presence of a hard disk drive, with the trailing A and B in the console’s model number indicating different hard drive sizes.
The CECH-3001 PS3 model number has appeared online as early as December 2010. However, Sony has not provided any information about the new device, nor do we know how it will differ from older PS3 models.
This one is still developing. We’ll provide updates as we learn more.
New Sony PlayStation 3 universal BD Remote hits the FCC, will support Sony 3D TVs
A new BD Remote for the Sony PlayStation 3 hit the FCC yesterday, thanks to a filing by Alps Electric. The remote, pictured above, has the model number CECH-ZRC1U and is referred to in FCC filings as the “BD Remote Control.”
There are a few notable differences between the new BD Remote and older models. The new BD Remote will function as a universal remote, with “’Device” buttons for the PS3, AMP and TV. The device also has a “3D” button, which will presumably be used to toggle between 2D and 3D on supported Sony 3D TVs. Although we’d like to say that the presence of a 3D button suggests some upcoming 3D functionality for the PS3, this button will more likely be used only with Sony’s 3D TVs.
Near the bottom of the new BD Remote forward and backward “Flash” buttons have been added. Also, large volume and channel up/down buttons are now prominently placed near the remote’s bottom.
Update: According to Engadget HD, the CECH-ZRC1U will start selling in March for $44.
Sony passes SingStar wireless mic system for the PlayStation 3 through the FCC
If karaoke games are your thing, then you’ll be excited about Sony’s SingStar wireless mic system that passed through the FCC today. The device consists of a receiver, above, that connects to your PS3 via USB and a wireless mic. Currently, Sony only offers a wired karaoke mic for the PS3, although a host of third party wireless mic accessories are available.
We don’t have any word on pricing or availability, but this looks like a stocking stuffer that should be released in time for the Holidays.
Activision’s Top Shot Elite gun controller for the PS3 hits the FCC
Traditional controllers work fine with first person shooters, but aiming at a target with analog sticks just isn’t very realistic. That’s why we love gun controllers, like Activision’s Top Shot Elite controller, that passed through the FCC today.
The Top Shot relies on a sensor bar and high-sensitivity camera for movement tracking. The gun has analog controllers near the end of its barrel and on the back of the gun’s grip, and a pump-action reloading mechanism that works similarly to a shotgun. There is also a scope on the Top Shot that has a red lens which will, according to Activision, give players a different perspective on the environment.
Activision will release the Top Shot with a hunting game called Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2011. It’s not clear if the Top Shot will work with other games, but we’d love to try it out with Medal of Honor.
The Top Shot Elite is scheduled for release this Fall. Pricing for the device has not yet been released. The Top Shot Elite will be available for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.
G-Mate’s Mag Gun Xbox 360, PS3 controller wins FCC approval
It’s hard not to love first person shooters, but controlling a shooter with a typical controller isn’t very realistic. That’s why G-Mate designed the Mag Gun, pictured above. The Mag Gun enables users to actually aim and shoot the gun like they would with a real weapon. Additionally, the Mag Gun has a series of configurable keys, joysticks and pads that can be used to duplicate the functionality of keys on the Xbox 360 or PS3 controllers.
For example, the analog stick on the Mag Gun’s front grip controls strafing and forward/back movements. There are also a series of buttons on the gun’s back grip. Since all of these buttons are customizable, the Mag Gun can work with most shooters on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC platforms.
Check out the videos below to see the Mag Gun in action. We’re not sure when the device will be released, or how much it will cost, but G-Mate passed the device through the FCC today, suggesting that a release date will be coming soon.
RockBand 3 wireless keyboard wins FCC approval
News of a RockBand 3 keyboard surfaced back in June, and today the device made an appearance on the FCC. As you can see below, the device consists of the keyboard itself, as well as a wireless USB dongle that connects to your console (in this case, the Wii).
A few interesting features of the keyboard (details below) include a touchstrip for producing unique sound effects and overdrive button. The device also has a 3.5mm overdrive jack and a MIDI out port.
The RockBand 3 set is scheduled for release in October this year.
