According to Joystiq, the PlayStation Network will be down tomorrow from noon to 2PM EST for “maintenance,” conveniently timed as Sony is set to have a press conference at the GamesCom event.
While the service is down, PSP and PS3 gamers will not be able to play online or access the store.
Rumors have been floating around that the store is closed so Sony can release, unannounced, firmware 3.0 which could possibly bring software emulation for PS2 backwards compatibility.
GamesCom is the expected announcement date for long awaited PS3 price cuts.
Result for: price cuts
According to video game market analyst Michael Pachter, PlayStation 3 stock is dwindling in the UK and Japan, implying a new model (Slim PS3) is in the works as well as possible price cuts.
Speaking to VG247, Pachter noted that retail channels in both regions are “drying up” with orders being held until the end of the month.
“The retail commentary I’ve seen has come out of the UK. We heard Japanese retail a few weeks ago say they weren’t going to be getting any more PS3s after August 8, and now we’re starting to hear UK retail say they cannot re-order PS3s until month-end,” added Pachter. “And that suggests there will be a model change.”
Pachter also said the upcoming Gamecom should bring big news from Sony, the PS3 Slim, as well as a price cut on the current models.
“If Sony’s practice is the same as it was in the past, and the Slim is more of a redesign of the components to drive down cost, then I think we will get a price cut.”
Result for: price cuts
According to BoyGeniusReport, Verizon has slashed the prices of their current smartphone line, bringing most to $99 USD with two-year contract.
BGR speculates that an entire new line of smartphones are headed our way soon, and the price cuts will help clear out inventory.
Specifically noted is the Touch Pro, which dropped from $419 to $99, most likely as a phase out for the upcoming Touch Pro 2.
Check the phones here: Verizon Wireless
