Microsoft Owns Patent for In-Game Custom Soundtracks

One of the most wanted features missing from the Playstation 3 is the ability to use a custom soundtrack during gameplay. Movement has been made in this area with some games beginning to offer support, notably Super Stardust HD and High Velocity Bowling, but it's yet to be offered for all games. Though many expect the inclusion to come when Sony supports an in-game version of Playstation 3's cross media bar, the implementation of this feature might just stay with the developers, since Microsoft owns a patent for this very functionality.

[Silellak]

Huh, interesting. It would explain a lot.

If true, it's a shame. The custom soundtrack feature of the 360 is one of my favorites, and certainly one I use the most. I love streaming music directly from my PC, particularly during online play or racing games they have crappy modern music. No, I don't need two dozen rap tracks to race to, but thanks for asking. Songs from the Gran Turismo 2 or Vice City soundtrack? Yes please.

I was hoping by the time I picked up a PS3, Sony would have this feature too, but sounds like it might not happen. Of course, this is certainly not going to kill the PS3 - probably won't even cost them a single sale - as it has significant other features that the 360 doesn't, but it's still a shame.

Hell, Microsoft would probably be better off just charging Sony to use the technology. They'd probably get far more from that than they would from any extra console sales, as I doubt anyone is saying "I HAVE TO GET A 360 INSTEAD OF A PS3 SO I CAN PLAY CUSTOM SOUNDTRACKS IN GAMES OMG".

It's a nice to have. Not a deal breaker. Microsoft - license the technology to Sony, get some extra cash. Don't horde it and keep a nice feature away from gamers.

EDIT: I'm not sure why everyone finds this so hard to believe. I linked to the patent below:

http://www.google.com/paten...

They aren't patenting custom soundtracks for INDIVIDUAL games, but rather the sort of custom soundtrack integration that the 360 has. I'm not sure if you've ever used custom soundtracks on the 360, but basically, you can use your soundtracks for ANY game, and the in-game soundtrack is seamlessly replaced with the music from your soundtrack.

It's actually a pretty slick feature, which is why they likely patented it.

[TheHater]

Maybe now people will understand why it taking them so long to make this feature available to the public

[Violater]

maybe people shouldn't believe everything they read on the net.

no in game soundtrack makes me unhappy :(

[San anto]

technically its the 1st of april in gmt april fools joke?

[MikeGdaGod]

it won't make a difference to all those that want a ps3 but it will irritate the sh!t out of me until this gets resolved.

maybe they can implement it for the good games and leave it out on all the games they know no one will buy like Surfs Up, Harry Potter, and Fantastic Four games.

man MS loves those low blows

[Silellak]

That occured to me too, but somehow I doubt Google is also in on this. Check out the link - the patent is quite real:

http://www.google.com/paten...

[C_SoL]

:)

[MrWonderful]

the rock smells something that smells like B.S. If this is a april fools joke im gonna take my foot turn it sideways and stick it straight up someones candy ass

[socomnick]

sony fans sure do like petitions.

[Lifendz]

cuz I remember reading how Microsoft also had a side deal with Immersion to keep Rumble technology exclusive to the 360 console. Yet here I am with my DS3 and...yeah...it rumbles.

Silly posters, don't believe everything you read. If there was a patent on this technology then why do some games have it at all? Did MS say it was okay for MLB 08 The Show, Bowling, and High Velocity bowling? No.

The problems is that use of in-game XMB, as Jeff from Podcast B3yond explained, is going to require a whole SPU dedicated to it. It's a SPU that Sony is going to have to take away from the developers. The good news is that the devs don't really know how to utilize all the SPUs anyway. The bad news is that it takes one from them in the future.

Patents..lol.

[Real Gambler]

http://www.freepatentsonlin...

They basically patented pressing a button on a mouse. Pressing a button on a keyboard. Pressing a button TWICE on a mouse. All kind of goodies like that. This does not prevent people to make laptops. Keep in mind it's also mostly for the United States. So you could not import a PS3 with that feature, in the U.S. Big deal, you import it, without the feature, then download it.

Trust me, if they would enforce all their patents, the world would stop turning. It's a fine balance. They own over 100,000 patents. But most companies do as well. Windows is using illegally tons of patents from other companies...

They likely have patents on how fish swim too!

[Being-in-Itself]

If Company A owns a patent, or patents, that, if licensed, would engender a respectable (or, simply respectable) sum(s) of money and that patent, or patents, was (were) being infringed upon, believe me, Company A will prosecute Company B, C, D, E, etc. -- this is likely especially true w/ a company like that of Microsoft; one which allocates in its annual budget an enormously large amount of money to the prosecution of said patents and the research performed by its legal team for the infringment of any particular patent the company owns. Willful infringment garnishes 3x the damages -- that's ALOT w/ almost any legit patent.

What do you mean mostly for the U.S. and the importing / downloading w/ the PS3, I'm confused? If it refers to the patent, its very likely that while Microsoft filed for this patent in the U.S. they also filed for the patent in handfuls of other countries, or, in the very least, the large international patent offices -- this would include Japan and any European country where one might import from. Filing patents like this in the long run becomes more economically feasible for the filer -- one has greater opportunity for their patent to be deemed legit and has a greater area of enforcement when made legit.

[Blitzed]

You can only patent the method or the apparatus used to implement that idea. I'm sure there are plenty of ways to deliver this feature. Considering the different architecture of the Cell, I am sure any method for delivering this feature will not infringe on MS' patent.

[GameDev]

Blitzed is the only one with a clue so far, this patent is not worth the paper its printed on.

[shine1396]

Blitz is completely right...you can't patent ideas...like Microsoft WM player technologies/codes etc can patented but you can't patent the idea of playing music. think of this patent as a piece of software...bubbles for you...

[gaffyh]

They've patented something that is pointless. The only way they could even act on that patent is if Sony made an EXACT copy of their system which they won't because the PS3 architecture is completely different to 360 architecture.

Stupid article.

[wageslave]

@1.1

The problem with in-game features like those that are available in the Xbox 360 Guide (that provides custom music and a host of other features) has nothing to do with this patent.

Their are serious memory and CPU reservation issues relating to implementing these things.

See here:
http://ozymandias.com/archi...

http://arstechnica.com/news...

[Electricear]

One of the fundamental requirements for a patent to stand up in court is for it to be proven as an original idea that was not public knowledge before. Seeing as games like Vib Ribbon violated this 2004 patent back in 2000 it can hardly be claimed that it is original. Also even if Microsoft were to try and force this issues, they would have to prove that the ps3 is just a game system and not a media center as they patent is specifically attempting to target game consoles. If you ask me there are so many holes in this patent that it would sink as quickly as Cisco's attempts to get Apple for trademark infringement with the iphone.

[Richdad]

The patent is correct the fault is on mainly the patent stucture lastly Sony and Nintendo patented the Arrow keys commnad for Joy pad so MS had to make a different technique than orignal and its not that efficient.

The patent structure is such that all the company rush and make such patent that kills other to apply even small features. NOt just MS, Sony or Nintendo look at any other company LG, Toshiba all are doing that.

[Lord Anubis]

eh, sadly they don't include a link to the patent. I was going to say why not run the sound track though the OS or game by game.

[Silellak]

There is a link to the patent in the article.

It's also found here:

http://www.google.com/paten...

[Utalkin2me]

The article said that if devs add the feature into the game it would be all right. But they just cant add it to the cross media bar. Doesnt sound to major to me just have the devs to add it to the games as a in game feature.

[cartman313]

lol...You guys are so...ah nevermind...lol

[EZCheez]

But it isn't an issue if Sony makes it happen in a completely different manner right? And considering they would have to because the XMB and OS is so different, I don't know if it could be seen as patent infringement.

There are all sorts of products that do the exact same thing. I just didn't think it was an issue if the end product was made to happen in a different way.

Here's an example. It's like saying Apple has a patent for a handheld music player with a touch sensitive interface. And then look at the Zune (I just bought one and love it). Can you honestly say Microsoft violated any patents? I doubt it.

[Being-in-Itself]

You're absolutely correct - so long as Sony engineers a different manner in which to perform the same function, namely, in-game personalized soundtracks, its not patent infringment (though, that wouldn't necessarily keep Microsoft from trying to prosecute Sony). Keep it tied to XMB and they're likely all good.

Essentially, the way it all works is in the claims of the patent (you will see these w/ numbers representing each claim). If Microsoft's patent claims its invention does A by virtue of X, Y, Z then Sony would not be infringing by inventing an invention that does A by virtue of B, C, D - SO LONG as B, C, D are ENTIRELY unrelated to X, Y, Z. Per X, Y, Z B-D cannot even be in the very least obvious, its has to be entirely independent invention. Think of it like this, Microsoft has patented not the in-game personalized soundtrack but rather the means, or equation, if you will, that allows this. If Sony invents a different means / equation, they're all good.

Sony can always license the use of the Microsoft's invention but, AS WE ALL KNOW, this won't happen -- likely NO MATTER how profitable it may be to Microsoft.

Sony's best bet is to file a patent in U.S. (probably has a while ago, likely with its XMB related patents there's a claim(s) asserting music capabilities), where it is still VERY easy to get a patent made legit, that asserts different claims than Microsoft's patent and invents a different means / equation to the root of in-game personalized soundtracks. While this patent is going through the patent office, Sony makes the feature available noting *patent pending* .

[TheExecutive]

youre exactly right. What a bunch of tools. Add a bell here a whistle there and bam you got a new formula.

Of course MS patented THEIR way of doing in-game music... so fricken what? they cant patent EVERY way.

[GameDev]

to know what they have to say about Epic having custom in game music even when UT2k4 was out. Should they sue epic?? this whole premise is silly.

[MorganX]

The patent isn't for the method or technology to implement the feature. It is a broad patent on the feature. Doen't matter how you do it.

No matter, I smell a trade coming. Free use of in-game custom soundtrack patent in exchange for dropping Bluray licensing fees for Xbox 360. Works for me ...

[butterfinger]

You can not have a "broad" patent. If there were such a thing as a "broad" patent, then we would not have all the legally downloadable music on our computers that we have today (among countless other things). If that was the case someone could just patent music in general, but we all know that would be ridiculous. Also, why would Sony ever want to trade the use of blu ray for custom soundtracks? That sounds like the most lopsided trade in history. However if you go over to engadget.com, there is another article confirming that you will get your BD on a 360, however, M$ is likely paying out the a$$.

[MorganX]

You know why you have to click an object in IE to operate it? Because someone owns a broad patent to included plugins in a web page. Not ActiveX ming you, just inline plugins. Microsoft will go ahead and pay them use rights and the requirement to click the control first will be removed. Patents can be "broad" in scope. Patent law is not simple and broad patents and the litigation surrounding them is why most simply opt for a deal. Reference: http://arstechnica.com/news...

Sony does not have to use the exact technical methodology to infringe upon the professor's patent who claims right to Bluray. It really depends on the Patent.

Music itself is not patentable. Who can claim first use? Birds invented it... etc.

However, downloading it from a store using a particular methodology might be.

Regarding Xbox Bluray, it's April 1. And if it is true, terms have not been released and MS will pay whatever everyone else is paying and the cost will be passed on to the consumer so MS isn't paying anything. Sony is gouging the consumer much like Microsoft does with Windows licensing.

Why would Sony want to trade Bluray licensing, well, if MS does have a valid patent on ingame custom soundtracks, they'll trade to deliver their customers what they want. They might also get Windows Mobile licensing for the phone divisions as well. It's business. Sony and MS already have cross licensing deals. The consumers are the ones who dont' talk to the "other side."

[wageslave]

@3.5

"there is another article confirming that you will get your BD on a 360, however, MS is likely paying out the ass. "

A) Sony doenst "own" bluray, it is owned by the BRDA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

B) Revenue from licensing doesnt go directly to Sony.

C) Microsoft would pay no more than any other firm to _buy and use_ a drive. Which, frankly, wont be much at all.

[butterfinger]

I appreciate your points and a very good reference link indeed. I do, however, still believe PS3 owners will have customizable soundtracks and not at the cost of trading blu ray. Your facts about the broad scope of some patents is %100 infallible and I give you bubbles for that. You are an asset to N4G in the sense that you provide unbiased, well-supported facts.

As for 3.7 -

First of all, I never said Sony "owned" Blu Ray, so your statements pertaining to that are voided. Why would Microsoft have to talk to Sony at all about Blu Ray if it is simply owned by BRDA? Maybe it is because Sony is the largest member of BRDA and that is why everyone who mentions Blu Ray pretty much ties it in with Sony. Whether or not Microsoft pays Sony directly, Sony has a large say in allowing a company to use Blu Ray. Please don't post links to Wikipedia on here and expect myself or anyone else to take that as fact. Take a lesson from above.

[MorganX]

I also grant you bubbles for being open-minded. I will also concede that while broad patents have been issued, that was not the original intent of the patent office. They should be tied to specific technical implementations. They are really for "inventions." Many are calling for an overhaul of the Patent Office because of this.

Broad patents stifle innovation and ultimately the consumer suffers. Take the Eolas patent claim. Their broad patent would cover embedded Flash, Java Applets, etc. Who do they choose to sue? The one with the most money and visibility, and most likely to just settle - Microsoft.

Apple was recently sued by a company with a patent for digital downloads (iTunes), as a part of that settlement, Apple now owns the patent. It's too broad. Theoretically Apple could sue every digital media store for patent infringement... the patent office could definitely use an overhaul.

I agree with another poster though, it's probably technical issues/performance and not this patent that's preventing in-game XMB.

PS: Bluray in 360s will be worthless without a redesign. The fan's so loud you can't hear quiet passages on it. And the 'Box needs a new HDMI chip capable of bitstreaming or they'll have to internally decode TrueHD and Master Audio. My PS3 is silent. Can't wait to watch No Country for Old Men this weekend.

[butterfinger]

and No Country for Old Men is amazing in 1080p and 7.1 surround:)

[MorganX]

Sony confirms their first Windows Mobile Smartphone. I'm buying one as soon as they're availble. FINALLY! http://www.n4g.com/industry...

[toughNAME]

we're just finding this out now?

[millerlite]

The patent's not worth the paper it's printed on.

[TwissT]

That's a kick in the pants.

[Amanosenpai]

Not for SONY... for gammers in general... greedy (smart =() MS

[MorganX]

Greedy smart like Nintendo. They won't allow Goldeneye on XBLA. Not that I care, but I would love to see Killer Instinct on XBLA, or PSN for that matter. While your'e at it, throw the original Donkey Kong on PSN or XBLA.

The business aspect of gaming is unfortunate. So many great games goign to waste being restricted to a single platform.

[chaosatom333]

I didn't know you can patent this kind of thing.

[Harry190]

put that in Amped?
that must be it.
i think it was the first game to feature custom soundtrack.

[yeh]

There are some companies with patents on colors. T-mobile has a patent on the color used in their logo. It's kinda bad.

[MorganX]

Most likely they have a trademark on the specific combination of colors as used in their logo.

[longduckdong]

I like listening to the video game the way it was meant to be played.

[Faztkiller]

Agree 100%

[wageslave]

If you have people in the house, its nice to play the music while other's play the game.

Its more social.

Further, when I'm playing a sports game (hockey, racing) I'll play my own music. And while I'm playing puzzle games (pokersmash, tetris, etc).

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

You can't have a patent on that. It just wouldn't make sense.

Sony could make something extremely similar to it though.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

You CAN'T patent it! For the last time! You CAN'T!

The Dreamcast did it with a few games even!

Microsoft is NOT the first company to do it!

[Silellak]

It's not a question of having a custom soundtrack in a game.

What they patented was the integration with the 360 itself.

I'm not sure if you've ever used custom soundtracks on the 360, but basically, you can use your soundtracks for ANY game, and the in-game soundtrack is seamlessly replaced with the music from your soundtrack.

It's actually a pretty slick feature, which is why they likely patented it.

[Danja]

well that just plain ole sux...i mean it's nothing that's gonna hurt the PS3...but it's a pretty neat feature that deserves to be there..

[Breakfast]

We'll get it in some form

[Bathyj]

Sounds Fishy.

Whats the date today?

[Bnet343]

March 31st

[Bathyj]

Its Lunchtime April 1st here. You guys are a bit behind. ;) Only in a time keeping sense.

[actas123]

I noticed the patent "Security system for video game system with hard disk drive" is owned by Nintendo America, but implemented by Sony!! I think companies can either pay a royalty or create something similar to avoid the legal troubles.

[wageslave]

Its cross licensing. These big companies do these things all the time. I wouldnt be suprised if all three consoles infringe on patents owned by the others.

This patent is not the reason this feature isnt implemented. If it were the case, Sony would say so, and try to shame MS.

This is the reason:
http://ozymandias.com/archi...

"Xbox 360 reserves 32 MB for the system. The remaining 480 MB (94%) is completely available for games to use how they wish. The 32MB of system memory is used for the kernel, device drivers and the Xbox 360 Guide, which includes friends lists, voice/text messages, achievement lists, gamercards, Live Marketplace, 1-1 chat, virtual keyboard, and the music player. For CPU reservation, core 0 is completely available to the game, and the system reserves a small percentage (think single digits) of core 1 and 2."

http://www.innerbits.com/bl...

http://arstechnica.com/news...

"(Sony) plan to have a "Blade" like pane that can appear out of the right hand side of the screen for viewing and participating in activities that the OS enables.

This include but are not limited to,

- Multi-User Voice Chat across all games, even outside of the games own UI
- Multi-User Video Chat across all games, even outside of the games own UI
- Notifications and messaging to be sent between users regardless of the games they are playing

Like the Xbox 360, these come at a cost and our sources have told us that these features use approximately:

- 64mb of the 256mb of available XDR memory off the Cell CPU
- 32mb of the 256mb of available GDDR3 memory off the RSX chip
- 1 SPE of 7 constantly reserved
- 1 SPE of 7 able to be "taken" by the OS at a moments notice (games have to give it up if requested)"

And, as we've already learned, even *WITH* the PS3's full resources, multiplatform games dont perform as well on PS3 as Xbox 360.

Imagine if they had to give up *more* of the systems resources? Even without this "in-game blade" on PS3, the system OS reserves 1 of 7 SPE. So, if the game is implemented, the GAME would loose 2 SPE full time, and 1 "at a moments notice"....and that doesnt mention the memory issues.

[ChrisGTR1]

wow.. in game music never coming to ps3,4,5... huge kick in the balllss

[Ri0tSquad]

"The survey asks:

"Choose which XMB™
(Cross Media Bar) feature
would be most important
to you in a possible PLAYSTATION®Network update:

A) In-game access to PSN messaging
B) Ability to play my own music from the XMB while in-game
C) Larger buddy list and buddy-list features such as categorizing"

http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News...

From a G.A.P. poll held on the Official Playstation site only available to G.A.P. members.

Remeber when Sony was getting sued for having Blu-Ray in PS3s? Haha, money talks, kidd.

[Ace-Jury]

.....no i didnt read the article.

[MrWonderful]

what games do you speak of?

who disagreed with me for asking a damn question?

[Utalkin2me]

Cause it is a in game feature not a feature of the ps3. So as long as it is done that way it is ok. The ps3 will not be able to do this cause the patent says so, there is going to be know walk around this. Only way is to have it done is through a in game feature.

[Rockstar]

^^^^^^^^^

[xg-ei8ht]

I smell bs.

If that were true, the patent would be illegal.

As you would not be using the same system, same games or same sound tracks, so how could you have legal rights over every type of music.

Its rubbish.(i own that word) Pay me $$$$$

[Maddens Raiders]

I mean if I'm playing WarHawk I want to hear the cut music in a dramatic exchange from composer Christopher Lennertz, not Primus or Tool. I love those bands but I'm a huge BGM (from the game) type of guy. I'm one of those guys that when my friends want to play Madden with Rap or Rock in the background I'm the one screaming "no!" let's hear the commentary, cheering and game sounds. Now if it's a game like Everyday Shooter for example, then maybe background music might not bother me as much, but overall I like the games music the way they were intended to be heard.

Am I weird for that? Devils advocate position: I do believe that it should be available to players -if- they want to do it anyway even though it's not my prerogative. Here's hoping that Sony can work it out for gamers that don't share my tastes. 8D

[MikeGdaGod]

it depends on the game. a game like MGS4, GTA4, Warhawk or God of War, i'd let the regular game music play but games like Madden, SuperStarDust, NBA2K8, Motorstorm i'd rather play with SFX and custom tracks.

[PR0F3TA]

its obviously a joke...

i'm sure Apple owns a patent to play back MP3's WITHIN a computer *rolls eyes*

April Fool's Guys =)

[cellypower]

dang thats messed up

[snoop_dizzle]

I would much rather have in game messaging..if anything especially with the problems COD4 has been having. I did use custom soundtracks periodically and it is cool. But this isn't doesn't really bother me too much, though it would be cool to have.

[lalilulelo]

then why the hell does Stardust and that bowling game have custom soundtracks? it needs to be april fools joke. it HAS to be. this is the stupidest BS ive ever heard!!!

[snoop_dizzle]

that is true...its April fools day tomorrow....and i totally forgot about that lol.

[C_SoL]

click comment 1's link. It looks pretty legit to me. MAKE A PETITION!(i'm too lazy)

[romaink]

what good would a petition be against a patent? We're talking legal issues here.

[The Wood]

ms does have the patent for something else though,
clue: it comes in threes and rhymes with breath of kings................sdrawkcab

im kidding guys, please take it as a joke;)

truth is if this was true then MS would have told us already like everything else they feel proud of.

[Whoooop]

I like to play and hear exactly what the game brings... It takes me out of the experience if I hear non related music while playing a game.

[PS3ROCKS]

not

[TurdStationPee]

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[Denges]

hey look.. another bots double account... i wonder who you are

[Varsarus]

How about I add Microsoft adding blu-ray support for Windows HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA , more money for the blu-ray group including Sony ROFL

[C_SoL]

I'm guessin ur a little kid bored with life, cause if u wern't u would be spending time on ur 360, but i'm guessin it doesn't give u enough love like the TurdStationPee.

[bluhefner]

Oh shut up and go play your gaylo, your opinions have no credibility.

[TurdStationPee]

M$ just took one massive sh1t in your fanboy PS3s. LMFAO!!!! Good luck with that in-game XMB!!!! LOLOLOLO

WAIT....FOR3V3R!!!! lololOLOLOOlolLOOol

[Sir Ken Kutaragi 2]

...The Air we BREATHE!!! ;-D
xBox 360 is DYING!!! HAHAHAHahAHAHAHahahaHAHAhahahA ;-D

[Cynical-Gamerzus]

As you can see MS is playing catchup on all areas,Bill is no longer The richest man,
Vista is a miserable mess comparable to winME ,Zune is a joke,The 360 has already reached it's potential and is to be replaced soon
HDDVD backed by MS and millions$$$ is a failure.
The 360 is a Mechanical failure with red rings and early deaths.

This only prolongs the inevitable fait of MS in Gaming,they will only be doing Software ALA SEGA soon and who cares if they own the Patent,Good for them..Their VC-1 HD compression is the best .They're good at some things and they stink at others....
At Game systems and hardware they suck!!!

[Pain]

Royalties ....

wont mater I Like Playing Games with the MUSIC it comes with,

Cuz How can i hear that Guy Yelling "SNAKE GO FOR THE GUN" on my xbox 360 ohyea u cant....

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! ..

but still thanks for Letting M$ get its grubby hands on a good thing Xbots. u supported this ie M$.

and @ Turd Wait for what kid? your 360 to come back from Repairs?

[subzero9]

its a april fools joke noob

[cellypower]

There's always a work around though

[Maddens Raiders]

are we getting Punk'd or what? Is this real or BS?

[Jamegohanssj5]

Oh Hey,

I am back and ready to cause havoc. Sony will find a loop hole through this; in fact it was planned. You see the deal was that Sony lets Microsoft outsell them for a year, then Sony will be able to break through the patent having the feature. You see they were smart and another part of the deal was to delay some exclusives. At the end of the year Sony will be in the lead of the 360 and like 1 million away out selling the Wii. Microsoft actually packed some PS3's in their 360 boxes and they actually go to Sony. Unbelievable? Believe it because business talks.

The Genius has spoken.

[Nitrowolf2]

i hope this is a joke.
I really want in game music and also does this mean no in game messaging cause Xbox has that to doesnt it?
im sure sony can find a way through this. they did confirm in game XMB some time this year so.
@king slayer- i dont think sony would give BD to xbox like that. Sony needs that more then ingame music and im sure that they know that.

wat if they can use HOME some how to play music in game.

[C_SoL]

Let's make a petiton right now. This is wrong, how is Mircosoft gonna stop people(OVER 10 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE)from using thier own music. This is complete bullsh*t, I say us proud Playstation owners(NOT XBOX OWNERS, NOT THAT PIECE OF JUNK, ANYWAYZ) make a petition.

[Stunt]

How do you own a patent for playing music while playing a video game? So thats like me not being able to play a video game and put on my music.

I'll take this as April Fools.

[Expy]

"Method and Apparatus for Creating and Playing Soundtracks in a Gaming System"

Sucks for Microsoft that they didn't name it -Method and Apparatus for Creating and Playing Soundtracks in an ENTERTAINMENT System- since that's what the PS3 is marketed as. Loopholes in the patent easy to get past it.

This patent is a non-issue.

[koneesha1]

Smart i never even thought of that. You get bubles!

[tfur]

I have heard this in regards to an EU issue as well. This is why the PS3 was always sold as a media device by Ken K.

In any case, I would assume that someone could find prior art that existed before 2004.

[-EvoAnubis-]

Bubbles for you, friend.

[wow4u]

Are you 5 people _for real_?

You think that you've just found some kind of loophole that Microsoft's Patent Lawyers didnt consider?

And you're giving each other pats on the back, bubbles and agrees for this drivel?

[Expy]

1. There were 4 people before you....
2. Microsoft's patent only covers gaming systems
3. An entertainment device/system is NOT covered by the patent
4. There are loopholes to everything, it's Microsoft, they created Windows, you shouldn't be surprised by loopholes+Microsoft

[Varsarus]

I smell April Fools.

[bluhefner]

Its not even April 1st here and the bs is already rolling.

[Mcrmarcher]

true but who cares just another idiot who has nothing better to do...

[Cherchez La Ghost]

Is this the reason why?!! I need to go in depth with this with some web surfing.

[rbanke]

wouldnt it be the specific METHODS of using custom soundtracks, and not the idea of a custom soundtrack that they would have to patent?

[chewjya]

Can we get Sony to comment on this. I dont believe it until Sony addresses this issue. If the PR guy says No Comment= that means no Custom Soundtracks.... I didn't know this stuff is patentable.

[ICUP]

l love to care about this feature, but no sorry.

ps-why the hell was i ban from gamer zone.

[C_SoL]

Look at comment one.

[devilhunterx]

Sony should patent "fun games" that way M$ wont be able to make any unless they payup.... stupid idiots

[v1c1ous]

360 already has fun games :/

so...nuts on you!

[wow4u]

Take it to the open zone. Reported as spam for writing "M$".

That said, the Xbox 360 Library has the best reviews, and won the most awards of the current generation.

Stop looking foolish.

[RoseSapphire]

Doesn't sound legit. As far as I know you can't patent a function, only an actual device or process. That would be like having a patent on any device using a wheel to roll and not a patent on the wheel itself.

[eagle21]

Sony BMG. Nuff said!!!

[eagle21]

Microsoft owns their patent. Sony does not need it for their Emmy Award winning XMB.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Poor Droid, the Xbox has everything you want, "Award winning XMB"it apperantly it has your dreams aswell.

[N4M3L355]

Currently the patent is pending so enjoy breathing air for free while you can.

[Skaterboy Tell Em]

yeah this sounds fake,must be an april fools joke. BTW doesnt MLB The Show have the option of in game custom music?

[supremacy]

lol to be honest with you thats like saying any music records under sony/bmg music labels wont be compatible on 360's because sony owns patents to those.

the truth is, this feature is coming and i remember it like if it was yesterday that, on the playstation blog one of the sony rep posted a survey asking gamers what was the one of the most wanted features out of these in-game messaging, in-game settings, or yes in-game custom music, they wanted to see most. this was not too long ago, the problem with it has been pretty much a memory issue, but sony has since been working on that and tweaking the OS so these features can properly be implemented. heck they are even trying to make sure HOME doesn't go over that 500mb target they set for it, the IN-game feature will be one of the last features to be well implemented and well executed on the ps3 before we start to countdown on ps4's release why my friends its all there.

and sony is trying so hard to work around all these hurdles, i bet that by next year we will be surfing the net strictly on the ps3 and home will be around to keep us busy.

whats left for sony on the FW agenda? well just a few things really. besides home and the in-game xmb?

more psp to ps3 connectivity, such as being able to rip music, photo, video files without the need of a USB cable, all via wifi connection.
being able to check your ps3 friends list from the psp via wifi hot spot or wifi connection.
SD versions of BD copy to psps which is coming later this year.

Flash support for web browser, and more loading speeds for searches.

Video mail/video message a must, sony please get on this pronto.

Voice mail/voice message which should probably come with the 2.4 update as well.

Forward messaging. to all friends should be added to the network as well.

log-in & message receive sound, for when a friend logs in or sends you a message is needed as well.

Faster downloads of the store, requires a tweak or too. which should also be coming as well.

and lastly but not least, cross chat chat with buddies even if you're both playing or using your ps3's in different ways.

after sony finally decides to retire the ps2 platform, re-introduce 98% BC via software emulation FW update.

Continuous video playback needed feature as well. this feature is already use for music and photos why not videos?

this is something i strongly feel sony should take serious as is they are very good features that makes 360 a true multi-task media hub.

sony simply just needs to take it one feature or maybe two or even three at a time if it wants the ps3 to evolve quickly and rapidly.

and again if i missed something please let me know.

but back on topic, in-game custom music is coming, you can bank your pennies on that. not to mention people April 1st is tomorrow in some parts of the world i believe?

[sheng long]

I actually love playing racing games while listening to my own tunes. in-game music actually made me enjoy Ridge Racer 6 on 360, that's saying a lot!

[Area_51]

Thats OK by next year every game for the 360 will be on 4 disc, Thats right Daddy Bill will down have you guys sucked into a new Machine by then

[pwnmaster3000]

man fuk in game music. ay i wouldnt mind if they do add it, but that shiit isnt for me i have a 360 and i used it like what 5 times and i hate it, i like hearing the sounds of the game. i dont want to hear alternative rock and underground rap while im playing a rpg or a shooter, but the only thing is good for is playing racing games

[DwightOwen]

Extra features are always nice to have, but in games where what you hear is just as important as what you see, such as Halo 3, in-game custom soundtracks are a MAJOR distraction.

I'm starting to think some of the Sony crew want custom soundtracks only because the 360 has it, not because it'll make their gaming experience more enjoyable. Personally, I don't care one way or the other. For anyone who's ever played Call of Duty 2 in 5.1, you know the importance of being able to hear what is happening around you.

Man that game had wicked sound.

[bigjclassic]

*for obvious reasons*

[Asurastrike]

As a PS3 owner, I have to say, that was a very smart move Microsoft.

[Clinton514]

To explain all of this. Does anyone here actually understand the legality behind it all?

[LinuxGuru]

Oh my god, are you serious?

F*ck Microsoft, then!

This better be some April Fools sh*t

[Being-in-Itself]

I find it very likely that in all of Sony's patents related to XMB there has to be, IN THE VERY LEAST, one claim asserting in-entertainment personalized soundtrack capabilities, if not more -- this would include gaming. If so, no patent infringment (likely) exists (maybe other things w/ other companies, who knows in that regard). Sony's XMB patents likely date back a long time ago, citing many a many prior inventions regarding music capabilities. They'll be good.

By the way, have Xbox 360, never use the soundtrack. Maybe I'm lazy maybe I like the in-game thing, who knows. The feature, at least to me, is no big deal. Though, admittedly, Sony's PS3, w/ the capabilities of attaching an external HD, might bring me to use my own soundtrack.

[PimpHandHappy]

or HVB

If you think playing music over a entire video game is cool you would be wrong. I myself like to hear the gunfire or the engine revving out

I have this thing next to my TV called a PC and on this PC i have 10,000 songs. I also have a DJ that pics from my collection of music when i choose one song. Its great! Say i want some RATM like music i just choose RATM and walk away

the only reason MS has this was because Apple was kicking their butt all over the place when it came to music...

just figures you get charged for a OS

[Ace-Jury]

Well it is here in Australia and has been for sometime.

I find it hard to believe this is true considering SuperStarDust and Bowling both have custom soundtracks

[Teh-Venom]

I'll take this with a bucket of salt. April fool rumors FTL.

[ScottEFresh]

Patent eh? LOL This has got to be some kind of joke and if it isn't Sony will find a way around it. Aw Sorry xbots...try again though.

[Nightblade]

Like alot of you stated, I wouldn't mind having the In-game music (for racing games only). Games like GTAIV, MGS4, etc etc, I could careless for. Music and sound effects from the game are all I need to enjoy. Also it's better because it fits the mood for the game. Imagine playing a Final Fantasy game listening to Rap or Rock and Roll during a dramatic cutscene. It's ok if your making a Youtube video I guess, but even then I think it's stupid.

[Citizen Cook]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA H AH HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA H AH HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA H AH HA AH HA AH HA AH AHA HA HA AH HA AH

HA HA HA HA!

[yanikins111]

But how does microsoft own a patent on something i was doing on a Mac years ago? Winamp running while i play a game. How can you patent something that is so basically achievable by anyone. Its like patenting cornflakes with sugar. You cant do it cos i filled in the paper work first. Patent laws obviously need to be reviewed because there are rediculous cases coming to light recently. Microsoft should be able to patent their specific way, ie code, specific hardware architecture etc, but not a basic idea like this. Are they going to sue me for playing my stereo in the back ground?. Like i said, us gamers have been doing it for years. Lets sue microsoft for stealing our idea.

[DaffyD]

First sorry about my bad english, but try to bear it. This patent isn't any april fools, but it doesn't include all in-game music as some have concluded here. MS has patent method to play in-game music trough OS so game developer don't need to build support for that feature inside game. It's possible to have in-game music in PS3, if game developer build's it to game (like in StardustHD), but Sony can't make standard OS solutions for in-game music as long that patent is effective.

[techie]

It's not april fools...the patent is there for everyone to see.

[fenderputty]

but, it's a patents on the way they implement ingame music. If a different method is used to implement ingame music, I don't see how this is really a matter at all.

Why are we finding out about this years later and right on April first?

[Strife Lives]

Its sad.cuz everybody wants In game XMB. imagine,they give u the option of having everythng,except listen to music.ouch. That'd be really unfair.its prolly js aprils fool bs

[Salta_nelas]

April fools...totally ridiculous.

[prunchess]

Pure waffle!

Next thing we'll hear is that MS have the patent on music in your living room. Any decent gaming news happening or what?

[zonetrooper5]

Actually Apple got sued by Creative for the interface of the MP3 player lol; Bit random but you know now.

[Vip3r]

What are the bets this is an April fools joke? How can Microsoft patient this? It's like patienting upscaling on DVD players. Spiting the competition is plain pathetic.

[SL1M DADDY]

I still would think that Sony could come up with some other means of implimenting said soundtracks and get away without stepping on MS's foot in the process. I have no need for in-game soundtracks and have only used it a handfull of times with the 360. It's not a feature I miss on the PS3 and just don't care to use on the 360.

[derseb]

no way, such a patent exists!

but its nice xbots finally got something to laugh, even if its just on april fools day.

hahahaha.... fools!

[sleepbox]

Umm, this is obvious and this is fact. The google patent link is dated pretty old as well.

enjoy cranking up your stereos PS3 owners...your overpriced Sony stereos!

[Percy]

Even if this is true it really doesnt mean sony cant do it.

"Home video game system with hard disk drive and internet access capability" Patent number: 6599194
Inventors: Darren Smith, Scott Elliott, David J. McCarten

microsoft and sony both use that patent and neither own it. I guess you could say that microsoft can try to block them but why spend money in court if you can make money with a deal unless they feel in game music sells consoles which i find hard to believe but i guess its possible.

[Aaron_V667]

This must be a wind up. The wii can have custom soundtrack son excite truck and so can the psp with the wipeout games. And the new smackdown will have custom soundtracks on ps3 and 360.

[Dante8205]

YOU GUYS ARE IDIOTS! SONY CONFIRMED THAT IN-GAME XMB IS COMING EARLY SUMMER! you guys be laughing at your own intelligence.

[jessehaysfl]

they also "own" the patent on content on demand yet we still got warhawk if they did indeed hold a solid patent sshd and hvb wouldnt have the features. currently there is no litigation regarding any of these patents so that means either they have the patent on thier device or the "patent" is really an application to patent and therefore nullifies this story. oh yeah its april 1st.

[Mars Attacker]

For a lot of games this doesn't matter. For driving games custom music is a must. Driving a music just go together. I can only take so much of that crappy urban music that comes with these games!

[Hellsvacancy]

didnt it say that microsoft got the patent mid 2006, if it woz true microsoft would of told people a lot earlier (we all know how microsoft cant keep there mouths shut) we r in in 2008 now, dont believe it, sony said its cummin and it will...

[Skerj]

Today's April 1st, I'm not believing a damn thing.

[brothersimon]

Having your own in-game mmusic is a big thing, its one of the reasons i love 360.

[You bought an Xbox]

You Bought an Xbox

Ha Ha

[ip-student]

I check on the USPTO website (government web - not a joke) - MS does have a patent on in-game custom sound tracks. And the claims are pretty broad so it is going to be really tough for Sony to implement the feature without infringing the patent.

I don't see custom sound tracks coming to the PS3 because of this - any attempt to implement without infringing the patent would be very problematic and would probably suck.

So, basically the XBOX 360 is the console to own for driving games (because I cannot stand living with the sound tracks that come with driving games).

[jessehaysfl]

so how does SSDHD and HVB get away with it? broad patents are harder to inforce than specific ones sony can have in game custom soundtracks or they wouldnt already exist if you read my post above microsoft owns the patent for on demand data as well as on demand content yet we all have that option including your cable service provider sony has failed to implement the soundtracks platform wide due to memory constraints on older games that were "ported" however sony titles with the exception of mgs4 have all had the ability to use this function they just dont because it would create other problems for third party developers

happy 4/1/08

[ip-student]

doesn't mean you are going to enforce it. And just because you decide to enforce it one time doesn't mean you are going to enforce it other times. MS has lots of patents that would cover features of Linux but has merely rattled it saber in that regard.

Not sure why you think broader patents are harder to enforce - maybe harder to show they are valid but it is much easier to enforce a broad patent than a narrow patent - you can easily show why the other party is infringing (and it is harder to show the patent is invalid). And MS has a broad patent (that looks pretty solid based on the initial review of the cited references). I don't think you will see a comparable feature coming to the PS3.

[jessehaysfl]

i guess we can discuss patents now. its harder to enforce a broad patent because it's eaiser for the offending company to make small changes to whatever the product is and call it thier own if you have a music player and you say we are the only people allowed to have a music player your rival comes along and makes an audio player or vice versa broader patents are harder to enforce and yes they do not enforce patents they know will fail so thats why ms has not gone after linux companies they know they will fail. do you really think if ms could sue and stop thier competitors they would not?

happy 41 dude.

[ip-student]

a broad patent means the claims cover a lot of variations - so by definition it is "hard" to design around a broad patent. If you look at the claims of MS's patent (as a side note, it looks like MS has a couple of patents on this idea - you can file continuation application and get more than one patent on the basic concept) you will see that it is not going to be easy for Sony to come up with a system that does not infringe because the claims are broad (e.g. general, not specific) so almost any method of providing a custom sound track will infringe.

It doesn't matter if you make a small change - you might be able to get your own patent on the small change but you still couldn't do the main idea - that main idea is covered by the broad patent. Its like patenting a chair and patenting a armrest for a chair - you can make the chair without the armrest if you have the patent on the chair but you cannot make the chair with the armrest if you have the patent on the armrest - you will have to wait until the chair patent runs out or try to convince the person with the chair patent to give you a license.

You thoughts about why MS does not go after Linux are frankly wrong - I think the only reason MS does not go after Linux is because of antitrust considerations. If Windows was not the dominate OS then MS would most certainly go after Linux and likely shut it down (or possibly run into a number of patents and get a cross license). But that would be bad from an antitrust standpoint so it is not going to happen on a wide scale - MS at most will try occasional stabs to keep the Linux OS limited.

[jessehaysfl]

well i guess we will agree to disagree as we probably shouldnt turn this post into our own conversation. i do not except defeat however i will give you a bubble for the conversation at least your not another douche that calims one console over another. thanks mate and happy 41

[ip-student]

Nice having a debate without fanboy stuff.

[Adamalicious]

I think the primary reason Microsoft doesn't go after supposed violators of this and other patents is that they know they would lose. They would rather retain them in order to threaten other companies than to pursue litigation and lose them.

A good example would be Blackboards 44 patents being overturned yesterday after less than two year. They never should have been granted in the first place, but they were, Blackboard got greedy and started suing other companies (and winning).

Similarly, I don't think this in-game soundtrack patent would hold up under any scrutiny and should not have been granted in the first place.

[Adamalicious]

That patent is ridiculous and in no way would prevent Sony from having custom soundtracks

[PSWe60]

have the term "Red Ring of Death" patented

[ben806]

actually i own the patent...

[Microshaft]

SONY HAS PATENTED HAVING A GAME DELAYED AHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHA DROIDS SUCK A$$

[TurdStationPee]

LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Amp]

Our friends at Ripten found a great piece of news yesterday and immediately it became one of the hottest topics on N4G. Why? Well, because most people called it an April Fool in the comments section!

The fact is, this patent exists and the news is real. However please don't be fooled into thinking that this stops Sony going ahead with custom soundtracks (which, of course, they have already announced will arrive in the Summer).

You can't patent an idea, just a method. Sony can do all the same things as Microsoft but just use a different method. And they can then patent that method also (which they probably already have).

[JD_Shadow]

I wanna see that whole thing.

EDIT: Nevermind. I found it: http://www.ps3attitude.com/...

And they are right. You can't patent the idea, just the way to do it. Like if someone patents a certain kind of toothpaste. Everyone else can still invent other kinds of toothpaste, but to use that particular way to make it, you would have to respect the patent. It doesn't reach to EVERY kind of toothpaste. Also, someone can, in the respect of the patent, make an improvement and then patent THAT idea, and then even prevent the owner of the original patent to have a license to use the improved invention. The ideas thing is, I THINK, where copyrights come into play, and that's NOT what this is.

Likewise, Sony can just invent a new method (which they obviously did), like with the rumble, I think (and before you all blast me for saying that, I'm not certain that they did invent a new way to implement rumble).

LAST EDIT TO THIS, I SWEAR:

TurdStationPee, you are an absolute RETARD. Just like some of these fanbots, your comments lack of logic, sense, or any understanding of whatever the hell you just said.

[f789790]

They were meant to protect your inventions that you would actually sell. Not to prevent certain functionality of competitors devices.

[Cynical-Gamerzus]

As you can see MS is playing catchup on all areas,Bill is no longer The richest man,
Vista is a miserable mess comparable to winME ,Zune is a joke,The 360 has already reached it's potential and is to be replaced soon
HDDVD backed by MS and millions$$$ is a failure.
The 360 is a Mechanical failure with red rings and early deaths.

This only prolongs the inevitable fait of MS in Gaming,they will only be doing Software ALA SEGA soon and who cares if they own the Patent,Good for them..Their VC-1 HD compression is the best .They're good at some things and they stink at others....
At Game systems and hardware they suck!!!

[Percy]

winme oh man im not sure about that. I think vista trumps me i think you mean xp.

[Scott_Steinberg]

Lol I bet 1 million hamburgers sony will have in game sound track. This won't hold in court. Ps3 is not just a gaming systems its a entertainment system,blu-ray,mp3,web,etc.

[Scott_Steinberg]

http://patft.uspto.gov/neta...
TOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtm l%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html& r=1&a
mp;f=G&l=50&co1=AND&a mp;d=PTXT&s1=music&s2=x box&a
mp;OS=music+AND+xbox&RS=m usic+AND+xbox

ok I found a legit listing off the USPTO website, but this can't stop sony from implementing the concept. Then this patent can prevent sony from implementing their own security for a game console with hard drive and internet access.

http://appft1.uspto.gov/net...
ITOFF&d=PG01&p=1& u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.h tml&a
mp;r=1&f=G&l=50&s 1=%2220040162137%22.PGNR.&O S=DN/
20040162137&RS=DN/2004016 2137

Or this can prevent the PS3 from playing back DVD's/Bluray's/MP4's/DivX:

http://patft.uspto.gov/neta...
TOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtm l%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html& r=1&a
mp;f=G&l=50&d=PALL&am p;RefSrch=yes&Query=PN%2F65 35269

I can list several patents that the PS3 and X360 "violate" and could result in a lawsuit, but they won't. You can't copyright an idea jsut the implementation, but not the algorithm. IT's complicated, but thats essentially what it boils down to. If Sony creates their own implementation for doing this with the only similarity being that they copy music to the hard drive then there is nothing that can be done to stop them. IT was independently developed by them for the us on the PS3. Only thing this would result in is MS filing a law suit which results in an audit of the code and the case being dismissed and sony returning fire. I don't think MS would squabile over something so trivial even if it hasn't stopped them in the past. See Lindows.

BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY OR BUST!! DEATH TO THE 40 GIG!!!

[yanikins111]

Just read a good section of the patent. Applies to Game Consoles only. Which pretty much means sony is in the clear. Its a home multimedia entertainment center. It plays what, Cd's. dvds, bluray, can stream media off of a computer, off a variety of memory storage devices, has a web browser, will soon be able to tune into digital TV. Way beyond a game console. Patent doesnt apply to this product as far as i can tell. Now more than it applies to playing winamp in the background while you play WOW. Not that i do either of these.

[Ri0tSquad]

Sony hasn't even got In-game MESSAGING OUT. You guys do know this is from Xbox 1 and not 360? I can go on and on as to why custom soundtracks is already coming. Sony already has a method of offering this. They have it through SDKs and such and the XBox 1 method and PS3 method across games is identical. Not only that, Sony has already made a poll asking what features we would want next. Most voted was custom soundtracks, take a look yourself, ppl.

http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News...
Ha, straight from our own site.

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/20...

Hell, even the Wii can achieve this. Wheres the lawsuit folks? Because MS can't do anything.
http://wii.ign.com/articles...

[ngg12345]

Why would Microsoft do dumb stuff like this. This goes beyond comptitive but hurts gamers entirely.

[GCO Gamer]

this is not good some one at sony is going to have to come up with a better idea to get over Microsoft patent.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Looks like Microsoft "owns" literaly.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Looks like Droids will never gets a chance to get spoiled by one of the "many" great features the 360 has.

[Amp]

Our friends at Ripten found a great piece of news yesterday and immediately it became one of the hottest topics on N4G. Why? Well, because most people called it an April Fool in the comments section!

The fact is, this patent exists and the news is real. However please don't be fooled into thinking that this stops Sony going ahead with custom soundtracks (which, of course, they have already announced will arrive in the Summer).

You can't patent an idea, just a method. Sony can do all the same things as Microsoft but just use a different method. And they can then patent that method also (which they probably already have).

[timmyp53]

they will implement it in their own way. Its already confirmed for 2008 so we just have to wait and see how. http://ps3.thegamereviews.c...

[djroberts]

April Fools! This sort of patent would not hold up. There is no invention or intellectual property for achieving a result, only for the method. So they can patent something that enables in game music but you can't patent in game music.

[budbundystyles]

Anyone who thinks ps3 is not getting custom soundtracks needs to remove head from ass. Your load is long blown xbots. Go back to your troll holes and jerkoff to that Muppet-palleted shooter you call Halo. 360 is a joke. Have a great time playing Alan Wake, I'm sure its better than msg4.

[supremacy]

@wageslave

everything you just laid out makes sense, but where it falls apart is here where you mention something that has caught my eyes since ted price of insomniac is always pointing out.

- 64mb of the 256mb of available XDR memory off the Cell CPU
- 32mb of the 256mb of available GDDR3 memory off the RSX chip
- 1 SPE of 7 constantly reserved
- 1 SPE of 7 able to be "taken" by the OS at a moments notice (games have to give it up if requested)"

1 SPE of 7?

okay i can see that, but the reality is that there

(is an 8th SPE)

which isn't made available to devs, and how do i know this? well ted price has mention this plenty of times is his interviews. not 7, 8 which means that even if it could take 2 of those SPE's than we'll be left with 6 not five, and thus far most devs haven't even used up more than i say 4 let alone 5 for their games and yet these games are on par with 360 titles in all aspects, games like lair, uncharted, heavenly sword, assassin's creed COD4 don't even make use of the SPE's like that so... who's to say. and by the way ever wonder why each F.W update takes a long time to download and than install? that because every update is a re-installment which means they tweak the OS every time they update the system thus allowing for multiple possibilities. add to the fact that every ps3 unit comes equipped with a hard drive so it than becomes like a pc in many cases, and blu ray itself is put to use for games, look at oblivion they used up the space of the disc to provide faster load times and smooth graphics through-out.

don't mean to brag much but ill give you a bubble, why? cuz im fair and ill like to see what you'll have to say next.

[JD_Shadow]

Patent isn't the same thing as a copyright.

A patent protects the actual invention, not the idea. Sony has all the right in the world to do what they want as far as custom soundtracks. However, they would have to respect the patent if they did so, similar to how they would've had to respect the Immersion patent for the rumble technology they were using. If the patent extended to the idea of any rumble technology, then they wouldn't be able to use it at all, or respect such patents. However, though I'm not certain if they are using the same tech, we are getting rumble.

MS patented their way of doing custom soundtracks, but they only have a patent, which protect the method on how they did that. A copyright, which is what we're mistaking this for, is a protection on the IDEA of that patent.

I'll give you the example I gave in the open zone: Someone patents a certain kind of toothpaste. That method of how they did that is protected, and it's theirs. However, that never stops anyone else from making toothpaste at all. Plus, someone could, with respect to that patent, make the invention better and then patent THAT without having to get any sort of permission to do so.

Sony could use different coding, or just as simple as a different interface. As long as it's not the exact same way MS did theirs. But they CAN do the same thing without getting into any trouble.

Now, if MS COPYRIGHTED the entire idea of custom soundtracks, THEN we would have reason to worry. But they never did, so Sony fans can relax.