Sony PlayStation 3 Production Has Begun

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X-bit labs - Hardware news - Sony PlayStation 3 Production Has Begun – Reports.

Asustek Computer Ships PlayStation 3 Consoles​

Asustek Computer, one of the world’s largest producers of computer components, has reportedly begun to ship Sony PlayStation 3 game consoles to Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The fact that the consoles are being manufactured means that the hardware specs had been finalized and the launch will take place in mid-November.

The Chinese-language Apple Daily and Commercial Times newspaper reported late on Tuesday that Asustek Computer started shipments of PlayStation 3 (PS3) game consoles in small volume in the beginning of July, according to DigiTimes web-site. According to a report, about 200 thousand component sets were shipped to Asus in June, which means that the company is in position to build 200 thousand game consoles. It is also said that in July the Taiwanese builder will receive higher amount of component sets for the PS3, while in September and October the company will get “more than one million [component] sets.

Sony promised to have 2 million PlayStation 3 consoles available during the launch window and ship 4 million PS3s worldwide by the end of 2006. By March 2007 the company plans to supply 6 million game consoles to the market.

Foxconn Electronics is also projected to build the new generation game consoles for Sony. However, the news-paper did not unveil any shipment schedules for the company, claiming that the company will start assembly operations “when demand risesâ€. Given that the PS3 is not on sale just now, the demand may only rise until after the launch.

The two versions of the PlayStation 3 game consoles – for $499 and $599 – will be launched on 11th of November in Japan and on the 17th of November in Australia, Europe, U.S. and other regions.

 

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Dailytech

Asustek threatens Taiwanese media with legal action over incorrect reports on PS3 developments

On July 19th, DigiTimes picked up on news that Asustek had commenced shipments of Sony's PlayStation 3 console. DigiTimes cited Apple Daily and the Commercial Times; both Chinese-language publications. According to those reports, Asustek had begun shipping the units in early July and the beginning allotment was supposed to total 4 million units. According to the report, Foxconn Electronics was also due to lend a hand with PS3 production after Asustek depleted its initial batch of shipments.

Asustek wasn't too happy about these reports and is threatening legal action against media outlets. From DigiTimes:

Asustek Computer yesterday issued a stern warning to Taiwan's media about reports that it had begun shipments of PlayStation 3 game consoles to Sony. While declining to comment on the reports, Asustek warned of legal action against media for any incorrect reports that jeopardize its relationships with clients, according to a company statement posted on the Taiwan Stock Exchange's website.

It's not uncommon for hardware manufacturers to go after news outlets for reporting on behind the scenes operations. Asustek has a lot on the line with the launch of the PS3 so they are being extra vigilant when it comes to its role as to not tick off Sony or its suppliers. The highly anticipated console will be entering a ripe next-generation market with the already entrenched XBOX 360 and media-darling Nintendo Wii.