More than just games

For billionaire Masayoshi Son's Softbank, which owns 50.8% of Yahoo Japan, the agreement may attract more subscribers to the high-speed internet service operated by the bank.

It is expected that the software for the new services will be distributed through Softbank's publications.

The new services will be offered in March on a trial basis with full commercial services scheduled to start in April.

Tomorrow's internet?

The vast majority of today's internet users rely on their personal computers, but many in the industry believe the future of home entertainment lies in linking everyday gadgets to the internet or similar networks.

Sony is fighting to keep its place at the top of the games market as it faces increased pressure from Microsoft and Nintendo.

Sony hopes that its new games console with a high-speed connection will be an alternative to personal computers for net shoppers and bidders.

AOL tie-up

Last month the company revealed its plans to unite with AOL Time Warner, one of the leaders of the internet market, in developing new means of high-speed connections for play consoles, televisions and mobile phones.

PS2 users will be able to get music, film, news and traditional forms of broadcasting from a range of next generation technologies.

Even games for the console itself will be available for online purchase.

Last week, Sony Computer said it would provide PS2 games through a high-speed broadband internet service from Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT).

The companies said in a joint statement they would launch the broadband PlayStation services on a subscription fee basis in April 2002.

A modem to link Sony's Playstation2 console to the internet should be available early in 2002.