"The internet is a buzz this morning with information regarding Sony's PlayStation Network.  Just off the heels of the announced (and misinterpreted) PSN Subscription revenue streams, the same document reveals some more tid-bits about services coming to the PlayStation Network.According to a new official Sony presentation, sometime next year, Q2 FY2010 to be exact, Sony is going to be releasing a non-game software development kit. The only purpose this could serve is for applications. Application development will probably come pretty quickly for the platform. The ever popular BlackBerry and iPhone (iFail) App stores has created a new marketplace of developers.  Those developers will be keen to have another marketplace available to pimp their wares."

Saw a rumor about psn charging for online play, is there any basis for this?

Honestly, I hope they do. We need a better service.

Well, this all ties into the upcoming Premium PSN. Ever wonder why since firmware 3.0 dropped, there's a premium avatar slot that's empty? What this means is that developers will be able to make XMB apps as well as games, like an avatar creator possibly. Anyone who has a BlackBerry (love my Tour) or iPhone will understand the great potential with this. Just using avatars as an example:

PSN = free regular avatars (what we have now)
Premium PSN = premium avatars
Avatar Creator app = custom avatars

What Sony is trying to do is to appeal to every type of customer demographic. Some are satisfied with what we have and won't pay anything for PSN, some are willing to pay more for an premium subscription-based PSN, and some will go hard and pay for specific apps on top of a subscription fee. Wheras MS makes EVERYONE pay $50 a year for a online system which should be half that or free.