Sony announced a new premium subscription service that will give users access to exclusive content, easy demo access, as well as discounts on the PlayStation Store.

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Called PlayStation Plus, this new service will be available from 29 June 2010 for US$49.99 (no Australian pricing available) a year.

Sony claims that the PlayStation Plus include ‘access to loads of content such as games, game add-ons, avatars, dynamic themes, and will provide exclusive discounts on PlayStation Store each month.’

The service will also provide users with early access to selected game beta trials and demos ‘before anyone else.’

In addition, those who become a PlayStation Plus member can try games before buying them. Full Game Trial allows a user to download selected games in full and play them for a limited period of time before you decide if you want to buy them. Then if you do buy them, your progress and the trophies earned during the trial will be unlocked and saved so you can pick up from where you left off.

PlayStation Plus members can also take advantage of a new feature called Automatic Downloads that lets you set your PS3 to wake itself up, download your game updates, the latest system software updates and new game demos directly to your PS3.

Users who opt not to sign up for PlayStation Plus can still play online and access online content for free.