We’ve seen a lot of people predict that video downloads are a thing of the future. Well, the future is here today—or at least this summer.

The LA Times says that Sony will launch video downloads for the PlayStation 3 this summer.

Of course, it’s not the first of its kind, with AppleTV, Vudu and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 making content available via the web. However, it could position the PS3 as the ultimate media machine.

The Times is not exactly your typical Internet rumor mill, but the report is based on information from “studio executives familiar with the plan.” No names can be named because the company is still talking to studios. They also want to wait until summer to make the word official.

For now, it seems that the service would include both movies and TV programs that users could download to the PS3. Supposedly, the service would “embrace open standards,” meaning content could be shared with computers, the PSP and other handhelds. No other details are available yet.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.