I'm not sure if they've improved it from the ps3 as I'm an xbox 360 migrant. But it's faster than the x360.
I had no interest in the kinect so for me the choice was interesting. Not to mention, it seemed to be aimed at gamers instead of aiming at everyone so I figured they'd get it right in the long run.
All things said and done I'm happy with the purchase. I needed a 3D blu-ray player and this fits the bill for that too. My only bummer is that it doesn't stream spotify. But other than that I'm pretty happy. Also, PSN+ gives you more bang for the buck than Microsoft's Gold thingy - I've already gotten three free games just for being connected to PSN +.
Regardless, I'm still primarily a PC gamer, but I have a lot of console gamer friends.
@Atheist - If it's faster then the 360 they definitely improved it. I have both the PS3 and 360. After the PS3 loading screens became to much to handle, I bought the 360 used and never went back. I am not interested in the kinect or that the xbox is "always listening" (call it paranoia). Those 2 things were the final push toward PS4. And not to mention that it seemed like a more powerful machine anyway. Hopefully my better half can secure me one on her Black Friday adventures.