The release says:

"The release states that since the optical specifications of the objective lens, such as NA (Numerical Aperture)*2, are the same as those for existing BD discs, it is possible to maintain compatibility between the new 16-layer optical disc and BD discs. Whether existing players will be capable of playing the new discs is not addressed in the statement."

I know that you can't trust press releases, BUT that says that this works with the Blu-ray lens and hints at compatability.

Dave