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Redesigned PlayStation Store now live in North America
PS3 owners: do not adjust your TV sets, the PlayStation Store has received a makeover. Sony's new revamped media portal is now available in the US, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. If you're experiencing a case of déjà vu, the update was originally set to hit back on October 23rd, but was sidelined after its UK launch was derailed by some early performance hiccups. Now that it's here, users will be treated to a snazzy new UI along with Most Popular charts, streaming videos on item pages, improved filters and an enhanced search engine. If you haven't already, you can grab this update by firing up your PS3 and directing the XMB to the PlayStation Store icon.
PlayStation Plus cloud storage boost landing 'soon' with system update v4.25
If you've been sat impatiently tapping your fingers on the desk waiting for that extra PlayStation Plus storage, then you might want to give that hand a break. According to the PlayStation blog, it's coming, and soon. The capacity bump will come in PS3 system update v4.25, and once installed, you'll just need to head over to the Saved Data Utility under the XMB's Game column to see it. Our friends over at Joystiq have pushed Sony for a more concrete time on the update's release, but if you've already maxed out that current 150MB, there's light at the end of the cloud tunnel.
First PS3 'custom firmware' working, doesn't allow piracy
Building upon the exploits of the fail0verflow hacking troupe, a tinkerer known as "KaKaRoToKS" has got the first "custom firmware" (CFW) running on PS3. The modification can be applied to any version of the system's official firmware, including the latest 3.55 patch, and simply adds an "Install Package Files" option in the Game section of the XMB. Importantly, this unauthorized option isn't an open flood gate for pirated games, but rather a means by which users could install signed and encrypted executable files -- in other words, "retail" .pkg files like the ones Sony uses for PSN downloads. While no current homebrew application is packaged like this (and therefore compatible with the custom firmware), it would be possible for homebrew developers to re-package their files to be installed through the CFW. (PSJailbreak offers similar functionality, DigitalFoundry explains, but as its name implies, Jailbreak allows for the installation of unsigned, unencrypted code.) "Since the kernel is left unmodified, this means that this custom firmware is really meant for future homebrew installation, and it will not allow piracy," writes KaKaRoToKS in a blog post about the CFW. "I plan on keeping it that way." [Thanks, Roland]
PS3, PSP get Music Unlimited service in UK, Ireland
Sony's cloud-based, digital music service, "Music Unlimited" ("powered by Qriocity"), is now available in the UK and Ireland. Similar to Microsoft's Zune Pass, the service is also coming to the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand at some point in 2011. Two available plans are charged monthly, with the "Basic" service being £3.99 in the UK and €3.99 in Ireland; and the "Premium" service £9.99 and €9.99, respectively. The basic service is like radio, with preset playlists, but users can skip songs at will, while the premium option offers customizable lists and "premium Top 100 channels which are regularly updated with the latest hits." Music Unlimited's current catalog is approximately 6 million songs deep, with tracks from leading indie labels, as well as corporate behemoths like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI Music. The service will be available on a wide range of Sony devices, including PS3, PSP and "Android-based mobile devices."
Sony PSP to gain unlimited music via cloud-based Qriocity service
Just days after Sony's Qriocity video-on-demand service went live across Europe, in flies this -- news that the aforesaid service will be spreading its wings and touching the PSP in short order. Word on the street has it that the next PlayStation Portable update (v6.35) will bring along Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity, described as a "new, cloud-based, digital music service from Sony that will give music lovers access to millions of songs stored and synchronized through the cloud." Post-update, users will notice a new icon in the PSP's XrossMediaBar under the 'Music' category, and moreover, the Media Go application for managing PSP downloadable content on your PC will be updated "with enhancements to the user interface and advanced photo editing tools." Sony's remaining mum on a launch date, but the internet is already abuzz about what this may mean for the impending PlayStation Phone. Will Sony finally have a leg-up over iOS with an ingrained unlimited music client? A boy can dream, can't he? Update: Tipster Isaac spotted the screen above and the one after the break on his PSPgo today. Looks like the launch may be sooner than we'd imagined, eh?
Lovefilm movie streaming now live on UK PlayStation 3 consoles
Sony's "it only does everything" claim for the PS3 seems to be growing stronger with every day that passes. After getting Hulu Plus in the US recently, the versatile console has just seen the green light to start some movie streaming action in the UK, courtesy of a hookup with Lovefilm. To get this free extra, you have to have a £5.99 or above monthly Lovefilm subscription (that's excluding its Games offering), though there's a limit on how much streaming you can do at that price point. Such stipulations fall by the wayside on the £9.99 top tier, leaving you and your console to enjoy as many movies as you can handle.
How-to 'everything' videos coming to PS3 XMB
"It Only Does Everything," says the PS3's ad campaign. But how many users actually know how to take advantage of all of the system's features out of the box? With PS3 increasingly positioning itself as a be-all entertainment device, Sony is forced to confront the XMB's clutter of icons, which may be befuddling mainstream consumers. PSN director Susan Panico told us that Sony is currently "creating educational videos that will be a great welcome kit for people that are coming to the PS3 and the PlayStation Network," which aim to "really walk them through all the advantages you get from the PlayStation Network," including the store. The videos "will answer questions like, 'How do I have Netflix movies stream on my PS3?' And it will certainly talk about original content available," Panico noted, referring to PSN productions like The Tester and Pulse. "That's something that's really important to us -- to make sure people understand from the get-go how to find all this great content." While many of the details are still being ironed out, the how-to videos will appear both on the web and on the XMB. "Primarily, it's going to be content that you find very easily on PlayStation.com, as well as on the console itself," Panico said, though "we haven't decided where it's going to live on the XMB." Presumably, it'll be in a prime position, lest Sony find itself posting a "How to find the how-to videos" video.
PlayStation 3 Netflix update hitting XMBs across the USA, say goodbye to the discs
As promised, the new discless Netflix app for Sony's PlayStation 3 is rolling out across the land, so all should see a convenient icon under the video tab on the XMB, leading directly to movies in 1080p with 5.1 audio. As for those old discs? Just in case you were feeling attached to the old way of doing things there is a 31 day transition period before they expire and stop working completely, however our tipster informs us once he downloaded the app he was never able to use the disc again. It certainly seems like an easy trade, but you may want to consider... nothing, there's absolutely nothing to consider. Click the X button to download, then enjoy your new coaster and National Chocolate Cupcake Day. No, really. [Thanks, Chris]
PS3 and Lovefilm make it official, streaming movies to consoles in the UK this November (updated)
Considering our leak a couple of days back came directly from Sony itself, this is hardly a suprise, but Eurogamer has done the diligent thing and managed to confirm with the dudes in suits that British film streaming service Lovefilm will indeed be coming to the PlayStation 3. The everything console is adding the UK answer to Netflix to its stable of software enhancements, which will let people buy pay-per-view movies or, provided they're on Lovefilm's £5.99 subscription or above, let them stream away without a care in the world. Oh, and the video ad that got pulled? We've now got it for you after the break. Update: Electric Pig have been told that the PPV option will be left off the table for console streamers. Update 2: Lovefilm has gotten in touch with us directly to say the service is rolling out this November.
Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service extends into Europe, 'Music Unlimited' coming by year's end
Sony has just informed Euroland that its Qriocity on-demand ecosystem will be showing up in the continent's wealthier regions this fall. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK will get a chance to savor the Video On Demand option, which will form the vanguard of a wideranging content streaming service, available on Sony networked devices -- yes, that includes the do-it-all PlayStation 3. The heavyweight movie studios behind the venture include 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, MGM, NBC Universal, Paramount and, of course, Sony's moviemaking arm. But you already knew that, given that the whole enchilada's been available to American gringos since April. All Qriocity participants will get to use a new Music Unlimited service, which is launching by the end of the year with as yet undetermined pricing. Plans are also afoot to offer Qriocity on third party devices, but until then you'll wanna make sure to have one of them newfangled web-connected Bravia TVs or any of the litany of Blu-ray players and home theater setups Sony is busy promoting right this minute.
Shatter soundtrack and dynamic theme hits PSN this week
Are you a hardcore fan of Shatter? So are we. That's why we're pretty excited that both the Shatter soundtrack and dynamic XMB theme are hitting the North American PlayStation Store this week. Featuring 14 tracks, the downloadable soundtrack will be available for $5.99 via the PSN. As a bonus, the soundtrack will come bundled with a dynamic theme and concept art. (The theme can be purchased separately for $2.99.) Of course, some may be turned off by the asking price of the bundle, considering it costs nearly as much as the game itself. For others, this is a small price to pay to support an indie PSN dev. Check out a video of the theme after the break.
Sony Qriocity on-demand movie service coming February 2010
Say hello to Qriocity, Sony's first step toward building an Online Service to rival iTunes, Netflix and anything else that makes money by selling you downloadable content. Headed to your nearest XMB in February and getting a dedicated remote control button on Sony's future TV sets, this service will allow you to stream movies in SD or HD, and Sony Insider reports that with a strong web connection you'll be able to get a solid 720p output. A large roster of film publishers have been recruited, while Sony promises "hundreds" of films will be available at Qriocity's launch. Come past the break to scope out the UI.
PSP firmware 6.20 now available
Not to be overshadowed by its bigger brother, a new PSP firmware has gone live tonight. Update 6.20 adds the ability to export video and photo playlists from an updated version of Media Go. However, the biggest addition to this update is the PlayStation Network Digital Comics Reader in a new "Extras" section of the XMB. While the Reader can be downloaded tonight, the service won't go live until December in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Japan will be getting a manga service slightly earlier. French, Italian, German and Spanish stores will follow in early 2010. Here's the full change log: The importing of playlists from the Media Go application is now supported under [Video]. The importing of playlists from the PlayStation 3 system or the Media Go application is now supported under [Photo]. The [TV] category has been integrated into the new [Extras] category in the XMB menu. Compatible models: PSP-2000, PSP-2005, PSP-3000, PSP-N1000, PSP-N1005 %Gallery-70381%
Facebook for PlayStation 3 'begins' this Thursday with firmware update 3.10 (video)
Okay, pretend to be surprised if you want, but Facebook and PlayStation 3 are coming together, sort of. We saw the tiniest bit of teaser last week via leaked photo, and now we've got details and a release date. Users will have the option of sending status updates for PSN purchases and Trophies whenever the user syncs up the account to the PlayStation servers, and developers can now integrate automatic updates when certain game events occur, similar to what we saw with the recent Uncharted sequel. Unfortunately, some of the very basic functions you'd come to expect from Facebook apps, such as writing your own status updates, aren't there yet. Hopefully we'll be seeing more integration sooner rather than later, as the company's noting this is just the beginning of the integration with the social network. Integration hits with firmware 3.10, which as we heard from a previous Sony Poland leak is this Thursday, just one day after Xbox Live's Facebook integration debuts (how very convenient, indeed). Also in the update? New photo navigation and PSN gamer card options. Video after the break.
Leaked PS3 XMB images hint at Facebook integration, new image layout
Although we were too late to verify for ourselves, both Joystiq and Scrawl swear up and down that the above three images, each of whom unfortunately lack a higher-res version, all hail from the official Sony Computer Entertainment Europe website, and each showing a feature of the PlayStation 3's XMB we haven't seen before: some form of Facebook integration, the ability to change gamercard colors, and a new method of photo organization / perusal. None of these would be too surprising or earth-shattering, really, and the juiciest question of them all -- exactly when we might see these additions -- is still a mystery.
Netflix: PS3 disc must remain in system until 2010 update; and other answers to your pressing questions
Disc is required -- reserve it. Netflix was kind enough to answer a heap of nitpicky questions following the announcement that its steaming service would soon be available for PlayStation 3. Certainly, question marks hovered over the application "disc" and whether or not it would have to always be in the PS3 to use the Netflix streaming service. It turns out that Netflix won't have an integrated XMB solution just yet -- but it's coming.Check out our interview with a Netflix representative for the full details: Joystiq: Was the PS3 application developed internally by Netflix? Netflix: Yes, with the help of the Sony team.Can the Netflix application be installed to the PS3 hard dive from the disc? Or must the disc be inserted every time a user wants to access Netflix?
PS3 overtakes Mac, becomes second biggest iPlayer platform
UK residents are lucky enough to have access to iPlayer, a web-based service that streams BBC programming for free. Firmware 3.00 adds iPlayer to the Video section of the XMB (provided you live in the UK, and have a UK-purchased system). It seems the added spotlight of iPlayer has increased viewership significantly, as PS3 now accounts for 10% of all iPlayer viewing. In comparison, Mac accounts for only 8.5% of viewership.The success of services like BBC iPlayer and Vidzone show how important non-gaming applications are to PS3 owners. Hopefully, figures like these will convince other players -- like Hulu -- to join in on the PlayStation party.
Q-Games: Dynamic themes won't make money on PS3
One of the cooler features of firmware 3.00 is the ability to load dynamic themes onto the PS3. Unlike traditional wallpapers, these custom XMB downloads feature animated backgrounds that respond dynamically to the time of day, analog stick movement and SIXAXIS tilt. While these backgrounds are cool, they're also quite expensive. So far, each theme has cost $2.99.Yet, in spite of the high price, Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert explains that developers are unlikely to recoup the cost of making a dynamic theme. "Remember that we'll be lucky to sell even a few thousand themes and so the cost of developing the theme (3-4 weeks of coder/artist time, checking, testing etc) will still far exceed any money we make from it," he explained.We have a solution for Cuthbert, though. Drop the price, and we're certain far more people would be willing to download a dynamic theme as an impulse buy.%Poll-34212%%Poll-34215%[Via Gamasutra]
Firmware 3.00 blamed for malfunctioning PS3 controllers
A growing thread on the official PlayStation 3 forum alleges the recent hardware firmware upgrade to version 3.00 has spawned a host of controller connection issues for PS3 users. According to the forum, various wireless controllers -- some users specifically naming DualShock3 model CECHZC2H (Ceramic White) -- are unable to connect to the console. When turned on, users claim the controller LEDs for ports 1 and 2 activate, but the controller remains inoperable.Users attempting to troubleshoot the problem claim that resetting the controller (through the built-in pinhole reset function) and plugging it directly into the console (via USB) do not correct the error, with one user going so far as doing a complete system restore to no avail. The issue, however, appears to be isolated, but is still a concern for a number of gamers.Update: Overnight, the issue has spawned an interesting development. Users are pointing out that the problem may be isolated to "knock-off" PS3 controllers. Joystiq has contacted Sony for an update to see if XMB 3.00 targets these fakes or if the controller issue is simply a byproduct of the controllers not being able to catch up with the new firmware.
Firmware 3.0 loading times contrasted with 2.8
Aside from sparkly background support and an expanded XMB interface, we've yet to point-2 many of the smaller differences between the PlayStation 3's 2.8-version firmware and its latest 3.0 update. Thankfully, we have the internet for that, and it's given us some new pedantic comparison videos to mull over and possibly dispute!Youtube user "PS3slimComparison" has documented console startup times, Blu-ray launch times and video game loading times on his PS3 Slim, first equipped with Firmware 2.8, and then Firmware 3.0. Waiting times appear to be shorter with 3.0 (and who doesn't want to get into Arkham Asylum as fast as possible?), but we were curious to discover if there would be a notable speed improvement on a 60GB PS3 with the latest software. Based on our informally derived test results (see them after the break), the answer appears to be a curt "no." It's possible that 3.0 is tailored to take advantage of the Slim's newer hardware, excluding longtime owners from any supposed speed gains.Speculation aside, we were shocked to find just how much quicker 3.0 is when it comes to Uncharted -- on 2.8, the game takes forever to freeze. [Via PlayStation forums; thanks, Garrett]
