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Leaked PS3 XMB images hint at Facebook integration, new image layout

by Ross Miller posted Nov 11th 2009 at 6:42PM

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. Just in case the pics come back up, their respective URLs are just below.

[Via Joystiq and Scrawl]

Read - Image one
Read - Image two
Read - Image three

Video: Sony's XBR9 and Z-series TVs herald the death of the set-top-box

by Thomas Ricker posted May 27th 2009 at 4:06AM

It's been a long time coming, but television manufacturers have finally wised up to the ways of the Internet and the realities of modern content sourcing and distribution. Case in point, Sony, with its XBR9 and Z-series televisions with built-in Ethernet jack for accessing internet media and informational widgets based on the Yahoo platform. The cats over at SonyConvergineer have put together a few introductory videos (embedded after the break) showing-off Sony's connected capabilities on a production set using Sony's Xross Media Bar UI and Bravia remote control. Right, XMB, thus making the user experience on these Bravias consistent with Sony's PS3 and PSP gaming consoles and select VAIO laptops. A unified-UI trend noticed by Samsung and others that helps promote a consistent user experience across devices. About time, eh?

Continue reading Video: Sony's XBR9 and Z-series TVs herald the death of the set-top-box

Sony debuts connected BRAVIA Z5500 LCD HDTV line

by Darren Murph posted Apr 30th 2009 at 8:39AM

And the hits just keep on comin'. Shortly after Sony introduced its connected BRAVIA W-Series to the world, in flies yet another trio: the Z5500 line. Arriving in 40-inch, 46-inch and 52-inch models, the set boasts Motionflow 200Hz technology, DLNA certification, the outfit's BRAVIA Engine 3, its own 'draw the LINE' design concept, a 1080p panel and a CI Plus interface, which only those parked overseas will truly understand. Furthermore, there's an integrated MPEG-4/AVC HD tuner, BRAVIA Sync (HDMI-CEC), an auto shut-off function, a dedicated 'Energy Saving Switch' and -- for the first time -- AppliCast. If you're curious, the latter feature enables users to access a range of online services (RSS feeds and all sorts of other widgets) via the built-in Ethernet jack. Sony didn't bother to share a price, release date or any hope of a US debut, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled.

[Via TrustedReviews]

Gallery: Sony debuts connected BRAVIA Z5500 LCD HDTV line

PSP firmware 5.50 arrives to fulfill your every subfolder exploration need

by Paul Miller posted Apr 21st 2009 at 11:18AM

There's a new PSP update in town, so hold onto your calloused thumbs. Firmware 5.50 borrows the PS3's XMB "Information Board" (pictured) for getting PlayStation and PlayStation Store news wherever you've got WiFi and a yearning, and there's also a games information search that works straight from the XMB as well. The update also brings the incredibly tardy ability to browse Memory Stick sub-folders for media, and Trend Micro Security and Safety for protecting the browser from malicious sites and protecting kids from adult content. It's not a landmark update, but it's something.

[Via PSP Fanboy; thanks Allan M.]

Unified UI previews the future of Samsung hardware

by Richard Lawler posted Jan 8th 2009 at 11:53AM

If Samsung devices are your preferred flavor, get very familiar with the interface pictured above. Eased in amongst product announcements during today's CES keynote is the news that all their devices -- camcorders, HDTVs, digital cameras, PMPs and all -- will be sharing this style going forward. Seeming to follow the example set by Sony's XMB, and hopefully adding momentum to a trend others will continue, the idea is that users pick it up on one device, and can carry that experience to future purchases without a sharp learning curve. As much as we enjoy figuring out where the contrast setting is for the 20th time, early adopters have more than enough options to memorize. Of course, unified doesn't mean static, and this interface should be plenty customizable. Word is that consumers' first look at the new UI is via Samsung's new digital camera lineup, but other details are few and far between.

Continue reading Unified UI previews the future of Samsung hardware

Sony brings Yahoo! widgets to 1080p ZBR9 / Z-Series HDTVs

by Darren Murph posted Jan 7th 2009 at 6:49PM

No surprise here, but Sony's making darn sure it's not left behind in the connected HDTV arena by introducing seven new sets that all look to the Yahoo! Widget Engine to pull down Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker and other web-based content right on one's HDTV. Proudly dubbed Bravia Internet Widgets, the functionality will come bundled in with the firm's ZBR9 lineup (comprised of the 52-inch KDL-52XBR9, 46-inch KDL-46XBR, 40-inch KDL-40XBR90 and 32-inch KDL-32XBR9) as well as the 52-inch KDL-52Z5100, 46-inch KDL-46Z5100, and 40-inch KDL-40Z5100. All seven sets tout 1080p panels, BRAVIA Sync, four HDMI inputs, an Ethernet jack and a cute Energy Star 3.0 sticker to boot. Gear up for TV 2.0 (or are we up to 3.0?) to land this Spring.

Continue reading Sony brings Yahoo! widgets to 1080p ZBR9 / Z-Series HDTVs

Sony says it has no plans for revamped XMB, Netflix service

by Donald Melanson posted Dec 9th 2008 at 6:42PM

No real surprises here but, in a recent interview with GamePro, Sony's John Kohler said that the company doesn't have any plans to pull a Microsoft and redesign its XMB interface, nor does have any intention to offer Netflix service on the PS3 in the foreseeable future. More specifically, while Kohler says that Sony is willing to make changes "if consumers pound on our door loudly enough," it's not likely to make any "grand-scale changes" to the XMB "because it's something that's been so well-received." As for Netflix, Kohler expectedly shifted the focus to Sony's own download service, saying simply that "our efforts will continue to be there, because our customers want to own the content." Not surprisingly, Kohler didn't exactly invite any door-pounding on that matter, though there's certainly nothing stopping anyone that feels so inclined.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

PlayStation Home hacked, the search for backup exploits begins

by Samuel Axon posted Oct 23rd 2008 at 7:09PM

Hackers, like life, will find a way. Sony knows that all too well thanks to the PSP, but so far the PlayStation 3 has stood strong in the face of legions of nerds trying to find a way to exploit it. A potentially major breakthrough may have been made, though, as well-known PS3 hacker StreetskaterFU (we've no idea what he's going for with that name -- really) has managed to decrypt the beta client for Sony's PlayStation Home service. Curious devs can now poke around in the files looking for a way to exploit the newish in-game XMB functionality, potentially allowing homebrew apps and game backups without hard drive swapping. There's no guarantee it will lead anywhere in the end, but you don't care either way, right? Our upstanding readership would never participate in such heinously illegal activities.

[Thanks, James]

PS3 firmware 2.40 is live

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jul 2nd 2008 at 12:02AM

Yeah, that's right -- you can get it right now. In game XMB, trophies... the whole nine. Why are you still reading this?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

PS3 firmware 2.40 update coming tomorrow

by Thomas Ricker posted Jul 1st 2008 at 4:30AM

It's been a long time coming, but in-game XMB will arrive on your PS3 tomorrow. That's right, Wednesday July 2nd and likely kicking off as a rolling, firmware 2.40, network update just as soon as the clock ticks over the top in Japan. You know, for those of you looking to get a jump on your Trophy collection.

[Via Joystiq]

Video: In-game XMB demonstrated on PS3 v2.40

by Thomas Ricker posted Jun 30th 2008 at 3:37AM

It's here kids, in-game XMB demonstrated on a firmware 2.40 PS3 for the first time. Yup, that's the clock and date displayed upper-right with a quick hit of the PlayStation button. Sony also reveals that the 2.40 firmware update will deliver the Google search bar (like the PSP update last week) and the ability to play and control your own music stored on the hard drive in-game. See that and more in the video after the break.

Continue reading Video: In-game XMB demonstrated on PS3 v2.40

Sony unveils 2008 ES receiver lineup

by Richard Lawler posted Jun 26th 2008 at 2:32PM

Say hello to this year's warmed-over line of Sony's ES 7.1 channel audio/video receivers. Now-standard features in the line include a PS3/PSP-style xross media bar interface, 1080p Faroudja DCDi upconversion, a slew of audio codec support (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) plus Digital Media Port connectivity to hook up iPod or Bluetooth adapters or satellite radio. The higher end STR-DA4400ES (above) packs a 120-watt amplifier, six HDMI inputs, HD video output to two zones and audio to three zones for $1,500 when it debuts this August. The STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES both include a 100-watt amp, four HDMI jacks, the 3400 includes an IR repeater and support for a second video zone with its $1,000 price tag, while the 2400 drops those features and includes a basic interface for $800 next month. Take a peek at both after the break, then check your wallet to see where you fit in.

Continue reading Sony unveils 2008 ES receiver lineup

PSP firmware 4.00 out, PS3 2.40 in-game XMB and trophies confirmed

by Thomas Ricker posted Jun 19th 2008 at 6:09AM

Sony's firmware development for its game consoles is bearing fruit on two fronts today. First, the PSP firmware 4.00 network update is up and dancing for your XMB Googling pleasure. Next, and more importantly, Sony has confirmed in-game XMB and trophies in PS3 firmware 2.40 -- details promised shortly. Tap tap tap... ok, not that shortly.

[Thanks, 94 taurus owner]

Read -- PSP 4.00
Read -- PS3 2.40

PS3 firmware 2.40 said to be bringing in-game XMB, trophies

by Donald Melanson posted May 30th 2008 at 4:41PM

It's not confirmed by Sony just yet, but Videogaming247 says it has it on "good authority" that the upcoming version 2.40 firmware update for the PS3 will at long last bring with it in-game XMB, as well as the slightly less-anticipated trophy support. If those sources are to be believed, the update will be dropping sometime in June, with some speculation further pointing to a release in advance of Metal Gear Solid 4's June 12th launch. There's apparently still some testing to be done to ensure that the in-game XMB will work with all titles, however, and it seems like features like trophies and user-music via XMB will only be supported in games created with the new developers tools that have apparently already been released in advance of the firmware update.

[Via PS3 Fanboy, thanks John]

PS3 firmware 2.00 hits tomorrow

by Paul Miller posted Nov 7th 2007 at 10:57AM

Sure, 2.00 might sound like a magical milestone, but in reality there's not a whole lot here that's going to revolutionize your gaming experience, and sadly nothing yet to bring online communication and play to parity with Xbox Live and Xbox's handy dandy dashboard. That said, Sony is strengthening some of the PS3's unique features, like the new Remote Start function that lets you fire up your PS3 remotely when you're accessing it with your PSP, and playlists for music and photos. One of the biggest "additions" is DualShock 3 support, but that's so laughably last-gen that it's hardly worth noting. Sony is also packing in the ability to create and share your own Themes for XMB, and a news ticker that will eventually make way for the importing of your own RSS feeds. Sony also added a new XMB group to the main menu to pave the way for Home and other internets-friendly features, and -- oddly enough -- Canon printer support to really round out the package. The update will be available in the States tomorrow, November 8th.

Update: PS3 Fanboy has some exclusive screenshots of the new interface.

[Via Joystiq]