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PSA: PS3 Firmware 3.00 is alive and kicking
Is your clicky, drab Cross Media Bar in dire need of a facelift? Is it sagging around the Video tab? Got some unsightly varicose veins in its Network section? You can give your XMB the overhaul it so richly deserves with the recently released Firmware 3.00 System Update, which adds the "What's New" section, a status indicator, a renovated friends list, PlayStation Store shortcuts, and animated backgrounds to your PS3's main menu screen. Check out these features in action in the video posted after the jump.To install Firmware 3.00, just hit the "System Update" icon under the settings menu. To update to Firmware 4.00, you'll either need to acquire some sort of time-traveling apparatus or become the president of Sony R&D. Good luck with that![Note: Flame-free comment thread here; thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
PS3 Firmware 3.00 features in development pre-NXE
"What's New" isn't really that new at all. In a conversation with Joystiq, SCEA network director Eric Lempel revealed that the feature has been in development for quite a long time, before Microsoft first revealed the NXE last year. According to Lempel, Sony "didn't want to do a big update," akin to Microsoft's total makeover. Why? "People like the XMB." The Information Board, introduced in firmware 2.00, was always meant to serve as a placeholder for the "What's New" feature, Lempel admitted. This evolution of the PS3 operating system will make it clear to PS3 owners "what the latest and greatest is" on the PlayStation Store -- and yes, the system will continue to evolve over future iterations. One missing feature that might appear later on? The ability to see all DLC for a specific title, something NXE currently provides. Firmware 3.00 will be available to download on September 1st and, while the PS3 Slim will debut shortly afterwords, it will not come preloaded on the hardware. Instead, new PS3 Slim owners will download a day-one upgrade to 3.00.
XMB battery meter glitch 'definitely being corrected'
PSN's Eric Lempel is doing the interview rounds, talking up the PlayStation Network and how far it has come over the last few years. Obviously, people tend to be more interested in the service's future and what's coming in future firmware updates. Lempel remained tight-lipped, but let slip a few interesting nuggets of info -- such as the fact that he's as angry as consumers about the XMB battery life meter bug. You know, the way the battery meter covers the clock when you press the PS button in-game. Annoying, right? That's "definitely being corrected," so you can check that one off your list. Lempel also said that he feels PSN is no longer playing catch-up with Xbox Live: "I don't think there's a lot of 'catch up' [with XBL] anymore. In some cases, I think we've got more, and we've got some other things they don't have." He confirms that in-game voice chat is in the works. No release date, but they're working on it. Lastly, Lempel expects that "PSN would be great" for the upcoming motion controllers. Hopefully, more support than the PlayStation Eye's meager offerings. Source -- Eric Lempel interview @ Industry GamersSource -- Eric Lempel interview @ PC World [Thanks, Bryan]
Video: Sony's XBR9 and Z-series TVs herald the death of the set-top-box
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?
Sony debuts connected BRAVIA Z5500 LCD HDTV line
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]
PSP firmware 5.50 arrives to fulfill your every subfolder exploration need
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.]
PlayTV's NZ debut purportedly delayed to add Freeview HD support
Bret? Present. Jemaine? Present. Murray? Present. PlayTV? ... Sony's PlayTV DVR add-on for the PlayStation 3 suffered through more than one delay before going on sale in Europe, and it appears thing will be no different in New Zealand, but at least with good reason - they're getting HD working this time. As it stands, the original version's dual HD DVB-T tuners are pretty useless since there aren't any Freeview stations broadcasting in that format in the UK and FreeSat HD support is still up in the air. David Hine from Sony revealed on the ButtonMasher podcast that a push back 'til the end of the year is related to the spread of high definition on the island, so that they can "work in" HD support before it launches, unleashing Remote Play and XMB powered HDTV watching upon the populace so they can catch season two of Flight of the Conchords as it was meant to be seen.
Unified UI previews the future of Samsung hardware
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.
Sony brings Yahoo! widgets to 1080p ZBR9 / Z-Series HDTVs
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.
Sony says it has no plans for revamped XMB, Netflix service
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]
Sony won't ape NXE, no plans for Netflix on PS3
According to Sony, there's nothing wrong with the Current PlayStation Experience (CPE). In an interview with GamePro, SCEA's hardware guru, John Kohler, said that the company has no plans to make any "grand-scale changes" to the PS3's XrossMediaBar interface, a la the New Xbox Experience. "We haven't had many navigation complaints about the XMB interface, so the XMB will be a part of PlayStation products moving forward," Kohler said. "That doesn't mean we're closed off to changing certain parts of it – there are areas in which we can certainly improve, and we look to do so in the future."But what about one of our fave features of the NXE: Netflix Instant Queue streaming? "We've concentrated most of our efforts on our download service, both rentals and downloads of movies and TV shows," Kohler responded when asked about the potential for Netflix on PS3, adding, "Our efforts will continue to be there, because our customers want to own the content." How about "own some content," for reality's sake?[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Sony: No plans to change XMB or offer Netflix service
After Microsoft's successful launch of the NXE (New Xbox Experience), GamePro had a few questions to ask Sony. The redesigned interface for Xbox certainly looks a lot sleeker than before -- would Sony consider changing up the XMB (Xcross Media Bar) to make it feel new and fresh? Unlikely, according to John Kohler. "Grand-scale changes [to XMB] are probably not realistic, because it's something that's been so well-received," he states. The XMB is used in a number of Sony products, from PS3 to PSP to DVR systems and HDTVs. Why change something that's uniquely "Sony"? However, Kohler does note that PS3 fans that are vocal about a change are likely to get it. "If consumers pound on our door loudly enough, we'll make sure they're listened to. That's been evident in the firmware updates [for the PS3 and PSP], which came out because of consumer feedback."One of the big changes added to the NXE was the addition of Netflix streaming support. However, it doesn't appear Sony will offer a competitor to the service any time soon. "We've concentrated most of our efforts on our download service, both rentals and downloads of movies and TV shows. Our efforts will continue to be there, because our customers want to own the content." Netflix offers users access to a large number of titles to stream for a monthly fee; Sony's model allows users to buy the content a la carte. While we wish Sony would also offer an unlimited rental service for the PlayStation Store, there is an alternative that we've been using lately: Hulu. Ever since the last firmware update, we've been visiting the site to catch up on our favorite TV shows. Now if only Sony would add Hulu to the XMB ...
PlayStation Home hacked, the search for backup exploits begins
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]
Amazon Video On Demand officially live on BRAVIA Internet Video Link
We knew good and well it was coming, but Sony finally spilled the beans on bringing Amazon Video On Demand to BRAVIA Internet Video Link users. For folks with compatible Sony BRAVIA televisions equipped with the optional BRAVIA Internet Video Link, they can now tap into "tens of thousands of premium movies and TV shows," and additionally, they can now stream high-definition content from Dailymotion and other providers at no additional cost. Huzzah!
Amazon Video on Demand for BRAVIA Internet Video Link open for business?
Amazon's latest video delivery service is apparently live for Sony Bravia Internet Video Link-equipped customers. A reader reports that after a rather low key system message and reboot the Amazon Video on Demand logo added itself to his streaming options, joining YouTube and other providers available since the $299 add-on launched back in April. Amazon's website still lists shows it as being in beta, but they're probably just too busy with Home or those HD TiVo downloads to bother dropping a line. Anyone else noticing a new option on the XMB lately?[Thanks, Jared]
PS3 2.40 bricking caused by 'certain' system admin data
The good news is, well, you've seen the good news. The bad news is, if you can't see the good news ... there is no good news. Speaking through semi-official community site Three Speech, SCEE has released a statement reiterating that PlayStation 3 update 2.41 (the good news) has been released, fixing the bricking issue associated with update 2.40. The statement attributes affected 2.40 users' inability to load the console's XMB to "certain system administrative data ... contained on the HDD." Spooky. Unfortunately, if you're the proud parent of one of a "limited number" of bricked PS3s, you're stuck with your brick, a fix, and no way to wed the two. SCEE recommends contacting Customer Service (presumably for a new or repaired unit) -- or you can wipe your PS3 hard drive on your own (losing all data in the process) and try reinstalling. This is, if you haven't guessed already, the bad news.
PS3 firmware 2.40 is live
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]
The PS3 Trophy sound and other 2.40 FAQs answered
With the help of PSN director of operations, Eric Lampel, PlayStation.Blog has compiled a Firmware v2.40 FAQ, answering many of our most common questions. In most cases, with "No." Voice messaging? No. In-game web browsing? Negative. In-game display settings? Nope. In-game shopping? Uh-uh. In-game music streaming? Pfft. Cross-game invites? Sorry. Well, okay, what about Trophies -- will they make a funky little noise when unlocked (like Achievements!)? Of course not ... er, wait a minute: "I got an email from Eric asking me to update this post; there *will* be a sound effect when a user unlocks a trophy. You'll be hearing it soon enough. Hopefully a lot."%Gallery-26426%[Via PS3 Fanboy] Check out more information about Firmware 2.40's features, including the Trophy system and video of the in-game XMB in action.
PS3 firmware 2.40 update coming tomorrow
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]
PS3 firmware 2.40: The good, the bad, and the belated
User profile - click to enlarge After all of the build-up, you'd think there would be a collective round of high-fives in the PS3 camp now that the next evolution of the system's functionality is official. While it's true that some of the features being introduced in firmware 2.40 are welcome enhancements we've been waiting quite a while for, there are also a number of expected features missing and shortcomings to ones that made it in that have us scratching our heads. Read on after the break for our take on what works, what doesn't quite work, and what's just plain missing from version 2.40 of the PS3's operating system. %Gallery-26426%
