in-game-xmb
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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]
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.
Video: In-game XMB demonstrated on PS3 v2.40
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.
Watch as all your PS3 dreams come true in this 2.40 video
See the guy in the video above? That's Eric Lempel and he's about to show off the number one requested feature for the PlayStation 3; in-game XMB. This feature is only half of what we can expect in firmware 2.40, which is due out "soon." Watch as Eric effortlessly receives and responds to messages whilst playing a game, swaps immediately from GT5:P to PixelJunk Monsters, switches in some background music from the PS3's HDD and ... searches on google.There's more to come in another video later today, which will show off the trophy system. Not only that, but keep your eyes peeled right here for more detailed, exclusive info on what's to come.
Rumor: In-game XMB features have been revealed
We still don't know when we'll get our dual-shocked mitts on PS3 firmware 2.40, but, if a recent post from CVG is to be believed, we now know what you'll be able to do through the sexy new in-game XMB. The features, which they say came from a super-secret inside source, include: View, send, receive messages Manage downloads Set the vibration feature of the controller Manage Bluetooth devices Use the voice changer ...and several others that we've put after the break. Assuming the list is legit, what do you think? Is this the in-game functionality you've been pining for?[Via PSPF]
PS3 2.40 update includes in-game XMB, trophies
Sony has just confirmed that PlayStation 3 firmware update v2.40 will finally add in-game XMB and trophy support -- but we'll have to wait for update v2.36 first. (Yay for improved "system stability" while playing retro PlayStation games!) Although there's almost no other information to report at this time -- just a hint of "other new enhancements" -- at least we know the rumor is true. Definitely expect more details soon, hopefully before E3 next month.
This in-game XMB video is touted as 'clearer'
The term "clearer" really means a lot when watching this new supposed in-game XMB video. It certainly appears to have more clarity than most online videos, after all. While the feature has been more or less confirmed for firmware version 2.40, it's still interesting to see these videos quickly crop up all over the internet. People have learned to fake a lot of things with the advent of the computer and the internet, but this looks pretty good. We especially enjoy seeing the XMB finally including a clock in the upper right. What do you think?[via PS3Forums]
Resurfaced: the mysterious in-game XMB video
There are rumblings of what might be in the upcoming firmware 2.40. The rumors were solidified when a supposedly leaked video of the upcoming PS3 version of Bioshock was released on the web. Unfortunately, the original source of the video had been removed quickly and quietly ... and we were unable to show you something. The ninja-like death of this video has us believing it has even more credibility, but we're going to have to wait until Sony confirms details officially. Let's hope this hosted video doesn't meet the same quick (and mysterious) death as the original. Update: Another video after the cut. [Thanks, Mads K.!]
Rumor: In-game XMB and BioShock trophies caught on video
More rumors regarding the long-awaiting, promised in-game XMB for the PlayStation 3. A member of the Max Console forums has posted a handful of images and videos what is reportedly the XMB working during BioShock, as well as trophies for the game. We've embedded one of the videos after the break. While certainly more convincing than some of the mockups we've seen (think: MS paint), we still remain skeptical.
Rumor: Firmware 2.40 will include in-game XMB and trophies
A rumor? Really? Let's be honest, here; this is all but confirmed. The general gist is that a document was sent out to developers yesterday detailing the next firmware update. Some sites, such as VideoGaming247 and Gaming Age, have seemingly been told a few of the details by inside sources and the word is spreading like wildwire. Even Insomniac's James Stevenson popped up in the NeoGAF thread to lend credence to the rumor and Jason Dobson over at Joystiq has also confirmed the news via his sources. There's no official word, obviously, so you're going to have to take their word for it.Firmware 2.40 will apparently include in-game XMB and 2D XMB trophies. If true, this may be the firmware update that shuts the fanboys up. As for when it's coming, no-one really knows. Though there is a rumor that it will be out pre-MGS4 in order for the game to take advantage of the trophy system. Now that one is a rumor, so don't be surprised to see MGS4's release come and go without any word on 2.40. We're hoping to see an announcement soon. If we find out anything more, we'll be sure to let you know.
SCEE rep talks PS3 firmware 2.4, in-game communication
You have to love SCEE, they're always good for a great quote or, as is the case today, a delectable nugget of information. While Ray Maguire, chief of the UK division of Sony Computer Entertainment, was bragging on the PS3 to MCV, he said, "Our momentum will continue with the introduction of in-game communication in the summer, firmware update 2.4 and the strongest line-up of games through our third party partners and our own studios." As much as we'd like to be relieved that it's finally on the way, summer still seems like quite a ways out. Honestly, is in-game communication really that difficult?[Via PS3F]
SCEE's Maguire lets slip 'firmware 2.4'
Ray Maguire, chief of the UK division of Sony Computer Entertainment, let slip a few details about an upcoming firmware when speaking with MCV. "Achieving one million PS3 sales faster than both PSOne and PlayStation 2 is even more gratifying considering PS3 is a premium product introduced at a premium price," he told MCV. "Our momentum will continue with the introduction of in-game communication in the summer, firmware update 2.4 and the strongest line-up of games through our third party partners and our own studios. I'd personally like to thank our trade and business partners for helping us on the start of the PS3 journey." [emphasis ours]Remember when Sony's official site leaked in-game messaging, only to have it mysteriously disappear? There's only two conclusions we can get from this: first, in-game messaging is definitely coming this summer. The other? Maguire is going to disappear as well. We'll miss you.[Via NeoGAF]
Rumor: In-game XMB done, Home on its way?
Aren't rumors exciting? They serve to raise your expectations, then dash them when you discover it was all a ruse some chump thought up in a fit of boredom. Before you run around claiming this story circulating the web as fact, let us tell you it's a complete rumor at this point and should only be recognized by a subtle nod if the rumor becomes truth. The rumor? In-game XMB is done and Home is very, very near completion.In addition to that, it's being said that the in-game XMB will be used for all future titles and will be patched into old games via an update. We'll find out after GDC and the next PS3 firmware update, we guess. Until then, it's anyone's guess.
GDC08: Sony t-shirt teases in-game XMB
SCEA just updated their Flickr page (aren't they so web savvy these days?) with an intriguing image: shirts that proudly display the phrase "in-shirt XMB." Apparently, Sony's picked up a sense of humor these days. We can only read this either one of two ways: ZOMG, in-game XMB confirmed!!!1 Sony is just teasing the gaming community in a cruel, but nonetheless humorous, way. In-game XMB has been one of the most commonly requested features for the PS3 since its inception. Currently, gamers are forced to quit games in progress in order to do things like check which friends are online, read a message or play music. This much-awaited feature has been promised for "this year." According to our watches, that includes now. Stay tuned.[Thanks, Matt!]
In-game XMB pics were fake; let's move on
Ever wonder why we sometimes don't write about news stories that are incredibly breaking and almost too good to be true? It's because we're realists and try to keep an objective mind. Or because things are usually too good to be true. Like screenshots of in-game XMB in action. Kotaku is exactly the same way -- except they actually took the initiative to call Sony and ask about the faked screenshots. Sony replied to them bluntly that the pictures were indeed fake and nothing is planned for the next firmware update as far as in-game XMB goes. Too bad.[via Digg]
In-game XMB in '08, swears Sony
Now, we love beating a dead horse as much as the next irate Amish farmer (don't be offended; most Amish don't use the internet so defending them would be kind of silly), but a lot of people don't like hearsay and rumor and tend to wait for official confirmation before busting out some bubbly and causing a catastrophe. We've got it for you, though -- at CES, Sony reps confirmed that in-game XMB is slated to hit your console as an update sometime in '08. It's a pretty rough confirmation, as there are still over 350 days left in 2008. That could mean a lot of waiting.What we have to point out is that other games technically have this feature -- Singstar has an in-game buddy list so you can check on your friends, messages, and the like. Super Stardust HD allows for custom soundtracks. This begs the question -- do we need in-game XMB across the board, or do developers just have to implement a feature in their titles to allow something similar? Older games can obviously get patched. Still, we suppose getting all the games at once under a universal update could be the best move.
