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PlayStation Plus coming via PS3 firmware 3.40 (update: now available)
At last, the first post-E3 firmware update for the PlayStation 3, and as you might've suspected, this one's got PlayStation Plus packed into the mix. We've talked about the service a bit so far, but to recap, $50 annual nets you a 50 percent discount on PSN titles, early access to betas, and one hour of demo time on select full titles (among other benefits). If you're not willing to shell out the Ulysses S Grant, however, however, there's a few other treats in the software patch, including five-star ratings for content purchased on the Store, video editor and uploader for Facebook and YouTube (note: not a video capture service, gotta use what the HDD already has), and expanded integration into Picasa and Facebook photo galleries. Speaking of Facebook, a new app will appear on the social site for showing off your PSN profile and befriending others. As usual, no exact date for the firmware is given, but if history's any indication, it won't be very long at all. Update: We just checked our consoles and, sure enough, the update is live. We're downloading now and will let you know if there's anything peculiar. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] %Gallery-96494%
PS3 firmware 3.40 update adds enhanced Facebook integration, video editing 'soon'
PS3 firmware update 3.40 is on the way "soon," according to Sony, but since it adds the framework for PlayStation Plus, which launches tomorrow, we think it's safe to expect the update to arrive today or early tomorrow. In addition to support for the new subscription service, firmware 3.40 adds a few new features to the XMB. The photo gallery is now enhanced with sharing capabilities, allowing users to upload to Facebook and Picasa, browse and comment on photos, and share photos with PSN friends. And strangely enough, you'll now be able to edit video on the PS3 through the new "Video Editor and Uploader" function. Those videos can then be put on Facebook or YouTube directly from the PS3. In addition to these new media sharing options, users can now rate PlayStation Store purchases with up to five stars (which was a totally original idea when a certain website started doing it), and have access to more power-saving settings, including a default automatic-turnoff time of two hours. The most interesting new PS3 user experience upgrade is actually totally separate from the PS3. Sony is introducing a PSN application for Facebook, allowing users to display their PSN profiles directly into their Facebook accounts, view friends' profiles, and send PSN friend requests through Facebook. Yes, you'll be able to use one social networking service to invite your friends to connect with you on another.
Sony explains PlayStation Plus: here's what your $50 annually buys (update)
With less than a week before PlayStation Network's premium subscription plan launches, many gamers still haven't the foggiest idea what it does -- which isn't terribly promising for a service that costs $50 a year, or even $18 for three months. Thankfully, the official PlayStation.Blog has stepped forward to clear up that noise, explaining more concretely what comes with PlayStation Plus. While you'll still get online network play for free -- assuming you've accepted Sophie's Sony's Choice -- if you choose to pay the extra fee you'll get free monthly games attached to your account, as long as you remain a subscriber. Furthermore, PSN titles will be discounted up to 50 percent by the sheer power of your will, you'll get early access to betas, and you can try certain full games for an hour (not just a demo) before you buy them. You can also turn on an automatic update feature that will download patches and the like automatically, and the company hints it may even (finally) bring us cross-game voice chat. Without knowing which games are included, we still don't know if it's worth our annual Ulysses S. Grant, but at least now the service sounds like it's worthy of consideration. Update: Looks like the US will get a free copy of Wipeout HD at launch, and European gamers will get LittleBigPlanet as well -- see our more coverage link for the full EU slate. Now that's more like it.
European PlayStation Plus subscribers get free LittleBigPlanet [update]
If you live in Europe and were intrigued by the deals, trial games and complimentary downloads offered by the recently announced PlayStation Plus subscription plan, you might want to sign up with a quickness.
Video interview: Sony's John Koller, on PlayStation Plus, Steamworks and more
In the first half of our video interview with John Koller, we talked about PSP, Sony's expectations for the PSP Go, and a new marketing direction for the portal. In the second half of our video interview with Sony's John Koller, we chat about some of E3's key surprises, including PlayStation Plus and Steamworks. What can we expect from Sony's new partnership with Valve? How did it come together? Furthermore, what kind of services will PlayStation Plus offer? These questions and more in part two, viewable after the break.
Video Interview: Sony's John Koller, on PSP Go, PSN and PS3
SCEA's director of hardware and marketing sat down for an intimate 30-minute chat with us at E3 this year. In the first part of this video interview, we talk primarily about the PSP, and Sony's expectations for the PSP Go. In the second part, we also talk about the PlayStation Network, and Sony's future plans for PlayStation Plus and cross-game chat.
Cross-game party chat coming to PS3 (with strings attached) [Update]
Update: A Sony representative reached out to us, saying "Cross-game voice chat was not announced as part of PlayStation Plus." The feature was not officially announced at E3, however sources familiar with the situation say that this incentive will be announced at a later date. "The new offering provides subscribers features such as frequent discounts on PlayStation Store content, free and exclusive access to select games, full game trials, early invitations to select betas of popular games, and new functionality such as content downloads and updates which will automatically be "pushed" to the PS3 system." Cross-game chat is coming to the PlayStation Network! According to our sources at the company, Sony will offer cross-game chat, which allows PSN members to talk to each other, even while playing different games. However, the oft-demanded feature does come with one large caveat: chats can only be initiated by PlayStation Plus members. PlayStation Plus members will be able to send invites to any member of the PlayStation Network, free or paid. Up to four PSN members can be in a party chat, however at least one participant must be a member of PlayStation Plus. The chat will discontinue if all paying members disconnect. While some may be disappointed that such a hotly demanded feature is closed behind a pay wall, the service is still technically available to free members. So long as you're popular and have friends that pay for PlayStation Plus, you should be able cross-game chat and keep your free ride, too.
PlayStation Plus announced, available later this month for $49 per year
Sony has confirmed its intentions to offer a premium for-pay version of the PlayStation Network. The name is slightly different from what was initially reported, and will now be called PlayStation Plus. Online play will still be available for all PSN members, free and paying. PlayStation Plus offers a number of added perks, though: Exclusive in-game DLC and other content Free full games, changing each month Early access to demos and betas Auto-patching feature, which will detect, download and install updates PlayStation Plus will be available later this month for $49 annually, or $18 for three months. Subscribers will receive Wipeout HD, a demo for inFamous, Fieldrunners, Age of Zombies, Rallycross and a handful of themes and avatars for free throughout July. One caveat: When you unsubscribe from the service, you lose access to all the free content you downloaded.
PlayStation Plus announced at E3: $50 / year
And here it is! PlayStation Plus has been announced. As we suspected, the PlayStation Network itself will not change, while power users can upgrade for $50 a year or $18 for three months. And to sweeten the deal, your first three months are free. And what do you get for your hard earned dough? Tons of premium content, including "hundreds of dollars of products" throughout the year, early access to betas, and Qore. Sony is also indicating that Plus subscribers will be able to send voice messages to other gamers to invite them to play, even if they've made the foolish decision to not subscribe to Plus. Naturally, though, they won't be able to reply in kind unless they too pony up the cash.
