Ps3Firmware
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Joystiq Guide: PlayStation 3 firmware 1.80
After a day spent wrestling with various settings, we're finally ready to report on our findings with the PlayStation 3's latest 1.80 firmware. The most notable new features of the update were DLNA media streaming support and 1080p upscaling for PlayStation / PlayStation 2 games and DVDs. Both of these features bring the PlayStation 3 that much closer to the functionality of the Xbox 360; unfortunately, we experienced a series of setbacks when playing with the functionality. Read on for our impressions, or check the gallery for a guided tour. %Gallery-3428%
PS3 firmware 1.80 to upscale your old games and DVDs [update]
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has just announced the list of features included in the PlayStation 3's 1.80 firmware update, currently scheduled for release tomorrow, May 24th, on European (Update: And American!) consoles. The downloadable update includes the following features: 1080p upscaling for DVDs, PS2 and PS1 games. Whether or not the PS3 natively boosts the resolution of games isn't specified, but any form of upscaling should help soften the visual blows received from that fancy HDTV of yours. Upscaled DVD movies won't compare well to Blu-ray movies, but they'll tide you over until American Ninja 4 gets a release on Sony's format. Note that DVD movies can only be upconverted using an HDMI connection. PSP Remote Play via internet. This time it might really work! If you find yourself longing for the content on your PS3 but are unable to make it home, the PSP can display your media through the terrifying power of the internets. You'll need PSP firmware 3.5 though -- and that's not out until the end of the month. DLNA media center connectivity. Media content stored on DLNA-enabled PCs and laptops can be shared and viewed on PS3 systems. Print photos with Epson printers. Images stored on the PS3 hard drive can be printed using compatible printers. Enhanced save file transfer. Saved PlayStation or PlayStation 2 game files can now be transferred from the PS3 back onto a PS1/PS2 memory card via the Memory Card Adaptor. Will we see the mysterious 2.0 firmware update next?%Gallery-3389%[Via PS3 Fanboy, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Rumor: PS3 firmware 2.0 details leaked
A user on the official PlayStation forums asserts to have a full list of features meant for an upcoming PlayStation 3 firmware update. The "2.0" update contains several significant changes for Sony's system, including the ability to access the Emmy award-winning XcrossMediaBar menu system during gameplay. The method of selecting output resolution is marked for change once again, as is the backwards compatibility range of PAL consoles.Sony has officially dismissed these details, however, lumping them firmly into a category of elaborate speculation. "We haven't released any information regarding a new firmware update for PS3, and don't comment on rumors or speculation." Feel free to comment yourself after perusing the list after the break.
PSone titles now working on PlayStation 3 and PSP
If you've been hankering to play those classic PSone games on something besides your PSP (or your, uh, PSone ...), then your reception of Sony's recent 1.7 PS3 firmware update was likely something of a mixed bag. On the one hand, news that the PSone emulation software was enabled, allowing you to play the games you've already been rocking on your handheld, was great; however, the revelation that the functionality would not work until May probably left you a little frustrated.Well, it's May and Sony has announced that the PSone format software available from the PlayStation Store will now be operable on both the PS3 and PSP systems. If you've already purchased any titles, you'll be able to re-download them to your PS3 at no additional charge. We'll give our copy of Crash Bandicoot a spin on the PS3 later today and report back on how it goes. Now, if we could only skip the PS3 entirely and download straight to the PSP ...
PS3 firmware upped to 1.7, issues with playing PS classics on PS3
The PlayStation 3 firmware has updated to 1.7, which purportedly allows you to play your downloaded PS One titles on the console itself. Here's what else got updated: Your PSOne and PS2 controllers and accessories will now rumble. You can now use PSOne save files from your PSP on the PS3. The PSP firmware also received an upgrade to 3.4. Unfortunately, we are having serious issues with playing PS One games that are already saved on our PSP -- namely, it's not working at all-- but the console is properly detecting our PSP save files. Our fanboy brethren are also experiencing similar issues. Will the PS Store update and offer users compatible files?[Update: Sony has acknowledged the issue; it will be fixed in May.]
PS3 1.60: Background downloading works while gaming
So we knew that the PlayStation 3 1.60 firmware update would add the much requested background downloading function, and we'd heard rumors that background downloading wouldn't work while gaming, but thanks to a press release from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (we hear they've got something going on this week), it looks like the system will be able to download stuff while you're playing games. Apparently, the system will allow you to queue up six pieces of content from the PlayStation Store while using other functions of the system, notably playing games and watching videos (Blu-ray?). These downloads can be tracked using a new "Download Management" menu under the XMB's Network icon. While at first you may think the ability to just queue up downloads while gaming doesn't necessarily mean those downloads will proceed, IGN confirmed with Sony that "you'll be able to play games offline while downloads work in the background, and if you hop online your queue will simply pause until you disconnect." We'll be sure to test out the functionality tomorrow when 1.60 drops.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
PS3 firmware 1.60 adds background downloading; due March 22nd
A Japanese PlayStation press release reveals details and a date for the next PS3 firmware update, 1.60. On March 22nd, Sony is finally releasing background downloading for the PlayStation Store in addition to the Folding@home client, Remote Play for 20GB PS3s removing the built-in wireless requirement, a full-size on-screen keyboard, and enhanced browser viewing functionality. These features fall in line with earlier comments by Sony's Phil Harrison. While we applaud the new functionality, notably background downloading, we're assuming the emulation software necessary for playing back earlier PlayStation titles -- necessary for European PS3 units to maintain backwards compatibility -- will be included in this update as well. If not, we would assume the software will come pre-installed on European PS3s alone, before being trotted out to the rest of the world. Harrison has promised that a list of backwards compatible titles will be made available on March 23, and that that list would grow with every subsequent PS3 firmware update, so we're curious to see what Thursday's update includes and how it's received.[Via Loot Ninja]Read - Japanese PlayStation.com press release
PS3 firmware v1.54 adds UVC camera support
It may not be the one you were waiting for, but today's PlayStation 3 firmware v1.54 update brings additional video-camera support to the console: The image of the person you are chatting with during video chat can now be changed to match the screen size (explanation here) You can now use a USB camera compatible with USB video class (UVC) for video chat That is all. Carry on.
PlayStation 3 1.51 update fixes Blu-ray pausing?
Barely a week after the 1.50 update went live, some of you may have been prompted to install yet another firmware update for your PS3 this morning. Though it seems like Sony is getting their act together -- updating their US firmware page with the update the very same day -- the actual information contained in said update isn't what we'd call informative:New for 1.51: Support for PLAYSTATION®3 format software titles has been expanded.So the console can play more PS3 games? Support for existing games has been expanded? Doesn't sound like something worthy of its own point release, each of which requires users to go through an arduous update process, nearly blind mind you, hoping for the best. After poring over the PlayStation.com forums, it seems an obnoxious Blu-ray pausing bug introduced with the 1.50 update may have been squashed with this update, but it's tough to be sure. If it was fixed, why not just write that?[Thanks, Delive]Read - PlayStation forums on 1.51 updateRead - PlayStation.com updates page
PS3 1.5 firmware update clears up backwards compatibility, implements other changes [update 1]
While the complete change log of the latest PlayStation 3 update (v1.50) is still conspicuously absent from public eye, it's been widely reported that Sony has corrected the fugly resolution issues that plagued PS1 and PS2 titles (those not originally coded for 480p output) when played on the new rig. That's right, no more (unprecedented) artifacts and jaggies. Huzzah!Note: the fix does not upscale the original resolutions of PS1 or PS2 games.Update: PS3 Fanboy has posted a list of additional changes implemented by the update: A personal image/photo can now be used with a user ID Edy support added 'Operation Sound' added to sound settings 'Delete Backup Data' added to backup utilities WEP128, WPA-PSK (TKIP), WPA-PSK(AES) can now utilize AOSS Login password can be saved without setting the system to log in automatically Korean keyboard setting now available [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
PS3 firmware version 1.5 (almost) ready for download
Owners of 720p LCDs, look away... now. Sony Japan has outlined details of its next PS3 firmware update, due tomorrow, but there's no mention of 720p Blu-Ray playback. So yes, as expected, unless you own a 1080p display you'll still have no choice but to watch BD movies in 1080i. (You should see us all scowling, Sony.)The good news about 1.5 is that Japan's cell phone wallet system (Edy) will become useable as a PlayStation Store payment method; a new audio option will enable the volume of user interface sounds to be changed; and you'll be able to use your own photo as your system user icon. Oh, and you'll be able to get Korean input from a USB keyboard -- we almost forget to mention that!For the Blu-Ray 720p fix, though, please don't hold your breath -- your face could turn a dangerous shade of mauve.
PS3 firmware 1.32 updates something
Unlike our PS3-hungry colleagues at PS3 Fanboy, we decided to delay upgrading our PS3 to the latest firmware version until the US website listed the download's contents. In English. We could have settled for the crude, machine-translated Japanese version which only suggested that "network performance of system software was strengthened" but we decided to wait for the (no doubt) far more informative English explanation. This morning, we checked again and found the US site updated, claiming that "the online gaming functionality of the system software has been updated" with the 1.32 firmware. Ohhhh.We're still a couple months away from that major firmware update we keep hearing about, and the strange high-def resolution issue continues to puzzle us, but for now we're happy with our updated online gaming functionality. Whatever that is.[Thanks, Delive]
Sony remains tight-lipped about PS3 European launch, firmware updates
Sony continues to withhold information pertaining to PlayStation 3's European debut and firmware updates that might coincide with the launch. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, a Sony spokesperson wrote off launch date and major firmware upgrade rumors as "pure speculation" and would not confirm guesstimates about the release dates of the Sing Store music service and HDip camera.Sony appears content to let rumors and bad press control the popular opinion of its current console campaign, insistently refusing to address a launch that's supposedly less than four months away, or offer some insight into its plans for improving PS3's deficiencies. Why is Sony hiding? How should we interpret the silence that follows Time's smearing?
Sony talks spring cleaning, major PS3 firmware update in the works
During his appearance at a meet-and-greet for semi-official Sony blog ThreeSpeech, Phil Harrison allegedly confirmed a major PlayStation 3 firmware update would be rolled out in March to coincide with the console's launch in Europe (should the delay rumor prove false). According to an unidentified attendee, Harrison outlined some of the features to be included in the update, expanding on SCEE VP of Technology Paul Holman's hint that the update would focus on improving PS3's capabilities as a media center: Multi-tasking; includes voice/video-chat while browsing XMB Auto-resume for downloads from PlayStation Store PSP Remote Play upgrade (access PS3 media via WiFi connection) New animations during audio playback Enhanced photo album functionality Additional XMB display options While still vague, these features definitely focus on PS3's non-gaming abilities. Anything you'd like to see added to the list?[Via 1UP]
PS3 firmware 1.31 adds Final Fantasy XI support
A PlayStation 3 firmware update is now available for the system, nudging it along from version 1.30 to 1.31. While the US update page still doesn't list the contents of the download (c'mon Sony, if you can write the code and push it live, you can at least let us know what's in it), the Japanese page does. So now we stumble around, trying to decipher Japanese and piece together just what it is we've just stuck on our PS3. According to this machine translated page, they've added "installation of hard disk private PlayStation®2 standard software." Sure, this doesn't make any sense but if you think like a machine (follow this link), you'll realize they surely mean that PS2 software that heretofore required that system's HDD attachment is now functional. This includes Nobunaga's Ambition Online and Final Fantasy XI.The Japanese page instructs us to download the "PS2 System Data" from the PlayStation Store; however, try as we might, we're unable to find the download. We're guessing a copy of either of the aforementioned titles may be required to install this functionality. Regardless, it's clear that -- especially if they're going to insist on frequent, mandatory updates -- Sony should consider being more communicative with their audience. Kaz, now that you're over in Japan, let 'em know that gamers in North America care about this stuff too!
PS3 firmware 1.30 "fixes" 1080i problem
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/PS3_firmware_1_30_fixes_1080i_problem_In_other_words_not_fixes'; There is an outstanding 1080i problem on the PlayStation 3. This problem has not been fixed by today's 1.30 firmware update.What has been fixed: the system has given a higher priority to 1080i signals so, if available, the console will default to 1080i over 720p. This means that if your HDTV supports 720p, and a game's native resolution (like Resistance: Fall of Man) is 720p, it should display fine in that resolution. If the native resolution is 1080p (NBA07, the XMB interface, Blu-ray movies) and your set supports 1080i and 720p, the console will automatically default to 1080i due to the higher preference, regardless of what your preference is. If you disable the 1080i output so everything will play in your preferred 720p, your Blu-ray movies will drop down to 480p. We're not really sure what problem this update was intended to fix or why the resolution hierarchy isn't user selectable. Luckily, most new HDTVs support both 720p and 1080i making these issues moot for many gamers, but we're hoping (really, it's on our Xmas list) that the eggheads at Sony are working on a holiday-themed upgrade to support downscaling Blu-ray movies to 720p and upscaling some games (like Resistance) to 1080i. Oh, and maybe some of that DVD-upscaling we're hearing about while they're at it.Also included in the update: RGB and Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr output selection over HDMI A backup utility to get your removable media data -- that's SD, Compact Flash, and Memory Stick -- to the HDD HDD formatting option Support for a Bluetooth remote control [Thanks, Matt] Read -- AVS Forums on why 720p owners should not upgrade to 1.30Read -- Machine translated list of updates from jp.playstation.com
Major PS3 firmware update in March?
What better time to roll out features that should have been included in the initial PlayStation 3 launch than with the console's European debut? We kid (sorta). According to SCEE VP of Technology Paul Holman, Sony will deliver a major firmware update with PS3's release in Europe, still planned for March. While Holman did not dwell on specifics, he alluded to the PS3 becoming "as much a media center for the home as it is a gaming machine," enhanced by forthcoming third party operating systems.Assuming Sony does plan to piece together a full-featured patch for March, the strategy looks to mimic Microsoft's, which after two significant Xbox 360 updates (the first coming in spring, after a winter launch) continues to appease fans. Smart move.[Via RegHardware]
PS3 leaps from v1.10 to 1.11
PlayStation 3 owners were greeted by firmware update v1.11 this morning. Aside from customary security tweaks, the mandatory download installs the new 'Account management' network feature, allowing users to add money to their virtual wallets without accessing the store. That's it? That's it, officially.
PS3 firmware upgraded to 1.1, PSP 3.0 later
When PlayStation 3 launches on Saturday in Japan, the first firmware upgrade (v1.10) will be available to anyone lucky enough to score a unit. The update will add support for PlayStation Network.Later this month (post launch) PSP will receive a similar update (firmware v3.00), also enabling PlayStation Network functionality. In addition, with both devices upgraded, "Remote Play" will be possible, allowing users to access content stored on PS3 via PSP.See also: 3.00 firmware to miss PS3 launch
