ps3 firmware
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Netflix: PS3 disc must remain in system until 2010 update; and other answers to your pressing questions
Disc is required -- reserve it. Netflix was kind enough to answer a heap of nitpicky questions following the announcement that its steaming service would soon be available for PlayStation 3. Certainly, question marks hovered over the application "disc" and whether or not it would have to always be in the PS3 to use the Netflix streaming service. It turns out that Netflix won't have an integrated XMB solution just yet -- but it's coming.Check out our interview with a Netflix representative for the full details: Joystiq: Was the PS3 application developed internally by Netflix? Netflix: Yes, with the help of the Sony team.Can the Netflix application be installed to the PS3 hard dive from the disc? Or must the disc be inserted every time a user wants to access Netflix?
Rumor: PS3 cross-game chat in next firmware update
Update: Sony says: "We haven't made any announcements on upcoming firmware and don't comment on rumor or speculation." In a PlayStation.com Forums thread about the existing Uncharted 2 chat system, a Naughty Dog staffer with the handle "ReklissAbandon" reportedly said that "the next PS3 firmware update is going to allow cross game chat."Currently, that alleged confirmation is "deleted" (presumably by ReklissAbandon), but the text reappears as a quote a couple of posts down the thread. We've got the full quote after the break in case all record of the statement should meet with an unfortunate accident, and we've also reached out to Sony for comment. In the meantime, please temper your excitement over hearing your friends' voices with a bit of healthy skepticism. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
PS3 Firmware 3.0 troubles spawn class action lawsuit
What's New? For one: a class action lawsuit filed by John Kennedy, who accuses Sony's 3.0-version PlayStation firmware update of breaching implied warranty and signaling an act of negligence (among other complaints). As detailed by Courthouse News Service, the suit alleges that "thousands" of PS3 owners downloaded the update, only to find that it caused the system to malfunction and suffer damage to hardware.While Firmware 3.0 was reported to be problematic (particularly in unison with Naughty Dog's popular action game, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune), Sony soon issued an update to quell concerns. The manufacturer was also quick to separate hardware failures -- such as disc drive errors -- from the firmware update. It's the resulting $150 repair fee that provided impetus to Kennedy's suit, which aims to determine appropriate restitution during trial.[Via Gamasutra]
PS3 3.0 / 3.01 firmware update making Blu-ray drive unusable?
What could possibly cause nearly 700 comments on an official Sony blog post announcing the relatively minor 3.01 firmware update for the PS3? Plaudits? A Kanye meme gone awry? No, it's the age old problem of an update that apparently breaks more than it fixes. In this case, a sizable number of users are reporting that the 3.0 and/or 3.01 update caused their PS3's Blu-ray drive to be all but unusable for both games and Blu-ray movies (although some folks report that DVDs still work). Other users are also reporting intermittent problems like no sound, and some problems with specific games, but it does seem like the complaints are pretty widespread and, as of yet, Sony isn't saying much about them. Bitten by the upgrade bug yourself? Let us know in comments.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
PS3 Firmware 3.01 fix now available
If you've had troubles playing Uncharted since the arrival of PlayStation 3 firmware 3.0, you and Nathan can finally get back to business with the now-available 3.01 update, which Sony says addresses the issue. However, if you were one of those complaining about your controllers not functioning properly after the update, it would seem that you're still out of luck. So, that's the news, you can finally play Uncharted again. But jeez, could the timing be any worse?
Doublesix chalks higher Burn Zombie Burn sales up to Firmware 3.00
Though the PS3 Firmware Update 3.00 failed to bring about the grand, sweeping changes that most of us are waiting for, it's apparently been a boon for PSN developers. In an interview with GamesIndustry, Doublesix claimed that sales for Burn Zombie Burn jumped 40 percent following the update -- largely due to the fact that the downloadable title was featured in the What's New section, which is now the first thing that appears when the PS3 is turned on. According to Doublesix studio head James Brooksby, the PS3 start-up screen has always had a "40 inch advertising space waiting to be used," and that the introduction of the What's New menu is "a major step forward for the entire industry and the digital distribution sector." Obviously, Brooksby completely overlooked the true highlight of the console's latest update: The sparkles. Oh God, the sparkles!
Sony 'looking into' changing PS3's newly redesigned Friends list
This is not what the Friends list currently looks like. Firmware 3.00 brought many changes: some good, some bad. The good? The removal of the PS3 logo at a game's launch, which "makes the loading time a bit quicker than before." The bad? A few aesthetic changes, most notoriously the redesigned Friends list. Inexplicably, the latest software update added large gray boxes around each individual user ID, making for a cluttered look that simply didn't jive with the elegance of the XMB. SCEE's PS3 Brand Manager appeared on the EU PlayStation.Blog to admit that "updates to firmware don't always suit everyone's tastes."Thankfully, the Friends list is something Sony is "looking into based on your comments." Mark Bowles added, "We really do appreciate the feedback you guys give us, both positive and negative."Sony, may we recommend you take some inspiration from the mock-ups (seen above) created by Steven Shaw? The "box" idea works really well, when implemented correctly. Above, Shaw uses the box to highlight the selected user, and then takes advantage of the screen real estate to provide instant access to useful information. We're quite fond of his work -- you should definitely check out more.
Sony looking into reported Firmware 3.0 issues
Players frantically mashing buttons on their unresponsive controllers, wondering why all action in Uncharted has come to a bizarre (albeit visually stunning) standstill, may have become victims of the PlayStation 3's "isolated" Firmware 3.0 issues. Writing on the PlayStation Blog, Sony's Patrick Seybold has assured readers that Sony is aware of the complaints."Rest assured that we are looking into the matter and will provide an update here as soon as possible," Seybold wrote. "We apologize for any inconvenience, as it's our mission to deliver the best consumer experience on all PlayStation platforms." Hang in there, Nate, help is on the way!
PS3 firmware 3.0 locking out knock-off controllers?
Well, here's a bit of a curious situation. As Joystiq reports, it wasn't long after the PS3 firmware 3.0 went live that the first reports of problems started cropping up, with one particularly nagging issue being that some controllers (specifically the CECHZC2H Ceramic White DualShock3) seemed to be locked out of the console once the update was installed. After hashing it out a bit on the official PlayStation3 forum, however, users apparently determined that the controllers in question were in fact knock-offs and not official Sony product, which raises some different but just as interesting questions. Namely, is Sony locking the knock-offs out on purpose, or is firmware 3.0 just too much for them to handle? For its part, Sony doesn't seem to be saying anything on the matter just yet, but we'll keep you posted. [Via Joystiq]
Firmware 3.00 blamed for malfunctioning PS3 controllers
A growing thread on the official PlayStation 3 forum alleges the recent hardware firmware upgrade to version 3.00 has spawned a host of controller connection issues for PS3 users. According to the forum, various wireless controllers -- some users specifically naming DualShock3 model CECHZC2H (Ceramic White) -- are unable to connect to the console. When turned on, users claim the controller LEDs for ports 1 and 2 activate, but the controller remains inoperable.Users attempting to troubleshoot the problem claim that resetting the controller (through the built-in pinhole reset function) and plugging it directly into the console (via USB) do not correct the error, with one user going so far as doing a complete system restore to no avail. The issue, however, appears to be isolated, but is still a concern for a number of gamers.Update: Overnight, the issue has spawned an interesting development. Users are pointing out that the problem may be isolated to "knock-off" PS3 controllers. Joystiq has contacted Sony for an update to see if XMB 3.00 targets these fakes or if the controller issue is simply a byproduct of the controllers not being able to catch up with the new firmware.
Firmware 3.0 loading times contrasted with 2.8
Aside from sparkly background support and an expanded XMB interface, we've yet to point-2 many of the smaller differences between the PlayStation 3's 2.8-version firmware and its latest 3.0 update. Thankfully, we have the internet for that, and it's given us some new pedantic comparison videos to mull over and possibly dispute!Youtube user "PS3slimComparison" has documented console startup times, Blu-ray launch times and video game loading times on his PS3 Slim, first equipped with Firmware 2.8, and then Firmware 3.0. Waiting times appear to be shorter with 3.0 (and who doesn't want to get into Arkham Asylum as fast as possible?), but we were curious to discover if there would be a notable speed improvement on a 60GB PS3 with the latest software. Based on our informally derived test results (see them after the break), the answer appears to be a curt "no." It's possible that 3.0 is tailored to take advantage of the Slim's newer hardware, excluding longtime owners from any supposed speed gains.Speculation aside, we were shocked to find just how much quicker 3.0 is when it comes to Uncharted -- on 2.8, the game takes forever to freeze. [Via PlayStation forums; thanks, Garrett]
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!]
PSA: Firmware 3.00 now available
If you haven't been selecting "System Update" from your XMB every few minutes this evening like we have, now's the time to do so. Sony has released PlayStation 3 firmware 3.00, which tweaks several long-time features (no more battery meter blocking the clock!), adds the What's New section (above) and introduces features such as animated themes.Once you've updated, drop your comments with the others below and let us know what you think Sony got right (and wrong) with this release.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
PlayStation 3 firmware 3.0 now available
Right on schedule, PlayStation 3 firmware 3.0 is now out and being fed directly into your console (should you opt to download it, at least), offering a number of changes to the user interface and Trophies section and animated themes with avatars. Be sure to come back and let us know what you think! Update: We're running the update now and the changelog that shows up on the PS3 has two new features we hadn't heard about: simultaneous audio output across connectors and control of video playback (slow motion, fast forward and rewind) using the right stick. Nice!
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.
Sony announces PS3 firmware 3.0, European PlayStation Video Store, Digital Reader comics viewer
Sony just announced a bunch of tweaks and additions to the PS3, PSP, and PlayStation Network at GamesCom, chief among them the new PS3 firmware 3.0. The new code features animated themes with avatars, a new status indicator, a modified friends list, assorted interface changes, tweaks to trophies, and a What's New section that replaces the Information Board. Sony's also bringing the PlayStation Video store to the UK, France, Germany and Spain in November, with more planned expansion in 2010 -- customers will be able to rent and buy films in SD and HD, and while it'll open with just movies, other content will be added as time goes on. The PSP is also getting a Digital Reader comics viewer, with lots of heavy hitters like Marvel on board to provide content -- Marvel says the PSP could become their biggest distribution outlet. We'll see about that -- for now, check a video of firmware 3.0 after the break.Update: Digital Reader press release after the break.
PS3 firmware 3.00 revamps XMB, adds 'What's New'
As many of you predicted, Sony has announced a brand new firmware update for PS3. The big three point zero. Firmware 3.00 will offer support for animated XMB themes and a "What's New" section. At GamesCom, SCEE presented a theme with an animated Sackboy running on a globe. The redesigned XMB makes it easier to see what's updated in the PlayStation Store (both Video and Game content), so some comparisons to Xbox 360's NXE can be made. The firmware will also have some Euro-specific applications, with shortcuts appearing on the XMB for various video services from BBC, RTVe, Antena 3, LaSexta and other European channels. Check out all the official details after the break. Update: The firmware update will be available on September 1st.
Rumor: PS3 firmware 3.0 'a completely new system' [Update: Sony responds!]
[Update: Unsurprisingly, Sony has squashed these rumors flat. PlayStation's Patrick Seybold told us, "Those rumors are completely untrue, nothing has been announced or confirmed for upcoming PlayStation firmware, and this is just wild speculation." Well, we don't know about wild ... you haven't heard our speculation about your existing PS3 transforming into a PS3 Slim after applying the 3.0 firmware. It's true!]Sure, PS3 Firmware 2.80 didn't do much – what did it do again? – but if a new rumor out of VG247 is to be believed, Firmware 3.0 will deliver "a completely new system" to the PS3 and it'll do it by Christmas. So, let's run down this list, shall we? This "huge overhaul" will include "a reputation system," a "grief reporting system," support for background patch downloading, and "simultaneous HDMI and digital optical outputting" (we're assuming this means simultaneous HDMI audio and optical audio output ... though we're not sure who that would be useful to).That's it? That doesn't sound like a "completely new system" to us. VG247 says they've been told more, but we'll "just have to wait" before they share that info – uh, thanks? So, does that list check off any of your must have features? We know, we know ... voice chat is still missing, so other than that?
Firmware 2.80 coming soon, does very little [update]
It's deja vu time. Another firmware update which seemingly does nothing. Firmware 2.80 has, according to PlayStation Network's Eric Lempel, a single feature. "The playback quality of some PLAYSTATION 3 format software has been improved." Of course, it's bound to do something, so the first person to download and discover the trophy improvements / added video codec compatibilities / kitten spawner* wins a cookie. Should be out within the next 24 hours, if other releases are anything to go by. [Update] Firmware 2.80 is now available. Notice anything different? *Please note, 2.80 may very well not include any of these things. We just don't know.
PS3 firmware 2.70 brings 16-player in-game text chat [update]
Congratulations: your PS3 is about to receive another firmware update. Sony has just announced the details for firmware 2.70, which includes in-game text chat for up to 16 people at a time. Check out the video after the break to see how it works. Additionally, you can now sort friends in your friends list alphabetically by online status and last login time. Files you send to your friends can now be as large as 3MB. For those of you in the US, this firmware update also allows you to transfer video files from the PSN Video Store between the PSP and PS3. No word on when this update will hit, but it shouldn't be long. Judging from previous releases, they usually go live the morning after the PlayStation Blog posts the info. We'll keep you informed.[Update] 2.70 is now live. The pre-download patch list details the following additional features: The ability to search the net about a particular game direct from the game section of the XMB using the triangle menu The ability to cut and paste text (does that mean the PS3 is better than the iPhone now?) A Dynamic Normalizer to prevent sudden increases in volume between music tracks In-game voice chat (not really!)
