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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.
Sony officially reveals PS3 firmware 2.40 features, coming July 2
Following months of rumors, speculation, and – most of all – waiting, Sony has officially unveiled version 2.40 of the PlayStation 3's operating system and XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface. Joystiq got a look at it in action last week and can finally unzip our lips about what we saw.In a nutshell, the update introduces most of the features we've seen floating around as rumors for some time. Here's the short list of what you can now do without exiting from games: In-game XMB (a quick tap of the PS button brings it up) View game-specific Trophies (We'll have more on this major feature at 8AM EST / 5AM PST) Time / date display Send text messages to PSN users on your friends list Access accessory settings, such as Bluetooth pairing and voice changer View and manage downloads Quits game directly from an icon under the "Game" section of the XMB Search the web using the Google Search option under "Network" (similar to the latest PSP firmware) Launch directly into another game from the one you're currently playing Play music tracks stored on the HDD in games that support this feature Access a new on-screen music player interface (when listening to your own tracks in supported titles) Sony hasn't announced a release date for its latest firmware update, stating only that it will be "very soon." The official press release says the firmware is coming July 2 (this Wednesday!). There are quite a few rumored / hoped for features that aren't finding their way into this release. There are also a number of quibbles with the functionality of the features that did make the cut. We go in-depth with our likes and dislikes of firmware 2.40 right here.
Sony unveils 2008 ES receiver lineup
Say hello to this year's warmed-over line of Sony's ES 7.1 channel audio/video receivers. Now-standard features in the line include a PS3/PSP-style xross media bar interface, 1080p Faroudja DCDi upconversion, a slew of audio codec support (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) plus Digital Media Port connectivity to hook up iPod or Bluetooth adapters or satellite radio. The higher end STR-DA4400ES (above) packs a 120-watt amplifier, six HDMI inputs, HD video output to two zones and audio to three zones for $1,500 when it debuts this August. The STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES both include a 100-watt amp, four HDMI jacks, the 3400 includes an IR repeater and support for a second video zone with its $1,000 price tag, while the 2400 drops those features and includes a basic interface for $800 next month. Take a peek at both after the break, then check your wallet to see where you fit in.
More alleged PS3 profile pics posted
PS3 Fanboy has received a pair of purported images that showcases more views of the PlayStation 3 profile system included in the upcoming firmware v2.40 update. The image above is an alleged glimpse at what another player's "card" will look like when you view it. A second image claims to feature the "third page" of your own profile, which includes a basic "About Me" field. Check out PS3 Fanboy for the full scoop. Gallery: Possible PS3 profile screens
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]
Rumor: PS3 'trophy' screen leaked, looks like Gamercard
PS3 Fanboy got a handful of tips this evening, purportedly sharing some screens of the PS3's long-promised "trophy" system, the console's would-be Gamerscore equivalent. From the looks of these screens – which have a couple things going for them: they're not blurry and that Clank avatar is real – the trophy system includes something that strongly resembles a Gamercard, including total number of trophies gathered along with a "Level" ostensibly gathered by collecting trophies of varying values. PS3 Fanboy has a couple more pics, along with some extra rumors regarding the console's in-game XMB ("some things will require you to leave the game"), but we're guessing we won't know anything for sure until E3 rolls around next month. What say ye, internet detectives?
PSP firmware 4.00 out, PS3 2.40 in-game XMB and trophies confirmed
Sony's firmware development for its game consoles is bearing fruit on two fronts today. First, the PSP firmware 4.00 network update is up and dancing for your XMB Googling pleasure. Next, and more importantly, Sony has confirmed in-game XMB and trophies in PS3 firmware 2.40 -- details promised shortly. Tap tap tap... ok, not that shortly.[Thanks, 94 taurus owner]Read -- PSP 4.00 Read -- PS3 2.40
PSP Firmware 4.00 available now
After updating the firmware on our PSPs to version 4.00, we were initially quite perplexed by the lack of obvious new features for our beloved portable 'station. This prompted a quick Google search from within the XMB, which pointed us to this Joystiq post explaining ... wait a minute. XMB Google search? That wasn't here before, was it?The update is now available for download via the network update or through our pals at PSP Fanboy. They tell us 4.00 also adds the ability to change video playback speed with the Up and Down buttons. We'll be sure to try that on all the, err, interesting videos we're busy googling.
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.
PSP v4.00 update adds ... XMB Googling
Sony has announced that PSP will graduate to firmware 4.00 this week, marking the unexpected integration of the Google search engine ... directly into the XMB! Woah, Sony. Slow down. We're still recovering from update v3.95's option to quit Remote Play without turning off the PS3.The latest feature you didn't know you needed and will seldom use promises authentic Google.com search results (which we presume will open in the clunky PSP browser if selected), with an input history of up to 20 items, so you can check up on your exes, your exes' exes, and their exes day to day with ease and efficiency under the guise of "portable gaming." But if the forthcoming Google search ain't sellin' you on "SCEA's commitment to further enhance the mobile entertainment experience on PSP," then perhaps you'll want to crack open v4.00's second easter egg later this week: the ability to change viewing speed -- to faster and slower settings -- during playback of videos stored on a Memory Stick. Huzzah!
Sony makes official PS3 theme creation walkthrough
For those with the time and ambition, the PlayStation Blog has posted a how-to guide on making themes for the PS3 XMB. Written by Noel Silvia, a graphic artist on the PSN team, the guide explains everything that users need. The required software for the task is an image editing application and extracting the files from HowToMakePS3Themes.zip.We've yet to try making a custom theme ourselves, but we'd certainly like to know how people make out. For those considerably less ambitious, themes are also available by checking the PSN Store.
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.!]
PS3 firmware 2.40 said to be bringing in-game XMB, trophies
It's not confirmed by Sony just yet, but Videogaming247 says it has it on "good authority" that the upcoming version 2.40 firmware update for the PS3 will at long last bring with it in-game XMB, as well as the slightly less-anticipated trophy support. If those sources are to be believed, the update will be dropping sometime in June, with some speculation further pointing to a release in advance of Metal Gear Solid 4's June 12th launch. There's apparently still some testing to be done to ensure that the in-game XMB will work with all titles, however, and it seems like features like trophies and user-music via XMB will only be supported in games created with the new developers tools that have apparently already been released in advance of the firmware update.[Via PS3 Fanboy, thanks John]
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: PS3 Firmware 2.4 adding in-game XMB, trophies
After all of the fuzzy promises, teasing, and schoolyard taunts, rumor has it that the PlayStation 3 may soon be getting a number of long overdue upgrades, from trophies (read: achievements) to the hotly demanded in-game XMB, all as part of the console's upcoming firmware 2.4. Originally reported by videogaming247, we followed up with our own sources who, while not wanting to be named, likewise confirmed the rumor. However, even if true, the timing of the impending update remains a mystery, much like the Bermuda Triangle, crop circles, and Home.
PS3 promises: in-game XMB, video store, and PSN cards in '08
Peter Dille – Senior Vice President for PlayStation Network ... oh, and marketing – wants you to relax. He knows a lot of us (all of us?) are frustrated at how slowly things seem to be moving on the Sony front, so he's got a message of Hope: 2008 is your year, PS3 owners. Not only are there a couple of big games coming your way, but some of those long overdue features you keep hearing about (... and hearing about and ...) are finally coming.The comically overdue in-game XMB is, well ... it's still coming, along with other PSN upgrades like "accomplishments" and Home. Also coming: a video service because, y'know, Sony owns its own movie studio; Dille says "it's already been confirmed that we'll be offering a video service for PS3 in a way that separates the service from others you've seen or used." And how about those PSN cards some of you have been waiting for? Retailers will carry them in $20 and $50 denominations "starting this spring." Our guess: you'll be waiting until E3. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
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 read this either one of two ways: ZOMG, in-game XMB confirmed!!!1 Sony is just teasing the gaming community in a cruel, but humorous way In-game XMB has been one of the most 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 messaging for PS3 spotted on official site
For a brief moment this week, the PlayStation 3 site touted (via NeoGaf) the ability to "talk to others during gameplay." The ability to access the cross-media bar (XMB) and send messages in-game has been long at the top of our wish lists, especially given that Xbox Live users have long enjoyed that feature.However, despite our longing an in-game XMB update still isn't on our systems. The PS site has since been updated, removing the tantalizing phrase. It was promised at CES 2008 to come out this year. Was it a goof in wording or a hint at a spicy GDC announcement? We'll know next week.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
