Talk Playstation 3 News

The PS3 System Software Update Firmware Version 3.15 is now available for download and the full list of fixes are:-

• Bluetooth sync issues fixed
• Trophy syncing issue resolved
• PSP Minis now playable on the PS3 (starting December 17th all PSP minis will be playable on the PS3, for now you must go to your download list and re-download any previously purchased PSP minis for them to function on the PS3)
• XBM Icon Added – Minis Save Data Icon
• LAN Data Transfer Utility

1. Turn both the current PS3 (A) and new PS3 (B) on and connect them with a LAN cable; PS3 (A) should be connected to the TV. Please note, firmware (v3.15) must be installed on both systems.
2. On the XMB of PS3 (A), scroll to the Settings category and select [System Settings] and then [Data Transfer Utility]
3. Follow the instructions on-screen and transfer data
4. After transferring the data, follow the instructions on-screen, and then connect PS3 (B) to the TV to view the XMB
5. If content that was downloaded from PlayStation Store was transferred as part of this operation, you must activate PS3 (B) before you can use the data. Log in to the PS3 system as the user who owns the content, and then select (PlayStation Network) > (Account Management) > (System Activation) to activate the system.

Sony has confirmed PS3 System Software Update Firmware Version 3.15  and will the following:-

‘minis’ come to PS3

We launched minis for PSP back in October but from the 17th December you will be able to enjoy these bite size games on your PS3 as well as your PSP. This firmware update allows the minis emulator to work on PS3 and we are working on getting the majority of the current minis ready for the PS3 from the 17th December.

PS3 Data Transfer

his feature enables you to transfer all of your saved data from one PS3 to another. So if you decide to get a new PS3 you can make sure you don’t loose any of your existing content. Content such as games, game save data, and videos downloaded from PlayStation Network can be transferred to the new PS3 system and deleted from the current PS3. Other content, including personal media files (photos, music, videos), can be copied onto the new PS3 and remain on the current PS3 system.

No word on a release date as of yet but it’s soon.

Source.

With the spotlight focused on the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation Portable also received an update. The latest firmware available is 6.20 and has the following additions.

Through media Go 1.3 you can now transfer video and photo playlists from you PC to PSP. Simply copy the playlists from the PS3 XMB.

The Digital Comics reader is now available to download for PSP  but you” have to wait till December 2009 for the Comic store to open starting in the following countries: UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. More countries will following in 2010 just like with the Video Store. Visit http://www.playstationcomics.com/ for more info .

Keep an eye out on twitter as they will be releasing comic voucher around 19.00 GMT

Yesterday we confirmed that firmware 3.10 was in the making. Now it seems the firmware might be here sooner then we think (we hope today rather then tomorrow).

In some parts of Europe special on-demand TV sites will be included in the firmware. Here the announcement slipped up on some info.

Television lovers in other parts of Europe can now enjoy faster access to catch-up on TV with the addition of the following on-demand TV sites to the XMB over the next few days

Depending on how you interpret it, this can mean that in following days they will be adding more TV sites to the working firmware. They will make more announcements on which TV sites will be joining or what we’re thinking after the release of firmware 3.10 they will be adding more channels.
The following TV channels will be included: RTVE, Antena 3 and LaSexta in Spain. NOS in the Netherlands. AXN/Animax in Czech, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia.

This move is centering the PlayStation 3 more and more in your livingroom, making it a device which will suit your everyday needs (except some).

Nothing so far on cross-game chat being included in this firmware. But as a EU spokesperson said, they’re working on it, but can’t give a specific date.

Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Sony has confirmed PS3 System Software Update Firmware Version 3.10 and will implement Facebook and is the answer to Microsoft’s recently released firmware update that does pretty much the same thing.

Additionally the following will be added:-

• The Photo category on the XMB has been revamped to make it easier to see more of your photos stored on the PS3.
• The PSN Friends List has been modified based on feedback we received after update 3.00. Additionally, you can now choose a color for your PSN ID on the XMB.

Source.

In a recent interview with PlayStation: The Official Magazine in the Holiday 09 issue, Eric Lempel explains how future system firmware updates are planned and released.

We go about doing that in a few different ways. We do consumer research in addition to following our roadmap. We’ve had a very had a very long roadmap that we’ve wanted to roll out, and clearly all of them couldn’t be rolled out day one when the PS3 launched. So we’ve been implementing these features as we go along and some of them, and some of them take longer than others.

Of course time and manpower always factor in because there aren’t limitless resources. And are sometimes key features that must go out in Firmware updates. For example, you saw on September 1, we released a 120GB PS3 and we did a Firmware update, and there were some enhancements in that specifically to bring on the new hardware.

We absolutely read all the feedback that we see on our blog when we do firmware updates. We have people who look across different forums and different sites. And we also do our own testing – some very extensive testing..

But in some cases, we can’t do complete testing because you never quite know how things will work until users have it.

I think it’s incredibly popular. We know users want it, and like lots of other things that work cross-games, technically, it’s complicated. But it’s definitely something we’re looking at.

Source.

The PS3 System Software Update Firmware Version 3.01 is now live.  You probably won’t notice any difference apart the freezing issue that happened with a few games such as Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.

Also, you arent’t forced to download this update.

The newest firmware update for the PSP has just been released, bringing a few minor changes.

For those of you looking to customize your XMB (XrossMediaBar), a few new colors will be added under the Theme Settings. These new theme colors can be used on PSP models 2000 or after (PSP-2000, 3000 and N1000).

A security patch has been added.

[Network Update] has been renamed as [System Update].

Also noted was a new folder under the Games Section, with an expiration date. Does it point out for future game rentals?

Source

The EU PlayStation Blog will be holding a Q&A session to get an accurate feedback about FW 3.o. So if you have been having problems with the FW update, let your voice be heard.

Don’t worry. The Q&A is coming tomorrow. We’ve been trying to get accurate responses to as many of your questions as possible.

Source

The PS3 System Software Update Firmware Version 3.00 is now live and is the next major update for the Playstation 3. So, what can you expect in this update? One of the many additions is animated themes, but take a look at the change list below.

• Multi-Audio – Audio can now be output to multiple connectors simultaneously. You can set this option under [Settings] > [Sound Settings] > [Audio Multi Output].
• Video Content Playback – During Video content playback, you can now use the right stick to play content in slow playback, fast reverse, and fast forward.
• Settings Descriptions – Now below each setting option under the Settings tab on the XMB, there is now a brief description in small font.
• New Start Up Logo – Upon starting up your PS3, you will be greeted with the new ‘PS3′ Logo.
• Copy/Paste Function – There is now a copy/paste function for the web browser, and messages.
• Internet Connection Speed Test – Check your internet connection upload/download speed. Go to [Network Settings] > [Internet Connection Test]
• Internet Browser Screen Capture Feature – Press Triangle on Internet Browser, then under File > Save Screenshot.
• Custom Remote Play Settings – Manually set a device (such as a PSP system) to be used for remote play.
• New Avatar Support – Support for future additions of PSN avatars has been added. No new avatars have been added along with the firmware. However the support is there.
• “What’s New” – The “Information Board” will be replaced with a “What’s New” section, which allows you to enjoy interactive PlayStation news every time you start the PS3 system. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, “What’s New” displays the latest and greatest game, video, PlayStation Network and PlayStation news and releases, as well as your recently played games, in a sleek, new animated format.
• Status Indicator – In the top right corner we’ve added an indicator bar, which displays your user icon, friend icon, the number of friends you have online and a small message icon to let you know if you have any new messages. The indicator also includes a scrolling ticker that features the latest news from PlayStation Network. In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock.
• Friends List – Now your PlayStation Network friends will appear in a slightly redesigned format on your Friends List. Also, messages will now be viewable from each of your friends’ respective profiles.
• PlayStation Store Shortcuts – We’ve added a handy shortcut icon to the PlayStation Store under both the Game and Video categories so you can access the latest content quickly and easily.
• Personalization – Personalize your PS3 with new dynamic custom themes and avatars. Dynamic themes as well as free and premium avatars will be available through PlayStation Store. A dynamic theme takes your screen to a whole new level as it incorporates animated objects into the background.
• Trophies – Showcasing your hard earned trophies just got better. Update 3.00 gives game developers the ability to modify how they display trophies for add-on content. Base and add-on game trophies will continue to be combined into a single list so you can see where you stand in a game as a whole. Within that list, trophies will be broken out into subcategories—base trophies and add-on trophies—that way, you can easily view the percentage of your base game trophy collection, and separately track your trophy progress in add-on packs. Look for this enhancement to be included in upcoming games.

Source.

The PS3 System Software Update Firmware Version 3.00 has been announced and yesterday we told you all about what’s new and the features it will bring.

Today we would like to show you a video we found over on Daily Motion that shows the new features in action. Check it out.

Sony has announced that a video delivery service will be hitting parts of Europe starting this November. Along with a new look for PSN starting September 1. Sony is looking to expand upon their Home service. Adding new dance moves, animations, and new character customizations. You’ll also have a camera to carry around within Home. VidZone is expanding to other countries in Europe, starting with Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and New Zealand. Two new Spaces for Home have also been announced, SingStar, and Audi. Sometime within next month, UK consumers can purchase PSN cards.

Heading to the PSP side, Eye of Judgement and Locoroco Midnight Carnival have also been announced. A digital reader, and comic reader will be available for the PSP in November. With Marvel being the leading partner. Something sounding similar to the PSP App Store have been announced, with games releasing no bigger than 100MB in size. Fifteen being available at PSP GO! launch, and 50 til the end of 2009. PSP 3000 getting new colors, Turqoise, Pink, and Purple. GT for the PSP Go will be FREE to European and PAL consumers who register between the dates of 1-10 Oct. Please Note, that this is only for PSP Go owners.

Eyepet has been priced at 50 euros, which is bundled with the PlayStation Eye Camera.

Heavy Rain, final two characters were revealed. Shelby, a private detective working on the Origami Killer case. Ethan, who is an architect and has to find his son in 4 days. All the scenes within the game will be fully interactive.

Nothing new about the Motion Controller until TGS.

Lastly, Kaz Hirai has taken the stage, and finally unveiled the long denial of the PlayStation 3 Slim. Being available to all territories with the first week of September. It’s 33% smaller, and 36% lighter. With 120GB of Storage memory, the cost will be $299, 299 Euros, and 29980 Yen. Also all current PS3 SKU’s have been slashed by at least $100.

The PS3 System Software Update Firmware Version 2.80 has been announced officially by Sony’s Eric Lempel, Director, PlayStation Network Operations.

This is what he has to say:

Hello, I just wanted to provide everyone with a head’s up that the next PLAYSTATION 3 system software update (v2.80) will be coming soon. The playback quality of some PLAYSTATION 3 format software has been improved.

We will report back when the update is live.

[UPDATE] Firmware 2.80 is now live.

The PS3 System Software Update Firmware Version 2.76 is now live. When you attempt to play a game online or access the Playstation Store you will be prompted to donwload this update.

What does it do? This is a minor update that improves the playback quality of some PS3 format software.

Source.

After rumours and subtle hints Eric Lempel let know what feature we could expect from the next ‘big’ update.

By using a keyboard (on-screen or usb/bluetooth) or keypad, you’ll be able to chat with up to 15 friends (16 including you) in your friend list (PlayStation’s version of MSN/AIM?). You will also be able to chat in three rooms at the same time and access Text Chat when playing a game.

But that’s not the only thing it’s bringing. You’ll also be able to sort your friends via their online status. Add to that a increase of file attachment to messages.
For the people in the US (or with a US PSN account), Video files you’ve purchased from the PlayStation Store can be backed up to an external storage device and then restored to PS3’s internal hard drive for playback – so you can clear up space on your hard drive and then restore the video anytime in the future. Also videos you’ve purchased for PlayStation Portable system can now be transferred to PS3 for playback.

Check the clip out, to see how you will be using these new features.