Hi everyone. Here’s a preview of the next PLAYSTATION 3 firmware update (2.00) scheduled to release within the next few days. This update contains features that will allow you to receive news directly from us on everything PlayStation, enhance the way you access and organize your media, and allow you to customize your XMB in new ways.
Here’s a closer look at the new features:
You’ll notice this icon in the Network category of the XMB. This is the Information Board.
Once activated, you’ll notice scrolling headlines in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. We’ll be delivering the latest news on new games, PLAYSTATION Store updates, hardware, accessories and lots more through the Information Board. Click on the Information Board icon and you’ll be able to see all of the headlines and click through for more detail. The headlines and associated stories will be updated on a regular basis. You can choose not to display the Information Board, but you never know what you might miss, so I’d recommend keeping it on.
We’ve added a nice enhancement to Remote Play called Remote Start, to use Remote Play locally or from a Wi-Fi hotspot, you needed to make sure that your PS3 was on. With Remote Start this is no longer necessary. As long as your PS3 is in standby mode, you’ll be able to turn your PS3 on remotely via the PSP. You can then use Remote Play to access media on your PS3, and when you’re finished you can put your PS3 back into standby mode.
Another feature we’ve added with this update is the ability to set themes on your PS3. Themes will change the whole look of your XMB; the background, icons, and in some cases sounds on your XMB will completely change. We will be providing themes on PlayStation.com and through the PLAYSTATION Store. Once you have downloaded a theme, under Settings go to Theme Settings, select Theme and then choose a theme to display or install a new theme. We are also providing the ability for you to get creative and make your own original themes.
We’ve also added a new way to organize your photos and music on the PS3 – you can now create custom playlists for all of your music and photos.
Finally, regular readers of this blog may have noticed that I’m using a new avatar. You will see that logo above on your XMB representing the new PLAYSTATION Network category. You’ll find the PLAYSTATION Store and Account Management in this category.
We’ve added several other features in this update. I’ll soon be back with more details with a quick video demo of some of the new features.
As always thanks for all of your support and feedback.
@ ERIC:
then please please please include the “xmb in game” function in the next update…
this would be so extremly important and as u see, nearly EVERYONE wants this function so bad!!!
OMFG this is not happening!!!. wtf sony wev’ve been waiting so long and we asked alot for in-game XMB and u just simply ignored us??? 2.00 is no use to me without in-game XMB!!! i hate u SONY :(
it would be just perfect, if we could have the psn friends while we play online and then u can select one friend and write with him or what would be even better:
when u r able to talk to him via headset while u r playing (offline or online) ….
and game invites would be brilliant :)
People are upset and showing it albeit with quite rash statements. Sony has clearly been listening- many things we’ve wanted have come to be over the last year. People screamed for a price drop and it happened. We asked for backgrounds and there they were. People were telling them they needed to advertise more and the result was some of the bests gaming commercials we’ve ever seen. Remote Start, custom playlists, themes. Hell, this site itself is the manifestation of the desires of fans. Saying that Sony is sinking fast is a very foolish statement. Recently they’ve delivered greatly on many fronts- not getting what you want once is cause to abandon ship? Think forward: 2.01, 2.10, 2.50, 2.70, 3.00. There’s plenty of time. Chill.
@294
The sales data for this week shows xbox 360 and Ps3 both sold 16,ooo units. PS3 is a sinking ship. It’s over… they marketed it wrong. they got arrogant, well… more than they already were. they made every stupid move oyu could make and they are now paying for it. I wish them luck in getting out of it, but my shovle’s broke. Hell, so am I after shelling out thousands of dollars for their products… which has been wasted.
@291
Gamesblow. You’re leaving???!!
YES!!!!
LET THE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN!!!!!
After all this time, the only troll who can touch Loucifer is finally GONE!!!
@Eric Lempel.
Eric, I don’t recall once reading someone wish for “remote power on” prior to Sony actually announcing the feature. I have seen literally hundreds of threads and thousands of messages over the last year asking for “in game messaging”, and 720p->1080i upscaling, custom soundtracks, etc. In the case of “in game XMB” we even have a statement from a Sony rep. that “it’s coming.” Whatever the reason, it’s obvious that a lot of users expected this feature to be implemented by the time a “major” release was issued and a year was up in the console’s lifecycle. What you’re seeing is a reaction to their disappointment, and frustration that with the release of 2.0 there wasn’t even an apologetic “it’s not in this release but we’re working on it” from Sony (which you still haven’t given). If Sony were listening more closely to what people have been asking for, you would have known that the release of 2.0 without (acknowledgement, if not inclusion) of these features would provoke a backlash. Use these blogs to explain to customers what the issues are with these features, what you’re doing about them, and what they may reasonably expect in future. Then folks can enjoy the features you ARE giving them, at least knowing they’re being listened to. Do so quickly and you might just avert a few of tomorrow’s headlines about Sony not responding to customer’s concerns, and delivering “nice to have” features that no one is asking for in a major release.
Eric,
Is the lack of in-game XMB due to the last minute design change of the PS3 main system RAM being reduced from 512MB to 256MB prior to launch?
Does the current PS3 lack the system resources to be able to run the XMB while a game is running?
I’m calling you out on this, and I’d appreciate a straight, non-corporate answer.
*Note if others agree feel free to copy this.
@ ERIC
We don’t take kindly to robotic PR speech around here… lol
No, seriously, what kind of answer is that, can’t you guys just be real about this? Any info other than, “In game XMB is never coming” will make us at least come down for a while.
whatever you guys are doing over there can’t be right . 1 year in and still no XMB??? The most requested PS3 feature????
Come on, answer us whiteout the PR spin.
Hmm, I guess I’m just satisfied that we’re getting new firmware…
@26 Hell yeah.
@ everyone who’s complaining
We didn’t get #1 asked for thing, (so sad… :-( yes, I’m seriously disappointed that there’s no in-game XMB) BUTwe did get the #2 most asked for thing. (custom folders)
All the idiots and trolls who missed the fourth paragraph from the bottom, please read Eric’s article again…
@291 gamesblow
don’t let the door hit you on the way out..
Eric is a teaser.
Wow, we finally get a response and it’s the typical “We’re constantly evaluating features” line. I remember Patrick Seybold said that when this blog first launched in June. It’s November and Im pretty sure you’ve done evaluating it now, so please, give us a god dam update on in-game XMB!
The Ps3 isn’t able to multitask and that’s that. They’d have to reprogram the xmb to one on a spe and then in turn be compatible with each game… that’s why we don’t have it. We’d need firmware updates on all the games we own to actually be able to access the feature and Sony knows it! It’s such a piece a’ JOKE!
you people are an embarrassment
This is a great update it’s not in-game xmb but it’s still awesome and just wait till they post the next blog to finish out what features they are giving.
@Lp47
Hopefully it is like I said earlier, a cliffhanger. But if not then hopefully what Eric said is true.
“In general, we don’t wait to release new features based on a particular firmware update number.”
That would mean a pre 3.0 update if released in sync with Home.
And yes the monthly updates are amazing.
@ Eric L.
That was a blanket statement to say everything yet say nothing at the same time. He gave no confirmation that they are actually working on the much wanted feature nor a timetable that it might be out (if they are in fact working on it).
Im sad really. i need in-game XMB on my ps3 so badly
@313
What’s so great about it? What? I wont’ use any of these damn features and anyone running linux and or Tversity won’t either. We already have the option to do most of this junk with outside sources. You all are padded… What a piece a joke! Kick Pixie Sticks down our throats Sony… we love it.
Man, some of my fellow “fans” really make me sad.
Where to begin. Oh, I know – my favourite person: GamesBlow.
First, you moan and groan about not having enough games and content for your console, but then you say you have 30 BRDs, 12 PS3 games, and 17 PSN games and add on packs.
Sounds like you have PLENTY of content for your investment.
Then, you state that you know why Sony doesn’t have ingame XMB (because of memory issues) and how it’s technically impossible, but then go off on how they’ve had enough time and they should have it by now.
You know, you’ve been “threatening” to sell your PS3 so many times, but you haven’t. You’re all talk and no action. You’re one of those people that thinks that because he types something on the internet, that you’re important, that you’re special. NEWSFLASH – you’re no more special than any one of us, regardless of how “famous” you think you are.
Do us all a favour – sell it and then shut it. Go back to your bridge – I think I see some goats coming across.
So, lack of InGameXMB – yeah, bit disappointed, but oh well. It’s not like that would make or break my affinity for the console. If NOT having ingame XMB is that big of a deal for all y’all to be crying like babies who don’t have your milk, well, that’s just sad for you.
Can someone, anyone, find a quote where Sony said that InGameXMB would be a part of 2.0?
You know why you can’t find it? Cuz they never said it!
If you think you’re so smart to know how to implement InGameXMB, I’m sure Sony would love to hear the solution.
Like Camo said, if you want, no…NEED InGameXMB so badly, buy a 360. Do you hear Wii owners complain? No – they have a system with a library of games that mostly rely on waggle-ports and party games, no unified online game service like PSN, nor any way of downloading game videos or demos to their console. Comparing the Wii to the PS3, I’d be pretty upset if all I had was a Wii and I saw the online service playstation has AND for FREE!
Oh, and for all of you saying that Eric should answer each and every one of your questions, comments, or issues…
After reading some of the comments, would you want to be in Eric’s shoes? Would you want to have to deal with the blatant ongoing disrespect some of you have shown, some of which are against his personal character, work ethic, etc.? FYI – he’s not PR and his focus isn’t this blog. If it was, I’m sure some would still complain that he was spending too much time answering questions instead of taking care of whatever whim people had.
You do realize that in the REAL world, REAL people have jobs that aren’t centered around pacifying the stupid ramblings of a vocal minority, don’t you?
And this brings me to a bigger issue. You probably know why it seems like Sony doesn’t listen?
Cuz all you complainers go on ad nauseum, that it’s annoying and you eventually learn to tune it out.
Way to go and ruin it for the rest of us who offer constructive comments.
If you’re disappointed in this update, it’s your own damn fault for believing the internet rumours and speculation.
What this update does, that most (not all) of your are missing is that it enhances connectivity between home and portable devices like no other console.
But heaven forbid they try to do something revolutionary. OhNoes! We want something the other console’s been doing!
So Sony follows XBL to a tee with its features, and then everyone starts complaining that “Sony’s just copying and not being innovative”.
BTW – the “no games” line is old now. I guess Warhawk, Ratchet, Uncharted “don’t count” as big AAA games (and those are just from Sony) since they don’t support your theory that “there aren’t any games for PS3”. Add COD4, Assassin’s Creed, Haze, etc. and I’d say there won’t be enough time for me to play everything I want to on my “console with no games”…
Eric,
Thanks for the updates. But what we still haven’t heard mention of from Sony is the upscaling problem to TVs that only support 480i 480p and 1080i. We would all hope that this would be something could have been corrected by now or in this upcoming update but have heard nothing from Sony about this in almost a year. I have finally been able to purchace my PS3 and have been sorely dissapointed that the 2 games I have bought are in 480p and now won’t be buying anymore games unless I know I play them in 1080i.
If you look at the sony forum pages you will see that there are many people having this same issue and are not buying new PS3 games because of this.
Please see if you can get us some kind of update on this. It is kind of sad when our PS2 games upscale to 1080i but our PS3 games don’t.
Again thanks for the help in this.
@312 gamesblow
yo man, go see all your friends on the M$ blog….
Oh wait, they don’t HAVE a blog.
guess you’ll have to stick around here to vent your rage
also read my previous comment (#309)
Eric Lempel, I really feel sorry for you. I’m going to guess that you really wish that you were able to say that there would be in-game XMB tomorrow, but you can’t say that. And somebody had to be the target of all of this disappointment, and that person is you.
I’m sorry and I pray for your cool.
I think I let myself get caught up in the internet rumors myself, so that I guess I thought ingame XMB would come with 2.0. Silly to get so caught up in a feature that Sony has never promised would come with 2.0, and silly to get so worked up about a feature that really isn’t something I need to enjoy my games. But I did get caught up in it and so yes, I’m a bit disappointed.
At the same time, I’m really annoyed. Not at Sony, but I’m annoyed by all of the complainers. It would be great if you all would implement a posting style like at n4g.com so that certain people here can’t spam like they have no lives.
It’s clear that if Sony could put in XMB, they would. The question is, why not? Is it possible? A part of me thinks that it really isn’t possible, although there are elements of XMB access in our current games.
Problem is, if in game XMB is possible and Sony finally does deliver it, there will just be another thing that people whine and complain about until it happens. Another thing that will supposedly make-or-break Sony. Another thing to be put on “digg” and used to somehow punish Sony. This blog is a rather depressing insight on the worst parts of humanity, to be honest.
As a PSP owner who works, I will really appreciate the new functions with 2.0. I also love the idea of a information feed and that will be very useful. If and when in-game XMB comes, great, but I’m happy for the improvements given and will enjoy them.
But I will make sure not to get caught up with internet rumors and the like so that I don’t set myself up having the same feelings as some of the whiners on this blog. I hate being even close to the same side as them.
I’m content with the truckload of awesome games for the system. I think the new eyetoy is a phenomenal piece of hardware. The new price-point + all of the great games + blu-ray will make the PS3 just as worthy a purchase as anything else this winter. Let’s hope Drake’s Fortune is as good as it looks!
In the end: THANK YOU SONY FOR THE UPDATE! I’LL BE THERE FOR THE NEXT ONE TOO!!—12
Solace, I’d love to read all that… but I’m not going to. I’m a successful videogame forum psoter and you’re not. I’m the one people want to see and listen to. Not you.
***bows to #318 Solace***
where is the in game xmb ? the 1.8 update came out in May, there should have been ingame xmb by now, the only thing wrong with ps3 is the delays and lack of commitment and effort by SONY.
gameblow. Why do you even come here at all? Your comments make no sense, its as if you totally lose your mind when you sit down at your computer and type.
If you hate Sony, the PS3, and all that is sacred, why rant and rave about it on a forum provided by your nemesis?
I mean, the Playstation Blog is where all the deluded idiots (playstation owners, in your eyes) come to worship their god, Sony Computer Entertainment.
Again, WHAT THE – ARE YOU TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?
@319 This is because sony didnt put a upscaleing hardware chip in the ps3. The dvd and ps1/2 upscaling is done via software. Also some games do upscale but this is also being done via software and is why no all games upscale.
@321 TheTwelve
Ditto, Good post
These are nice features but…… We really dont want them. I dont want to customize my xmb or make playlists. I want in-game xmb, custom soundtracks, in-game messaging, and a BIGGER FRIEND LIST!!! up to 100 would be great or even 75. Seriously, I love SONY. I am a fanboy but i love enough to be truthful. These are the features the the majority wants, I know you guys know that. Dont give us another update til we get those four things. Thank you SONY and get cracking on ingame xmb and the rest.
If I were a betting man, I’d bet that in-game messaging is being worked on as part of Home.
@291
Really games are supposed to be an entertaining hobby, if it get you this upset then maybe its better for your mental health if you find another.
Ohh and Sony in game messaging kthnx bye.
btw,
Fix the PS3 web browser. It sucks.
***salutes #318 Solace***
@#321 TheTwelve
good point
unfortunately, I don’t own a PSP
(working on that………)
@ Eric let’s get some more details on 2.00!!!!!
WOW you guys need to calm down and go read #263.
Why are you mad? Did Sony promise these things to you for 2.00? No, they did not. They actually never said that they were going to do those things at all really, so why are you mad? You’re mad because there is stuff you want the PS3 to do that it’s not doing YET. Just because 2.00 is here doesn’t mean that they are “done” updating the PS3. There are plenty of other updates coming down the pipeline. For all you know Sony has in-game XMB almost done, but they are working out the kinks and want to make sure it’s perfect and stable.
As #263 reads, I really don’t understand why people think 2.00 would be the second coming. Sure, solid numbers are often associated with big updates and CAN signify importance, but not all companies follow that model and not all companies will base their changes on numbers. That would be ridiculous. Sony is offering a lot here in this update, and I would say that it’s more significant that a lot of previous updates.
Just be glad Sony is listening to us and working on the things we want at all. They could always get tired of hearing everyone whine and just give up on it. Is that what you want? Sheesh…
@gamesblow
“Solace, I’d love to read all that… but I’m not going to. I’m a successful videogame forum psoter and you’re not. I’m the one people want to see and listen to. Not you.”
Sorry my post required too much reading for your little brain. I’ll try to write more monosyllabic words and phrases for you next time.
And WTH is a “successful videogame forum poster” anyways? Anyone who hits the “SUBMIT” button has “successfully made a forum post”.
You’re a legend in your own little mind, and if pretending that being a pseudo-online-celebrity is what gets you off, then you have more problems than you even know.
gamesblow. Stop pulling out comments from your ass… You sound so arrogant yet idiotic at the same time. If you are going to state anything, please at least link it.
Right now I call BS on all your claims.
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=21614572
Theres a link… ha~
Where the hell is IN GAME XMB????
Seriously…
All of those other features imo are less priority….
This is deeply saddening for me :(
I still can’t message friends during a game???…sad very sad….
Got to exit a game..even an online game just to communicate with someone….sigh…..
@Solace
Thank you sooo much
Sony we appreciate you effort!!
wow… a myspace link… Pathetic… I meant an actual link… you know… like a *real* news link…
14 year olds use myspace :P
@zakupilot256
“These are nice features but…… We really dont want them”
correction:
you dont like these features.
@255 I know about copyright laws but how did Sony let us use WMAs then? This is also from MS…
Sony can support at least 5.1 audio & srt subtitles in mp4 and a fix for 1080p mp4 movies(plays only audio, no screen…)
Anyway v2.0 is ok but only for the fun…
nice!
All i wanted was to be able to check my messages while in a game but i guess whatever.
@263
Why the hell can’t Sony tell us rather they are working on XMB in-game messaging?
Maybe now..Sony is hitting their selfs for limiting the RAM so much in the Ps3 console that it effects what the system SHOULD be able to do in the 1st place.
Why all the updates for psp connectivity? My god is Sony copying off Nintendo now with their Wii and DS?
Its obivious the Sony fans want in game messaging so bring it already! And not wait till “Home” is playable to have In-Game Messaging! ARGH
psn.ign.com ? Uh-oh….
@263
Why the hell can’t Sony tell us rather they are working on XMB in-game messaging?
Maybe now..Sony is hitting their selfs for limiting the RAM so much in the Ps3 console that it effects what the system SHOULD be able to do in the 1st place.
Why all the updates for psp connectivity? My god is Sony copying off Nintendo now with their Wii and DS?
Its obvious the Sony fans want in game messaging so bring it already! And not wait till “Home” is playable to have In-Game Messaging! ARGH