Hi again! It’s great to see the positive reaction to the unveiling of system software update v2.40. We can’t wait for you to finally go hands-on with XMB access in-game and the Trophy system – and it’s less than 2 days away. Not surprisingly, a number of you have posed questions both here and on other forums. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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Will voice-messaging/private chat be featured in 2.40 as well? If not, can we expect to see this feature added in the future?
We are evaluating the opportunity to offer voice chat, but for this update, we wanted to focus on text messaging as the key priority for communications that our users have asked for.
Can you use the web browser in game?
No, you must exit the game before browsing the internet.
Will In-Game XMB come up during playback of PS2 games, Blu-Ray discs, and DVDs?
The XMB is an exclusive feature for PS3 game titles. Accessing the XMB during gameplay was the top request from our users, which we focused on for this update. However, we continually engage PS3 owners for feedback and will evaluate the opportunity to offer XMB access during movie playback in the future.
Can we go to the display settings and change anything there in-game (resolution, input, etc)?
No, you must exit the game before changing these settings.
Will it be possible to change in-game the sound output?
Yes, sound output changes are supported.
Will we be able to access the PLAYSTATION Store while in-game?
No, but you can view your downloads in progress.
Will we be able to stream music (either via media server or USB drive) for custom soundtracks or is it relegated to music stored on the HDD?
Currently only music stored on the HDD is accessible in games that support this feature. We’d also like to reiterate that Firmware v2.40 merely enables custom soundtracks. It’s up to developers to include this feature in upcoming games (or to patch existing ones).
Does 2.4 enable cross game invites? Will it down the line?
No, cross-game invites are not available in this system software update. We are evaluating opportunities to expand on the new features delivered in 2.40.
Will trophies be mandatory for all games release here on out?
We are working with developers to ensure that Trophies are supported across the board in the future.
Where is each player’s trophy stat info held? I am going to upgrade my hard drive and I don’t know if the trophies will still be on my account if I earn some and then get a new hard drive.
Trophies will be attached to users’ PSN ID. Trophy data needs to be synchronized to the online account on PSN to be transferred to the new PS3 system.
Will the patch automatically allocate unlocked trophies according to your saved files or would you have to do it again?
No, Trophies aren’t retroactive.
Can we view PSN profiles/Trophies from a PC using a Web browser? Will there be an API for web developers to access the PSN data, so online profiles can be created?
We’re evaluating these opportunities to expand where Trophies can be experienced.
Can you only compare trophies with friends that are online?
As long as a friend has a PSN account, you can compare trophies with them regardless of their online status.
Is there a limit to how many trophies the devs can put set by Sony?
There’s not a limit on number of trophies, but there’s a value assigned to each trophy. Developers must balance out the trophies that are available to stay within an overall value based on whether the game is considered large-scope or small-scope. Essentially, a user that has unlocked every trophy in one game would have the same level as a user that unlocked every trophy in another title, all titles (depending on scope) have the same overall impact on a users’ level.
Will new games have a cool little icon on the back saying “trophy compatible?”
We’re currently working on how Trophy support will be messaged to the consumer on our software packaging.
When you get a trophy, does it make a noise?
Currently, no.How quickly things can change – there *will* be a sound effect when you unlock a Trophy.
What is Eric’s favorite cheese?
Mozzarella
Once again, we will continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance the PLAYSTATION 3’s system software throughout the console’s life cycle. Consumer feedback has contributed greatly to the contents of Firmware v2.40, and continues to be appreciated. Don’t forget, this Firmware will be available for download on July 2nd.
guess some trophies arent really worth the trouble well maybe if i ever play another new game i ccan get some on it
@ 1446
If they used the stats off of the game save, then people could just download game saves on the net and they suddenly they will also have 50 trophies, when really they earned nothing. Would you want a system full of BS and cheating?
Burnout will be retroactive so dont worry.. Games that have your stats linked to the PSN (ie Warhawk, Burnout) will be retroactive.
@ 1448
all we need are
*ingame playstation store
*ingame music
*sony fixing the disc-reading failing issue happening to all ps3
wow thats one helluva long list there
CUSTOM MUSIC SONY!! PLEASE!!!
hmm but GTA not retroactive?
Very very very disappointed with the in-game XMB, good start Sony but honestly it is very bad. Playing stardust I go in the in-game XMB and can’t play music FROM the in-game XMB. Why the options menu in start dust????????? Why the heck add in-game custom music?? Useless. Get it straight Sony and just let us listen to music wherever we go, even if we exit the game, or start a different game and it is obviously possible. Buy a 360 console and check it out. The in-game XMB is only useful for text messaging and seeing who is online but the rest is like a load of rubbish!
Also why is it when I press the PS Button to go into the XMB and I can’t see the date and time for like 3 seconds because of the battery status? Lol, I think Sony needs alot of reviewing. Or maybe Sony just rushed the whole thing to just release it, who knows.
damn i hate when gta refuses to load over & over in & out
well be fair SSHD already had its own built in music customizer so the new patch for it may work differently. I’ll find out on the 10th when Burnout gets the 1080i custom sound & other stuff update
yea Clank80 you and your list dont want much do ya well pray hard to Santa Sony maybe he’ll deliver it all for Xmas 010 inside the PS4
Not everyone wants to see the time and date displayed on the main menu all the time. Why isn’t there a “DO NOT DISPLAY” option for the clock like in the information board???
***Voice messaging.
***Private chat.
***Cross invite system.
SONY MAKE IT HAPPEN!
For hijacker77 I don’t think the music on Super stardust works like you mentioned. You don’t use the XMB bar to go to your music menu to customize the music while playing in Super stardust. You go to the Option setting, then Audio Options and then select Soundtrack Custom. Then you go to the one below that called Edit Custom Soundtrack. From there it will show you the songs stored on the PS3 HDD and you pick what you want. I think that’s why the music has to be added to each game by the developers. It’s a different way of getting custom music into each game…but it’s a setting in the game and not the XMB bar.
How do I turn off trophy sharing? The last thing I want to do is publicly display how much I’ve played and what I’ve unlocked.
Personally, I feel there should be more options in terms of the time and date:
– Opacity setting: preventing image burn.
– Format.
– The ability to turn it off.
Will voice-messaging/private chat be featured in 2.40 as well? If not, can we expect to see this feature added in the future?
We are evaluating the opportunity to offer voice chat, but for this update, we wanted to focus on text messaging as the key priority for communications that our users have asked for.
This looks like Sony is avoiding the issue, my problem is that I have just bought a game where chat continually cuts out, how is texting my friend during a game going to help sorry not sold on 2.40 just another hash.
Thanks for the update but one really really small criticism which I hope you can change in a future firmware, now when pressing X on a friends name you get their profile which is all good, but I keep doing that to read messages like before, now you have a long winded way of pressing triangle then message list to get to the messages, is it possible in the profile where create message, compare trophies, and start new chat are to have another option of message list there? It would just make it so much easier especially when in a online game and friend sends a message asking for invite etc, this would would just save some valuable seconds as you can’t pause online. And thanks for the update I am very happy good job guys.
See my blog post for a critical comment:
http://jackzhangsblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/did-you-just-update-to-240-on-your-ps3.html
The majority of people believed one thing: In-game XMB music was gonna be universal for all games. But it isn’t. You have a very high number of fans in this comment section requesting it to work with their game and it just isn’t possible right now unless every PS3 game in the world is patched. Allow it for all PS3 games and patch compatibility issues in future firmwares. That will make everyone satisfied.
For RSGHANA there’s a Settings control on the PS3 called Display Settings…in there is another called Screen Saver….you can select from a drop down list starting from 5 mins….this will decrease the lighting to the display after your set time. Also, there is a Format on the PS3 under Date and Time….unfortunately it doesn’t appear yet to have any on/off setting to turn the clock off.
any news on GTA IV.. ive been waiting for 2 years for this and no custom soundtracks and tropys for GTA IV.. very dissapointing.. i have been and sony customer for years and still am.. i have a 42″ sony HD tv, ps1,psx,ps2,psp,ps3.. blu-ray player, laptop,desktop,handheld,sony ericcson.. and i am very happy with sony becouse they have helped me in my life and i have full trust in them.. im not complaining but just advising.. i know that the firmwire 2.40 has just come out today and it will take some time for GTA IV to be compatable with custom tracks and trophys, i have 100%.. you cant always have whatever you want when you want and how you want it.. sso please pepole.. give eric and sony some time off and let them take their time.. there is no time limit in quality so dont rush them..
i hope to see a ptch for GTA IV..
thank you very much sony and eric and jeff..
Will it be possible to change in-game the sound output?
Yes, sound output changes are supported.
OK so im taking as not meaning what I thought it meant. as i tested today. yes i could fiddle with the settigns to my headset.
but I could not change sound settings thus changign what i read this to mean the sound output from Component to Optical!
I’m not sure if the demo at the Playstation store of Super Stardust will let you use the Custom music feature or let you take part in the Trophies as I have the full version. But if you don’t have the demo, download it and try it. Actually a good game and the add ons make it even better. That way people can see the features of custom music and Trophies; at least if the demo will allow it.
GGCAN – thank you for your comments.
In terms of the opacity option I originally eluded to, I feel that such comes down to personal display preference as much as image burn (as I originally stated). I’d much prefer to have such to be slightly less protruding.
I appreciate you clearing up the format issue too. Perhaps I should have searched for such a setting before making the suggestion.
GReat update Sony. I ask one thing now that trophy’s are here. Allow a second, third, forth player playing on one PS3 locally to be able to use thier own PSN ID when playing multiplayer games. No one wants to go through a game 4 times or build up stats for one player at a time when playing online. EAch person playing should unlock his/her own trophy’s for what they accomplish. Thanks.
Eric, I think there is a “bug” in 2.4. I have someone on my friends list who is also in my “Players Met” list, and when I view their profile, the option to add them is still there. No need to add them twice, right? :)
Can I hide my Trophies and Level from other users? I don’t need to prove myself to some online brats. I’m older, I have a career and responsibilities, I don’t have time to build up my Gamerscore, and I don’t like being compared to a 12-year-old kid who can spend all day playing video games. IT’S INSULTING! I really hope there’s an opt-out option for us older gamers.
BStreakX – not just for older gamers, but also for those who are remarkably bad gamers, right?
=)
1475! this is crazy is that the record of most comments if not what is? this must be close
think the playstation store update when the first quore hit got into the thousands. think that was the post. not sure if it got this high though
Firmware v2.40 FAQ
Um, Sony, what does FAQ stand for?
Features Accessible by Quitting (out of your game first)?
Features Available in Quarter 4 (in the year 2040)?
F’ed Again Qustomers (spelled the Qore way?)
Some clarification would be nice.
WOW WHAT A ***** UPDATE !!!
none of the games i have the MP3’s works
theres NO CHAT IN GAME
sony come on, WTF ?
2 years for this ?
please…
NEXT FW PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
**********************
XMB IN GAME VOICE CHAT
**********************
Dang, some of you guys are not thankful at all
Thanks Sony so much for keeping all these great additions still free of charge to us users. Kudos.
Guys, give them a bloody break! They delivered what we wanted! People wanted in-game XMB and voice chat, we got it. Why are you complaining? Developers will update games for trophies and custom soundtrack (Criterion Games has just announced this). 2.40 has given features as the base, Eric, and other Sony reps have said very clearly that they will build on this “base” and in the upcoming firmwares, add to these features. You didn’t expect them to deliver EVERYONE’s wishes in one update?
The only complaint I have is that the NAT issues caused by a previous firmware still havn’t been addressed, as a result, I’m stuck with NAT3 until further notice.
You guys should be grateful that Sony gave you anything you arrogant complainers…
Sorry, I didn’t mean we got voice chat, mean tin-game messaging :P
Anyone else notice that the license agreement when you first install 2.4 is dated June 18th, 2008? Hmmm…
Anyhow, I’m starting my wish list for the next fw update:
in-game music support.
i love it alot. BUT I was very surprised when I tried ingame XMB to play some music off my dlna and/or medialink and uhoh no network support for ingame xmb. can we have this in next weeks update pweety pweese?
#1486
Yes, we got ACCESS to the XMB while in-game. But we didn’t get any of the XMB functionality (apart from sending and receiving messages — which is nice — but hardly “everything we asked for”).
I laughed when Eric listed “viewing photo thumbnails” as a feature in the video. Now that’s grasping at straws!!
when will we get a playlist function for videos on the PS3
this update has been a waste of my time, checking forums posting requests to sony watching this blog in hope of a good update and what do we all get.
firstly what the hell 2 years for ingame texting i mean ok im no coder but how long to do that seriously. sony’s 2.40 team must have consisted of a parrot randomly tapping on the keyboard until it accidently created in game xmb.
secondly why the hell did that guy advertise the “cool new feature” of ingame music, it turns out to be something we already have ingame music built into the game, high velocity bowling had that from when it came out.
thridly does anyone seroiously belive game devs are going to use up ram just to include in game tracks my guess is that it will only appear to UPCOMING racing games and possibly fighting games.
how the hell does sony expect hideo kojima (who is awesome) to put in that option to mgs4 its supposed to be cinematic, that point is true BUT what if we wanted to, sony could of easily put a universal music player built in so we could if we wanted to, and if it didnt work on what 1 or 2 games then we could wait for a patch for them but not a F******G patch for every game. this is stupid, no wait its past stupid.
sony release 2.41 (UNIVERSAL INGAME MUSIC)
out.
P.S also include voice chat for god sakes i mean seriously your on your 3rd generation console come’on.
@1461
Yeah Stardust HD has to be accessed through the options menu. Its all screwed over, but than again Sony entertainment produced the game and its up to the developer???? right… lol. Sony should of practically done it from day 1. All I beg is for the employees at Sony to buy 1 thousand 360 consoles and let them see for themselves. Music should be able to play wherever you are while the console is on like the xbox 360. I think the solution for me is to purchase one, right??? lol. I like the trophy system on the PS3 and I have no problem with that, you can even access it and even compare while in-game XMB. Which is a definite plus. The in-game XMB is still iffy at the moment and is not to its full potential.
*Voice Chat
*Custom Music (No matter what you do while the system is powered on)
*The time gets blocked when you enter the in-game XMB
*Maybe some other features such as showing when people last logged on to the playstation network or giving us an option to whether log on to the playstation network and access the in-games XMB in DVD’s and blu ray DVDs.
*The list can go on and on but yeah.
I’m not trying to criticize Sony or anyone. Lets hope for the best for future firmware.
My biggest concern at this point is the dramatic performance dip of the XMB when you access it from within a game. It’s not overly bothersome at present (because there’s really nothing you can do in the XMB at the moment). But it bodes poorly for the future.
With all the hype about the “power” of the PS3, I would have expected that it could easily handle such a simple little multi-tasking operation. But the XMB really starts to stutter when you have a game running in the background.
It’s no big deal at present, but it makes me wonder if in-game browsing, in-game chat, in-game photo viewing, playing music, etc. is even possible on the PS3…now, or in the future.
The developers are obviously struggling with the performance of the system. It’s the only explanation why they’d leave out so many of our requested features.
sorry i mean @ 1465
“any news on GTA IV.. ive been waiting for 2 years for this and no custom soundtracks and tropys for GTA IV.”
You’ve been waiting for 2 years for a GTA IV update!? Gee golly whiz, how did you get the game so early!?
/sarcasm
2.40 killed my PS3, I’m panicking over here.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jmLFt4o6DyY
The exact same thing happened to me. When I start it nothing happens and the controllers doesn’t respond. This was right after installing 2.40. Please tell me what to do to fix it!
I dwnlded the new update 2.4 and it came out to be that it messed up my ps3. All it shows is the home screen but with no media cross bar. thiers nuttin i can do about it atm. idk wat culd b the problem… it wont even read a disc. and i have to shut it off by switching the main power button on the back of the console… guys any thots in wat i shuld do or wat it culd be?
I’m having the same problem as Desafio.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jmLFt4o6DyY < This
How do you solve it!?
@1497
hey man, sorry to hear that i wouldnt touch it and contact sony support, which unfortuantly if its like this then they wont reply lol, but seriously it will probably turn out that you will have to send it in for repairs.
are you covered by continious play ??
1486 – Harpo245:
“You guys should be grateful that Sony gave you anything you arrogant complainers…”
The fact is that Sony NEED to do this to increase their competitiveness within the market.
They’re not doing it out of the goodness of their heart, I assure you.
Is there a way, in the new 2.4 release, for users to upload their own PSN avatars?
Currently the default images that we have to chose from are very bland and unexciting. If we could have that power to really personalize them, it would add more life to our PSN ID.
Of course, the only issue could be the ability for nudity to be uploaded. However, if that was the case, suspend their account. I am sure most people would respect the ability to upload clean images into the system. However, you have to be an adult to create a master account, so that point is moot. If someone you know uploads a nudity avatar and they disapprove, they just remove that person from your friends list until they change it.