Hi everyone. We’ve been listening to all of your feedback about the PS3 and PSP, and with these next firmware updates (coming soon), we’ve added a number of new features and improved some existing functionality to make your PS3/PSP experience even better.
PSP (v5.00) update
Let’s start with the v5.00 update for PSP. In this version, you’ll notice the addition of the PlayStation Network icon on the XMB. You can now sign up for PlayStation Network, manage your account and access PlayStation Store directly from your PSP – meaning you can download games directly to your PSP while connected via Wi-Fi. Getting games, demos and trailers while on-the-go has never been easier! Check out the screen below.
The current PlayStation Store on the PC will be down in the interim as we take some time to revamp. Don’t worry, it will re-launch soon after we’ve made some tweaks. Please keep in mind, if you already have a PlayStation Network account, simply sign in on your PSP using your existing information. The same account and wallet can be used on PS3 and PSP. You will be able to check out the PlayStation Store on the PSP soon, as we’ll have a video demo featuring Grace Chen posted soon on the Blog.
Update v5.00 adds a sleep timer option that can be used while you are playing music on your PSP. In addition, we’ve added a full screen keyboard option for text entry and have redesigned the background of the XMB. You’ll be able to find all of the information on Firmware v5.00 here once it goes live.
PS3 (v2.50) update
Now on to the PS3 v2.50 update. The latest features/enhancements include:
- Support for the PS3 Official Bluetooth Headset – we’ve told you about the upcoming Bluetooth Headset and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation Bundle on the Blog. This latest firmware installment enables High-Quality (HQ) mode, which delivers clear and wide-band online voice chat. On top of that, an added on-screen indicator shows battery status, volume level and use of HQ mode.
- PlayStation Trophies interface enhancements – I know that many of you are busy collecting trophies and raising your PlayStation Trophy level. This update makes sharing and comparing your trophies with your friends even easier. On 1st part of the profile page you’ll see a symbol under level that represents level and the actual percentage towards the next level along with the existing level meter. The level symbol carries over to the trophy comparison screen where you will now be able to see your level, your friend’s level and the percentage towards the next level for both users along with all of the game by game comparison information you see today.
- Friend status – Offline friends on your Friends list will have information below their avatars that will indicate how long it has been since they were last online.
- Video – This update adds the Scene Search feature similar to the feature on the PSP. Activating this feature while viewing a video on the PS3 will break the video up into scenes that you can quickly access by pressing the X button. You can break the videos into one, two or five minute intervals. In addition, you can now choose to have all of the videos under the video section of the XMB play in sequence. Go to Settings then Video Settings to turn this option on.
- PlayStation Store – We’ve added a redeem codes option right on the store to make it easier to redeem your PlayStation Network Cards and promotion codes. In addition, PlayStation Network Sign Up and Account Management have been redesigned.
- Power Save Settings – You can now set your PS3 and wireless controllers to turn off automatically after set periods of inactivity. Go to Settings then Power Save Settings to turn on these features.
- Background Downloading – You now have the option to set the PS3 to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has completed. This option is available when you turn off the system from the button under [Users] while content is being downloaded or installed.
- In-game Screenshots – this tool will allow everyone to capture, share and in other words, immortalize their favorite gameplay moments. This will be supported on a game by game basis. Please check back to find out which games will support this feature.
- In addition to all of the features above there are some additional features and enhancements included in 2.50. Once the update launches, you can read all of the details here.
The support for the Bluetooth Headset will be of particular interest to all of you SOCOM fans. With the “Proximity Chat” feature, SOCOM: Confrontation gameplay is intensified as it allows you to experience high-quality voice playback in full surround sound. Whether the action is near or far, Proximity Chat clearly matches distance to sound effects and voiceovers within the game, putting you in the heart of the action.
Enjoy and please share your thoughts with us.
@CheesePie13
I think it’s only access to the psn store. Actually it’s more likely that you can access the psp store. The psp store and psn store are 2 separate things.
@And1
That patent thing about in-game music is utterly false. Sony doesn’t need to pay Microsoft to do that. If that were so then how come Sony didn’t pay Microsoft to do that for Warhawk, Motorstor: Pacific Rift, or PixelJunk Monsters – all of which are Sony distributed titles. The real reason is most likely due to the design of the xmb. It takes up too much memory. They should just redesign the xmb or just force all their developers to put this in like they will hopefully do with trophy support.
Wow, over 600 comments in 14 hours.
@FeaturePreacher
If they implement the feature in a game by game basis it does not violate the patent. It must be a loophole in the patent microsoft filed which Sony discovered based on the above article.
I’ve heard about PS2 retro on all PS3? fake or maybe later?
@40cal
It show how much people want game enhancing and obvious features that haven’t been implemented yet.
I am happy that issues are being resolved, however; I have to wonder…
Why must the game developers create the option for print screen? Do you guys know how to design firmware.. I mean seriously, incorporate the option into the firmware itself so there is no need to bother the devs.
Print screen should be available in the OS not the game.
Thanks for fixing things but come on SONY do you even listen to the consumer, or just use us as a general guideline?
Make things exactly as the users ask this way you avoid issues…
a simple concept like that can make things easier. I’d rather not have to rely on the game for any option such as this.
Sony is always taking the long route, why?
Awesome update! Love how you listed out a bunch of new features, instead of just focusing on one or two main features and keeping the vast majority secret. I’m particularly glad at the inclusion of the power saving, background downloading, and enhanced trophies (hope things are faster now), though I would also like to see enhanced in Game XMB.
Mainly, adding it to PS2 games, and movies, as well as the Store, and getting rid of the lag.
Other features I would like to see are Skype and Radio (both on PSP so not too many viable excuses there), and an Edit Multiple function, and personalized sorting (rather than preset, because I would prefer to have some control rather than having the organization depend on when exactly I downloaded something, or what the name happens to start with).
I also think that it would be interesting to have a calendar full of release dates and important events that we could easily access from the XMB, as well as a Sports specific feature added to Life with PlayStation (BTW the font on the articles is too small, and we should have the option to zoom).
Besides that, I’m just waiting for Home and hoping that you continue to improve on the existing features (Google Map-esque option for Life with PlayStation?), as well as continue to offer new ones to satiate our gaming desires.
Overall, though, this update was a job well done. I’m very glad that the account management has been cleaned up as that and the Old Store stuck out in a not so good way. Also, hoping that the battery charge image has ceased to cover up the date/time, and that the CORRECT TIME for Caracas is now available as an option (seriously, it’s nearly been a YEAR!!!).
Thank You. A.K.C.
@And1
What above article? Even it was a patent, Sony would just pay the royalty fees just like they do for use of the wmv codec, that is if they pay for that. Until I see some credible evidence, I’m calling that patent for in-game music is bogus.
@612
My post with the link is awaiting moderation…
Just go on google
Search in game music microsoft patent
The article is the first link
Hey everyone,
De-lurking for a sec. I keep seeing posts asking for better Flash support, better browser support and PS2 improvements. Let’s try to set expectations for this a little.
1. Flash: Adobe wrote the PS3 version – and the PSP version for that matter. I’m sure Sony can negotiate with them to provide an update – but that will probably take money. My guess is, based on the sales of the PS3 right now, until something major like YouTube breaks, you won’t see any Flash upgrades.
2. Browser: Access of Japan wrote the browser. It’s a variation on their NetFront browser, and is very popular in the embedded space. The PS3 is running a fairly recent version of NetFront – I wouldn’t expect to see any major changes here either. Again – I’m sure Sony could request an update, but I’m guessing that would take additional monetary resources.
3. PS2 emulation:
3a. Hardware PS2 units (20/60 gig US): I wouldn’t expect to see any XMB integration or extra compatibility. The way I understand it, the PS3 pretty much does a “throw” to the internal PS2 and disconnects, acting more like a hypervisor. I’ll never say never – but it seems doubtful to me. Improvements to the Software Emulation probably won’t affect these units either – Phil Harrison has stated “You can’t switch [the Emotion Engine] off”.
3b. Software units (original 80 gig US): You might be able to get better XMB integration on these units, since the Cell is running and emulating the PS2’s EE. You might be able to get improved PS2 compatibility too. It makes sense to ask Sony for improvement for these.
3c. Non-PS2 compatible (40 gig US and newer): Very doubtful that PS2 compatibility will ever be available for these units. They do not include the PS2’s GS chip – which the other PS3 models (hardware & software) do. I’ll simplify here – but the RSX is just not able to emulate the architecture of the GS. Sony and other developers could “re-architect” PS2 games and offer them for sale. I’m simplifying here again, but PC games like FFXI and Silent Hill are basically running native x86 code mimicking the internal structure of a PS2. It’s not emulation – it’s not running the PS2 code as written – but it does mean that you don’t have to scrap your PS2 data sets (models, etc.) entirely. There’s no reason this can’t work – but it does mean you have to buy PS3 versions of PS2 games.
Anyway – these are just some thoughts of mine. I don’t work for Sony or anything – they’re just my opinions after reading a lot of interviews and technical papers. Heading back to lurking mode now – see ya!
Cheers,
Paul
I didn’t think good news really existed any more. Glad to see that it does.
@And1
If it is true then why not just force developers to put it in like it’s done with trophies? It’s already been done with Warhawk. Just share that code with other developers.
@And1
The ps3 can play wmv files and I’m pretty sure that the wmv codec is owned by Microsoft. Yet, the ps3 can play wmv files. If there is some patent, then Sony should just pay the fee and give us in-game music for all ps3 titles.
NICE Update guys!!!!!!!!
Please next time try to consider in-game chat.This will destroy the competition.
The only thing I’m looking for is the ability to bitstream the hi-def audio formats. It’s just some flexibility that would be nice when using the PS3 as a Blu-Ray player.
WHERES IN GAME CHAT! Sony do not release anymore updates until in game chat comes out please!!
@FeaturePreacher
Regarding the remote, you are right that most TV’s use IR remotes. However, the HDMI-CEC standard lets users transmit commands from a common remote to other HDMI-CEC devices. For example, you can send an IR signal from your television remote to the television telling your receiver to increase or decrease the volume (if the components are HDMI-CEC compliant). The command is transmitted from the television to the receiver via the HDMI cable. I’d be really surprised if the hardware to enable this standard wasn’t already in the PS3. The bigger question is, if it was implemented, whether Sony would allow this control from non-Sony televisions, since I think most companies limit their functionality with other manufacturer’s components, even though it is a “standard”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI#Consumer_Electronics_Control_channel
Also there is nothing preventing the production of a universal remote that supports both Bluetooth/IR signals. However, since no home theater devices (other than the PS3) uses Bluetooth, no universal remote manufacturer has yet included Bluetooth support outside of maybe a few super-high end models (>$1000). Nor should they since it would cost a fair amount to add to the remote and most people do not have Bluetooth devices. If anyone were going to produce a universal remote with Bluetooth support, it would seem that Sony would likely have to be it, since they are the only one making a Bluetooth device in the PS3.
I guess it’s not going to be tonight?
[repeated w/o link, since I’m not sure whether comments can be seen without moderator approval and I don’t want the comment to get utterly buried]
@FeaturePreacher
Regarding the remote, you are right that most TV’s use IR remotes. However, the HDMI-CEC standard lets users transmit commands from a common remote to other HDMI-CEC devices. For example, you can send an IR signal from your television remote to the television telling your receiver to increase or decrease the volume (if the components are HDMI-CEC compliant). The command is transmitted from the television to the receiver via the HDMI cable. I’d be really surprised if the hardware to enable this standard wasn’t already in the PS3. The bigger question is, if it was implemented, whether Sony would allow this control from non-Sony televisions, since I think most companies limit their functionality with other manufacturer’s components, even though it is a “standard”.
Also there is nothing preventing the production of a universal remote that supports both Bluetooth/IR signals. However, since no home theater devices (other than the PS3) uses Bluetooth, no universal remote manufacturer has yet included Bluetooth support outside of maybe a few super-high end models (>$1000). Nor should they since it would cost a fair amount to add to the remote and most people do not have Bluetooth devices. If anyone were going to produce a universal remote with Bluetooth support, it would seem that Sony would likely have to be it, since they are the only one making a Bluetooth device in the PS3.
They are probably preparing the firmware to be released around the release of Socom Confrontation hence the microphone updates.
@featurepreacher
Why would Sony pay for in-game music when the developers could implement the feature without needing to pay the competition(microsoft)? With wmv files they have no choice but to pay the royalty fees.
Sony will not force developers to include this feature when focusing on making a good game is more important.
Man it’s ABOUT TIME we could play 2 blasted videos in a row. Thanks Sony for features that should have been in there from day 1. Sheesh.
Wow I cant wait 2 download these updates another great job guys
@And1
And yet Sony is going to force all titles released in 2009 to have trophies. I bet there won’t be one game released on the ps3 in 2009 that won’t have trophies. If Sony can force trophies, why can’t they force code for in-game music?
@And1
I don’t believe including a small amount of code that can be easily duplicated takes away from game development.
Sony we need the following:
Auto installs for the demos, etc.
A universal, cross game invite system. A person should be able to get an invite, put in the disc, accept the invite and be put right into that online game.
In-game voice chat and voice messages.
Games need split-screen and bots. Split-screen online would be nice also! Gears of War and Halo 3 both have it. Split-screen is priceless and bots add so much replayability and are appropriate for any gamer, hardcore or mediocre/light gamer.
I really love the features included in this update. Kudos!
I just love firmware updates……….
well great update there are a few thing i would like to see.
first some kind of reward for the level you are.
Second i want to see and uni clan support for all games.
Third a new web browers and for the psp i want messagers support such as aim and yahoo when the psp keyboard is release.
@featurepreacher
If they FORCE the developers all to add in the in-game music feature. It is considered a system wide feature. Which microsoft might take sony to court. Also unless your a game developer you can not say the code to add in this feature is small or easy. Otherwise more games would have this feature already.
I am going to end my replys here…
Great updates Still like to see Flash or whole web browers updated on PS3 I think it’s time :) then you get more people buy ps3 just for that. That way we can watch hulu on ps3 :) hehe
The least you can do Sony is nag some of these game developers to create patches for the games that are not supporting in-game music & probably trophies as well as in-game screenshots. If they are still getting sales for that particular game, they shoud continue to support it.
Wow… second best update EVER! :D
You guys are nonchalant about being awesome… :D
I’m going to include my long @$$ list here as well, hoping they will be added into firmware revisions.
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PAL / NTSC support
– I have a major need for both standards. The system should be region free. What if I visit or move to another region, does this mean I must have access to or purchase another PS3? Unacceptable!
Create folder images
– I can’t stand how we’re forced to accept the last item downloaded or installed as the image for the folder cover.
Password Protection
– Everything should have this option within the OS (Ex. users, installed apps / programs, game content etc.)
Keyboard Operation
– At the very least, standard shortcuts are needed (Control + C, V, X, Y, A, Z etc.)
– Print screen is needed
– Remove Shift + backspace as delete all. I can’t express how many times I’ve accidentally erased everything because of it. Which brings back to the shortcuts…if they were there that wouldn’t have been such an issue. Make the delete all something else.
– Create a spell check application or incorporate one (auto) within the system itself. Even if you are an English Professor, it can be useful.
AVS (Address Verification System)
– Ka-Ka…need I say more? Answer: “No” but I will explain anyway.
– This AVS is a major concern for me, I was able to make PSN purchases basically since launch, and when I attempted to use another card, a splash screed says I’ve entered the information incorrectly. Now, clearly there is an issue there; the splash screen needs to be revised to include a more descriptive explanation. It took many attempts to realize that the issue wasn’t due to incorrect information implementation, but AVS. Even Sony Tech Reps couldn’t figure it out at first…and when you incorrectly attempt 3 times, you are forced to wait no less than 24 hrs prior to the next attempt. Even the representatives are unable to do anything server side, regardless of their company seniority level. That is crazy and unacceptable. I know I’m not alone in this issue as well.
I am still unable to make purchases, which continues increase my fury within as more and more cool stuff is released. I have made many calls and emails in regards to this issue without finding a resolution, even to this very day. I struggle to understand how it’s possible that throughout the entire corporation, no person is able to assist with this type of situation. You would think such a monumental flaw would be addressed immediately, (At least in less than six months, which is approximately the amount of time elapsed thus far) seeing as how it must be costing Sony untold financial stress.
If you would like to see my issue you can view the Gamer Advisory Panel (G.A.P.) thread here:
http://gap.us.playstation.com/?q=node/77911&from=0&comments_p
– My suggestions (In no particular order) are:
First,
include an option to add more than one payment method simultaneously (Even if it’s two credit cards)
Second,
make the system more user friendly. Revise the splash screen to advise closer to the actual issue. One explanation for all is not helpful. I can understand that there are security issues to consider, however; there must be a way to vaguely describe the issue. Anything is better than how it is.
And Third,
Don’t force A.V.S. on everyone just yet. Not all banking institutions have implemented this feature. Wait until they do. At the very least, have an option within higher level support to correct issues that occur on the billing server.
XMB (Cross Media Bar)
– Currently the in game features appear choppy with subpar reaction times.
– The use of the XMB while typing an email would also be useful.
– Perhaps even allow the option for XMB on XMB use to allow for multitasking while in game. I realize that too much would deplete processing power, but perhaps a once only XMB on XMB could be devised. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to refer back to something while typing an email in game?
– The option to open a web browser in game would be nice as well. Why we cannot already is nothing short of ridiculous.
– Being able to play any music would be beneficial in game also. I don’t understand why the game developer needs to implement the use of this feature for us to play anything. There should be an option within the in game XMB, where you can mute the games music and play your own. This override option should not be difficult to create…not when you’re Sony.
-Option to turn off the controller while downloading / installing.
-Missed message / email notification when offline.
-More status options.
Web Browser
– Update Flash
– Web interface is not very well devised. Sony already works with Google on Life with Playstation (LWP), which is in dire need of improvements that I won’t get into here.
Perhaps Sony could work with Firefox to implement a better browser.
-Higher cash memory.
USB/Bluetooth Headset
– Ability to set the all sound output directly to the ear.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
– Find a way to allow the use of NTFS…FAT sucks period.
– Allow access to the HDD itself. I can’t stand that I’m unable to directly access certain things contained within. I know that security is needed for copyright infringement reasons, but you could allow access to the other things. (Ex. Using an image from another theme without direct manipulation)
Trophies
– Increased response time. When I attempt to compare, the load time is just silly…and I have an excellent connection.
– The trophy interface could also be improved there’s just not enough features and everything is too small (Based on 50” 1080p Series 6 Plasma Television).
Games
– Volume adjustment. There are some games that are recorded very high (Ex. Mortal Kombat II). I would love to be able to adjust each games volume individually, automatically retaining the setting preferences.
– Also add a separate auto-play adjustment for games / videos. I like Movies to auto-play but not games. Currently you can only set either on or off.
– Why can we write from the PS2 Memory card but not to it? This should be fixed.
– All games should incorporate the Players Met section of the XMB.
– Messaging between PS3 and PSP would be good.
Friends
– Set our own icon for online. I would love to be able to set my own image instead of a .gif from a limited list provided by Sony. Perhaps you should add more images as well. I have like 10 friends with the same icon.
– Having said that; the option to change the icon of your friend would be good. Let them have their choice but allow me to add an image beside or something for my benefit.
– Change or add to a friend’s name. Sometimes I forget who’s who…even when I know them personally.
– Add a personal note section for a comment on your friends (For your viewing benefit only).
– Longer comment character max.
– Friends list should be unlimited if possible.
– Option to store emails separate from newer ones.
– Option to delete multiple saved emails simultaneously.
OS Interface
-More sorting options.
– More Colours. PSP has so many, why is the all mighty Flag Ship console inferior in this regard?
– More Visualizations or allow us to download our own somehow.
– I want to move or interact with XMB items (ex. Info Board) I don’t like where it’s placed, and want to move it. There are other items as well but I trust you get the point.
– Support for ALL container formats. Why have limits? If I want to play an .mkv or certain xvid file, I should be able to regardless of their developers.
– Playstation ON/OFF timer.
– Powered stand-by USB ports.
– Opacity adjustment. I would like to adjust certain areas individually.
– Multitasking. I would love to work on something without having to close a browser or other running applications.
– Video icons only, why? I would like have an option to add something dynamic, or perhaps an image as the icon.
– Hide items within OS or XMB from Sub Users. I don’t want the sub users to see everything on my profile.
– Notifications, the option for sound should be available.
– Setting to adjust when or when not to notify would be great as well.
– FONTS, I want to add more or have more either way.
– I’m not sure if anyone else has this issue, but when playing Movies the info will often pop up without cause all on its own. Why does it do this I wonder? Please fix this.
– Better iPod support. I can’t find anything in that current rubbish.
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will I ever be able to play my copy of Dragon’s Lair or should I buy a blue ray player from another company??
Digital Leisure told me Sony was aware of the mistake made 3 updates ago but have yet to work with them towards finding the cause of the problem…
Does anyone know of a basic blue ray player that will work with Dragon’s Lair??
I hope the next update fixes this thing, I would love to know Sony fixed the problem so I can start adding other movie/games to my blueray collection.
ballin’ update, i was beginning to lose faith. Good to know that you actually take in the input and requests of fans.
keep it up!
any plan on adding Canadian-French keyboard layout?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:KB_Canadian_French.svg
Read 570 and 571!!!!!!!!!!!!!…fix the msg problem with this update plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz its driving me crazy……………………….
One thing bugs me about this update is this thing that allows people to see when the last time you logged on in your friendslist. It’s bad enough that you can’t log in invisible but now showing off whens the last time you been on is kinda annoying.
I’m aware I can just delete them off my friendslist and friends are for friends but I sorta want privacy sometimes and it’s just annoying to me and this addition just made it a little bit more annoying. The worse part is you don’t have an option to turn this “whens the last time you logged on” function.
i feel u…my friends make me mad sometimes
everyone read 570 and 571
if anyone has a solution to the msg issue msg me on psu or psn fullxtimexhitman
nicee thats awesome cant wait
This is great and all, but there’s still no option to turn off the clock in the upper right. :(
Great update for both PSP and PS3… I really look forward to it. Is there any performance updates in this update? For example, making navigating the XMB in game faster, or that problem with the battery status being in front of the clock?
Thanks
This a great update now w just need HOME, the ability to play music from HDD, An improved internet browser and update flash player or better player, and lastly ability to get HOME live. But great job Sony for giving us gamers what we want. Keep up the great work.
Wow nice.. couldnt have been a better update.. perfect for the psp and ps3….i own both so this is great for me.. keep up the good work
Nice update Sony.
Butt looking through comments 570 and 571 isnt a bad idea as well.
This update has quite a few things I wanted, though other features I’ve been hoping too see are missing, I know the SCE will get on that. on the other hand something the SCE may or may not get on unless they hear more from us the consumers is the PS3’s Backwards Compatibility a feature I and many other desperately want back. (see the Bring back Backwards Compatibility thread In the PSU forum section)
Great job guys! This looks to be another really great update!
I would still really like to see the option to sort games in the XMB by title. Maybe v2.51?