In a new PlayStation.Blog comment by Noel Silvia, she states that, putting all rumors to a debunked status, PlayStation Home is not coming along with update 2.30 for the PlayStation 3.
"Despite what some rumour mongers would like for you to believe, no, Home is NOT a part of this update."However, that doesn't rule out any other surprises coming. We shall hope.
According to the Japanese PlayStation site, the firmware update 2.30 which includes the PlayStation Store revamp, will be hitting our console on April 15, 2008, meaning this upcoming Tuesday. These updates are usually worldwide, so expect the same for North America and Europe. Look below for the rough Japanese translation.
New download categories add? Oh really. Could this be movies? I guess we will find out the 15th. Also, SCEJ will be offering a "PlayStation Treasure Hunt" from April 15, 2008 to May 12, 2007. This will allow every 50th user to the store to download a "hidden" piece of content (game, application, demo, etc.), but we have no idea what it is.Sony PlayStation 3 online service will be renewed on April 15th, 2008 (Tuesday) evening. This will renew and expand the store by adding functionality described below:
- New interface and navigation improvements
- Preview video content using still images
- New download categories added
After the update, PS3 System Software 2.30 will be available.
Shortly, you may get a notification on your PSP to update the system. The v3.95 update includes two new features.
Look for the update on the network soon.
- While playing PSone games on your PSP, you can now customize how the buttons are assigned by going to [Controller Settings] > [Assign Buttons] and select [Custom].
- You can now quit Remote Play and choose to turn off your PS3 or leave it on after quitting. This is useful if you are performing a download and want to quit Remote Play, but still want your download to continue on the PS3. Select [Quit and Turn Off the PS3 System] or [Quit Without Turning Off the PS3 System] from [Quit Remote Play] when you press the HOME button on the PSP system.
Just a brief note, PlayStation 3 firmware update 2.20 is now available for download on your consoles. All it's new features can be viewed here.
[Thanks Juan!]
We already know that PlayStation 3 update 2.20 will bring along Blu-Ray Profile 2.0 along with some other new features, but a new article from PC World has revealed one more feature.
The new firmware will come with "Portable Copy", which will allow PlayStation 3 users to copy a standard-definition version f the Blu-Ray movie they have inserted. Then you can transfer it to your PSP. This was a feature revealed back at CES 2008, and it's almost here.
[PS3 Firmware Update Enhances Blu-ray Capabilities]
Sony Computer Entertainment announced today the next firmware update for the PlayStation 3 being v2.20.The new update, to be releasead late this month, contains Blu-Ray Disc Profile 2.0 or BD-LIVE, letting users experience interactive features such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more.
BD Profile 2.0 requires an Internet connection and at least 1GB of local storage. The following features have all been demonstrated as possibilities with BD-Live and will vary by movie title.
The other new features that this update will bring is are listed below.
- A variety of downloadable content can be offered, including bonus scenes, shorts, trailers, subtitles, ringtones that can be sent to mobile phones, images, and more.
- Interactive movie-based games can pit players who are sitting in the same room, or are across the world and online, against each other.
Expect to see this update hit your PlayStation 3's at the end of the month. Now, we just need the PlayStation Network revamp, then in-game XMB, and we can say Sony did a pretty good job.*1 BD-J format disc is not supported.
- "Resume play" will enable PS3 system to start playing a Blu-ray disc and DVD at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.(*1)
- "Audio Output Device" will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.
- PS3 system's Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser's view speed will be improved.
- DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.
- "Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.(*2)
*2 BD discs recorded with BDMV format are not supported.
On March 18, 2008, Sony will be releasing PSP firmware version 3.93, which expands support for PlayStation Network titles. The PSP Internet Radio feature will also have 20 new internet radio players to enjoy as well. Look forward to it tomorrow.
[New Internet Radio Stations and Firmware coming to PSP]
We've turned on our PlayStation 3's to notice that a new firmware update is now available, and it's firmware version 2.17. I'm installing it now, and it didn't tell me any changes beforehand. We will update you when we find out whats new in this firmware. Remember, it could be nothing.
Update: No in-game XMB, no Home either, to clear it out for everyone. Looking across the XMB and menus, I couldn't really find anything new. If you discover something, let us know.
Update #2: Sony has updated us on their official blog stating that if you want to know what the update was all about, "the operating stability of some online PS3 titles has been improved."
Ray Maguire, Sony Computer Entratainment Manging Director, stated a few days ago that we will be receiving in-game communications in the summer.
From a post from a few days ago, Maguire stated: "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."
TechRadar spoke with Daniel Dawkins, an editor for UK based PSM3 Magazine. He told them “This brings the PS3 up to parity with Xbox Live, the key difference being that it’s free". Dawkins added: “Sony is working its best to respond to what gamers want. The amount of evolution in terms of the firmware updates over the last year has been phenomenal.”
Lets hope we can trust this editor and that it really does put is almost up to par with Live.
[PS3's in-game comms extended]
For those of you wondering when we will get in-game XMB, I think we finally have an answer. Sadly, it's not a good one. In an interview with SCE UK Boss, Ray Maguire, he tells us that in-game communication will arrive in a firmware update during the summer.
“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.”There you have it, straight from his mouth. Looks like we have quite a bit of waiting to do.
It seems Firmware 2.15 for the PlayStation 3 was leaked today. In the unpacked file list, it adds a new "vm" folder to the PlayStation 3 Hard Drive. You can view the unpacked list below, see if you can figure something out.
PS3 Debug Firmware v2.15 File List[BREAKiNG NEWS: PS3 Debug Firmware 2.15 leaked!] [Warning: Massive Ads]
Directory of ..2.15_DEBUG
02/28/2008 05:38 PM .
02/28/2008 05:38 PM ..
02/28/2008 03:46 PM 3 dots.txt
02/28/2008 05:38 PM 0 firmware.txt
02/28/2008 03:47 PM update
02/28/2008 03:46 PM 103,260,160 update.tar
02/28/2008 03:46 PM 5,581,512 updater.sce
02/28/2008 03:46 PM 5 version.txt
02/28/2008 03:47 PM vsh
02/28/2008 03:46 PM 10,240 vsh.tar
6 File(s) 108,851,920 bytes
Directory of ..2.15_DEBUGupdate
02/28/2008 03:47 PM .
02/28/2008 03:47 PM ..
01/19/2008 03:41 AM 1,966,992 BDIT_FIRMWARE_PACKAGE.pkg
01/19/2008 03:42 AM 951,040 BDPT_FIRMWARE_PACKAGE_301R.pkg
01/19/2008 03:42 AM 951,040 BDPT_FIRMWARE_PACKAGE_302R.pkg
01/19/2008 03:42 AM 951,040 BDPT_FIRMWARE_PACKAGE_303R.pkg
01/20/2008 01:54 PM 243,559 BLUETOOTH_FIRMWARE.pkg
01/19/2008 03:43 AM 4,976,256 CORE_OS_PACKAGE.pkg
01/20/2008 01:51 PM 1,671 dev_flash_000.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:51 PM 5,616,394 dev_flash_001.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:52 PM 3,357,807 dev_flash_002.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:52 PM 5,055,467 dev_flash_003.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:52 PM 19,451 dev_flash_004.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:52 PM 10,304,923 dev_flash_005.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:53 PM 9,569,246 dev_flash_006.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:53 PM 7,557,602 dev_flash_007.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:53 PM 9,790,673 dev_flash_008.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:53 PM 10,329,525 dev_flash_009.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:53 PM 7,453,935 dev_flash_010.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:54 PM 9,740,817 dev_flash_011.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:54 PM 9,137,037 dev_flash_012.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:54 PM 5,223,205 dev_flash_013.tar.aa.2008_01_21_084823
01/20/2008 01:54 PM 28,636 MULTI_CARD_FIRMWARE.pkg
01/19/2008 03:40 AM 576 RL_FOR_PACKAGE.img
01/19/2008 03:40 AM 704 RL_FOR_PROGRAM.img
01/20/2008 01:54 PM 4,864 SYS_CON_FIRMWARE_01000005.pkg
01/20/2008 01:54 PM 4,864 SYS_CON_FIRMWARE_01010302.pkg
01/20/2008 01:55 PM 1,209 UPL.xml.pkg
26 File(s) 103,238,533 bytes
Directory of ..2.15_DEBUGvsh
02/28/2008 03:47 PM .
02/28/2008 03:47 PM ..
12/17/2006 07:09 PM 0 a
1 File(s) 0 bytes
Total Files Listed:
33 File(s) 212,090,453 bytes
8 Dir(s) 158,846,169,088 bytes free
Today, Sony Computer Entertainment released PSP firmware update 3.90 featuring Skype, now on your PSP. The full update is listed below.
* Support for PLAYSTATION Network titles has been expanded.Ok, so I guess what we just said was the full update. Remember, Skype is exclusive to the PSP-2000 models. If your confused on how to use Skype, you can view a video tutorial here.
* Skype has been added as a feature under Network.
The official Firmware Update 2.10 is now available for download on your PLAYSTATION 3. I've just installed it about a minute ago. The full change list below.
Main Features Revised in System Software Version 2.10Well, go get your update and throw away your converters. Crappy quality is no longer a friend of ours!
A voice changing feature has been added to enable changing of your voice pitch during chat. You can adjust this setting under [Settings] > [Accessory Settings] > [Voice Changer].
DivX and VC-1 (WMV) have been added as codecs that can be played under [Video.
You can now select [Type 3] under [Bitmapping] in [Settings] > [Music Settings].
Sony has just announced a new update coming our way, bringing one of the things we've all been waiting for (no, not in-game XMB), DivX support! Not just that though, also WMV support, and Blu-Ray Disc 1.1 support as well! The new firmware is firmware version 2.10. The features below.
Voice ChangerThrow away all your quality reducing video converters, because this update hits tomorrow, December 18, 2007.
- The Voice Changer feature has been added to voice / video chat. Visit the Voice Changer guide in Help & Support under PS3 at eu.playstation.com for more details.
Music
- You can now select [Type 3] as an option under Settings > [Music Settings] > [Bitmapping]. This bitmapping process was developed specifically for the PS3TM system to enhance audio playback.
Video
- DivX and VC-1 (WMV) have been added to the types of files that can be played. *
- Blu-ray Disc Profile 1.1 is now supported. **
- [BD Data Utility] has been added. ***
* To play VC-1 (WMV) format files, you must go to Settings > [System Settings] and set [Enable WMA Playback].
- Copyright-protected files or files that were encoded by using DivX 3.11 cannot be played. - Files that are 2GB or more cannot be played.
** You may now be able to use several additional features such as playback of two videos at the same time with Profile 1.1-compatible Blu-ray Discs. The available features vary depending on the disc.
*** The management data that is used by the Blu-ray Disc is saved.
Thanks to Engadget, we have details on the upcoming PLAYSTATION Portable firmware 3.80. The new firmware is arriving on December 18th, 2007 and sports some great new features.
- Streaming Internet Radio player.I look forward to the radio for a Holiday station this year.
- Video scene search.
- RSS now supports OPML and pictures.
- PSP-2000 owners with 1Seg tuners can use an EPG to schedule Japanese mobile television recordings.
- PlayStation Spot now available at BB Mobile Point (Japan only).
After an interview that MTV's Multiplayer Blog had with Eric Lempel, they got into discussion about PLAYSTATION 3 firmware updates.
He spoke about the constant firmware updates for little issues such as firmware 2.01 and bug fixes and how it's quite annoying. Lempel said they are trying to cut down on that as they know it can get annoying.
He asks about in-game XMB, Lemepl laughs and says "We hear We hear you. We hear everyone. Yeah. There’s some challenges, but we definitely hear you.…."
Lempel says that we are going to see a few more firmware updates this year that will have some cool new features that we will hopefully enjoy.
He ends it by speaking about the server speed and how it's speeding up. Firmware Updates download faster and you no longer need to connect your controller to install it. Little things like that make the update a lot faster. Sony is going to continue to make it easier and faster as the year of 2008 moves on.
[Via MTV Multiplayer Blog]
Thanks to a forum member at High Def Digest, today we learned that the Blu-Ray Profile 1.1 update will be coming to the PLAYSTATION 3 this month. The poster, who obtained his information from Digital Bits, quoted.
"It was also revealed that the Blu-ray profile 1.1 firmware update for the PS3 is expected to be made available for download later this month."This update is in preparation for the first Blu-Ray Profile 1.1 disc, Resident Evil: Extinction, which is to hit Blu-Ray this January.
Firmware 2.01 was released last week, and some PLAYSTATION 3 owners started to report their console would not read Blu-Ray discs, along with some not reading DVDs at all. The reports started hitting when gamers upgraded to PLAYSTATION 3 firmware 2.01.
“I inserted Blu Ray Disc into PS3 for first time and movie appeared under video tab. It started to play and i started skipping previews and then all of a sudden screen went blank. I went back to PS3 home screen and tried ejected and inserting Blu Ray movie back into PS3 and the icon fails to appear under the video tab. I then tried DVD and that did not appear either. PS3 Games still work. Please help!”I am currently on the 2.01 update, but have yet to experience anything. Riptens own Derek Matias upgraded as well, and his PLAYSTATION 3 is half-bricked.
In a new press release released by Sony, it reveals firmware update 3.73 for the PLAYSTATION Portable. The update is only a fix however.
The update improves the operation of the UMD drive. Before, in certain cases, the drive would suspend and fail to load data properly off the UMD, so this issue is now resolved.
You can currently download it over Wi-Fi or PC, whatever method you choose.
[Via IGN]
