Sony's PlayStation Network operations director Eric Lempel has said that PS3 firmware update 3.0 will be this year's last "significant" update.
When asked if it was the last major update in 2009, Lempel said: "You know, I wouldn't say that for sure just yet because we are working on some things, but this is a big and significant update, so you would be correct to assume that [it's the last major update for 2009]."
PS3 firmware 3.0 demo
Gameplay footage
4:25PSN operations director Eric Lempel shows off new firmware
PS3 firmware 3.0 demo
Gameplay footage
4:25PSN operations director Eric Lempel shows off new firmware
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PS3 firmware 3.0 demo
Gameplay footage
4:25PSN operations director Eric Lempel shows off new firmware
PS3 firmware 3.0 demo
Gameplay footage
4:25PSN operations director Eric Lempel shows off new firmware
He added: "We try to release updates a few times a year and try to put as much as we can in them," Lempel told G4TV.
"We do want to continue to evolve the PS3, continue to go along our road map but also listen to what the users are saying and making the necessary enhancements to make their experience better."
Firmware 3.0 will be released on September 1, and it's quite a big one. Here are the full official details, in case you missed them, and a video above, thanks to the ever handy PS Blog:
"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.
still chasing after NXE. Seriously Sony could you please just redesign the dash, rather than just giving us stuff the 360 has had since launch.
Then again the guy in the update videos looks like he's never had an original idea in his life.
I hope they stick with the XMB, I think NXE looks like a graphical mess on the eyes. With XMB you know where everything is, I remember when my 360 changed to NXE I spend a while trying to find where everything had gone. Plus they lied about it too. They said you would be able to change back to the blades if you wished, and you can't.
Using both a ps3 and a 360 I personally think the ps3 dash is far superior and much easier to get round. The 360 you are continually flicking through pictures or pressing the 360 button to bring up other stuff. Plus the ps3 looks so much more mature than a ridiculous wii rip off avatar which we have no choice but to use, and as an adult I don’t want this childish stuff. Ok if you’re a kid using the 360 it might be appealing, but not for me. Even the wii has a more adult looking dash without having to even see your avatar. But really, all these updates. I turn on my games machine to play a game, it drives me insane having to keep downloading these updates which take ages and I see no benefit. Bring back the cartridge someone, please.
They aren't trying to 'catch up' to the NXE at all. Personally I always preferred the PS3 interface to the NXE, and I actually preferred the old 360 dashboard to it as well.
I have to say that I'm looking forward to getting a new avatar, though, hopefully there will be some kind of Gundam or Sephiroth one. I have had my Kanji character avatar since I got my PS3.
And, Monkey, I agree about the guy in the video. He isn't a man that you'd want to go to the pub with.
I agree with roger4000 here. The fact that the NXE has tried to go all pretty means that it slows things down. I also hate the fact that it loads the Spotlight tab by default, rather than the My Xbox one (or whatever I was looking at last). I also don't always want to load the disc I just put in.
The XMB, on the other hand, is simple so takes no system resources to load (especially since they sped it up last update) and looks like it is what it is - a stopgap between loading the machine and actually loading what you want (Store, game, movie, whatever).
I don't care about avatars or any of the stuff that gets between me and what I want the system for - playing games, downloading the odd thing and watching the occasional movie. In this respect the XMB wins hands down.
I agree with roger4000 here. The fact that the NXE has tried to go all pretty means that it slows things down. I also hate the fact that it loads the Spotlight tab by default, rather than the My Xbox one (or whatever I was looking at last). I also don't always want to load the disc I just put in.
The XMB, on the other hand, is simple so takes no system resources to load (especially since they sped it up last update) and looks like it is what it is - a stopgap between loading the machine and actually loading what you want (Store, game, movie, whatever).
I don't care about avatars or any of the stuff that gets between me and what I want the system for - playing games, downloading the odd thing and watching the occasional movie. In this respect the XMB wins hands down.
I totally agree. The XMB is much, much clearer and simpler to use.
However, did you know that you can turn off the automatic disc loading (360) in the options? It was one of the first things that I did because it annoyed the hell out of me!
Back on topic - i'm keen to see the animated themes. The LBP and PJ Monsters ones look mint.
I like to be presented with something bright and fun when i turn on my games machine. for me the PS3 dash is just dull.
Having everything integragated and easily navigated using the blades by press the xbox button is so much swifter and manageable.
I like the guy that said he was grown up so he didn't want a childish avatar.Great way to show your age. Or lack of anyway. Kid one day you'll have heindsight enough to know that its the silly things that make life fun.
The Playstation store is also a mess and having to install everythnig you download is also rediculous.
I like to be presented with something bright and fun when i turn on my games machine. for me the PS3 dash is just dull.
Having everything integragated and easily navigated using the blades by press the xbox button is so much swifter and manageable.
I like the guy that said he was grown up so he didn't want a childish avatar.Great way to show your age. Or lack of anyway. Kid one day you'll have heindsight enough to know that its the silly things that make life fun.
The Playstation store is also a mess and having to install everythnig you download is also rediculous.
The PS3s front end is a mess, plain and simple.
My 360 theme looks (purposefully) miserable because I have a Fallout theme on there!
Each to their own, I guess - but I feel that you are in the minority on this one.
And if you need bright and cheerful, then the up-coming LBP animated theme looks wicked.
Seems like a very thinly veiled attempt to ram some PS advertising down our throats while we play. I always thought the PS Store was easy enough to find thank you. On the plus side I'm looking forward to getting some animated themes. Lone Wanderer and Dogmeat from Fallout 3 Please.
I agree with roger4000 here. The fact that the NXE has tried to go all pretty means that it slows things down. I also hate the fact that it loads the Spotlight tab by default, rather than the My Xbox one (or whatever I was looking at last). I also don't always want to load the disc I just put in.
The XMB, on the other hand, is simple so takes no system resources to load (especially since they sped it up last update) and looks like it is what it is - a stopgap between loading the machine and actually loading what you want (Store, game, movie, whatever).
I don't care about avatars or any of the stuff that gets between me and what I want the system for - playing games, downloading the odd thing and watching the occasional movie. In this respect the XMB wins hands down.
I totally agree. The XMB is much, much clearer and simpler to use.
However, did you know that you can turn off the automatic disc loading (360) in the options? It was one of the first things that I did because it annoyed the hell out of me!
Back on topic - i'm keen to see the animated themes. The LBP and PJ Monsters ones look mint.
true cant stand the nxe, menus all buried into eacother, XMB is alot better and easier to get what you want imo without having to go thru menus all the time to get too something
does anyone know whether you can create a playlist of AVCHD videos?
If you've got a HD camera recording in this format and you press stop and then start again whilst shooting your movie (as you do) then the PS3 interprets these as seperate movies.
A solution would be most welcome.
My resistance is broken, I'm getting a PS3 Slim. I think it looks a lot nicer than the shiny ones.
does anyone know whether you can create a playlist of AVCHD videos?
If you've got a HD camera recording in this format and you press stop and then start again whilst shooting your movie (as you do) then the PS3 interprets these as seperate movies.
A solution would be most welcome.
My resistance is broken, I'm getting a PS3 Slim. I think it looks a lot nicer than the shiny ones.
They did not say you could switch back to the blades after NXE. If you were listening they said you could press the guide button and you had blades there. It's all you need if you really want to use that.
Having two points of entry in NXE guarantees you can always get to what you want fast.
Anyway, the 3.0 firmware update looks like a load of crap. The only nice thing about it is the little indicator top right. Hardly worth bumping to 3.0 for. We're rapidly approaching what's worthy of a 1.5 release.
Wake me up when (not if) it gets backwards compatibility. That and proper online multiplayer support instead of the mess that is Home and what is in PSN now.
does anyone know whether you can create a playlist of AVCHD videos?
If you've got a HD camera recording in this format and you press stop and then start again whilst shooting your movie (as you do) then the PS3 interprets these as seperate movies.
A solution would be most welcome.
My resistance is broken, I'm getting a PS3 Slim. I think it looks a lot nicer than the shiny ones.
Damn you to hell, heathen!!!!
yeah you f^ckers have finally ground me down
i fancy playing LBP, Uncharted (1 & 2) and the last guardian as well. plus i want a bluray player and it also plays loads of video formats off my cameras like motion jpegs which the 360 doesn't. might look at using my 360 pad on it though
I can't comment on the XMB, but although I can get around the NXE perfectly well, the content part of it is a confusing mess in my opinion and I seem to find myself in the wrong place quite regularly.
Althought the features they mention here like showing you how many friends you have online, messages etc has been on the 360 for as long as I can remember.
I don't get the kiddy gripes with NXE though. I'm an adult and secure in that fact, a few bright colours and cartoony graphics don't bother me at all. It's not like it holds your hand and welcomes you in like an over protective mother. We have to wait for natal to get that.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!!!!!!! after all this time i've been bitching about a msg icon of some sorts they roll one out. that's all i really wanted. THANKS!
I cant see why you would prefer the online functionally of the ps3, its slower, its not very dynamic (no cross game invites or chat) and its very flat where as the 360 changes layers and screens and makes it feel like your doing more.
I am betting you have never used the 360 dashboard in your every day life because i assure you i am no fanboy and its much better. I hate not being able to join people from my friends list or see what there doing and if i wanna see there trophies i have to wait 5 mins. this is the main reason why 360 is what i buy all my games for
However, did you know that you can turn off the automatic disc loading (360) in the options? It was one of the first things that I did because it annoyed the hell out of me!
can you really? how do you do tht man coz i did turn it off (or at least i thought) and it does prevent the game loading automatically after you turn it on BUT say its already on and i pop a disc in, the game will start anyways.
However, did you know that you can turn off the automatic disc loading (360) in the options? It was one of the first things that I did because it annoyed the hell out of me!
can you really? how do you do tht man coz i did turn it off (or at least i thought) and it does prevent the game loading automatically after you turn it on BUT say its already on and i pop a disc in, the game will start anyways.
There's an option for it in the system settings I think. Just select that and the only way the game will load from then on is by clicking on the relevant box.
Hurrah for this turning into an XMB vs. NXE battle, haven't seen one of these in such a long time. gash gash gash. Last night's football violence was probably rekindled due to a 360 vs. PS3 argument.
I can't honestly believe that you lot think the PS Store is a mess. It's bloody easy to find what you want on it. Want to see what's new? Go to the "Latest". Want a certain game or it's content? Either go to one of these three options: 1) Search A-Z, Choose PS3, then choose the subsection the game falls under (e.g. for Crash Commando choose A-C). 2) Search by genre, so for Resistance 2 DLC choose "Shooter". 3) Use the "Search" option at the top. Just enter the game you want. There's even a "We Recommend" section where the best games on the store turn up. It's no harder than the Xbox Live store and I generally find it quicker to find stuff on the PS3. Just because there is PSP stuff on the store too doesn't make it a mess.
Back on topic now I'm looking forward to this update. There's not many useful things, but the trophy seperation of game and DLC was something I wanted them to implement. Sorry for the lecture above but I honestly see from using both PSN and Live this great divide that people go on about.
what i don't understand about the PS3 updates is why they don't just bundle then all together into one big update, rather than all these p**sy little ones.
Its not like the wii where you know an update is basically ninty trying to close another hole in the firmware to try and stop the Homebrew channel.
Does the homebrew channel really do that much damage to Nintendo? Everyone makes it sound like a shady black market.
I agree about the PS3 updates though, Monkey. It wouldn't be so bad if you could either download them in the background or they didn't take so long, but even the small ones can take upwards of 30mins on my crappy rural hillbilly 2mb connection. 3.00 will probably take me at least 3 hours to do, and if it rains then it might take up to 6 hours. The 360 is better in this respect because you can update in the background and they are much quicker.
Personally I find both interfaces easy to use on both systems.
Just give me party chat and private chat, or at worst messaging without the messing about outside of games on PS3, like we've had from launch on the 360 and I'd be happy...
Both systems have there advantages but surely a better communications methods should have been a must from the begging on the PS3?..
I know I have to pay £30 a year for LIVE, but if that means I can private/party chat and also block out all game chat apart from my friends then thats fine by me... I'd rather that then all the 9-12yr old Mickey Mouse inpersonators in my ear.
However the fact that PS3 is free online and I also find I get no lagging at all is very impressive, when compared to some of the lagged out games on LIVE, while I'm running at 20megs...
NOW if only there was an option on both systems to play on dedicated UK/European servers on all games!!
Can't comment on XMB or NXE (that all sounds so geeky!), but I have no problems whatsoever on my Xbox.
I just wanted to reply to the comment by Sinthetic and his preference in controllers. Yes, the Playstation pad IS better- if you have claws or hooves, but for people with hands- WITH fingers- they are truly unpleasant!
Does the homebrew channel really do that much damage to Nintendo? Everyone makes it sound like a shady black market.
I agree about the PS3 updates though, Monkey. It wouldn't be so bad if you could either download them in the background or they didn't take so long, but even the small ones can take upwards of 30mins on my crappy rural hillbilly 2mb connection. 3.00 will probably take me at least 3 hours to do, and if it rains then it might take up to 6 hours. The 360 is better in this respect because you can update in the background and they are much quicker.
Nintendo seem to think so. I see it as a way of taking a fairly good games machine and making it awesome. It gives me a region free wii that can play dvds emulate pretty much every old console going and runs all my games off an external HDD( it also makes them load faster too)
I highly reccommend anyone who has a wii to look into getting it.
I agree about the 360 it does do updates a hell of alot better.
i hear ya brother. The PSP go looks like its going to be an even bigger nightmare for people with hands bigger than that of a child.
The PS pad is really showing its age and poor design now. Seriously did they consult anyone during the design process . the triggers aren't even trigger shaped. i can understand why so many devs attempt to not use them for anything important.
there is nothing wrong with NXE. its well organised, got some visual quality to it and always something new to look at/download. The XMB is also ok, however i find the blandness of it all a bit too much, even with a decent theme. The greatest thing to come out of this story though?......No more will i see that my controller is half charged instead of the time!!!1
Wake me up when (not if) it gets backwards compatibility. That and proper online multiplayer support instead of the mess that is Home and what is in PSN now.
I have had Backwards compatibility since I brought my PS3. People like you make me laugh. Sony made a machine which done it all, people like you compain about the price so they took stuff away and made it cheaper, and you compain that it doesnt have all the same features!
You will not get PS2 support for ages (if ever now), you just find a 60gig machine and stop crying about it. Also I find PS3 online play is great, I have never had a problem with going online and playing against other people. Maybe your just thick.
But then the XBox controller is far better than the aged Dualshock.
You clearly don't play Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD then, or any one-on-one beat 'em up, becuase the Dual Shock wins Hands down everytime. I agree that the 360 pad is better for FPS games, but seeing as I don't play FPS games much its not much good to people like me.
NXE has got more personality. Theres always plenty to see and do with streamed videos and various articles hanging about in the background.
The XMB may be more streamlined, I'll agree there, but the environment as a whole is sterile and empty in comparison. And don't mention Home as a source of personality, its boring as hell and has all the warmth of a well diggers bottom. Bunch of spectres/avatars dancing the dry hump and trying to rape each other.
But then the XBox controller is far better than the aged Dualshock.
You clearly don't play Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD then, or any one-on-one beat 'em up, becuase the Dual Shock wins Hands down everytime. I agree that the 360 pad is better for FPS games, but seeing as I don't play FPS games much its not much good to people like me.
Certain types of games are better suited to the Dual-Shock, that's certainly true - but, that's mainly down to the terrible D-Pad that the 360 controller has. A lot of PES fans swear by the Dual-Shock.
Having said that, I was utterly stunned by how easy I found playing SF4 to be using the 360 controller....I figured it'd just be awful after reading some comments on the forums, but I do just fine with it.
NXE has got more personality. Theres always plenty to see and do with streamed videos and various articles hanging about in the background.
The XMB may be more streamlined, I'll agree there, but the environment as a whole is sterile and empty in comparison. And don't mention Home as a source of personality, its boring as hell and has all the warmth of a well diggers bottom. Bunch of spectres/avatars dancing the dry hump and trying to rape each other.
I don't really sit and stare at the XMB so I can't comment on it being sterile and empty. It does exactly what it's meant to do easily, simply and quickly.
The Wii controller is the most comfortable to use. I never had a problem with the dual shock or xbox controllers until I used the wii mote with nunchuck thingy. Because the two are seperate you don't have to sit all hunched up with just makes the whole thing alot more comfortable.
About the XBM what does it matter? If they are changing it for the better its a good thing. Saying its about time because its been done on this or that before is a bit lame. How do things change in busines, by looking at what other people are doing and pinching the good ideas that work with what you've got. If they didn't refine it at all then you could complain.
NXE has got more personality. Theres always plenty to see and do with streamed videos and various articles hanging about in the background.
The XMB may be more streamlined, I'll agree there, but the environment as a whole is sterile and empty in comparison. And don't mention Home as a source of personality, its boring as hell and has all the warmth of a well diggers bottom. Bunch of spectres/avatars dancing the dry hump and trying to rape each other.
I don't really sit and stare at the XMB so I can't comment on it being sterile and empty. It does exactly what it's meant to do easily, simply and quickly.
I don't sit and pointlessly stare at my inactive NXE, thats my point exactly, beautifully illustrated by your sarcasm.
Theres always something happening in the Spotlight section or Inside Xbox that lets you watch videos, interviews, footage of cons, the majority of which you can stream without having to p**s about. It makes your console more interesting when you're not playing games, and I for one actually appreciate that.
I don't sit and pointlessly stare at my inactive NXE, thats my point exactly, beautifully illustrated by your sarcasm.
Theres always something happening in the Spotlight section or Inside Xbox that lets you watch videos, interviews, footage of cons, the majority of which you can stream without having to p**s about. It makes your console more interesting when you're not playing games, and I for one actually appreciate that.
For a start I never said you did.. I said I didn't! It's not sarcasm, it's a fact! I use it to navigate from playing games to PSN to watching Blurays etc and it does it all perfectly well.
I have had extensive experience with both - although I must admit it was perhaps more of an expensive experience in the case of my unreliable 360!
Personally, I find the xmb to be slicker and more adult than MS's colourful effort. I know the point has been argued that some people need to take themselves less seriously, but...I still don't want some crappy little avatar on my screen.
Horses for courses and in my case I'm fast approaching 30 years-of-age with a disdain for these 14y.o. gangsters who seem so prolific on xbox live - at least on psn most of them don't have mics!
I really don't see the appeal of having an avatar I can dress up as a "gansta".
In fact, despite me initially deriding the PS3, it is a remarkably good media hub. Me and my flatmate frequently use his PS3 to stream media from our laptops straight through to our PS3/tv in the lounge - incredibly useful when you have a roomful of drunken guests and don't really want somebody pouring beer into your laptop!
The Playstation store is also a mess and having to install everythnig you download is also rediculous.
Demos etc downloaded from XBL are installed onto your HD.. is that rediculous?
No because its done automatically. As soon as the download is finished i can play it. I don't then have to find it on the game menu and install the thing.
Then again if you'd ever actaully owned a 360 you'd know this.
I personally don't have a problem with PS3 downloads as I usually play/do whatever I want to do then I use the "Switch off Playstation after all the downloads are complete" and Bobs your uncle and f***y's your aunt...All downloaded AND installed for when I switch it on in the morning (To play a 5 minute demo and to delete it straight after...but that's my own preference).
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