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.
Hey Eric I’d like to place my request early for future firmware updates for post 2.40 LOL
1) IGX for PS2, PSOne, and Bluray/DVD!!!
2) PS2 BC for 40 Gig owners (I’m a 60 owner, but I’m sick of my 40 gig owning friends whinning).
3) Capacity to organize music by artist and then by album.
I’ve been playing MGS1-3 to get caught up to play MGS4 and I don’t expect this to be the last time I do this. At times I’ve been completely severed from the network when I wouldn’t mind getting a message to play Eye of Judgment, warhawk, rb6v2, ut3, MGSO, or Tekken 5 DR Online.
Thank the firmware team for me for finally making this possible.
Great update, I know I and many other people have been waiting for this :)
As for future suggestions, where can we go from here? What I’d like to see (and I’m going to refrain from moaning XD) is:
In-game voice chat and cross game invites
Mandatory support of trophies / custom soundtracks for new games
In-game XMB everywhere! For PS1/PS2 games too
Backwards compatibility is fine for me, I’ve not used it in a looong time but I do feel sorry for those with a 40Gb console who can’t play PS2 games! Some sort of emulation would be appreciated!
Sort out EU store / SCEE in general, I don’t feel like we can get through to those guys :\
But looking at what you’ve added since I got my PS3 just over a year ago, I’m sure it will continue to grow and expand just as rapidly :)
Sony still has a lot of issues to fix. They need to tie everything to your username, instead of the MAC address of the PS3. You have no idea how frustrating it is that I have to start my Rock Band save all over again, because I had to send my PS3 in for a repair. Rock Band, Ninja Gaiden, High Velocity Bowling, among others have locked saves, even with a full system back up they wont transfer to another PS3.
On top of that, when you restore your hard drive onto another (or the same) PS3, all of your music files that are in AAC will lose all of their tags and album art. There’s no “Edit multiple” option, so you have to edit every music file one by one.
You have to redownload all of your PSN content, and then activate the PS3 to play them…why can’t you just activate the PS3 to unlock the games instead of having to redownload?
I’m so excited about firmware 2.40. I’m curious as to how many current titles will have patches to support trophies. Hmm.
Jeff
Which PS3 titles will have trophies support when the 2.4 gets released?
On day 1, it\’s SSHD. More will roll out in the coming days and weeks, but I don\’t have dates on those yet. I\’m encouraging both first and third party developers to announce those here on the blog. I\’ve got my ear to the ground for you.