Jun 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.
(Average: 4.57 out of 5)
301
+ RoAcH2285 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:20 pm said:
@ TouchyEd
Did you watch the Trophies video? It showed that you get a notification when you get a trophy. The same kind of notification that you get when you get a message or when you sign in for example.
302
+ tibbar110 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:20 pm said:
Need 1080i support for all games.
303
+ meepmoopmeep on June 30th, 2008 at 5:20 pm said:
awesome FAQ guys. thanks!
304
+ wingsofterror on June 30th, 2008 at 5:21 pm said:
Let the Hibernation for two days begin :/
305
+ gamesblow on June 30th, 2008 at 5:21 pm said:
@ Sentury
Changing ReZ in game is a benefit to anyone who has 1080P sets. Try agian.
Super Star dust is lame. Try again.
Only having trophy support for 1 game at a time is like having a race and all the runners are legless. So basically we’ll all be at the same level by the time a new trophy game comes out. Sounds like a real GAS Kitten!
XMB in game is nothing more than a Text messaging system.
no in game music when Eric showed off that we had it in the 1st version of 2.40???
Are you actually coherent here, Sentury? I ask cause we’re getting oiled up for a nice sticken.
306
+ Kenaue on June 30th, 2008 at 5:22 pm said:
Someones commen: 1. Start charging for PSN.
My response: Hell no.
307
+ gamesblow on June 30th, 2008 at 5:23 pm said:
@ 299
Just use an emulator for those ps1 games. Sony doesn’t want your money. it’s clear. The emulators you can use make the graphics of ps1 games look about like Dreamcast games anyways. Ps3 couldn’t ever do that.
308
+ ScarSlasher on June 30th, 2008 at 5:23 pm said:
The patent wasn’t denied. It was issued to MS in 2006.
“Issue date: Jan 3, 2006″
http://tinyurl.com/3e4k9d
309
+ RoAcH2285 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:23 pm said:
I agree with Sentry. Gamesblow/Silogon……STFU!
310
+ TouchyEd on June 30th, 2008 at 5:24 pm said:
#302
Yes, I did watch the video (once) and I was sure that you received some kind of visual confirmation when you earned a trophy. But then Gamesblow started saying that you don’t, which confused me. Anyway, thanks for the explanation!
311
+ Shibbs on June 30th, 2008 at 5:24 pm said:
@evilman, like someone else had done, i went to google patents, found it, and it was never accepted. they don’t own the rights to it.
312
+ timt23 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:25 pm said:
Is it getting released at midnight tomorrow night or is it getting released wednesday night?
313
+ Sentry on June 30th, 2008 at 5:25 pm said:
@ TouchyEd (286)
Did you not SEE the videos? Yes, we get visual identification that we have unlocked a trophy, along with if its a bronze, silver, or gold one, and the trophies title/name.
@ gamesblow (293)
I see you didn’t watch the video either then, no surprise seeing that you could care less and all you do is run around complaining about this and that… *sigh*
@ dinosauriac (301)
Most games will be patched for it, the big games anyways, because it is easier then it was before. Before devs had to go through and ad the option on a menu, etc, now its more simple then that, and somewhat of an on and off feature. This was the only way (assuming) to get around MS’s patent, safely.
314
+ gamesblow on June 30th, 2008 at 5:26 pm said:
@ Roach
Silo who? Oh, boy here we go again. So now I’m not the real gamesblow and I’m not Power of Green I’m this kid?
Please, you don’t understand how absurd you people look when you toss out names like you’re Columbo.
I sit here and laugh when you all try to pin me down as someone else. Really.
315
+ Imperium on June 30th, 2008 at 5:26 pm said:
Hey, It’s a start for In-Game soundtracks, give it time, i’m sure Sony can get around Micro$oft’s patent. (As if U.S. Patents mean anything in Japan!) It’s just cool we no longer have to exit games to do simple stuff.
I can’t believe people are already complaining that it doesn’t have have voice chat.(BIG DEAL!) Or it doesn’t work with DVD/Blu-Ray’s. (Whoopie crap, Any real movie fan wouldn’t stop a movie to check a message anyways.)
Thanx Sony, this is a solid update. Looking forward to more enhancements and features in the future.
316
+ RoAcH2285 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:27 pm said:
@ TouchyEd
Yeah no problem man. You’re welcome. Oh, and for the future…NEVER listen to Gamesblow.
317
+ TouchyEd on June 30th, 2008 at 5:27 pm said:
Gamesblow:
I have a 52″ 1080P and I never need to change my resolution.
If a game has a native resolution of 720P, then the PS3 starts that game at that resolution automatically. If a game has a native resolution of 1080P, then the game plays at that resolution (automatically).
The only time you need to manually change your resolution is if you want to play a 720P game at 1080 (becuase the game happens to “support” that resolution). Playing those particular games at 1080P doesn’t improve the graphics in the least though, so why bother?
I’ve owned my PS3 for a year and I’ve changed the resolution maybe twice.
318
+ rccola06 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:28 pm said:
will MGS4 have this abillity for in game music and accessable XMB???
319
+ evilman279 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:28 pm said:
@ shibbs, but it say there that the patent was filed on 2004 and issued on 2006
320
+ gamesblow on June 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm said:
I wasn’t aware we got anything saying we got a trophy, but even still a small box that is displayed in the upper right corner for 2 seconds??? What if you missed it? What if it doesn’t show up until after you log out of the game?
Is a simple sound too much to ask for or is that a little hard on the ps3 too? Or let me guess, Microsoft has a patent on that too?
321
+ TouchyEd on June 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm said:
Sentry,
Yah, I watched the video…but then I started listening to Gamesblow. A bad decision on my part.
322
+ Sentry on June 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm said:
@ TouchyEd (311)
Well yeah, that’s gamesblow for you, implanting false BS in the minds of many. Just ignore him. :P
@ gamesblow (306)
So you really need to constantly change the resolution of your PS3? If that was really important, surely you would hear more then just YOURSELF asking for this feature, genius.
And who said only one trophy compatible game at a time? SSHD will be the first one to support it on DAY ONE. Many other games will follow in the coming days and weeks. So what is the problem now?
PS- It’s Sentry.
323
+ RoAcH2285 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm said:
@ gamesblow
I proved once on N4G that you two are the same person. Quit lying and just tell the [DELETED] truth. Oh, you need a link?
http://n4g.com/NewsCom-161711.aspx?CT=1&Page=1&Page2=1#C1232267
324
+ Blu_LED on June 30th, 2008 at 5:32 pm said:
Hey Jeff,
How good of a gamer is Eric really? I sensed that somehow he obtained the SSHD Trophy without doing anything. Now this could be just me, but I think we have our first PSN Cheater. What are you guys going to do about it?
325
+ gamesblow on June 30th, 2008 at 5:32 pm said:
@ Sentry
Sucks when people don’t know who you “REALLY” are, huh? lmfao!
As for you saying on day 1… what’s that good for? We get 1 game and at the end of that then what? Do you think everyone who has a ps3 has Super Star dust? I don’t even like the game and if it was 1 gb it’d be off my hdd in a second to free up space.
So that means if you didn’t buy it you don’t get to partake in the festive fun that is 2,40!!!
Sounds nice. “rolls eyes”
@ Ed
As I said, I didn’t know you got a message, read above. You can’t say that a sound wouldn’t be better, though.
326
+ TouchyEd on June 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pm said:
I sensed some shenanigans with Eric and his trophies too.
Shame on you Eric.
327
+ TeQuerra on June 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pm said:
UGH
Looks like im earning the Big Boss and Chicken emblem again
328
+ smooch_357 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pm said:
Way to drop the ball in the back of the endzone when there is nobody around you, no time left on the clock, and you’re down by 5 points Sony…
Ichoosing all of those other features to include in the 2.40 update and not including In/Cross game chat and invites (the whole purpose of the damn update imo)…. is worse that fixing yourself a bowl of cereal and choosing to eat it with fork instead of a spoon…
Way to drop the ball in the back of the endzone when there is nobody around you, no time left on the clock, and you’re down by 5 points Sony…
329
+ evilman279 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pm said:
@ 324 trophies dont read game saves
330
+ TouchyEd on June 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pm said:
But gamesblow, if you didn’t know, then why did you answer my question?
Only answer people’s question IF and ONLY IF you actually know the answer.
Otherwise you just come off as a TROLL.
331
+ TheGraciousOne on June 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pm said:
In-Game XMB is an exclusive feature for PS3 game titles only. What?? This is an outrage. What about PS2 titles? Y no love for PS2? You should definitely work on having that fixed. Because right now, I’m current;y only playing PS1 and PS2 titles. Now I know this isn’t essential but it would be nice to have. You know what I mean. Some people would appreciate that you expand In-Game XMB across all game titles (PS1 & PS2). I know I do. Don’t get me wrong. I will eventually play some PS3 games but until that rumored PS3 pricecut happens. Than I’ll buy a bunch of PS3 games. That is if they’re good.
“Can you use the web browser in game?
No, you must exit the game before browsing the internet.”
This is lame and you guys know it. It’s essential to access the web browser while you play games. That way I can multi task two things at one like looking up research for my homework and play at the same time. PS. this is also an outrage, that you guys couldn’t or wouldn’t implement that feature in there.
Make it happen. Let’s see. I’ll place a bet that this feature will come into fruition like next year around E3.
332
+ xenosagax112 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pm said:
( gamesblow )Microsoft has a patent on everything ……im very pissed about they taken ingame music out ….games like lost planet that has no music at all i need ingame music .
but like i said be for this Update is really ponitless to people now …hell they should dely it for 2 months and work on a newer one and even get other makers in this .
i for the one will not update my PS3 …i will wait for update 2.44 before i’ll update .
333
+ Striker725 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm said:
I love that you are all working hard to get us the features we are asking for. And for that, I would again like to say “thank you” to the guys at Sony.
However, I would ask that you start on in-game/cross game chat rooms. Its a feature which many people including myself would like very much, and here is hoping we get it in 2.50!
334
+ Sentry on June 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm said:
@ gamesblow (321)
Oh wow, so now your genius self realizes we DO get a notification of unlocking a trophy, and you complain about there not being a sound notification? Jesus!!! Did you complain about that when receiving messages? Seriously if I just unlocked a trophy by doing something awesome, I think my eyes would be ON THE SCREEN and not wondering off somewhere else for me to miss the notification.
Seriously dude grow a brain and a pair and just stop making up excuses for you to complain about.
@ gamesblow (325)
Dude, you are complaining that only SSHD will be supported on day one. Can someone not wait a few more days for more games to get patched up? HONESTLY? In-Game XMB is here, enjoy it and mess with it for a few says, and by that time more of your favorite titles will be supported for trophies. That is if you dont already have the PSN classic SSHD.
335
+ Blu_LED on June 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm said:
@332 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Seriously? Like seriously? You have to be joking?
336
+ grashopper on June 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm said:
BIG QUESTION…Lets say my internet is down does that mean that I couldn’t earn any trophies at that time? Is it kind of a online only thing??
337
+ gamesblow on June 30th, 2008 at 5:37 pm said:
@ Ed.
I thought I did know, Ed. Same as you I watched the vid 1 time. I didn’t examine every second of it. I was under the assumption that there wasn’t any notification and when I read there wasn’t a sound notification from Eric I thought ok, so there isn’t anyway to know but to check ourselves.
It was a mistake on my part but still a simple sound sure would be better. Like Uncharted, for instance. when you unlock got an achievment or unlocked something or found a treassure, it showed what you did and made a sound.
338
+ Poppa on June 30th, 2008 at 5:37 pm said:
I have a question regarding this Q&A:
“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.”
Does this mean that we must be signed onto the PSN to collect trophies? Is it not possible to collect them while offline (and the data stored temporarily on our HDDs) and for our PSN profiles to be updated when we sign on?
Also, will Sony have some Easter Egg trophies? ;)
“User watched 30 Blu-ray movies”
“User listened to 20 hours of music”
“User completed 20 WU’s in Folding@Home”
etc…
>.>
339
+ robmv on June 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm said:
I am not sure I will want voice chat on the in-game XMB. I do not like people talking to each other when one of them is dead and the other playing in a game like COD4, I know people can just make a phone call to cheat, but making it too easy and in realtime (text messages are not realtime)
One option will be to allow voice chat only when both persons are on different games, if they are on the same game, they must use the ingame chat. something to think about for a future update
340
+ lmhenry01 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm said:
Will the Flash Player on the PLAYSTATION 3 Web Browser be updated as well?
341
+ deadxbabiesxinc on June 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm said:
OMG! even the small things are making me happy. The clock, the fact you can change sound output which has ALWAYS annoyed me for people without 5.1 stuff. Thanks!!! I can’t wait to see firmware….4.20 or whatever :-P
Btw, I always thought MGS4 would be one of the games that was going to support trophies…any input on that?
342
+ Voozi on June 30th, 2008 at 5:40 pm said:
A sound would be nice to have ;D
Oh and please try to get in game voice chat in the next update thats one of my favorite features on XBL that I use more with my friends then I do in game messaging, that’d really be the icing on the cake :D
Oh and cross game invites too <3
343
+ meta1militia on June 30th, 2008 at 5:40 pm said:
Will the internet browser be patched in this firmwire? The browser is buggy and freezes my PS3 eventually every time I use it. Please answer!
344
+ K2016 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:40 pm said:
WOW! You guys are awesome! Thanks for the quick update!
I have one question, and I hope to get it answered, in profile under “Languages Spoken”, will you guys be please adding Arabic to the list? It would be greatly appreciated if you guys @ PS would do it. Many other languages are on thew list except Arabic, so, would you even tell me if it is considerable to add it?
Thanks anyways, I can’t wait to get my hands on the update!
345
+ gamesblow on June 30th, 2008 at 5:42 pm said:
@ Sentry
You don’t get it. I said the sound thing back when I 1st heard about the trophy gig. Read my back log post here. Back before I knew anything I typed what sound will we get? Read it.
@ Sentry
you are basically saying buy SSDHD if you want to experience trophies at all within when? We don’t know what games will get patched and not everyone has these games, man. Xbox 360 has this covered cause it is a manditory thing.
See what I am getting at? You can buy Monster Maddness or Lost planet and still enjoy Achievments. Sony’s ps3 you can’t.
I’m sorry, man. I am right.
346
+ TeQuerra on June 30th, 2008 at 5:42 pm said:
Gamesblow reminds me of a young lady I used to work with that would turn every conversation into a story of how her life is depressing and how she’s struggling to make ends meet with two children.
“Oh man, this breeze feels nice today.”
“I hope the wind doesn’t blow my food stamps away… I have two kids to feed, y’know. They would be lost without me.”
347
+ MGL_09 on June 30th, 2008 at 5:43 pm said:
I have a question about the trophy system. Will they be used for something other than showing off your gaming accomplishments? For example, could trophies lead to credit that can be used on the Playstation Store?
348
+ Sentry on June 30th, 2008 at 5:43 pm said:
@ TouchyEd (330)
If you haven’t realized it already, that is exactly what he is. :P
@ TheGraciousOne (331)
You have no idea how hard that post just made me lol. XD
@ K2016 (344)
Yeah I hope they realize that some people who play PS3 speak arabic! :P
349
+ pancakesandsx on June 30th, 2008 at 5:44 pm said:
If the trophies use the generic system notification popups to notify you of trophy use, and people want a tone for them, why not just add a toggle for a “system message tone” that encompasses everything? Messages, trophies, downloads complete, sign in/out, etc. and categorical toggles if theres a way to differentiate.
350
+ TeQuerra on June 30th, 2008 at 5:45 pm said:
@ TheGraciousOne
I commend your spirit and dedication
PS1 graphics make my eyes bleed