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.
WOW
Great.
Can the next update fix the backward compatibility for Yakuza on the 80GB PS3? It always freezes during the fight with the Mysterious Organization and in the B/C list is says that all problems have been fixed in the 2.30 patch but that’s a lie cause it still freezes at that part. I tried 2 disks and 1 was in mint condition.
I really want to try and get through this one so I can buy Yakuza 2 and eventually Yakuza 3 otherwise I will just forget about the series altogether.
Great news on the Background Downloading update for the PS3. The store update for the PSP is also a *much* needed improvement.
Keep up the great work!
So when ?
The PS3 firmware list has everything I have wanted, except video playlists.
Thank you,
Sony
Awsome updates, can’t wait. Socom will be rockin!
Bloody terrific firmware update. Love the Video, Download and Friend list additions Sony, keep it up.
Great update. I’ve wanted a lot of these features for awhile now.
“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.”
Does this mean that the installation of content is now automated (auto install after download)?
Sounds very sweet.
thanks eric
Heres a list I made up myself with a little help and Id like your suggestions aswell
Option to have Passwords for users accounts
Custom Avatars (Possibly upload or at least have a large databse with more than the ones there is e.g. Football, rugby team badges, flags etc)
In/cross game chat
Auto sync trophies
Make the trophy profile load faster because its far too slow
More infromation on online profile (games played, more space on about me section etc)
Ability to view your friends friend lists
Ability to search for friend (using email or possibly keyword)
Improve internet browser ( possibly get Google Chrome? or at least improve flash player)
Change notification when you get a message or when some signs in, the grey with white text is bland, possibly make it similar to the information board maybe with the PSN logo in place.
Ability to group friends
Add a form of messenger or possibly Skype
Add a calendar , organiser
Have when a friend was last online when there offline
More statuses (Appear Offline etc)
Show trophy level without clicking on friend, have trophy level some where so when you highlight a friend on the XMB the game hes playing, trophy level status avatar etc appear.
Better music layout instead of Album or Artist have Artist > Album > Song, this will make it easier to find a song from an album.
thank you
YEAH SONY!!
Please give us more firmware updates like this!!!
The Playstation 3 & PSP community loves them!!!!
5*
This is amazing! I love you Sony! Now bring on HOME FTW!!!!
AMAZING updates.
Just make the trophies synchronize automatically in the background one day…
Is there any chance of some website integration, where I can view my trophies, friends, reply to messages online?
I mean, a lot of sites already have PSN integration, like the online store, would it be hard to integrade this?
Yes, we\’re already offerings some Web integration with your PlayStation Network ID. You can read an FAQ here (http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Network/LinkFAQ). We\’re continuing to look at evolving this in the future, so stay tuned.