Hi everyone, PlayStation 3 (PS3) firmware update (v3.00) adds a number of great new features that we’re excited to share with you. The latest update incorporates changes that improve navigation on your PS3. First, you’ll notice some cosmetic changes to the design of the XMB (Xross Media Bar). We’ve enhanced the look and feel of the XMB so that it’s easier and even more intuitive to use. We’ve also added network improvements and personalization options to help enhance your PS3 experience.
Additional highlights from update 3.00 include:
- “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.
To get a preview of what’s coming in update 3.00, check out the video below:
We’re looking forward to releasing firmware update 3.00 soon. As always, we appreciate your feedback.
GREAT those dynamic themes are SICK. and the new avatars sweet we’ve been begging for those.
Awesome!!!
Now a Calendar and notepad are in top of my wishlist. :)
Status bar though necessary looks kinda tacked on. Im glad we finally have a way to see if we have messages without having to go to the message box
updates rule! :D
When can we expect Cross Game Chat and voice messaging. To be honest, those are the only features I want. Thanks. Are they atleast being worked on ?
I’d take in game party chat over all the features in this update combined.
great stuff.
Thank you
SPARDA
Apparently the Friends list was revamped, how come it’s not shown?
dude… dynamic themes? thats cool….
me thinks sony is starting to get it down…
good job
Thank You SONY YOU ROCK!!!!
>> # 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.
OH THANK GOD! END OF THE WORLD CONFIRMED SINCE SONY FINALLY FIXES THE CLOCK!
Also: PLZ 2 B TURNING OFF ADS like that stupid RSS feed under my friend/message status? If not, then I can just turn both of them off as I don’t want to see ads and the (clunky) friends tab does the work just fine.
>> # 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.
Very nice.
Over all, upgrade.
WOW ERIC and Staff NICE!!!!JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow I’m completely blown away with the redesign!! Really!! Animated themes wow that Little Big Planet one looks amazing!!!
Something that would compliment the PS3 would be a live chat where random people could join and chat. You could have background themes of the games of the eras for each room. PS1,PS2,PS3,PSP talk.
Excellent update…
BUT STILL NO CROSS-GAME VOICE/PARTYCHAT?!?
Why is this taking SO FREAKING LONG?
This is a great addition to the firmware…dynamic themes is great. Been waiting for that one since it was announced in 2006 lol. Anyways, I hope there are some hidden features, but looking forward to september 1.
Kick ass! Great new features and fixes. Nice one, guys!
Whadda ya know, no cross game chat, i swear it is the one and only thing i ask for. Without it I have to rely on the awesome chat abilities of games like BF 1943
brilliant..
Wow, these are some great additions for the firmware! What about cross game voice chat?
That’s pretty cool. The only thing I can find to complain about is the PSN store icon under every catagory. Not sure I like that. Seems like store content should be in one spot.
Woot! I love these free updates… keep them coming! :)
I want that LittleBigPlanet theme!
I <3 Sony!
I’ll keep asking, but, will we ever be able to delete trophies. Say i had a game didn’t like it and I gave it to someone or sold it. Can we delete the trophies from that game off the PS3. Weird I know, but it’s something I’ve always wondered.
Omg, I might have been the first to read this, but look at the post board just EXPLODE!
Fantastic job, guys! Great to see that you are continuing to support the PS3 so well.
Back to watching the live blog of your Gamescom conference!
I love it!
Eric, when are you going to look into one obvious problem for video store: Subtitles? I would love to purchase these videos from PSN Video Store that have subtitles in them! Please get this done asap. Thanx!
awesome update, cant wait for new Avatars!:)
now bring me voice messaging and Cross-game chat, and I will be a Happy camper!
Terrific update, can’t wait to test out the dynamic themes and the “What’s New” section on the XMB.
YES CLOCK FIXED!!!!!!! where’s ingame chat? lol just kiddin
Still would like Cross game voice chat.
looks great but apparently cross-game chat will never be a reality :(
that a nice improvement but where cross game voice chat
awesome love the update but i agree with revolutionary
PREMIUM AVATARS
Does the analog clock spin when content is loading? That is an interesting implementation
“In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock. ”
FINALLY. Now was that so hard?
Oh man. This is so great. I cannot wait!!! :D
wouldn’t the dynamic theme cause the xmb to lag/not run smoothly?
Hey Eric, I have a legitimate question for you. Is this animated theme additions will be made available for regular users/customers (giving like the theme maker/sdk an update?) or that is only reserved to developers? I would love to make use of those news things but since you have premium themes rolling out I guess it’ll be limited to that, could you clear some light on this point?
Thank you!
NICE LEMPEL AND PSN TEAM!
Could the PlayStation Store have been mentioned any more?
Seems like this new XMB sure is focused on the store a lot. And premium avatars?
You finally give us firmware 3.0, and the most you can do functionality-wise is a status indicator in the corner? Everything else is just more ways to show off purchasable content.
Want my opinion? This is got to be the dumbest firmware update Ive ever seen. Not only is it a slap in the face to us Hardcore gamers, but you keep on adding fuel to the fire that is now turning me more and more towards the 360 for all of my online needs. Cross game chat is the only thing we want right now. That should be your top priority.
I guess I can just disconnect my ps3 from the router and just hook it up to my bedroom tv? Playing single player games is all that my ps3 is good for at this point.
“What’s New section” is a great idea
but not sure you need recently played games there.
Any update on the ability to add folders and organize your content?
no in game chat? :| this more looks like a 2.9 not a 3.0… come on
Good update, but man I still want the in game voice chat and game invite.
Meh-no cross game chat or backwards compatability. This is poor update. Waste of time
Absolutely wicked! The biggest problem I have with the PS3 is the difficulty messaging/communicating with friends. Friendsdidn’t even know that they’d received msgs from me weeks later!
Another great step that has me loving my PS3. I’d love to see even more improvments to the friends list, communication methods, and most of all inviting friends to games via XMB.
the best thing is about the more avatars
finally sony
wow amazing cant waite