The official PlayStation website might have leaked information regarding firmware 2.53, but it was clearly very wrong about the date. The update didn't drop on November 26th, as the website suggested, but is instead available right now. Honestly, it's true. Go check for yourself.
The latest firmware adds full screen functionality to embedded Flash videos in the web browser, as well as generally "improving the way the Flash Player works with the internet browser." Meaning more websites will now work. Overall, a nice, if slightly anemic, firmware update. It's all free though, so we can't complain. Go on commenters, prove us wrong.
It looks like the arrival of firmware 2.53 is imminent, according to the official PlayStation website. The site, which is clearly written by someone a few days in the future, states that "an update to the PS3™ system software was released on November 26, 2008. You can use this update to upgrade your system software to version 2.53." Nice to know, but what does it do? The website doesn't give much of a clue, except that "the Internet browser now supports full-screen mode for Adobe® Flash® Player content."
A nice feature, but we're hoping there's a little more substance to make the update worthwhile. No doubt we'll hear official word from the PlayStation Blog about it before it hits.
Posted Oct 27th 2008 6:30PM by Andrew Yoon Filed under: News
The internet browser on the PS3 got a nice facelift in firmware 2.50. The addition of Flash 9 support makes browsing on the web much more entertaining, as many sites that implement Flash video can be properly viewed on the console. Apparently, implementing Flash 9 on the PS3 was quite a challenge, as it required the use of one of PS3's SPUs.
The use of additional processing power should help enhance the browsing experience, making it less sluggish than before. Sony also made changes to the way the browser implements JavaScript, with a 280% increase in performance there. The changes are so drastic that SCE's Shinji Noda believes the PS3's internet browser beats Internet Explorer 7.
While this may be an achievement to the Sony firmware team, we're doubtful many use their PS3s regularly to browse the web. Regardless, we're glad these changes were made: it's so much easier to browse PS3 Fanboy on firmware 2.50.
It appears that firmware 2.50 also added one other feature, meant to help PS3 owners that are trying to troubleshoot their system. A recovery menu (pictured above) gives users access to a variety of restore features. It will even allow users to install a new firmware update, should anything go wrong during the installation process. To access the menu, you must hold down the power button to turn on the PS3 until you hear three beeps. Then the menu will show up.
There are a few reports of systems bricking after firmware updates, so this may be Sony's attempt at creating a fix for future problems. Hopefully, we'll never have to actually use this feature -- but if we do, it may be a quick way of avoiding a trip to the post office to send the PS3 to Sony's support center.
Looks like you're going to have to manually select Network Update for this one again, folks. Firmware 2.50 is now available for your PS3 and it includes these features:
The [BD/DVD Settings] option under [Settings] has been renamed as [Video Settings] Also, multiple video content items can be now played in order. You can edit this option in [Video Settings] -> [Sequential Playback]
A scene search feature has been added to the [Video] category. You can easily select a scene that you want to watch. This feature can be accessed from [Scene Search] in the control panel that is displayed during video playback.
The [Sign Up for PlayStation Network] and [Account Management] options have been improved. You an now create and manage an account more easily.
A feature has been added that allows the PS3 system or wireless controller to turn off automatically when not used for a certain period of time. You can set this feature in [Settings] -> [Power Save Settings]
Additionally, the firmware update adds Flash 9 support, so you can actually watch videos on the PS.blog and our site when browsing on your PS3. It also gives you a free unicorn.* Download it now!
In addition to the features announced yesterday, Firmware 2.50 will feature Flash 9 support for the PS3's browser, according to this post on the official PlayStation community forums. The message also states the update will arrive tomorrow, October 15th.
Furthermore, Eurogamer was able to uncover some extra changes that most of us probably don't care about: users will now "the ability to see optional EXIF (exchangeable image file format) information while viewing photos" and "the Y and Z and Q and A keys have been remapped for the German on-screen keyboard." For a full list of updates, check out our post from yesterday.
It seems Sony has been busy recently. A new post on the PlayStation Blog details the next firmware update and, let's not beat about the bush, we're pleased with what we see. With this update Sony has made it clear that they are listening to its consumers. Adding Trophies in 2.40 could easily have been a fluke, but these updates show they're moving in the right direction.
Our favorite additions include the trophy improvements (though, where's our "Level Up!" notification?), background downloading functionality and friend status updates. But, really, there's no fluff here. Hopefully Sony will continue this momentum through future updates. There's no word on when we can expect these features, but Eric Lempel says it'll be "soon." Check out the full feature list after the break and let us know what you think in the comments.
Home Community Manager "TedtheDog" has clarified statements he made last month on the US Home beta forums. In regards to a specific bug, Ted said the bug will be fixed in firmware update 2.5. "2.5 is what we're waiting for and 'October' is what I've heard, later October is my guess." He goes on make a statement that would seem to indicate Home 1.0 will be arriving at the same time.
Not the case, Ted stated on the official European PlayStation Home Forum. "Open beta will be later this year after 2.5 is released. Sorry about that, I should know better than to say anything that could be misconstrued like that on such an important subject." It's okay, TedtheDog, we forgive you ... all you have to do is tell us exactly when Home 1.0 will arrive. Just kidding! Or are we?
A tipster from the Home beta took a snapshot of this recent thread in the beta message board. A bug affecting Home users got a response from the Home Manager, "TedtheDog." The bug currently freezes PS3 systems running the beta and also gives users sporadic Network errors. He says that the bug will be fixed in an upcoming system software update. "2.5 is what we're waiting for and 'October' is what I've heard, later October is my guess."
The firmware update will also be released in conjunction with Home version 1.00, according to the post. Currently, the beta is at version 0.98. The simultaneous release of firmware 2.50 and Home 1.00 has us thinking that perhaps this could mark the beginning of the wide release of Home. Stay tuned.
Update: Since writing this article, the PS.blog has updated about the expansion of the Home beta. More invites are being sent to users right now. The continued growth of the beta adds even more weight to the possibility that the final version of Home will be available next month.
There's a place where Home info lives. Check out our Home page for all our coverage!
Strangely, there's a new firmware update available on the PS3. However, it doesn't appear as though you're required to download it. You'll have to choose to manually update your system by accessing Network Update from the XMB. Considering the rather minute jump in the firmware version number (2.42 -> 2.43), we're assuming this update doesn't do much. Stay tuned.
Update: The firmware update will improve Japan's PS Store and video rental service. No need for non-Japanese PS3 owners to update.
CVG has learned from a shadowy "development source" that the next major PS3 firmware update, possibly 2.5, may include the ability to capture screenshots directly from the PS3. "Exactly how this would be done and what you could do with the shots once you've grabbed a piece of the action isn't yet known."
The PS3 already has the ability to save images from games to the hard drive, but they must be specifically programmed into each game. For example, players can save low-res images from Metal Gear Solid 4's camera. They can also save images from replay videos in WipEout HD. Having the ability to take screengrabs whenever will let us immortalize our most cherished gaming moments ... and will certainly make our jobs easier.
An unexpected treat for PS3 owners appeared on the PSN tonight. Firmware 2.42 is now available for download. We're currently in the process of downloading and installing the update, but rest assured that we'll have full details soon. (We're guessing it'll be Life With PlayStation, promised to arrive by the end of the month.)
Update: Looks like our guess was wrong. There doesn't appear to be anything new on the XMB. Perhaps this is just another "stability" or "security" update. We'll update again if we find out more.
Update #2: The official word: "This update improves the playback quality of some PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation format software." A bit underwhelming? Perhaps.
In an official statement issued to ThreeSpeech, SCEE explains the problem with firmware 2.40. It seems that there was a problem which "prevented a limited number of PS3s from activating properly after updating to version 2.40, when certain system administrative data were contained on the HDD." This has now been fixed with 2.41, though those who suffer from the problem (which prevents the PS3 from loading up the XMB) will not be able to access the new firmware update.
Instead, those who had problems with 2.40 will need to contact Customer Services and will receive a replacement PS3. 2.41 will prevent this problem happening to anyone else. The statement also reiterates that those who installed 2.40 successfully will not suffer from any issues. Good news all round, really. We're happy those people who were too slow to grab 2.40 will now be able to start earning trophies and enjoying in-game XMB with the rest of us.
While to some people the features included within today's new firmware update (trophies and in-game XMB) will be all new, to those of us who managed to download 2.40 before it was pulled there's not a lot of interest. That is, of course, unless you've spotted a new addition that Sony has snuck in. Nothing too special really, but the Platinum trophy image has been changed and, in our opinion, looks much more appealing.
While Platinum trophies used to look like a bizarre purple crown the new version, as seen above, looks more like a sports trophy made of crystal. We're looking forward to getting our hands on one once some more games get trophy support. Hopefully now that 2.41 is out we'll be hearing more about exactly when this will happen. Hopefully.
Looks like the software engineers at Sony have finished tweaking firmware 2.40. The much-anticipated firmware update included crucial features, like in-game XMB and trophies, but was pulled shortly after its release due to reports of bricked systems. Now, a few days after the controversial removal of firmware 2.40 from Sony's servers, firmware 2.41 is now available to download worldwide.
Hopefully, all goes smoothly with this update. Those lucky enough to have 2.40 working on their systems know that in-game XMB works incredibly well, and trophy support is absolutely addictive. Now, PS3 owners en masse will be able to enjoy these features.
