PS3 Fanboy

See the guy in the video above? That's Eric Lempel and he's about to show off the number one requested feature for the PlayStation 3; in-game XMB. This feature is only half of what we can expect in firmware 2.40, which is due out "soon." Watch as Eric effortlessly receives and responds to messages whilst playing a game, swaps immediately from GT5:P to PixelJunk Monsters, switches in some background music from the PS3's HDD and ... searches on google.

There's more to come in another video later today, which will show off the trophy system. Not only that, but keep your eyes peeled right here for more detailed, exclusive info on what's to come.

The term "clearer" really means a lot when watching this new supposed in-game XMB video. It certainly appears to have more clarity than most online videos, after all. While the feature has been more or less confirmed for firmware version 2.40, it's still interesting to see these videos quickly crop up all over the internet. People have learned to fake a lot of things with the advent of the computer and the internet, but this looks pretty good. We especially enjoy seeing the XMB finally including a clock in the upper right. What do you think?

[via PS3Forums]

There are rumblings of what might be in the upcoming firmware 2.40. The rumors were solidified when a supposedly leaked video of the upcoming PS3 version of Bioshock was released on the web. Unfortunately, the original source of the video had been removed quickly and quietly ... and we were unable to show you something. The ninja-like death of this video has us believing it has even more credibility, but we're going to have to wait until Sony confirms details officially. Let's hope this hosted video doesn't meet the same quick (and mysterious) death as the original. Update: Another video after the cut.

[Thanks, Mads K.!]

A rumor? Really? Let's be honest, here; this is all but confirmed. The general gist is that a document was sent out to developers yesterday detailing the next firmware update. Some sites, such as VideoGaming247 and Gaming Age, have seemingly been told a few of the details by inside sources and the word is spreading like wildwire. Even Insomniac's James Stevenson popped up in the NeoGAF thread to lend credence to the rumor and Jason Dobson over at Joystiq has also confirmed the news via his sources. There's no official word, obviously, so you're going to have to take their word for it.

Firmware 2.40 will apparently include in-game XMB and 2D XMB trophies. If true, this may be the firmware update that shuts the fanboys up. As for when it's coming, no-one really knows. Though there is a rumor that it will be out pre-MGS4 in order for the game to take advantage of the trophy system. Now that one is a rumor, so don't be surprised to see MGS4's release come and go without any word on 2.40. We're hoping to see an announcement soon. If we find out anything more, we'll be sure to let you know.

Ray Maguire, chief of the UK division of Sony Computer Entertainment, let slip a few details about an upcoming firmware when speaking with MCV. "Achieving one million PS3 sales faster than both PSOne and PlayStation 2 is even more gratifying considering PS3 is a premium product introduced at a premium price," he told MCV. "Our momentum will continue with the introduction of in-game communication in the summer, firmware update 2.4 and the strongest line-up of games through our third party partners and our own studios. I'd personally like to thank our trade and business partners for helping us on the start of the PS3 journey." [emphasis ours]

Remember when Sony's official site leaked in-game messaging, only to have it mysteriously disappear? There's only two conclusions we can get from this: first, in-game messaging is definitely coming this summer. The other? Maguire is going to disappear as well. We'll miss you.

[Via NeoGAF]

Aren't rumors exciting? They serve to raise your expectations, then dash them when you discover it was all a ruse some chump thought up in a fit of boredom. Before you run around claiming this story circulating the web as fact, let us tell you it's a complete rumor at this point and should only be recognized by a subtle nod if the rumor becomes truth. The rumor? In-game XMB is done and Home is very, very near completion.

In addition to that, it's being said that the in-game XMB will be used for all future titles and will be patched into old games via an update. We'll find out after GDC and the next PS3 firmware update, we guess. Until then, it's anyone's guess.

SCEA just updated their Flickr page (aren't they so web savvy these days?) with an intriguing image: shirts that proudly display the phrase "in-shirt XMB." Apparently, Sony's picked up a sense of humor these days. We can only read this either one of two ways:

• ZOMG, in-game XMB confirmed!!!1
• Sony is just teasing the gaming community in a cruel, but nonetheless humorous, way.

In-game XMB has been one of the most commonly requested features for the PS3 since its inception. Currently, gamers are forced to quit games in progress in order to do things like check which friends are online, read a message or play music. This much-awaited feature has been promised for "this year." According to our watches, that includes now. Stay tuned.

[Thanks, Matt!]

Ever wonder why we sometimes don't write about news stories that are incredibly breaking and almost too good to be true? It's because we're realists and try to keep an objective mind. Or because things are usually too good to be true. Like screenshots of in-game XMB in action. Kotaku is exactly the same way -- except they actually took the initiative to call Sony and ask about the faked screenshots. Sony replied to them bluntly that the pictures were indeed fake and nothing is planned for the next firmware update as far as in-game XMB goes. Too bad.

[via Digg]

Now, we love beating a dead horse as much as the next irate Amish farmer (don't be offended; most Amish don't use the internet so defending them would be kind of silly), but a lot of people don't like hearsay and rumor and tend to wait for official confirmation before busting out some bubbly and causing a catastrophe. We've got it for you, though -- at CES, Sony reps confirmed that in-game XMB is slated to hit your console as an update sometime in '08. It's a pretty rough confirmation, as there are still over 350 days left in 2008. That could mean a lot of waiting.

What we have to point out is that other games technically have this feature -- Singstar has an in-game buddy list so you can check on your friends, messages, and the like. Super Stardust HD allows for custom soundtracks. This begs the question -- do we need in-game XMB across the board, or do developers just have to implement a feature in their titles to allow something similar? Older games can obviously get patched. Still, we suppose getting all the games at once under a universal update could be the best move.