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!
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.
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.
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.
So, we're finally able to talk officially about PS3 firmware 2.40. Available July 2nd, this hotly anticipated firmware update has been the topic of discussion throughout various internet forums and our own site. Many rumors stemmed from supposed leaks, and we can now say that many of these reveals were right on the money. The features to be added in firmware 2.40 represent the biggest jump for PS3 owners, more so than 2.00 released a few months earlier. The key features of the update include the most-wanted things voiced by a majority of PS3 fans. In-game XMB and achievement-like trophies are the two biggest additions to this update.
In-Game XMB Finally, in-game XMB will be implemented for the very first time. When one presses the PS button, it will bring up with entire XMB. No features are hidden in this menu; you will be able to see all of your Photos, Music and Video. While everything can be seen, not everything can be accessed from the menu. For example, if you want to click on a video, a message will tell you that the game will end if you proceed any further. This will allow players to jump from one activity to another quickly on the PS3. For example, you can jump from a game of PixelJunk Monsters, directly into Resistance 2. Then, you can quick to a video on the hard drive, and then listen to some music. It makes the entire system much easier to use.
As promised, PS3 firmware 2.36 is live. This is a precursor to the very desirable firmware 2.40, which will include in-game XMB. Firmware 2.36, on the other hand, will only improve "system stability when playing select PlayStation format software titles." That's better than nothing, right?
In order to access the PSN, this firmware update is required. For everyone else, you can just wait for the big 2.40 update.
It's April 15th on the East Coast, and firmware 2.30 is already live. The major update for this release is the redesigned PLAYSTATION Store, and boy does it look good. We fell in love the moment we clicked X and heard that new chime that signals the launch of the Store.
You'll find broken image placeholders in many places, as things still seem to be in the middle of construction. Some complained that the O button shouldn't close the Store -- it doesn't anymore. Now, it simply takes you back one page. And yes, the new Store is much, much faster.
There's a few new additions already available on the Store, such as a new Super Stardust HD update and the Lair patch. Go to Network Update on your PS3 and get downloading -- tell us what you think of the new PS Store!
What is this? A new PS3 firmware update? What could be in it? And why such a random number? Mysteries abound in this random late night update. Stay tuned as we download the update and explore the new features of the firmware.
[Update 1: Doesn't appear Sony included notes with this firmware update. Most likely a few bug fixes have been included. If we find out more, you can be sure that we'll update.]
[Update 2: A post on the PlayStation.Blog lets us know that this is just a bug fix update. Specifically, online play for some PS3 games have been improved. Nothing to see here, folks.]
The update comes a few hours earlier than expected. The newest firmware, which can be obtained through Network Update from your PS3, enables DivX and WMV video playback, offers Blu-ray Profile 1.1 and includes enhancements to music playback and voice recording.
Update: Unfortunately, some of our DivX files simply didn't play on our system. The ones that do work function perfectly. You can even apply video thumbnails as with any other file. WMV videos also work perfectly. Please leave your impressions in the comments section.
PS3 firmware 2.01 is now available via Network Update. This minor update will fix a few glitches noted in the big 2.00 release. Hopefully, those that have reported game freezing, and other performance issues, will be able to sigh a breath of relief. Update: Here's the "official" word on what's new:
Improved stability when playing some PS3 format software
Improved stability of some system applications, including the Internet Browser and Information Board
Improved stability of the upscaler for PlayStation format software when played on PS3 models that are backwards compatible
The new Remote Start feature has been changed to avoid an unintentional power-on. Remote Start was introduced in firmware version 2.00 to enhance the Remote Play feature by enabling users to turn on a PS3 system remotely with their PSP system from an Internet hotspot.
You've been waiting for it. Firmware 2.00 is finally coming out this week: tomorrow, to be precise. This update, which has been a year in the making, was supposed to herald a new era of functionality for PS3. Many expected in-game XMB, additional video codecs, and more. However, we're saddened to say that none of that made the cut for this update. Here's what you'll be seeing tomorrow:
Remote Start - As hinted by the last PSP firmware update, Remote Play has been enhanced with a brand new feature. Using Remote Start, PSP owners will be able to turn on and access their PS3's content from any wi-fi hotspot. For example, while vacationing, you may find out about an excellent Thursday Store update. You'll be able to turn on your PS3 and start downloading content to your PS3 while you're away. When you're done, you can turn the system off as well.
Information Board - On the upper right-hand corner of the XMB, you'll see a scrolling list of headlines, hand-picked by Sony. Currently, these will all be related to video games and PlayStation. If a specific headline is particularly interesting, PS3 owners will be able to access Information Board from Network and see the content in greater detail. Importing your own RSS feeds is something that's planned for a future firmware upgrade. This feature can be disabled in Settings.
