Somehow I missed this last night but no matter. Last night Sony launched the much talked about firmware 3.0. I haven’t had the opportunity to download it or play around but here’s a complete list of the changes that you can expect to see:
- Multi-Audio – Audio can now be output to multiple connectors simultaneously. You can set this option under [Settings] > [Sound Settings] > [Audio Multi Output].
- Video Content Playback – During Video content playback, you can now use the right stick to play content in slow playback, fast reverse, and fast forward.
- Settings Descriptions – Now below each setting option under the Settings tab on the XMB, there is now a brief description in small font.
- New Start Up Logo – Upon starting up your PS3, you will be greeted with the new ‘PS3′ Logo.
- Copy/Paste Function – There is now a copy/paste function for the web browser, and messages.
- Internet Connection Speed Test – Check your internet connection upload/download speed. Go to [Network Settings] > [Internet Connection Test]
- Internet Browser Screen Capture Feature – Press Triangle on Internet Browser, then under File > Save Screenshot.
- Custom Remote Play Settings – Manually set a device (such as a PSP system) to be used for remote play.
- New Avatar Support – Support for future additions of PSN avatars has been added. No new avatars have been added along with the firmware. However the support is there.
- “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.
Mostly minor updates glued together to make the update look larger than it is. Biggest change IMO is the dynamic themes and the PS store shortcuts along with the status indicator which are very convenient.
What I'd like for us in Canada is a videostore/streaming program and especially a TV tuner like they have in Europe.
I know, I can keep dreaming.
Hey Dave, Who wouldn't love a TV Tuner capability right? I mean these systems claim that they want to be the focus/central hub of any home entertainment system.
I seem to recall Sony originally talking about the PS3 having the ability to act as a PVR, wired router among other things due to the big push to be the only Console you'll ever need.
Hey Josh!
I think the capabilities of acting as a central hub exist, especially for the PS3 in Europe. Yet for a reason I can't understand, the demand isn't there. I think some people (ie. parents who buy a console for their kids) are stuck in a view that confides a console as a gaming device only and not as a gaming and movies/music/pvr/web entertainment device.
The European tuner, called PlayTV, has recording capabilities, and you can ask it to record a show while you play games at the same time. (for a 5GB cost on the hard drive)
I wonder if the problem for having a TV tuner (with included PVR software) in Canada or North America lies within legislative organisms like the CRTC here or pressure from Rogers, Shaw, Bell, Telus etc. who obviously don't want that to happen, which is probably the reason.
The video streaming part is more complicated to achieve since deals need to be made with the country division of every recording studio like they have in Europe.
I suspect that you're right and the satellite/cable companies in NA such as Bell, Rogers, Time Warner etc. etc… really don't want there to be any sort of option like that becuase it hinders them from selling overpriced receivers.
The ability is certainly there with the systems now. It should be interesting to see where it all goes from here.