Firmware 3.0 is Live
It’s official (well, according to PlayStation LifeStyle, anyway):
Firmware version 3.0 for PS3 is now live. This new update has significantly refreshed and improved our console’s XMB to provide a range of new functions and applications, making navigation through menus a more efficient, pleasurable experience. Who’d have thought it?
After the break, we have a comprehensive breakdown of all that’s new, so be sure to do your homework before adopting the new interface.
Possibly the coolest new feature is the introduction of Dynamic Themes, which are animated backgrounds rich with movement, colour and sound. And guess who’s stolen the limelight by being the first to appear in a Dynamic Theme? Yes, Media Molecule’s Sackboy. You will, however, need to spend a small fee of $2.99 at the PlayStation Store before he’ll run riot on your 1080p display - he’s not cheap you know!
• 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.
Filed under: Firmware Updates, Main, Playstation Network, Playstation Store, Release Dates, Xmb, ps3 firmware
oh well maybe on my second run.
Somehow I can’t really decide, whether this update is useless or simply ugly. Oh i think it is both.
Big Update? Ridiculouse, not a single feature that is worth the download. But it is mandatory, so you have to install it anyways.
Video Content Playback? What? We already had 3 different ways to navigate through videos.
Status indicator, Shortcuts to the store (?!), an ugly friends list, new bootscreen…wow I’m really impressed.
And the only point of adding dynamic Designs, is to be able to sell them for € 2,90. And the only reason for the store shortcuts is to get people to buy more stuff.
@ Reschi:
Thank you for your comments. I guess the update’s not for everyone!
I won’t get the chance to download it until later tonight, so I’ll be interested to hear what people think between now and then…
For anyone who is interested, you can now download a free animated Africa theme from the Japanese store, for people who don’t want to spend the 3 bucks on the LBP theme but still want to see the new feature in action.
Personally i liked the update even though it didn’t include any major new features, and i don’t think its worth complaining about But like csreynolds said, its not for everyone.
I’m not going to lie, I’m very disappointed in SCEE for not including cross-game party chat – a massive feature that PS3 is lacking in that the 360 has had for a long time. I’m far from preferring the Xbox, but it’s just small things like that that kinda piss me off. Hopefully by about 3.20, they’ll get wise and patch in party chat.
It’s ok I would prefer the old boot logo but whatever still needs party chat
well we hear in the UK got the bbc i player with the update aswell
I am extremely disappointed with this update. There are some good points but overall a very bad update. I don’t like the new PS3 font when first turned on, the boot up game load with the bell type sound and Playstation 3 appears on screen is gone,now its just a blank screen,the friends list ugh just look at it…:( . Some good points as pointed out the animated themes and the news makeover to whats new, and easier access to the game psn store and video store and hopefully soon the new avatars, But that is what i think and if anyone knows how to get original look plz tell, probably not possible though
you can still have the original look, just go to your themes section its still an option. but the start up screen is still the same i think.
Friends list looks horrible wtf Sony
It has to be said guys, the new update is a bit of a let down. I like a few of the new features, but the friends list looks ugly, the new boot logo looks cheap, and don’t get me started on all the glitter!
It’s a sad day for Sony.
U peeps are f****n geeks, why do you all think you’re better than everyone. I’m a graphic designer, and the design is grand, clean simple, aesthetically pleasing, modern, that’s all you want. Get a life and stop complaining about all the great free stuff that comes with the PS3 package. Go and become a programmer and see if you can do better…. jerks.
@ Dave:
Some people like it. Some people don’t. Being a Graphic Designer has little to do with it, as we’re all entitled to our own opinion.
I spent four years in graphic design before marketing, and I’m afraid I have to disagree with you; to me, glitter is not ‘clean’, opaque grey boxes are not ‘aesthetically pleasing’ (nice use of textbook terminology by the way) and, from an aesthetic perspective, I’ve yet to uncover anything within firmware 3.0 that denotes noteworthy splendour, regal form, dignity, or largeness (aside from the XMB’s text), so it certainly isn’t ‘grand’.
But please, don’t let my views dissuade you from yours. We jerks don’t know what we’re on about half of the time…
Uk got iPlayer support – this is fantastic!
all the rest is background noise. Hope it will support the HD streams they have on iPlayer. Also hope this isn;t the end and they use PS3 as a content agregator for catch up tv content!
sorry those of you outside the UK!
UK has had iPlayer support for ages, they’ve just stuck a link to it in the TV section of the XMB (if you didn’t notice, it uses the PS3’s browser). It works fine, but I would’ve liked a dedicated application for it, really.
having a big big problem dowloaded 3.0 and 10 minutes later ps3 stopped working happened to 3 friends also checked with local store were i buy games they say other customers having the same problem sony claims they never heard of this anyone else having problems if so maybe you should call650 655 5399 and tell them