Sony is set to launch the long-awaited 2.40 firmware patch for the PS3 today and it will sport one of the most sought after features: in-game access to the XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface.
Hopping in and out of a game to the main XMB interface to talk with friends is a pain in the ass process right now but with in-game XMB access, players will be able to pause a game and go directly to the interface. This will let you send and check messages from friends, change settings, browse online and then return to the game. You can even launch a new game from the interface, a process which will automatically quit your current game, without you having to do it manually.
Sony is also adding in-game Trophies, similar to the Achievements offered within Xbox 360 games, so that you can boast about how great at certain games and skills you are to others.
Other features include being able to search the Web via Google under the Network settings, play your own music in games that support the feature, view and manage downloads and more. For the full release, jump now or watch Sony 's Eric Lempel above talk through the key features.
Those who were hoping to see support for private in-game voice chats with friends will be disappointed. What would you have liked in 2.40?-Martin Lynch
New PLAYSTATION(R)3 System Software Update (v2.40) to Enhance Community Features
Company: Sony Computer Entertainment
Date: 30 Jun 2008
FOSTER CITY, Calif., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced details of PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) system software update 2.40, designed to enhance the way PS3 users play and interact with one another. Through regular firmware updates, SCEA has the ability to continually deliver new features to PS3 system that address the needs of its users. Now with the 2.40 update, PS3's community and in-game experience will be upgraded with new offerings that gamers have asked for. The update will deliver XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar) access in-game, enabling PS3 users to connect and communicate with other gamers and utilize other XMB features seamlessly while playing most games.
In addition to being able to communicate with friends from within a game, PS3 users will also be able to earn Trophies following the 2.40 update. This new, integrated system enables gamers to tout their accomplishments via profiles, which also allow users to compare their skills to other members of the community. Firmware update 2.40 will be available on July 2.
"Today's PLAYSTATION 3 experience has evolved significantly from what we debuted at launch, and the 2.40 firmware update will drive the PS3 community experience forward at a time when the platform's momentum is stronger than ever, with the launches of several recent blockbuster titles and other exclusive content on the way," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and PLAYSTATION Network, SCEA.
"We listen closely to our community, and we're proud to deliver new features that have been among the most requested -- XMB access in-game and Trophies. These features provide new ways for the PS3 community to easily connect, communicate and share gaming experiences with one another in and out of games."
XMB Access In-Game
XMB access in-game will enable gamers to interact with friends using messaging, view their friends' online status and profiles (including their -- all without interrupting the flow of gameplay. By pushing the PS button on the PS3 controller, the Home menu takes center stage over a game in progress. Depending on the game, XMB access will either automatically pause the game or it will continue to run in the background. With these enhanced communications features further connecting the PLAYSTATION Network community -- which has more than 9.8 million registered accounts worldwide as of June 2008 -- the Friends list capacity has doubled to 100 Friends.
Beyond utilizing Friends list features, XMB access in-game will allow users to sign-in to PLAYSTATION Network, manage PLAYSTATION(R)Store downloads, quit a game, and access various options within the Settings category. PS3 users can also quickly end their game and navigate directly to other PS3 system features simply by selecting to view content such as photos or videos stored on the system's hard drive. XMB access in-game works with most existing PS3 games.
In addition to these enhanced community features, the 2.40 update lays the groundwork for gamers to customize their individual gaming experience by accessing the XMB during a game and selecting music stored on their PS3 system's hard drive. Once a music file is played, users can access a control panel via the XMB that enables them to pause, stop, or repeat the track; go to a different track; or shuffle. The 2.40 update provides developers with the tools that will enable them to offer personalized background music as an option in their games, and the supporting titles are expected to be announced in the future.
Additionally, the firmware 2.40 update includes Google-powered Internet search functionality on the XMB, allowing users to input search terms and be directed to a search results page without having to first open the PS3 Internet browser. PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) system recently added similar Internet search functionality through a firmware update.
Trophies
Trophies offer a new and innovative way for gamers to showcase their gaming accomplishments. PS3 users can earn virtual trophies, which will be viewable on the XMB's Game category under a new Trophy Collection icon, and will also be touted through individual profiles. These profiles will serve as virtual representations of PS3 users, allowing them to personalize their identities and display their gaming accomplishments within the PlayStation community. Gamers will be ranked on a Level-basis depending on the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum trophies they earn across all games. They will also be able to see how much progress they have made toward the next Level, as well as compare their Trophies to friends.
Super Stardust(TM) HD, a PLAYSTATION Network-exclusive released in June 2007, will be the first game to leverage the Trophies system and will offer a variety of trophies*. The following first-party games are also slated to offer Trophy support:
-- BUZZ!(TM) Quiz TV
-- LittleBigPlanet(TM)
-- MotorStorm(TM) Pacific Rift
-- NBA 09 - PS3
-- PAIN*
-- PixelJunk(TM) Eden
-- Resistance 2(TM)
-- SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
-- Warhawk(TM)*
*Requires a game update to be downloaded and installed.
PS3 users can expect to see additional first and third-party games bringing Trophy support to their feature sets through 2008 and beyond, providing even greater opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and compete with friends. SCEA is actively working with developers to ensure that Trophies are incorporated into new titles in the future.
About PS3 and PSP System Software Updates
PS3 and PSP systems were designed to continually evolve with regular system software updates that deliver new features. There's no additional investment required from consumers, who simply update their systems and can immediately enjoy the benefits of the added functionality. This process lengthens the lifecycle of PS3 and PSP, and consumers no longer have to worry about their hardware becoming outdated or missing out on exciting new capabilities. SCEA will continue to release system software updates on an ongoing basis. For further details and instructions on how to update the PS3 and PSP system software, please visit us.playstation.com.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and PLAYSTATION(R)Store.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com
"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", "PSP", "PS one" and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
you dude dear is big problem whit v2.40 whit trofees and in-game music i hef buy the game pain and the trofees don't go mijn trofee list in mijn ps3 and no in game music i need help
Finally ps3 has a few of the xbox 360 features which we have enjoyed since release day, that was like what 2 years ago. well done sony you finally are starting to catch up!
And now Sony have removed 2.40fw from their servers due to it being too buggy, with systems freezing?
Glad I downloaded it onto my PS3 yesterday before they removed it. Its a step in the right direction but still nowhere near as good as Xbox Live.
Now they need to start to get companies to put trophies into their games because only Super Stardust HD has them at the moment.
The PS3's online is better than a 360's overall i think because, its 3, includes 3 internet and quite frankly.....everythings 3. *B 3!!!!!!!* Oh and as 4 originality...no 1 on Earths original. Every idea is INFLUENCED by another. microsoft, Sony, nintendo none of them r original they all copy off each other. Microsoft copied Sony 4 creating a game console. Sony copied Nintendo 4 creating a console. Nintendo copied Atari e.t.c But i think what Xbox360 is doing is sooooo last generation (i mean like PS2) Xbox lost 2 PS2 as PS2 had more games. So microsoft thinks they can win by getting lots of games. Very original?
Editor | Martin Lynch
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Comments
you dude dear is big problem whit v2.40 whit trofees and in-game music i hef buy the game pain and the trofees don't go mijn trofee list in mijn ps3 and no in game music i need help
post on july 2
wow it everything the xbox has had for the last 2 years its been out for,
^ wow
its about time the put the music feature on there, but the xbox comment is a fair point
Finally ps3 has a few of the xbox 360 features which we have enjoyed since release day, that was like what 2 years ago. well done sony you finally are starting to catch up!
Well done Sony, Trophies seems an Original Idea
lol - Trophies = Achievement Points, hmmm
that's all great but will it stop my mp4 files from stuttering?!?
All I need to say to those 360 users is playstaytion home.
And now Sony have removed 2.40fw from their servers due to it being too buggy, with systems freezing?
Glad I downloaded it onto my PS3 yesterday before they removed it. Its a step in the right direction but still nowhere near as good as Xbox Live.
Now they need to start to get companies to put trophies into their games because only Super Stardust HD has them at the moment.
All I need to say to those PS3 users waiting for playstation home is Second Life.
The PS3's online is better than a 360's overall i think because, its 3, includes 3 internet and quite frankly.....everythings 3. *B 3!!!!!!!* Oh and as 4 originality...no 1 on Earths original. Every idea is INFLUENCED by another. microsoft, Sony, nintendo none of them r original they all copy off each other. Microsoft copied Sony 4 creating a game console. Sony copied Nintendo 4 creating a console. Nintendo copied Atari e.t.c But i think what Xbox360 is doing is sooooo last generation (i mean like PS2) Xbox lost 2 PS2 as PS2 had more games. So microsoft thinks they can win by getting lots of games. Very original?