[PS3] News - Firmware & Controllers

Hammer · 30th June 2008, 10:06am

Sony has started to detail the content for the upcoming (but undated) Firmware 2.4 patch.

From Joystiq

Quote:

Features avliable through the in-game XMB:

# n-game (sic) XMB (a quick tap of the PS button brings it up)
# View game-specific trophies
# Time / date display
# Send text messages to PSN users on your friends list
# Access accessory settings, such as Bluetooth pairing and voice changer
# View and manage downloads
# Quits game directly from an icon under the "Game" section of the XMB
# Search the web using the Google Search option under "Network" (similar to the latest PSP firmware)
# Launch directly into another game from the one you're currently playing
# Play music tracks stored on the HDD in games that support this feature
# Access a new on-screen music player interface (when listening to your own tracks in supported titles)

Also, the Duelshock 3 launch has been announced for Europe. It will be on sale from the 2nd of July, priced at £40.

MarkMono · 30th June 2008, 10:17am

Finally we're getting a fucking media player.

Thanks Sony, ogg vorbis codecs were obviously a high priority and far more useful than, say, a repeat function or a playlist editor.

poprock · 30th June 2008, 10:36am

“Time/date display”

Really pushing the technology envelope there, Sony. Keep it up.

MarkMono · 30th June 2008, 10:37am

No idea what they mean by that, it has time & date display already.

Hammer · 30th June 2008, 10:39am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkMono

No idea what they mean by that, it has time & date display already.

In game?

I don't have a PS3, so I've got no idea how important half this stuff is PS3 owners.

MarkMono · 30th June 2008, 10:40am

Virtually none of it, every update so far has included obscure video/audio codecs and very slight improvements to the net explorer and PS3 shop, which would seem quite sensible until you point out that it doesn't have an inbuilt media player (yet).

Was on the verge of picking up an Xbox just to use as a media machine.

poprock · 30th June 2008, 10:50am

That list does read a bit like someone at Sony bought an Xbox 360 and it made them realise how much really basic shit they’d forgotten to include.

MarkMono · 30th June 2008, 10:57am

They've got a way to go yet, even the basic Xbox outperforms the PS3 as a media machine in most ways.

Still, if I ever need MKV codecs for my console, Sony were insane enough to provide me with them three updates ago.

poprock · 30th June 2008, 10:59am

The only thing I ever found in MKV format was the pilot episode of Wired TV. Confused the hell out of me at first.

Hammer · 30th June 2008, 11:00am

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkMono

They've got a way to go yet, even the basic Xbox outperforms the PS3 as a media machine in most ways.

I bet the PS3 is quieter though. My 360 sounds like it's using a hovercraft to provide cooling.

MarkMono · 30th June 2008, 11:01am

It is made by Microsoft.

**Ghostsuit** · 30th June 2008, 2:42pm

I made a new thread but I've been using this for Media via the 360 and PS3 and it's rather nifty. Not actually tried it on the PS3 but works well on the 360 however does need a PC on the network.

http://tversity.com/

Hammer · 30th June 2008, 4:31pm

Wired has an in-depth look at this and pictures of the Trophy system.

Trophies appear to be like the Achievements on the xbox, with with different levels for each trophy and a level system instead of a points system.

`Annihilator · 30th June 2008, 5:06pm

I already went ahead and bought a Dual Shock 3 from a seller in the UK (imported from the US), since the accessories aren't region locked. Works fine for me, and was cheaper than a UK one.

Hammer · 30th June 2008, 10:27pm

The Firmware is apparently coming on July 2nd as well.