The official PlayStation website might have leaked information regarding firmware 2.53, but it was clearly very wrong about the date. The update didn't drop on November 26th, as the website suggested, but is instead available right now. Honestly, it's true. Go check for yourself.
The latest firmware adds full screen functionality to embedded Flash videos in the web browser, as well as generally "improving the way the Flash Player works with the internet browser." Meaning more websites will now work. Overall, a nice, if slightly anemic, firmware update. It's all free though, so we can't complain. Go on commenters, prove us wrong.
It looks like the arrival of firmware 2.53 is imminent, according to the official PlayStation website. The site, which is clearly written by someone a few days in the future, states that "an update to the PS3™ system software was released on November 26, 2008. You can use this update to upgrade your system software to version 2.53." Nice to know, but what does it do? The website doesn't give much of a clue, except that "the Internet browser now supports full-screen mode for Adobe® Flash® Player content."
A nice feature, but we're hoping there's a little more substance to make the update worthwhile. No doubt we'll hear official word from the PlayStation Blog about it before it hits.
It appears that firmware 2.50 also added one other feature, meant to help PS3 owners that are trying to troubleshoot their system. A recovery menu (pictured above) gives users access to a variety of restore features. It will even allow users to install a new firmware update, should anything go wrong during the installation process. To access the menu, you must hold down the power button to turn on the PS3 until you hear three beeps. Then the menu will show up.
There are a few reports of systems bricking after firmware updates, so this may be Sony's attempt at creating a fix for future problems. Hopefully, we'll never have to actually use this feature -- but if we do, it may be a quick way of avoiding a trip to the post office to send the PS3 to Sony's support center.
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!
In addition to the features announced yesterday, Firmware 2.50 will feature Flash 9 support for the PS3's browser, according to this post on the official PlayStation community forums. The message also states the update will arrive tomorrow, October 15th.
Furthermore, Eurogamer was able to uncover some extra changes that most of us probably don't care about: users will now "the ability to see optional EXIF (exchangeable image file format) information while viewing photos" and "the Y and Z and Q and A keys have been remapped for the German on-screen keyboard." For a full list of updates, check out our post from yesterday.
It seems Sony has been busy recently. A new post on the PlayStation Blog details the next firmware update and, let's not beat about the bush, we're pleased with what we see. With this update Sony has made it clear that they are listening to its consumers. Adding Trophies in 2.40 could easily have been a fluke, but these updates show they're moving in the right direction.
Our favorite additions include the trophy improvements (though, where's our "Level Up!" notification?), background downloading functionality and friend status updates. But, really, there's no fluff here. Hopefully Sony will continue this momentum through future updates. There's no word on when we can expect these features, but Eric Lempel says it'll be "soon." Check out the full feature list after the break and let us know what you think in the comments.
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.
CVG has contacted Sony Customer Support to find out exactly what is going on with 2.40. It's all been very quiet since the firmware got pulled off the servers, but apparently a fixed version will be available "midweek." Sony has yet to officially confirm that this is the case but, if true, they should do so within the next day or two. Hopefully 2.41 will fix any of the issues that were present in 2.40. We've had absolutely no problems so far, what about you? Let us know in our latest Poll Police post.
As reported earlier, firmware 2.40 has been taken down. Playstation.Blog has a post acknowledging problems with their latest firmware and assures us that it's only temporary. A commenter concerned about those who have 2.40 installed already was met with a response of "we've received no reports of hardware issues following a successful install," so those of you who have already installed the firmware have nothing to worry about. Stay with us as more information is available.
We're receiving reports that PS3s are no longer updating to firmware 2.40. Consoles currently running 2.36 are stating that there are no available updates when a system update is attempted. It seems that downloading the firmware from the official sites is also impossible. Firefox 404s out on the Japanese, European and American sites. Has the latest firmware been pulled from the net? If so, why? If you're having issues with grabbing the latest update be sure to let us know.
We'll be contacting Sony to find out exactly what's going on, so keep an eye on us for more info. Hopefully soon.
Update: Confirmed. Firmware 2.40 is currently unavailable.
It's that time again, firmware update time. The huge one is finally here: 2.40. So, without a doubt, we're sure you're all very anxious to go grab it already. Five bucks says most of you didn't even bother to read what is being written here and just saw the headline and ran off on us. We don't blame you. With that, we'll keep it short and enjoy our new firmware features.
[Thanks Tim P., and everyone who sent this in!]
Update:Super Stardust HD patch is live. The 255MB download will add trophies to your game.
You've probably read our Firmware 2.40 post (if not, do!), where we go in depth with the new in-game XMB and Trophies system, but there's nothing quite like seeing it in motion. Thankfully, the second Firmware 2.40 video is up now on the PlayStation.Blog and, this time, Eric Lempel guides you through the wonderful world of Trophies.
In our opinion, Trophies look pretty hot. From the overall premise, to the way the comparing of Trophies with friends is implemented so that you can see what games you and your friends own. Not only that, but the "You got a Trophy" message is exactly how we would want it to be. The only thing we have to wonder is, will there be some satisfying sound effect to accompany the message?
So there you have it. Firmware 2.40 has been fully revealed and will be available to download on July 2nd. Yeah, that's the day after tomorrow. There's no word on when older games will be patched to incorporate Trophies, but believe us when we say we'll be hounding publishers until they tell us. Most future games will support Trophies out of the box, including PSN downloads. So, what do you think?
