PS3 Poll Police: Is Firmware 2.00 happening this time?
by Nick Doerr 
{ Nov 4th 2007 at 5:05PM }
It's a mythological beast, like a unicorn. The coveted grail of immortality, the existence of extra-terrestrial life, Sony's unfathomable Firmware 2.00. Its existence is likely, however, there is no telling when it will arrive. Many times it has been said to be on the horizon, many times there have been "leaked" system change lists, and many times fans have been disappointed by their own hype. The Poll Police want to gauge consumer reaction this week, what with new rumors of the firmware appearing this very week. Do you, fans of Sony, believe that 2.00 will arrive this week?
With that out of the way, we'd like to point you back to the release list for this week. It's looking more and more impressive every time! Even if firmware 2.00 doesn't pop up this week, we're sure many of you will be busy playing a handful of titles to even notice. If you're curious about last week's poll results, check it out after the jump.
Last week, the big release was the PlayStation Eye and Eye of Judgment. A big issue that developed was card duplication through the most insincere of means. From our poll, you can see that those who own the game generally aren't going to copy their cards, so players, you've little to fear. It's interesting how those who don't own the game were willing to copy the cards, making the entire argument pointless. It's like saying "If I had a Porsche, I'd totally run over your dog." Would you? Would you, really? Anyway, check back next week and as always, your votes mean the world to us!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Justin @ Nov 4th 2007 5:10PM
based on the recently released PSP firmware, and its stipulation that a certain feature would only be available with PS3's 2.0 Firmware...I voted "Yes".
TheGuy @ Nov 4th 2007 5:13PM
All the signs are pointing to a release of firmware 2.00 this week (or at-most next week), but it doesn't look like we'll be getting in-game XMB access with it. It's looking to me that we wont get in-game XMB access until Home gets released.
Broken Haiku @ Nov 4th 2007 5:23PM
Wouldn't surprise me if we get 1.95 soon, but not 2.0 yet.
Ben @ Nov 4th 2007 6:20PM
I only said yes because I want it so bad. But I really don't think it will be this week
FrankTheCrank @ Nov 4th 2007 5:48PM
I don't understand why everyone is getting hyped for a firmware update.
It doesn't make sense.
Nobody knows what's going to be in it except for Sony. So building yourself up is useless unless you have some REAL information as to what will be in the update.
Otherwise, it's just another update, no big whoop.
Dahk @ Nov 4th 2007 5:58PM
"It's like saying "If I had a Porche, I'd totally run over your dog." Would you? Would you, really?"
LOL @ Nick.
(btw. It's spelled Porsche =))
ndoerr @ Nov 4th 2007 6:11PM
@ Dahk -- heh, old habits die hard, I guess. I can never seem to spell that right.
Andy @ Nov 4th 2007 6:12PM
I'm glad you left out the option "The Playstation 3 will suck no matter what firmware it has"
Sen @ Nov 4th 2007 6:22PM
I dont think it will have in-game XMB, but I DO think its coming very, VERY soon.
I think PS3Fanboy know much more then we do, and from last post about 2.0, I feel that this is just teasing us and getting to know what we think, because honestly, I think y'all know quite a lot more then us.
Now, in-game XMB would be great, friends access, internet & PS Store (not while playing online though of course, it would equal people lagging, some even on purpose), and perhaps access to some settings, like registering your blu-tooth headset while already in the game, or other general settings like system settings and stuff. Oh yea, and music, LOL.But if there were to be music access in0game through the XMB, I highly doubt it would be compatible with all games, because the games audio these days is worked VERY hard on, and really underrated. So I highly doubt that the developers of some games would want you to be jamming to your music instead of hearing the slash of your sword through an enemy. But what would be cool is if they can have set times where the game would pause your music for certain cut-scenes, in skate for example. I dont need the sound on all the time, just skating around, but if I approach a mission or w/e, then the music can dim and then return anytime the developer wanted it to. But in a game like Uncharted, you really cant do that, since the audio is amazing all around, with them talking even whilst a gun fight.
So even if in-game XMB wasn't in 2.0, I think Sony will bring other things like the ability to name/create folders for the videos and images sections, and have a demos folder for the game section, so a game automatically gets put in there once you install it (optional).
And other small things like passwords on certain users, more video codec support or w/e, grouping images and being able to move certain files above others with ease, etc.
But I do hope the PSN gets improved a bit, so we can combine "start chat" function to make it not only for voice chat, but also for text chatting, or both simultaneously. And of course being able put your own picture for your avatar...oh yea, and automatic 'away' setting if people are idle and stuff.
But what I would want most out of the PSN to be improved is the profile systems. Bring out gamer cards or something, and have it be a place where people can actually get to know you, where you can put up your fav videos/music on your HDD, or make a top 4 PSN friends, and just have a general place for comments and little entries all your friends can see, much like a mini blog or something. Oh yea, and a mug shot/head shot of your Home avatar. :P
ALSO, I hope they do add the Home icon, even without Home accessible to everyone yet. So they can add a avatar create function there, that they will update along with the beta. So when home comes, everyone will have their avatars already made. This could also be a place where we can access the Home open or closed beta when that comes this month/early next month.
Damn, what a rant, sorry. Comment back if you please. =)
Toby @ Nov 4th 2007 6:41PM
It really wont matter once assassins creed comes out, then rock band. but itd still eb nice to have 2.0. im sick of the 1.9Xs
Dru @ Nov 4th 2007 7:47PM
@ Frank
I hear you, it is just an update, but I love seeing that "a firmware update is needed". It's like, oh boy, what are we getting this time!?! Kind of like not knowing when your Play magazine is going to arrive, you check the box and, holy crap, there it is. Also, considering the potential updates associated with 2.0 there isn't any reason for us not to get somewhat excited. If it wasn't such a big deal than we wouldn't be talking about so damn much.
Darkdrium777 @ Nov 4th 2007 7:51PM
PS3 was released with firmware 1.00
It's almost a year after it's release (In fact it is on November 17th) so a firmware 2.00 at that time would make sense (Like an anniversary thing).
I voted yes, I do hope it is the time. Because I feel that it's been too long with the 1.9Xs too. :/
gumby @ Nov 4th 2007 7:52PM
well i'm thinking this thursday because of andrew's comments in the other thread. hopefully it will be worth the wait! I'm too broke to by myself games with christmas coming up so hopefully it will have some stuff to keep me occupied through the holidays!!
Starfire @ Nov 4th 2007 9:00PM
Lets hope so- I for one am looking forward to it.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wY-L5cDaYNM
Half_-_Blood @ Nov 4th 2007 9:59PM
i agree with the fellow who said it would come out on the birthday of this fine piece of machinery
Consolcwby @ Nov 4th 2007 10:33PM
I went with: "Nope, not for a while still." It will make more sense for Sony to wait for the 2.0 release until January 2008, and keep the 1.9x until then. Make the New Year a big deal - a way to cap off the holiday season. =/ As you can see, I'm pretty pessimistic about it coming out anytime soon... at least with the features we want.
@Starfire: Nice hat! =D Was that your BD collection in the background on the right?
@Sen: O_o Don't be afraid to speak up next time - just say what's on your mind! Seriously, though, I would hope you're right about 2.0 - but I have a feeling that the XMB isn't ready to be integrated yet. Something tells me we might have to wait until Home's beta is out before we see this. =/ I hope not, but it makes sense with Sony's focus on a different style of presentation and it's subsequent delay until next year. I hope you're right though!
EoJ UPDATE: I finally got the game last Thursday - I love it! I also bought 3 boosters to go with the Starter deck + booster that came with the game. I beat the computer 4 out of 6 last night (1/1 Beg, 1/2 Am, 2/3 Nor)! =) Damn computer is TOUGH at first! Never thought I'd start beating it this week... a little afraid to play online - my friend and I are having a blast playing together though! (62 cards total = 8 x 4 boosters + 1 x 30 in starter deck). =)
This one's a keeper for me. All you who have it: No cheating - play it fair online! >=[
OTAM @ Nov 4th 2007 10:49PM
Unless it has XMB available in game and custom soundtracks,it's just another useless update to me.
Popfrogs @ Nov 4th 2007 11:34PM
@15: Welcome to the EoJ crew. :) I love this game, have to reign in my booster buying habit though. I've been climbing the ladder today online playing ranked games, it's a blast.
About the firmware update..with all of Sony's talking plus the recent PSP update, we should see 2.0 or 1.95 very soon. Not sure why we needed 1.94 with R&C:Future or why 1.94 hasn't been released to be public.
Sen @ Nov 5th 2007 12:54AM
@Consolcwby: Lol, I have a LOT more on my mind then that. XD Also, the Home OPEN beta (Which many, many people will get in with ease if signing up), is coming in November/December if you haven't heard. So mostly everyone who signs up will get into it. Phil even said in an interview after they announced the delay, that everyone who wants to experience it will be able to this year. So that is more "evidence". :P
Also, I have an idea about a media sharing place for the PSN, a service launched from the XMB, or within Home. It can be made by the team who created EyeCreate (which is great for the PS Eye). Perhaps called "EyeShare" or something along that basis. The service would be place where you can share your in-game taken screens and videos to the public, sharing how you beat the last boss in MGS4, or an entire tournament game match for Killzone 2, that kind of thing.
Much like a youtube for the PSN. But you would NOT be able to 'upload' any other videos like pornography, movies, etc. Because when these videos are actually taken and recorded, they are tagged with something to tell that it is from in-game, therefore the PS3 can recognize it, and ONLY its type, allowing you to only host or upload those videos taken by you, from in-game, and will 'invalidate' anything else; without this tag or code, w/e...
How to take these in-game videos? Hmmm, how about pressing the PS Button, then pressing on the option "Start Recording", then whenever you press the PS Button again, it will start... How to stop? Press the PS Button; "Stop Recording". Simple... as for in-game screen taking, no clue, maybe the same thing? :-\
But the better way to do this all, would be a keyboard. I have one, so all I would do is press a certain key on the keyboard and it will start recording, with a rectangle in the upper right hand corner saying "Recording...", then press the same key; "Paused...", hold the same key to stop recording; "Recoding Complete" or something.
And a different key on the keyboard for taking screens, much like the new feature in Resistance: Fall of Man online. All these videos go to a dedicated folder automatically created; in the videos/images columns of the XMB. This folder can be called "Gameplay Media" or anything like that.
And SINCE every gameplay video/screen taken in-game is tagged with a certain code, the PS3 recognizes/knows it was taken with the in-game recording feature, therefore putting it automatically in this folder. These videos/images would also be directly sent to your library in EyeShare, so whenever you want to upload something, you can do it easily, by selecting it from your library.
This can also be integrated into the profile/gamer card feature I mentioned last post, so there could be a section for your in-game recorded videos, and then if I select a video you have recorded, and put upo in your profile, it would boot me to the EyeShare service, and I can view all your videos there, as well as see your favorites and search my all friends recorded videos....
But of course, with this, there has to be an editing system for it all.... which EyeShare can provide, with its EyeEdit featue or some shit like that. XD
So then they would somewhat merger EyeCreate with this, so that its all in ONE service/application.
Meaning you can launch any of these when at the main menu for EyeMake or whatever the whole thins is called.
Then this integration into Home would be amazing...
But man, that is for the future, I hope Sony has this stuff in mind.
Oh yea, one thing I would love to see is more settings options....
Like the ability to somewhat customize the notification messages that show up in the corner. Make them more transparent, make them smaller, larger, edit the color they display in, transparency, and of course having the ability to move them to any edge of the screen you want. Basically, it is by default in the, lets say 'North East' position. So this setting would allow me to move it North, North West, West, South West, South, South East, or East positions.
Also, this setting can be included in the in-game setting menu. So for example, if I go to the settings list in a game like Resistance, I can select the option "XMB Settings", which would boot up the settings column from the XMB, allowing me to customize my setting for EACH game indicidually, which will then be saved for that game. So for RFOM, I might want to move it to the South edge of the screen, so it wouldn't cover the map in the upper right hand corner. This feature would work across all games, and the developer themselves can default it to wherever they want to, into the games code or something. So I wouldn't have to move it myself, because the developer also realized it would be better in a certain location rather then the default upper right hand corner....
When I really think about it, in-game XMB wouldn't matter if all developers are able to pull off what Insomniac did in RFOM online; selecting the "Friends" option, booting up the XMB's friends list.
So imagine this; a game, lets just name it Killzone 2, being able to access parts of the XMB, in-game but not from Sony, like pressing the PS Button then selecting "XMB", it would be something the developer themselves do.
So perhaps for online in KZ2, there would be a setting list for the sound, etc. They would add to this list the "XMB Settings" I mentioned earlier, therefore you would be able to access the XMB's setting in-game, like registering your headset, editing the notification message location, etc.
This kinda of thing...
Also, one more idea I would like to hit on, is the friends list in-game, connectivity with the XMB friends list.
So the Friends icon in the XMB, the main spot for the PSN. Where you can add people, message people, talk to people, etc.
What I would REALLY like (assuming they will up the user friend limit to 100-250), is the ability to create folders, and name them. So basically, I would create a folder, then for example, I could name it
'PlayStation Underground/Forums Friends', 'Myspace Friends', 'Real Life Friends', or something like 'BEST FRIENDS', or maybe a folder for all of your clan friends '[Insert clan name here] Friends'. That kind of thing, right, got it? :P
The folder title, or main spot underneath the title, would also say how many are online out of the total. So if I have 8 friends in that folder, and 2 online, it would say under the folder name "8/2 Online"
You might be wondering why when I was listing possible folder names, I didnt say a folder name like 'Warhawk Friends' or 'Call of Duty 4 Friends'. Reason being, is this would/could be integrated within those games.
So Resistance for example, there would be an in-game friends list, like there is now, but I can then add any/all of these friends here, onto my XMB friends list. But it will automatically make a folder for these friends, named "Resistance: Fall of Man Friends". And for games that dont have an in-game friends list, they can use this to their advantage. So for Guitar Hero 3, which doesn't have an in-game friends list I believe, they can now have one. There would be a "Friends List" option you could select, and that automatically boots up the XMB friends list, but into the GH3 Friends folder. Easy as that..
Now for organization of these folders... I could press triangle on one folder, and select "Add", which will then give me two options, to add a friend by typing in their PSN ID, or to select from my entire friends list. If I select the first option, I just type in the ID, then it will add them into this folder, with a pending request if its a new friend, or it will just move/add them to the folder if they are someone already on your friends list. But if you select the second option, you check any friend you would love to move to this folder, and of they are already in another folder, then you simply select to expand the folder, and check their name. If you want to move everyone in that folder, into this folder, then you simply check the folder itself, instead of expanding it and selecting individuals... So essentially, you can move someone from your "Warhawk Friends" folder, to your "Best Friends" folder with ease.
Holy shit, I just realized how much I have typed, and what I am typing to. XD
Man, way off topic, sorry, but hey, you asked to say whats on my mind, and I did.
But yea, thats pretty much a fourth or so of my ideas. XP
Thanks, reply back if you please. O_o
*lays hands in hot water, puts ice on head"
apease @ Nov 5th 2007 12:56AM
Judging only by this site's teasing, it's looking like we'll know details this week.
Kenny @ Nov 5th 2007 3:19AM
wait what made everyone think the firmware is coming now? just because of the games releasing this month? is that a reason for a firmware upgrade? can anyone answer my questions?
matthew_neitzer @ Nov 5th 2007 7:05AM
Threespeech implied that it would be out in a couple of weeks (or outright said it) The PSP got a firmware update with a new feature for use with the PS3, but it requires firmware 2.0. Other than that, its almost the one year anniversary of the machine... I think thats all, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
DKA @ Nov 5th 2007 8:23AM
All I want is the ability to stream 5.1 audio from my PC to my PS3. That's all. Unfortunately, that's probably too much of a niche thing for them to deliver on. :(
why not the LS2/LS7? @ Nov 5th 2007 11:40AM
Yes, it'll probably come out this week. No, it won't necessarily be as amazing as the name implies. The people who pick the release numbers at Sony don't seem to follow the rules we expect.
schuyler @ Nov 5th 2007 2:53PM
I say on the 11th
Larz @ Nov 5th 2007 9:02PM
2.0 seems pretty imminent with all the other stuff happening, such as the PSP update and new ads on TV boasting Home.
Still, not holding my breath and I can definitely stand to wait. A firmware update is nice, but it won't change the core gaming experience which I'm enjoying right now. Actually an update to EoJ or the new Warhawk patch would make me happier than 2.0 firmware.