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PSA: PS3 Firmware Update 3.15 available now

by Griffin McElroy { Dec 9th 2009 at 11:40PM }

Looking to try out that PSP Mini on your preposterously sized high definition television? Though we can't promise the results will be particularly gorgeous, we're pleased to announce that the option is now available to you. Sony just launched PS3 Firmware Update 3.15, which allows you to play PSP Minis on your decidedly un-Mini console. In addition, the patch makes it easier to transfer files between PS3s using only a LAN cable. Read here to learn more about this functionality, and simply go to the System Update option on the XMB to get the patch!

PSP Minis playable on PS3 with firmware update 3.15

by Andrew Yoon { Dec 8th 2009 at 10:30AM }

PS3 is getting yet another firmware update -- this time optional -- "very soon" according to a post on the European PlayStation.Blog. The pre-Christmas update brings a feature we reported on earlier: support for PSP Minis on the PS3. Like PSone classics, a single purchase from the PlayStation Store will work on both platforms. If you've bought a Mini and want to play it on your PS3, you'll be able to access it from the Store's archived Download List.

In addition to adding Minis support, update 3.15 will simplify the process of moving data from one PS3 to another. For example, if you own both a PS3 Phat and Slim, you'll be able to connect the two systems via a LAN cable and transfer data from one system to the next. For more details on how to do just that, visit the PlayStation.Blog.

Firmware 3.10 lets PS3 users report errors directly to Sony

by David Hinkle { Nov 20th 2009 at 11:00PM }

Sometimes we do crazy things -- in this case, it's something crazy for you, dear reader. You see, when PS3 Attitude reported users who had run into freezes or other bouts of unsatisfactory performance from their PS3 could report the issue to Sony thanks to firmware 3.10, directly through their console, we thought it was something we'd try to recreate on our own. After scratching our noggin for a few minutes, trying to come up with the best way to put our PS3 into danger, we figured a swift and hard power-down via the back toggle switch on the console would be the best bet to trigger this supposed new error report system. Lo and behold, we received the message you see above.

So that's new, right? After winning that battle in the war of trying to break our PS3, we then decided to pick up our console and shake it like some kind of crazed British nanny, but that did not get us the results we were looking for. As such, we contacted Sony and a spokesperson told us that, yes, firmware 3.10 does add a feature to the console where users can report issues following console freezes and the like. So, now you know!

PSP firmware 6.20 now available

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 18th 2009 at 11:50PM }

Not to be overshadowed by its bigger brother, a new PSP firmware has gone live tonight. Update 6.20 adds the ability to export video and photo playlists from an updated version of Media Go. However, the biggest addition to this update is the PlayStation Network Digital Comics Reader in a new "Extras" section of the XMB. While the Reader can be downloaded tonight, the service won't go live until December in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Japan will be getting a manga service slightly earlier. French, Italian, German and Spanish stores will follow in early 2010. Here's the full change log:

The importing of playlists from the Media Go application is now supported under [Video].
The importing of playlists from the PlayStation 3 system or the Media Go application is now supported under [Photo].
The [TV] category has been integrated into the new [Extras] category in the XMB menu. Compatible models: PSP-2000, PSP-2005, PSP-3000, PSP-N1000, PSP-N1005

Gallery: Digital Comics (PSP)

PSA: PS3 firmware 3.10 now available

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 18th 2009 at 10:50PM }

As promised, firmware 3.10 is now available to download for your PS3. Navigate to System Update from the XMB to download this update. Included in this package:

System changes

Added the ability to access some Facebook features from the XMB.
The [Friends] list has been redesigned.
The user is now able to change the color of their [Profile].

Media changes

Expanded [Photo] folders and playlists are now displayed in a grid, rather than a list.
Added various TV website shortcuts for users in Europe under [TV]. (For more details, visit PlayStation.Blog.Europe)

We'll be testing the Facebook integration later tonight. Stay tuned.

[Thanks, Levi!]

Rumor: Sony leaks screens of next PS3 firmware, Facebook integration

by Randy Nelson { Nov 11th 2009 at 2:20PM }

Click to enlarge

Earlier today, website Scrawl stumbled upon what appears to be an unintentional first glimpse at a major PS3 firmware update. The somewhat tiny images Scrawl found buried, yet publicly accessible on Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's website, seem to hint at native Facebook integration on the console, along with the ability to change "gamer card" colors (as if the current friends list wasn't obnoxious enough) and view thumbnails of photos in a grid layout.

The images are still up as of this posting, but we'd imagine Sony will be pulling them before too long -- legit or not. After all, these could simply be mock-ups of design ideas meant for internal eyes only, just ... bungled. The one element that isn't design-related, the Facebook settings subsection of User Accounts, has us thinking there's a higher than average chance these aren't simple mock-ups, but rather the result on a Sony slip-up.

We contacted SCEE regarding the images and were told by a spokesperson that the company "doesn't comment on rumor or speculation."

[Thanks Alex!]

PS3 Firmware 3.0 troubles spawn class action lawsuit

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Oct 6th 2009 at 1:40PM }

What's New? For one: a class action lawsuit filed by John Kennedy, who accuses Sony's 3.0-version PlayStation firmware update of breaching implied warranty and signaling an act of negligence (among other complaints). As detailed by Courthouse News Service, the suit alleges that "thousands" of PS3 owners downloaded the update, only to find that it caused the system to malfunction and suffer damage to hardware.

While Firmware 3.0 was reported to be problematic (particularly in unison with Naughty Dog's popular action game, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune), Sony soon issued an update to quell concerns. The manufacturer was also quick to separate hardware failures -- such as disc drive errors -- from the firmware update. It's the resulting $150 repair fee that provided impetus to Kennedy's suit, which aims to determine appropriate restitution during trial.

[Via Gamasutra]

Sony: PS3 disc drive errors not a firmware issue

by James Ransom-Wiley { Oct 1st 2009 at 11:52AM }

The trouble started with Uncharted and has now reportedly grown to encompass all manner of media fed into the PlayStation 3 disc drive. The comments section of PlayStiaton Blog's Firmware 3.01 announcement has been overwhelmed by user reports of disc drive errors since Firmware 3.00 and 3.01 were released; most commonly, read errors reportedly occur when running Blu-ray games or movies, but in some alleged cases plain old DVDs are not working either.

Eurogamer has reached Sony for comment, and the console manufacturer has disavowed responsibility for the apparent drive failure, declaring it "not an issue with the firmware." In other words, corresponding repair costs are currently placed squarely on the shoulders of the affected consumers.

We will continue to follow this story as it updates. Stay tuned.

PSP firmware 6.10 is live and ready to Go

by Randy Nelson { Sep 30th 2009 at 11:38PM }

Version 6.10 of Sony's handheld's firmware announced earlier this evening is now ready for download. Hit the System Update option from the Settings section of your XMB, download, install and let us know what you think of the "mood music" SensMe whips up from your song library. Much to our disappointment, initial testing reveals that Sony didn't implement our "I just made an expensive impulse purchase" mood after all.

PS3 Firmware 3.01 fix now available

by Justin McElroy { Sep 15th 2009 at 10:10AM }

If you've had troubles playing Uncharted since the arrival of PlayStation 3 firmware 3.0, you and Nathan can finally get back to business with the now-available 3.01 update, which Sony says addresses the issue. However, if you were one of those complaining about your controllers not functioning properly after the update, it would seem that you're still out of luck.

So, that's the news, you can finally play Uncharted again. But jeez, could the timing be any worse?

Doublesix chalks higher Burn Zombie Burn sales up to Firmware 3.00

by Griffin McElroy { Sep 14th 2009 at 7:30PM }

Though the PS3 Firmware Update 3.00 failed to bring about the grand, sweeping changes that most of us are waiting for, it's apparently been a boon for PSN developers. In an interview with GamesIndustry, Doublesix claimed that sales for Burn Zombie Burn jumped 40 percent following the update -- largely due to the fact that the downloadable title was featured in the What's New section, which is now the first thing that appears when the PS3 is turned on.

According to Doublesix studio head James Brooksby, the PS3 start-up screen has always had a "40 inch advertising space waiting to be used," and that the introduction of the What's New menu is "a major step forward for the entire industry and the digital distribution sector." Obviously, Brooksby completely overlooked the true highlight of the console's latest update: The sparkles. Oh God, the sparkles!

Sony 'looking into' changing PS3's newly redesigned Friends list

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 10th 2009 at 1:00PM }

This is not what the Friends list currently looks like.

Firmware 3.00 brought many changes: some good, some bad. The good? The removal of the PS3 logo at a game's launch, which "makes the loading time a bit quicker than before." The bad? A few aesthetic changes, most notoriously the redesigned Friends list. Inexplicably, the latest software update added large gray boxes around each individual user ID, making for a cluttered look that simply didn't jive with the elegance of the XMB. SCEE's PS3 Brand Manager appeared on the EU PlayStation.Blog to admit that "updates to firmware don't always suit everyone's tastes."

Thankfully, the Friends list is something Sony is "looking into based on your comments." Mark Bowles added, "We really do appreciate the feedback you guys give us, both positive and negative."

Sony, may we recommend you take some inspiration from the mock-ups (seen above) created by Steven Shaw? The "box" idea works really well, when implemented correctly. Above, Shaw uses the box to highlight the selected user, and then takes advantage of the screen real estate to provide instant access to useful information. We're quite fond of his work -- you should definitely check out more.

Continued →

PSP Firmware 6.00 goes live, hints at game rentals

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 10th 2009 at 1:00AM }

PSP Firmware 6.00 is now available for those adventurous enough to click on Network Update from the XMB. The changelog, copied in full below, may look rather uninspiring at first:

Games can now be grouped and displayed in folders based on their expire date under [Game].
Under [Settings], [Network Update] has been changed to [System Update]. Under [System Update], you can now choose how to update the system software.
The number of colors that can be selected under [Settings] > [Theme Settings] has been increased.
Revisions to strengthen security have been added. (Internet Browser)

While additional XMB colors will excite few, the mention of "expire dates" for games sounds rather surprising. PSP currently supports time-based licenses for video rentals. However, applying the same rules to games hasn't been done before. Earlier in the year, we discovered plans for a potential games rental service for PSP. Is firmware 6.00 preparing the hardware for a new expansion to the PlayStation Store?

[Thanks, Joshua H.!]

Holy do-over, Badman! New Euro demo coming along with updated PSP firmware

by JC Fletcher { Sep 7th 2009 at 3:50PM }

Last week, a European demo of Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? was released on PSN, requiring PSP firmware 5.55 to run. One minor issue: firmware 5.55 isn't available for download. That means that the Badman demo is effectively exclusive to people who bought Dissidia Final Fantasy or Soulcalibur Broken Destiny, two games that have the new firmware on the disc. What did Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! do to deserve this?

NIS's Allison Walter outlined the company's plan to correct this unfortunate situation on the PlayStation Blog, inadvertently announcing the release of an upcoming firmware in the process. "We're going to re-release it next Thursday, 10 Sept," she said in response to user Killzone_Kid, "by which time Firmware 6.0 should have been released. Sorry for the wait!" You'll be repelling heroes from your subterranean lair in no time!
[Thanks, Kenneth]

Gallery: Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman!

Firmware 3.00 blamed for malfunctioning PS3 controllers

by Xav de Matos { Sep 2nd 2009 at 5:45PM }

A growing thread on the official PlayStation 3 forum alleges the recent hardware firmware upgrade to version 3.00 has spawned a host of controller connection issues for PS3 users. According to the forum, various wireless controllers -- some users specifically naming DualShock3 model CECHZC2H (Ceramic White) -- are unable to connect to the console. When turned on, users claim the controller LEDs for ports 1 and 2 activate, but the controller remains inoperable.

Users attempting to troubleshoot the problem claim that resetting the controller (through the built-in pinhole reset function) and plugging it directly into the console (via USB) do not correct the error, with one user going so far as doing a complete system restore to no avail. The issue, however, appears to be isolated, but is still a concern for a number of gamers.

Update: Overnight, the issue has spawned an interesting development. Users are pointing out that the problem may be isolated to "knock-off" PS3 controllers. Joystiq has contacted Sony for an update to see if XMB 3.00 targets these fakes or if the controller issue is simply a byproduct of the controllers not being able to catch up with the new firmware.