I don't want to tell you how to spend your money, but don't ever spend thirty bucks of it paying someone else to upgrade the firmware on your PlayStation 3. (I'll show you how to do it for free!)

Someday soon, you'll be asked to update your PlayStation 3's software. When you do, you'll be ready for the PlayStation Store's new "recommendations" feature. Consider it a new way for you to be sold things via the console's PlayStation Network.

Sony's new PlayStation Plus subscription service is launching, officially, in North America on June 29. That means a new way to spend fifty bucks a year on your PlayStation 3 and a new firmware update with all-new features.

PlayStation 3 owners, you must download the latest firmware for the console, whether you want to play PSP minis on the thing or not. The previously optional firmware update (v3.15) has been upgraded to mandatory. Download now! [PlayStation.com]

The PlayStation 3 is due for a firmware refresh "soon," with version 3.10 of the console's software adding Facebook integration, improved photo browsing and an updated look for the system's Friends list.

The PlayStation 3 may follow in the Xbox 360 and Nintendo DSi's footsteps, adding Facebook integration to the console's Cross Media Bar, according to reportedly leaked images from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

Sony is rolling out new firmware—version 6.10 for those keeping track—for the PlayStation Portable any minute now in preparation of the launch of the PSPgo. What's new? Bluetooth tethering for one.

Earlier this week, reports from PlayStation 3 owners indicated that users of the latest firmware were experience problems, specifically with the game Uncharted and the DualShock 3 controller. Sony says today it's "aware" of those reports and "looking into the matter."

There's new PlayStation 3 firmware coming down the internets. While the opportunity to restart your PS3 is often reward enough, firmware 2.80 brings with it this: "The playback quality of some PLAYSTATION 3 format software has been improved." Sweet! [PlayStation.blog]

PlayStation 3 firmware version 2.70 is due to be released "soon"—which often translates to "within hours"—bringing with it new text chat functions that can be used in-game. But wait, there's more!

Extra Boring PS3 Firmware Update Hits. The sequel to PlayStation 3 firmware 2.51 has been launched, with the latest chapter in the saga (2.52) speeding its way to hard drives as we speak. What's new? Two things according to Sony: a fix for a text entry issue with some titles and a note that "the playback quality of…