"The PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system software version 2.41 is now available for update from July 8, 2008. With this update, we have fixed the problem that prevented a limited number of PS3s from activating properly after updating to version 2.40, when certain system administrative data were contained on the HDD.

The statement continues:

For those users who have updated to version 2.40 and have experienced the problem that XMB™(XrossMediaBar) is not appearing, or no images are displaying on the screen, please contact Customer Service.

We have confirmed that for those users who have successfully updated to the version 2.40 and are able to activate the PS3 system, this problem will not occur on your PS3.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you and appreciate your understanding and continued support.”

So, problem solved, it seems? Personally, I think it's pretty cool they were able to roll out a fix so rapidly. And we get platinum trophies!

Firmware 2.41 announcement [Three Speech]

PS3 firmware 2.41 out "midweek", says Sony [CVG]

“We are aware of a number of consumers experiencing an issue with installing firmware 2.40 on PS3. While our consumer services department has seen a low volume of calls on this topic, we are committed to enabling the community and XMB access features delivered in the 2.40 update. In order to further assess the issue, we have temporarily taken the firmware offline for further testing. We are working diligently to isolate the problem for those few consumers and to identify a solution before we put the firmware back up.”

We are still waiting to hear back from SCEA about what sort of solution they may be able to provide to those who have already updated their firmware and are having problems. If you're adventurous, some gamers have already come up with their own solution.

Sony says that once a solution is found they will make sure to update the official Playstation Blog with the information.

Firmware Update Page [Playstation Blog]

This may be a temporary move to prevent more widespread reliability issues. We are awaiting confirmation on the move from Sony and will update when we hear back.

Thanks to Eddie H for the quick tip.

Update: SCEA has gotten back to us to let us know they are "looking into it."

There doesn't seem to be any real pattern as to which systems are affected. 60GB, 40GB, 20GB, and 80GB systems alike have all been afflicted with the issue. We've contacted Sony for word on the issue, but in the meantime several of the more tech savvy forum posters have determined how to fix the issue, if you're willing to yank out your console's hard disk drive.

Users found that removing and reformatting their PS3 hard drive and then reinserting it into the console would get the system to boot completely, after which it asks to reformat the disk again and everything runs normally. Of course they lose all of their saved games and have to redo all of their downloads, but I suppose that is better than sending in the system for a $150.00 repair.

One can only assume that the update was the catalyst that caused certain data on affected hard disks to become corrupt, rendering the system unbootable. It would certainly explain why only certain systems are being affected, and why Sony couldn't have caught the problem in the first place.

We'll keep you updated on the issue as we learn more. In the meantime, feel free to hit the link below to read through 30 plus pages of quality PS3 forum drama.

2.40 Broke my Ps3 [PlayStation.com Forums - Thanks PsycheE]

UPDATE: SCEA has apparently pulled the 2.40 firmware update. We are awaiting comment from the company.

As an example: does the in-game XMB allow voice-chat? No. Can you browse the internet while playing a game? No. Can you access the in-game XMB while playing a PS2 game or watching a DVD/Blu-Ray? No. Can you change any visual settings while playing a game? No (sound settings, however, gets a "yes"). Can you access the PlayStation Store while playing a game? No. Does it let you invite a friend to a game who's playing another game? No. See where this is going?

If the in-game XMB forces you to quit the game to perform most of the functions you'd want to perform in it...then there's not much point having it available in-game, is it? Course, Sony probably knew this, which is why it's only been implemented now - after you all cried yourself hoarse over it - and not at launch.

Firmware v2.40 FAQ [PlayStation.Blog]

The reasoning behind this? I can go to several websites right now and download completed saves for any number of PS3 titles and pop them right onto my system, just like that. Suddenly everyone would have perfect award scores for everything, chaos would ensue, and eventually fans would burn Sony offices all over the world to the ground. Armageddon is not nearly as fun as it sounds.

Everything you need to know about firmware 2.40 [PS3 Fanboy via CVG]

So, the in-game XMB will supposedly let you access the following commands:

* Friend category
* View, send, receive messages
* Manage downloads
* Set the vibration feature of the controller
* Sign in to PlayStation Network
* Register friends
* Manage Bluetooth devices
* Terminate the game
* Music category
* Use the system BGM
* Work the system BGM operation panel
* Settings category
* Assign controllers
* View profiles
* Game category
* Set audio devices
* Use the voice changer

Some are exciting! Some aren't. Though the fact anything is exciting in a firmware update should count for something, I guess.

Exclusive: Firmware 2.4's XMB features revealed [CVG]

The official PlayStation blog adds that the 2.36 update, coming sooner, will improve "system stability" for select PlayStation games. Stability? Pfft! We want shiny trophies and we want them now!

Firmware (v2.36) coming soon, (v2.40) to include trophies, in-game XMB [PlayStation.blog - thanks, Sean!]

Far less exciting than that feature is the option to speed up or slow down video playback via Memory Stick. Yup. Things will be slower or faster, depending on which direction one presses on the D-pad. Hey, remember that Google thing from earlier? Wasn't that awesome?

PSP (PlayStation Portable) v4.00 Update [PlayStation.blog]

We are aware that many of you have experienced delays whilst the PS Store's thumbnail icons are being downloaded. This is a temporary consequence of a new system implementation and high global traffic levels, and will be resolved within the next few days.

PS Store re-launch & slow loading of icons [PS Forums via Eurogamer][image]

Custom Firmware 3.80 M33 has been released [DCEmu - Thanks Wraggy!]

...when it came to processing motion, we agreed that the PS3 edged out the Panasonic by a nose.

If I had to lay money down on one Blu-ray-only player at this minute, I'd have to choose the PS3.

So even when you are short games to play, remember, at least you've got yourself a badass movie player...that finally got a feature that HD DVD had since launch.

First Blu-ray BD Profile 1.1 Review (Verdict: Is That All?) [gizmodo]

Rumor has it that the latest firmware updates for the PSP and PS3 have allowed playing of all PSOne discs on the Playstation Portable via the PS3 using remote play.

I haven't been able to check PSOne disc based games, because I can't find a single one, but we do have readers reporting in that they work on the system via Remote Play. In a bit of unwarranted exuberance I decided to see if any PS2 games would play via Remote Play, and the answer remains no. I did test out some PSOne games I had downloaded from the Playstation Store and they all seemed to work fine.

Another neat feature I noticed is that you can now assign which buttons do what on your PSP while in Remote Play meaning Lair should finally work if you want to play it remotely... and still own it.

Comment here if you can get your PSOne discs to work via Remote Play.

Update: SCEA just got back to us to confirm the rumors: "I can confirm that with today's firmware release, some PlayStation games can be inserted into PS3 and played via Remote Play on PSP." Sweet!

A handful of minor visual changes to the Wii Shop Channel have also been added, but nothing worth scrambling to the internet for. What is worth scrambling for is some Pokemon Snap! *downloads*

We're trying to certainly cut down on the amount of times we do it. But on occasion when we've got these good features ready to go, let's give them out to the consumers. Let's get them out there. We definitely understand that it does happen frequently and that can be somewhat annoying to some users.

We hear you. We hear everyone. Yeah. There's some challenges, but we definitely hear you.

- Xbox Originals: Download Xbox classics.
- Xbox LIVE Arcade Hits: Games like Lumines LIVE! available for less.
- Inside Xbox: News ticker.
- Enhanced online profile: Let people know, does your personality match your Zodiac sign?
- Expanded Friends List access: See friends of friends.
- Enhanced Parental Controls: family timer.
- New video features: They promise, among other things, "advanced codec support." Could this mean DivX? UPDATE: YES! But only for Divx 5.0 and newer files.

Pretty ho hum in my book, other than the DivX support. Here's the full press release:

Xbox 360 Introduces New Features and Console Enhancements with the 2007 Fall Dashboard Update

Free system update hits connected consoles worldwide on Dec. 4; Xbox Originals, Family Timer and more available through download

As promised, Microsoft is bringing some early gifts to your Xbox 360 just prior to the holiday season. Beginning at 2:00 a.m. PST on Dec. 4, the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard Update will be available for all connected Xbox 360 consoles free of charge, bringing an array of new features and enhancements to the leading gaming and entertainment system.

Among the key new enhancements are the previously announced Xbox Originals game download service, Family Timer parental control feature, and expanded social networking experiences. Xbox 360 owners can also look forward to enhanced navigation, profile and video features and Xbox LIVE Arcade Hits.

This free update will be digitally distributed over Xbox LIVE to the more than 8 million Xbox LIVE members worldwide (Xbox LIVE Silver and Gold) with no disc or hard drive required. Gamers without an Xbox LIVE account can easily sign up for the free network by connecting their console to a broadband internet connection. New features and enhancements include:

MORE DOWNLOAD OPTIONS:

* Xbox Originals - With this new service, announced on Nov. 13, consumers can download-to-own full original Xbox games that were previously only available at retail. The digital shelves will always be stocked with classic titles, such as "Crash Bandicoot: Wrath of Cortex," "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge," "Halo," "Fable," "Fuzion Frenzy," "Psychonauts," and more as the catalogue grows over time, at 1200 Microsoft Points per game.

* Xbox LIVE Arcade Hits - On Xbox LIVE Arcade, the Arcade Hits program kicks off where some of the best sellers will become available at permanently reduced prices, making it easier than ever for everyone to build a library of downloadable games! The first games to become Arcade Hits will be "Bankshot Billiards 2" and "Lumines LIVE," which will be available for 800 Microsoft Points each, and "Marble Blast Ultra," "Small Arms" and "Zuma Deluxe," which will be available for 400 Microsoft Points each. With free trial downloads for every game and over 100 games to choose from, Xbox LIVE Arcade offers something for every member of the family.

NEW WAYS TO KEEP UP TO DATE AND CONNECTED:

· Inside Xbox - A new direct feed brings current news straight from Xbox.com into the Xbox LIVE Dashboard providing members an easy, predictable entry point where they can discover what's new in: game releases, events, and Xbox LIVE Marketplace offers.

· Enhanced online profile - Members interested in sharing a few more details about themselves will have the option to go beyond their motto and further personalize their profile with an expanded bio. The extended bios will be visible to "Friends Only" or the entire Xbox LIVE community.

· Expanded Friends List access - A quick and easy way for gamers to expand their personal community on Xbox LIVE, members will be able to see the Friends Lists of other Xbox LIVE members, boosting their social networking experience on the service.

ENHANCED OVERALL EXPERIENCE AND CONTROL:

* Enhanced Parental Controls - Family Timer, a strong and flexible new addition to the Xbox 360 Family Settings, enables parents to set the amount of time their Xbox 360 can be used on a per-day or per-week basis by their children or other members of the household.

* New video features - The convenience of full-screen movie previews and enhanced video codec support further expand the options when it comes to the Xbox 360 entertainment experience.

* Easy-to-use navigation features - With several noteworthy changes in the Xbox LIVE Dashboard, from the new Game Store button to the Video Store button to enhanced visuals and descriptions in the video library, Xbox LIVE members can find what they want, when they want it.

These features are just some of the new enhancements Xbox 360 owners can expect as part of the Fall Dashboard Update. On December 4th a list of all the new features and improvements will be posted at: http://www.xbox.com/live.

The above picture is, of course, unrelated and does not make Gran Turismo 4 Portable anything more than vaporware.

How To Stop Assassins Creed From Freezing And The Frame Rate Issues [via cvg]

Of course it's impossible to know what percentage of the PS3-owning population is experiencing these symptoms, but as with any console illness, we recommend consulting the manufacturer and bitching as much as it takes if you find yourself inflicted. Unfortunately, while we tend to get excited about firmware updates, any time you tinker with a gadget at its software core you are opening up the door for problems. Like lung cancer and bed-wetting, we can't fathom becoming just another number.

Any readers having problems?

OP Forums [via nextgeneration]

What I really want to know is when we can start making our own themes. Yeah, yeah, I'm sure it's going to cut into your microtransaction revenue stream at some point, but how about a little power to the people?

Firmware 2.00 Video Demonstration [PlayStation.blog]

Video: Check out the new PS3 firmware [gamesradar]

Better Remote Play
Turn on and off PS3 from anywhere in the world with your PSP, but also stream hard disk movies, music and photos through the Internet. Hotness.

Playlists
Photos and musics can now have unlimited playlists.

More XMB Customization
While you could already add your own wallpapers, now you can change colors and brightness or use themes (interesting). There will possibly be new backgrounds on PSN, eventually (we're guessing they mean something better than the static wallpapers, like PS3 has out of the box). There will also be an Information Board added to the XMB with PlayStation news, and a category just for PSN.

PSN
Trend Micro Web Security...for parental "peace of mind."

Here's the full press release:

Latest PLAYSTATION®3 System Software Update Allows PSPTM to Turn PS3TM On and Off from Internet Connection for Enhanced Remote Play

Ability to customise XMB™ and add personalised playlists for both music and photos also enabled

London, 8 November 2007 - Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today the availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system software. Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system via the Remote Play1 function, allowing for a truly mobile partnership between the two systems.

Building on the success and potential of the Remote Play functionality, Version 2.00 will cement the partnership between PS3 and PSP and create a truly global experience. With the ability to turn your PS3 on and off from Wi-fi connection, there is now the opportunity to listen to the music, look at the photos and watch the videos saved on the PS3 Hard Disk Drive, anywhere in the world.

To further enhance the PS3 offering, Version 2.00 allows for the creation of personalised playlists in both the music and photo sections. This simple to use function gives users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists for all occasions, as well as sharing favourite photos in glorious high definition.

Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu screen. Change the colour and brightness with the greatest of ease or have something completely different by setting a custom theme. With the potential for new backgrounds to become available on PLAYSTATION®Network in the future, Version 2.00 truly opens up a whole raft of options.

A host of other enhancements includes the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep people up to date on the latest PlayStation® news, the inclusion of a new PLAYSTATION Network category and logo for easier navigation and Trend Micro Web Security, a free2, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.

FIRMWARE VERSION 2.00 - OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE [threespeech]

News on that is coming tomorrow but it will be within the next two weeks!!

FORTHCOMING GOODNESS [via maxconsole]

Sony PSP Firmware 3.72 released [I4U and CVG]

An informed UK reader sends word of the Playstation 3's 2.0 firmware release, which he says is supposed to hit on Oct. 30. While the source appears to be genuine, I am a little doubtful of the timing since 1.94 seems to be just hitting now with copies of Ratchet and Clank, so take this, as you should all rumors, with a grain of salt.

Chief among the updates is the inclusion of cross media bar customization, a separate Playstation Network category, music and photo playlists and the ability to turn your PS3 on and off with PSP Remote Play. Hit the jump for the full break down of what we're told will be coming in this rather robust update.

PLAYSTATION 3 System Software update version 2.00

Schedule: 30 October 2007[JST]

Main features of PS3 version 2.00

Turn your PS3 on and off with PSP Remote play
A new PLAYSTATION Network category
A TV Category for those who install PlayTV into their HDD (SCEE only).
Playlist for Music & Photo
Content group for Video & Game
XMB customization (Custom theme & background color setting): This will come with one alternative custome theme. Addition generic themes will be available for download via www.playstation.com with game title themes to follow on Nov 20th, distributed via the Store (PS/PC). The cost of the game themes haven't been decided yet. Guidelines for users to create their own Custom Themes will be distributed via www.playstation.com shortly after the firmware hits.
Information Board: This will be shown in the top right of the screen and include news feeds from Playstation.com as well as store updates. The board came be set to ticker mode, list mode, details mode or disabled.
Trend Micro Web Security for PS3™ internet browser: This is a parental lock for website viewing that will initially be free but that Trend Micro will later charge for.