When asked about the feature, PlayStation Network product manager James Thorpe wrote "I wish I could just give you a date, I really do!! Trust me when I say that as soon as I hear from ‘up top' I will be shouting about it and making myself the most popular person on the blog."

"I hope, like you all do, that its sooner rather than later," Thorpe writes, adding a little wink and a smile.

Not a confirmation from Thorpe, but thankfully not a denial.

Last month, cross-game chat was mentioned in a quickly-deleted post by Naughty Dog developer who wrote that "the next PS3 firmware update is going to allow cross game chat."

Maybe the next-next update then?

PlayStation 3 Firmware (v3.10) Update Preview [PlayStation.blog Europe - thanks, Rick!]

Chatting with PCWorld, Sony's Eric Lempel has said:

What we find is that people really like our current interface. We did redesign the PlayStation Store last April to make some improvements, make it faster, make it better, and we're always listening to consumers. But right now the XMB [XrossMediaBar] is an Emmy Award-winning interface and people like it. They're very comfortable with it. So we're not looking to do anything radical. We'll still do some research behind the scenes and see what can we do to make things better, or how can we make it so consumers find content faster, but right now we're pretty happy with it. No plans right now to do anything like what the competitor has done.

Well, really, why would Sony be trying anything radical? Microsoft had to change the 360's original user interface because it was confusing, something that wasn't entirely rectified with the NXE. But the XMB? It was easy as pie to use, from day 1, and remains that way to this day.

Sony's Eric Lempel On PS3 Updates, Firmware Rumors [PCWorld, via Edge]

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]

Reader hukeedonfonics also tipped us to the above video, which shows in-game XMB over the BioShock title screen. Comments claim a BioShock developer leaked it.

Gaming Age writes that requested features like a universal friends list, and in-game messaging will be a part of the drop, in addition to "a few rather nice surprises (*cough*soundtracks*cough*)" (their words, not mine.)

So, spread the word, and we'll hopefully have more on this as it develops.

PS3 In-Game XMB is Coming[Gaming Age, via NeoGAF, thanks hukeedonfonics]

Curiously, though, someone at PlayStation.com decided that whatever was being touted on the new PlayStation Network pages was something that wasn't quite ready for prime time. Perhaps it was the other PSN features, one that hints at new functionality coming soon.

While most of that's standard stuff—excluding mention of Home, something the current PlayStation Network web site doesn't do—one piece of new info surprised us. On the new PlayStation Network pages, Sony promises that you'll be able to "talk to others during gameplay, say hello anytime you're online or have a video chat with an Eye camera, USB camera or headset." Yes, most of those options are currently in there, with the exception of the during gameplay part.

It's pretty clear that Sony has heard PlayStation 3 owner demands for in-game access to the Cross Media Bar (XMB)—they say "some of the XMB features" may become accessible during gameplay—but does this signal that it's coming soon? With GDC going down next week, we wouldn't be surprised to hear an announcement about these new features within days.

Thanks to Joel for the heads up.

PS3 - Regional User Faces...[NeoGAF via DigitalBattle]

That's not to say it looks bad. In fact, Spotlight does look highly functional and intuitive, and its separate tab for free content will be welcomed by cheapos such as myself. So it's a pretty clear improvement in my book. But I never expected when I woke up this morning that I'd see Microsoft's dash copying Sony's. Seriously, this is the sort of flame bait one can only dream about.

All it takes is a simple download, a computer that runs Windows, the ability to edit PNG files and a bit of patience as you wade through the read me file. What's that you say? Have a contest to see who can create the best Kotaku theme? What a fantastic idea! I'll get right on that. In the meantime, have fun!

PlayStation 3 Theme Editor [.zip]

...three action games, two music-based games, one racing title and a shooting game...

All titles are being developed internally, which has a lot of promise if we see the same level of creative talent on these projects as we have in PSN downloads. And apparently Sony has been pitching external development companies with the approach, "why give part of your money to a retailer?"

We just can't wait for when the PSP store can function without a PC or PS3...and it's not even open for business yet.

More details emerge on PSP PlayStation Store [gamesindustry]

I know Sony announced that the Playstation 3's Xross Media Bar was going to be invading televisions awhile back now, but this is the first time I've seen it in action. While I think the Playstation 3 has a lot going for it, the user interface tops my list as one of the neater things packed into the console.

These pictures showing a Sony receiver with a Xross Media Bar are kinda cool, but what I really liked was the Home Media Service with the XMB. Check out all of those movies.

Horizontal scrolling allows you to check out different media easily within the current interface, taking advantage of the wide aspect ratio to fit numerous large preview images on the screen at once. And general navigation can be as quick and easy as XMB is now.
Plus, the pain in the ass shopping cart interface has been simplified in scrollable icons.

I dread the day when I'll actually visit the PS Store on a regular basis. So go ahead Sony, rip off this design. It's OK if one designer's heart is broken for the good of many. Better yet, just hire him. And then you can sit around the bar, telling interface jokes at LIVE Marketplace's expense (or at least show your face in public).

The "New" (photoshopped) PS Store [ps3forums]
Thanks Gantz!

Firmware upscaling fix? Afraid not, but some welcome features were hinted at, including:

Multi-tasking (included will be audio/video conferencing while browsing the XMB and its features/gameplay)
New XMB display options
New animations for audio playback
New photo album options
PlayStation Store auto [download] resume
PSP remote play advanced access option (so that you can have access to your PS3's content anywhere that has a internet connection)

Phil and the Sony rep's in attendance also allegedly gave further details on Euro pricing (" 425 or lower" for the 60 GB model) and Sony's SingStore. Check out the post for greater detail, but take with a grain of salt until confirmation hits. Michael McWhertor

PS3 to Launch Earlier and Cheaper than expected in EU [PS3Forums]

With just eight days to go before some 400,000 of us are settling down for a day of next-gen PlayStation gaming, eBay listing, and/or factory fresh electronics box huffing, its time to start studying. If you don't show expert level familiarity with the XMB, which Sony seriously says stands for Xross Media Bar, you're going to be the laughing stock of the neighborhood.

Lucky for you, Sony's got your back. They've finally finished posting the full PlayStation 3 manual online. From Music to Photos to Internet Browser, the full details of the PS3 interface are yours for the perusing.

With so much to read, I know what I'll be doing tonight. (Drinking.)

Thanks for the heads up, Omlette!

PLAYSTATION 3 System Software User's Guide