PS3 Firmware 2.0 Details, Officially
This one's a bit of a no-brainer, thanks to the clues given by the PSP firmware 3.72 release, but the integer-increasing 2.0 firmware does indeed bring some multimedia updates that cinch the PS3's media platform capabilities - which would be great if the world had followed Sony's quasi-ambivalent line that the PS3 is a music, video and picture machine rather than a game machine. Sadly, the PS3 market does seem to be, you know, a gamer's market - still, it'll be pretty cool to whip out your PSP and remotely turn on your PS3, then stream whatever content you've got there directly to your PSP.
The Remote Play interface and the total lack of content support from Sony (stateside, at least) both lead me to think of this as a feature I'll use once for novelty's sake and then never use again, but it's still kind of neat. And to be fair, once Sony had decided to implement Remote Play, it's only fair to finish the job and make the feature remotely accessible - so kudos on that front.
Still, I think we need more things on the PS3 - and then maybe the theoretically-totally-cool ability to access them remotely might sound more attractive? Or am I a total dick? Is anyone out there using their PS3 as a heavy-duty multimedia platform, Blu-ray aside? I've uploaded a few pictures, albums and videos to test out the features, but it's never even occurred to me to listen to music via my PS3...let alone from afar.
PS3 owners can expect the update to be available within days.
Make the jump for the press release, or go read more over at Homotron, where hardware and firmware frolic freely with other non-gaming electronica!
Latest PLAYSTATION®3 System Software Update Allows PSPTM to Turn PS3TM On and Off from Internet Connection for Enhanced Remote Play
Ability to customise XMBTM 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.
tiny dancer
Posted to Hot Stuff, Miscellany on 7 November 2007
· Comments (1)
Other stuff like this: firmware, ps3, psp, remote play, sony
I actually have watched a good amount of video on the PS3, but I admit that the functionality probably only appeals to a small niche of fans, like anime fansub watchers or people downloading movies or TV shows via bit torrent. Basically it would be ideal if we ever get to use the PS3 as a real DVR (or could shows over from one), as I could catch up on my stories in the bathroom at work using a PSP and our WiFI connection.