PS3 Firmware 2.36 and official PS3 Firmware 2.40 details

Firmware 2.36 for the PlayStation 3 is now available to download. According to Eric Lempel, Director of PSN Operations, the minor firmware update improves system stability when playing PlayStation format software titles. In addition to announcing Firmware 2.36, Lempel also confirmed that PS3 Firmware 2.40 will include XMB access in-game, as well as the "trophies" feature. A release date for Firmware 2.40 has not been set but we can expect a post on the PlayStation.Blog closer to the time. As for the other speculated features, nothing official was mentioned.

Official PlayStation.Blog Post by Eric Lempel:

"A new PLAYSTATION 3 firmware update (v2.36) will be launching soon, improving system stability when playing select PlayStation format software titles. We’re also happy to officially report that the 2.40 system software update for PS3 will include "XMB" access in-game. The update will also include "trophies," an exciting new feature that we’ll be providing more details on soon, as well as some other new enhancements. We’ve talked about some of this on the blog previously and know that many of you can’t wait to get your hands on these features. You can expect us to share all of the official details shortly."

PSP Firmware 4.00

Following the announcement of Firmware 4.00 earlier this week, the update is now available to download. According to the Japanese changelog, the new features to the PSP System Software include a new [Internet Search] icon under [Network] and ability to change playback speed of videos stored on the Memory Card. You can update your PSP using the network update feature from the settings menu. The full changelog is included below.

Firmware 4.00 Changelog:

Network
- [Internet Search] has been added as a feature. You can now perform an Internet search directly from the PSP Home Menu.
Video
- [Playback Speed (+)] and [Playback Speed (-)] have been added as options to the control panel. You can now change the playback speed of video content saved on Memory Stick Duo media.

PSP Firmware 4.00 available soon

According to Eric Lempel, Director of PSN Operations, firmware 4.00 for the PSP will be available soon, though no firm release date has been given. The main change to the PSP system software is the inclusion of Google Internet Search directly from the XMB. This new feature add a new icon to the XMB and replicates the Google Internet search experience, delivering the same search results that you’d get at www.google.com. Another new feature includes the ability to change the video playback speed.

The update adds the ability to change viewing speed during playback of videos stored on your Memory Stick PRO Duo, so you can speed through or slow down what you?re watching. To do this simply press the up or down directional buttons while playing a video. No other new feature have been reported so far but expect more details soon.

How do I purchase items from the PlayStation Store from another country?

The PlayStation Store isn’t available in all countries so it can be difficult to buy games and other content unless you have a credit card registered within the country, for example, buying games from the US PlayStation Store means you need to have a US credit card. Luckily, there is a easy way to get past this restriction through the use of a "virtual" credit card. This method has been confirmed in working for the US, Hong Kong and Japanese PlayStation Stores.

Instructions:

Create a new account on your PS3 and sign up to the PlayStation Network, selecting you desired country to use. E.g. Create User "US1" and sign-up to the PSN using "United States" as your country. (How to create a Japanese PSN Account)
Go to EntroPay.com and login (if you are a registered user) or create a new account. EntroPay creates a virtual credit card using a real card, but it does not use an address to you can use it anywhere.
EntroPay charge for loading money on to your card (4.95%), so loading $10 will cost you $0.50 (total amount charged will be $10.50). There is also a charge for moving your money from the card back to your account.
Once you have created a account, load some money onto your card using a debit or credit card – this will activate your card. If you wish to spend $25 on the PlayStation Store, top-up your virtual card with $26-30.
On your PS3, go to [PlayStation Network] and select [Account Management].
On the [Account Management] screen, select [Account Management] and then select [Edit Billing Information]
Enter the card details shown on the EntroPay website:

Your card number is the long number on the card. Card Holder name is "ENTROPAY USER". In the above example, the expiry date is "06/09" and the security code is "123".
Once your card details have been entered, click on "Continue". You will then be asked to enter your billing address. Here, you can enter any address you want. Once finished, click "Continue" again and you will get a confirmation message.
To load money onto your PSN Account, return to the [Account Management] screen and select [Transaction Management].
Select [Manage Wallet] and then select [Add Funds].
Select [Credit Card] and select the amount of money you want to add (the amount should be less that the amount available on the EntroPay Virtual Card or the transaction will fail). Click "Continue" to complete the transaction.
You will receive a confirmation screen stating the transaction is complete. You can now go to the PlayStation Store and purchase some content.

If you cannot edit you billing information on the PS3’s Account Management screen, try again after 10 minutes – it may take a while for your virtual credit card to become active. You virtual credit card must have at a balance of least $10 for it to work.

More unconfirmed Firmware 2.40 details and in-game XMB video

So far, Sony has not confirmed what will be included in PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.40 so any information related to this firmware update is just speculation and wishful thinking. Since our last post on Firmware 2.40 features, a number of new speculated features have surfaced, this includes almost complete access to the XMB while in-game. This means you will be able to play music while in the middle of a game, in addition to messaging buddies and changing various settings. See an updated list of speculated features below, as well as a video of in-game XMB taken from a debug PS3 machine.

Updated feature list:

Access XMB in-game (including messaging, videos, music, photos, settings, network menu)
2D trophies from the XMB (supported titles only)
Video coding and groundwork for the Movie Store
Video/Image capture support (take videos and screenshots of gameplay)
Time and Date on XMB (like PSP)
PSN Store search feature
Multiple PSN logins for multiplayer games

Most of these feature are speculation only so don’t get your hopes up until there is an official announcement from Sony, usually on the PlayStation Blog. The release date for Firmware 2.40 has not been set yet, though it is rumored to arrive towards the end of June or beginning of July.

In-game XMB Preview:

PlayStation Store update for June 12th 2008

This week’s PlayStation Store update is now live. Europe and the US have both received the Enemy Territory Quake Wars playable demo, but Europe has also received another new playable demo. Both stores have new add-on content and new downloadable games. The US store has received a much bigger update than Europe this week with many more videos and trailers. This week’s update also includes new XMB themes and wallpaper for both stores. Check out the complete list below.

European Additions:

Playable Demos
- Enemy Territory Quake Wars
- Monster Madness: Grave Danger
Downloadable Games
- Ape Quest Full Game (£6.99)
Game Add-on Content
- Guitar Hero – Isle of Wight Track Pack (£3.99)
Video
- Haze Korn Interview #1
- Haze Korn Interview #2
Wallpapers
- PixelJunk Monsters Bee Wallpaper
Themes
- PixelJunk Monsters Rainbow Theme

US Additions:

Playable Demos
- Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars Demo
Downloadable Games
- Syphon Filter 3 ($5.99)
Game Add-on Content
- Army of Two: Veteran Map Pack presented by Pontiac
- Guitar Hero III: Isle of Wight Festival Track Pack ($6.25)
- Rock Band
  - "Girls Who Play Guitars" – Maximo Park ($1.99)
  - "Bullets & Guns" – Them Terribles ($0.99)
  - "Moving to Seattle" – The Material ($0.99)
  - "A Clean Shot" – The Myriad ($0.99)
  - MTV2 Pack 01 ($2.99)
Game Videos
- GameTrailers TV – Resistance 2 Teaser
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots "Theatrical" Trailer
- Kung Fu Panda Launch Trailer
- Fatal Inertia EX Phoenix Trailer
- FIFA Interactive World Cup 2008
- Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Leader’s Quotes Trailer
- Hail to the Chimp: Inshellitron
Movie and Blu-ray Trailers
- Hancock Trailer 2
PS3 Themes
- Metal Gear Solid 4 Theme
PS3 Wallpaper
- PixelJunk Monsters Soundtrack Wallpaper

SCEE confirms Crisis Core: FFVII limited edition PSP

Sony have just announced a limited edition Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII bundle for European release. The bundle will include the game and special engraved silver PSP. The bundle will be available on the 20th of June, priced at 189.99 Euros. The game has already been available in the US and Japan for several months now, you can check our our coverage of the game in XTREME PSP Magazine i033.

Official Press Release:

London, 10th June 2008: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced the release of the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII, PSP bundle, available on 20th June 2008, priced at 189.99 Euros. The chain of events which set the epic adventure of FINAL FANTASY into motion is revealed this summer with the release of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- a prequel to FINAL FANTASY VII, the biggest selling FINAL FANTASY of all time. The eagerly-anticipated game will be available for the European market, in a special PSP (PlayStationPortable) bundle coinciding with the game?s release and will include a limited edition, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- engraved silver PSP and a copy of the game.

As one of the greatest franchises in gaming history, the arrival of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- on PSP makes this the perfect time for all RPG fans and adventure gamers to pick up the handheld system. A must-have title, the only way to complete this chapter in FINAL FANTASY history is on PSP and this bundle offers the opportunity for gamers to take another step into one of the best loved game worlds in history. CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- also makes the most of the power of PSP, with stunning graphics and CG cut-scenes, state-of-the-art voice acting and widescreen presentation.

Developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd., CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- ups the action from previous FINAL FANTASY titles with an all-new dynamic battle system with real-time action, while retaining the immersive storytelling expected from a game with such heritage.

Now it is your chance to discover the events leading up to the destruction of the metropolis of Midgar and the downfall of the ruthless Shinra Corporation. Following the story of young Shinra solider Zack Fair, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- revisits a classic world populated by celebrated characters including the heroic Cloud Strife, tragic Aerith Gainsborough and the villainous Sephiroth.

Return to this unforgettable tale once more with the special PSP and CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- bundle, on 20th June 2008.

PlayStation Store update for June 5th 2008

The first episode of Qore is now available to download from the US PlayStation Store in this week’s update. The US has also received three new playable demos, two new downloadable games and lots of new game add-on content. As for Europe, the update is much smaller with two new playable demos and only one new downloadable game. The European update also includes new game add-on content, videos and a new XMB theme. Check out the list below.

European Additions:

Playable Demos
- Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit
- Battlefield Bad Company Demo
Games
- Tom Clancy s Rainbow Six (£3.49)
Game Add-on Content
- Motorhead Track Pack (£3.99)
- Toy Home: Second Gear Pack (£2.99)
Videos
- Top Spin 3 Debut Trailer
- Resident Evil 5 Trailer 2
PS3 Themes
- God of War theme

US Additions:

Qore Digital Magazine, June 2008 ($2.99 Issue, $24.99 Annual Subscription)
Playable Demos
- Civilization Revolution Demo
- Battlefield: Bad Company MP Demo
- NASCAR 09 Demo
Downloadable Games
- Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 ($9.99)
- NOVASTRIKE ($9.99)
Add-on Game Content
- Guitar Hero III – GOW Add-On
- Guitar Hero III: Motorhead Track Pack ($6.25)
- Rock Band
  - "Perfect Insanity" – Disturbed ($0.99)
  - "Inside the Fire" – Disturbed ($0.99)
  - "Indestructible" – Disturbed ($0.99)
  - Disturbed Pack 1 ($2.99) – includes "Indestructible," "Perfect Insanity," and "Inside the Fire"
  - "Volcano" – Jimmy Buffett ($1.99)
  - "Margaritaville" – Jimmy Buffett ($1.99)
  - "Cheeseburger in Paradise" – Jimmy Buffett ($1.99)
  - Jimmy Buffett Pack 01 ($5.49) – includes "Margaritaville," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and "Volcano"
Game Videos
- Guitar Hero III – God Of War Add-On
- Resident Evil 5: Spring Trailer 2008!
- Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 Trailer
- LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures launch trailer
- Dead Space Story Trailer
- Fracture Trailer
- Fracture Behind the Scenes "Story"
- Hail to the Chimp: 3:00 AM
PS3 Themes
- Retro Theme
Game Music
- God Of War "The End Begins" Music Track

Qore: Interactive monthly gaming program for PS3

SCEA has today announced that Qore, Presented by the PlayStation Network, a highly interactive, monthly lifestyle gaming program covering the world inside PlayStation is on its way to PS3. Qore has been developed to give PS3 users early access to game related content at a level of quality, interactivity and depth. The program will be available in high-definition format and will allow subscribers access to exclusive news, developer interviews, in-depth game previews, behind-the-scenes look at games, exclusive access to game demos, special beta invitations, game add-on content and more. The first episode will be available to download in this week’s PlayStation Store update.

Each episode will cost $2.99, or you can subscribe annually for $24.99 and receive 13 episodes. The program will download under the [Game] menu on the XMB, and can be purchased just like buying a game from the PlayStation Store. If you choose to subscribe annually, new episodes will automatically appear on your download list.

[Via: PlayStation.Blog]

3D Blu-Ray movies coming to PS3 in 2008?

3D Blu-Ray movies could be availabe on the PS3 with a single firmware update later this year. Manuel R. Gutierrez Novelo, CEO & President of TDVision Systems has stated that they are "in the process to enable the PlayStation 3 to playback 3D movies using our TDVCodec and Blu-ray discs at our R&D labs since the PS3 is enabled with the BD2.0 version." He also stated that "we have it working on a PC in 3D and after some changes on the firmware and installing some software for the PS3 we’ll be playing 3D directly form the PS3."

Movies not recorded in 3D can simpley be re-encoded using the TDVCodec, which will display the movie in 3D if it is supported and 2D otherwise. Since one Blu-Ray disc can store both a 3D and 2D version of the movie, it makes the technology somewhat backwards compatible. The only obstacle here is to get the major movie companies to re-encode their existing and new titles to a compatible format.

Only a single firmware update is needed to enable the PS3 to play 3D movies, whether on Blu-Ray or DVD format. The company is planning to release their technology for the PlayStation 3 later this year.

[Via: Play3Live]

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