PS3
”PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.41 Available Now
It's not quite midweek, but according to readers at Sony's PlayStation blog, the new firmware update 2.41 for PlayStation3 is now available for download. Hopefully when you fire up your update it'll be a smoother process than for some 2.40 users. Update: the new, improved update has brought a nice new, improved platinum trophy with it—photo below. More »PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.41 Coming "Midweek"
Sony's firmware 2.40 for the PS3 was pulled from servers after bricking several systems. Now at least one customer support service is reporting that firmware 2.41 will be released later this week. While Sony has yet to send out an official press release on the topic, it's looking like those who didn't download their in-game XMB fix fast enough will indeed get it soon. As for the bricking problem, it can be solved with solutions anywhere from a simple reboot to yanking the hard drive and formatting it on a PC. Oh, and crying to Sony like a baby probably helps, too. [CVG]10 Things We Still Want in PlayStation 3 Firmware (i.e. NOT In-Game XMB)
Sony's latest PlayStation 3 firmware update 2.4 brought what the fanboys have been crying about since the console's inception—in-game access to the console's Cross Media Bar (XMB). But I'll tell you something, in-game XMB is fine and dandy, yes, but there were more pressing issues that Sony should have fixed first. In fact, I count 10 of 'em (because a list of nine would get me fired).
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Sony Pulls PS3 2.40 Update To Fix Bricking Issues
Sony's just pulled the 2.40 PS3 firmware update due to reports of it bricking and causing various other problems. If you're unlucky enough to already have installed it and ran into issues, Kotaku has a few solutions up. If not, just hold off until the fixed release is available soon. UPDATE: Sony has issued an official statement acknowledging the situation, below.
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Nyko Media Hub Beefs Up Newer, Wimpier PS3s
Those who threw down the extra cash for a first gen PlayStation 3 got a few bonuses in return—the newer 40GB version is shy a few USB ports, a memory card reader and hardware-based backwards compatibility. Nyko is solving two of these problems with their Media Hub, a 3-port USB hub with media card reader (SD and Memory Stick). Compatible with all available PS3s, the Media Hub snaps seamlessly onto consoles and works from a horizontal or vertical position. Expect the Media Hub to hit stores this August for $20. Sorry you're still jacked with the backwards compatibility stuff. [Nyko]PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.4 Bricking Some PS3s
It's not uncommon for firmware updates to go wonky, and apparently Sony's 2.4 PS3 update is no exception. The PlayStation forums are scattered with various reports of bricked PS3s—users report that upon booting their system, the SIXAXIS controller will not sync and the video signal is blank with no sound. Unfortunately, you can never tell how widespread these issues are when the sampling is just one messageboard. And I've updated my 60GB launch unit without issue. Suckers.
Seriously though, any problems to report? (Suckers?) [PlayStation Forums via Maxconsole]
PlayStation 3 2.40 Firmware Now Live (Trophies, In-Game XMB)
Go download that 2.40 firmware update now for your PS3! It's got trophies, in-game XMB as well as a Google Search Bar. The trophies (achievements from Xbox 360) will be great for hardcore gamers, and the in-game XMB, which allows you to access various settings and send messages to your friends while inside games, makes for a very convenient gaming experience. We've got a video walkthrough as well as photos here. Seriously, go get it now or else you're going to have to spend 15 minutes doing it later when you actually want to play something online.
Dealzmodo: DualShock 3 For $41
The incredibly expensive DualShock 3 for the PS3 costs $54 normally, but you can get it now for 25% off over at GoGamer. This brings it down to the to wireless Xbox 360 controller's $39 and is a lot easier to stomach. The most egregious pricing has to be from Nintendo, where the Wiimote and Nunchuck alone add up to $59. But yes, pick one of these DualShocks up if only for the incredibly hilarious joke they pull off with it in Metal Gear Solid 4—which you should pick up as well. [GoGamer via PS3 Fanboy]PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.4 in Photographs
We've already seen two videos of Sony's latest 2.4 firmware for the PS3 (that hits July 2nd, incidentally), but sometimes the story is easily told in good old fashioned photography. So here are some direct feed shots of the new firmware, including plenty of material on the newPS3 New Firmware In-Game XMB Demonstrated, Coming July 2
At last it's here: in-game crossbar menubar in the PlayStation 3. Sony's Eric Lempel says it's comingSony Playstation 3 Graphics Chips Going More Energy Efficient 65nm This Fall
The Cell processor in ye old PS3 has been getting the 65nm treatment since the holiday, but the RSX graphics chips inside should get the same in the fall, resulting in slightly more reliable, more energy efficient chips. [Kotaku]Life With PlayStation: Wii-like Weather and News on PS3
At today's Sony press conference, SCE president Kaz Hirai revealed new software on the way to all PS3s. Dubbed "Life With PlayStation," it's a virtual globe that can be explored to reveal weather and news. And while, sure, it sounds a lot like Nintendo's forecast and news channels (almost identical in theory, really), it also could be a lot better.
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