Its been a while since our PS3′s have seen a firmware update. This one may or may not upset you though.
3.21 does not bring shiny new features to your PS3. Instead it removes an impressive feature exclusive to PS3 FAT this console generation.
All models of the old “FAT PS3″ had the option to install ‘Another OS’ in the System Settings menu. This enabled users to install operating systems such as Linux among a few others.
That feature enabled the user to use their PS3 in multiple ways as a server, processing clusters or simply a computer.
Due to some security flaws apparently found by Sony, they are forced to remove the feature and close access to the feature in Firmware 3.21.

IF YOU CURRENTLY USE AN INSTALLED OS ON YOUR PS3 AND INTEND TO USE THIS FEATURE IN THE FUTURE: DO NOT UPDATE.
Not updating will consequently result in the following features not being available to you:

  • Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
  • Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
  • Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings)
  • Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later

At current the PS3 servers for the update are being pounded by the hundreds of thousands of users currently downloading.
If you want speedy access to the update: Right Click, Save As the following link:
PS3 FIRMWARE UPDATE 3.21 – To install the firmware update downloaded from here, Copy the update data to the following directory on a USB Flash Storage Device (Flash Drive etc.)
USB FLASH DRIVE: PS3 > UPDATE > “PS3UPDAT.PUP”
Connect the storage device to the PS3 system, navigate to the System Update menu, select update using “Storage Media” and follow the on screen instructions.
Feel free to voice your opinion on the new update in the comments section!

    psn_logo An optional update for the PlayStation 3 is now out. (This means you manually go to “System Update” in your PS3 Settings to download it.)
    Firmware 3.15 adds the ability to play PSP “Minis” on the console (cheap downloadable games originally psp exclusive).

    The update also finally adds a long requested data transfer feature.
    This feature allows a person with a second or new ps3, to connect that new ps3 to their old one via ethernet cable, and initiate a data transfer between them. This data transfer copies all the saved data, games, files and settings from the old system to the new one. The catch though is that any “Copy Protected” save files from the old ps3 will not “copy” to the new system, rather be “moved” to the new system. That means when the process is completed, the copy protected data will be deleted from the old ps3, but be present on the new ps3.

    This patch is a big deal for many users that have experienced the Yellow Light of Death error and had their systems repaired. The data transfer gives certainty to users who invest in a new console to replace the old so that all their hard earned data is transferred to the new system.
    Update is live, check it out and feedback is welcome!

    psn_logo Turn on your PS3 and start the system update. Firmware 3.10 is now available, and the first phase of PS3 Facebook Integration and modifications to the friends list and photos section.

    The PlayStation.Blog revealed some details regarding an upcoming firmware for the PS3 which fixes some issues from firmware 3.00 and adds a couple of aesthetic features.

    Also added to the update is the integration of the popular social networking website, Facebook, to the XMB interface. Facebook members will have the ability to update the Facebook News Feed with Trophy and PlayStation Store activity. Game developers also have the choice of integrating accomplishments in the game directly to the news feed.

    Responding to the negative feedback about the grey boxes around the friends list, Sony has removed the boxes on all friends in the list except for the one currently being highlighted. Sony has also provided the ability to change the colour of your Gamer Tag, which will be seen when friends highlight your tag in the friends list.

    The photo section of the XMB has been updated to a grid view instead of the normal vertical view of the photos. Now it will be easier to find that particular picture in a folder that contains hundreds of them.

    Here is a video describing the highlights of the 3.10 firmware update, which should be out soon according to the PlayStation.Blog website:

    [Via PlayStation.Blog]

    ps3-bluetooth-headsetSo earlier today a Naughty Dog developer let slip on the Playstation Forums that an upcoming PS3 Firmware update will feature the long awaited cross game voice chat. It is what it sounds like, the ability to chat with a friend playing Call of Duty wile you are playing Uncharted 2. Its worth noting that Xbox Live and 360 has had this feature since the beginning but many legal issues and technical issues have prevented Sony from implementing the feature for PSN.

    Here’s the quote from the Naught Dog Developer and the link to the thread where it was leaked:
    ReklissAbandon wrote:
    I think they wanted people to have fun and ejoy the show since all dead players can talk to each other no matter what team you are on. But I will suggest it anyway. Not to mention that the next PS3 firmware update is going to allow cross game chat. So if players use that instead of in game communication then they would also be able to communicate enemies positions.

    [Re: Elimination suggestion Via US PlayStation Forums]

    This September October will be a very interesting time to be in PlayStation Home as version 1.3 will be released the first day of that month. Now, it should be noted that this will be a very serious update which will bring some major requested features to the PlayStation Network community. Features like:

    • Universal Game Launching with any PS3 game without the need to sign out of Home!
    • In-Store Item Previewing that allows even combinations of clothing to be previewed on your avatar in 3-D (something I’ve wanted for a long time). You can even view furniture in full 3-D
    • Free Cameras to capture that memorable moment with friends (in either 1st or 3rd person view) and instantly save the pictures to the PS3′s HDD
    • More Portable Objects like the Bubble Machine. However, the developers have seen what problems portable objects can cause (e.g. trouble accessing mini-games with a Bubble Machine nearby) and so have devised a solution. Now you can ‘hide’ someone’s object(s) and make targeting easy
    • Determine Your Cache Size from 3GB to 12 GB to allow a smoother Home experience
    • a SingStar Home Space will be released around the same time as the v1.3 update. Reactive dance-floor, SingStar Quiz and a Video-Voting Jukebox are enough to have a party with friends anytime
    • and…Limited Use Items like a Shrinking Potion can be purchased, and yes it really does shrink your avatar!

    Tom Thumb comes Home

    Tom Thumb comes Home

    There will also be fixes, additions and optimisations in the update, and judging by the major features above, there certainly will be lots for everyone to enjoy in Home come September October.

    Read more via: [PlayStation.Blog, PlayStation.Blog(update)]

    PlayStation 3 (PS3) firmware update (v3.00) adds a number of great new features that we’re excited to share with you. The latest update incorporates changes that improve navigation on your PS3. First, you’ll notice some cosmetic changes to the design of the XMB (Xross Media Bar). We’ve enhanced the look and feel of the XMB so that it’s easier and even more intuitive to use. We’ve also added network improvements and personalization options to help enhance your PS3 experience.

    Additional highlights from update 3.00 include:
    “What’s New” – The “Information Board” will be replaced with a “What’s New” section, which allows you to enjoy interactive PlayStation news every time you start the PS3 system. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, “What’s New” displays the latest and greatest game, video, PlayStation Network and PlayStation news and releases, as well as your recently played games, in a sleek, new animated format.

    Status Indicator – In the top right corner we’ve added an indicator bar, which displays your user icon, friend icon, the number of friends you have online and a small message icon to let you know if you have any new messages. The indicator also includes a scrolling ticker that features the latest news from PlayStation Network. In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock.
    Friends List – Now your PlayStation Network friends will appear in a slightly redesigned format on your Friends List. Also, messages will now be viewable from each of your friends’ respective profiles.

    PlayStation Store Shortcuts – We’ve added a handy shortcut icon to the PlayStation Store under both the Game and Video categories so you can access the latest content quickly and easily.
    Personalization – Personalize your PS3 with new dynamic custom themes and avatars. Dynamic themes as well as free and premium avatars will be available through PlayStation Store. A dynamic theme takes your screen to a whole new level as it incorporates animated objects into the background.

    Trophies – Showcasing your hard earned trophies just got better. Update 3.00 gives game developers the ability to modify how they display trophies for add-on content. Base and add-on game trophies will continue to be combined into a single list so you can see where you stand in a game as a whole. Within that list, trophies will be broken out into subcategories—base trophies and add-on trophies—that way, you can easily view the percentage of your base game trophy collection, and separately track your trophy progress in add-on packs. Look for this enhancement to be included in upcoming games.

    [Via Playstation.Blog]

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    Disclaimer: PSNTT is in no way affiliated with SCEA (Sony Computer Entertainment America) or any other partner of Sony Corp. PSNTT is an unofficial fansite, created to promote PlayStation Gaming and the PlayStation Network in Trinidad and Tobago. PS3, PSP, PS2, PSPgo and all logos are owned by Sony Computer Entertainment.
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