Sony reveals PS3 firmware 2.5, PSP firmware 5.0 details

by Randy Nelson { Oct 13th 2008 at 9:30AM }

Sony today announced the specifics of its forthcoming PS3 and PSP system updates, which will introduce a number of convenience features on the console front and (most notably) the PS Store on its handheld platform. We got an early look at what you can expect from the new firmware, which, although not specifically dated, Sony expects to release within the month.

PS3 firmware 2.5 introduces more detailed friends list information, including how long it has been since a friend signed onto PSN. The PS Store has been tweaked slightly to include a splash screen and an icon in the top right corner for inputting PSN Card and voucher codes directly from the storefront. Additionally, PSN sign-up and account management are no longer web-based in this firmware.

Support for the upcoming, official PS3 Bluetooth headset debuts in this firmware, as does the option to have the system automatically turn off once background downloads have completed. (Unlike Xbox 360, the PS3 does not go into a "low power" state when this option is selected.) The system's settings now include a "Power Saving" option, where users can choose to have their controller automatically turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity; the console can be set to auto-off after one, three, or five hours.

Sony has also included a new chapter thumbnail creation option for use during video file playback, with increments of one, two, and five minutes. The new firmware also includes hooks for developers to implement a screenshot function in their games; the feature will only work in games whose devs have implemented it via a new library. Read on past the break for details on PSP firmware 5.0.

PSP firmware 5.0 ushers in the PS Store for PSP. With the exception of a separate video storefront, it is functionally identical to the PS3's PS store, including the option to enter PSN Card numbers and voucher codes from within. The final content categories are still being finalized, but the build we tried featured sections for downloadable games, UMD Legacy games, themes, video, and music. SCEA isn't saying whether it plans to offer digital releases all future UMD-based games day-and-date via the service like SCE Japan is.

The rest of the PSP updates are fairly low-key. PlayStation Network now has its own spot on the PSP XMB, just as it does on PS3. (This is where the PS Store lives.) There's now a sleep timer function for music playback and a new XMB background theme – basically a two-tone version of the standard "plasma" effect – is available. PS1 titles played via PSP's video out can be viewed in full 4:3 size, devoid of the black border that surrounds PSP titles played on 4:3 and 16:9 displays.

We tried out the latest firmware on a PSP-3000 and were impressed by the soon-to-be-released handheld's refresh rate, low-glare screen, better contrast ratio, and imperceptible ghosting.

Tags: breakingnews, firmware, firmware-2.50, ps3-firmware, ps3-firmware-2.50, psp-firmware, psp-firmware-5.00

Related From Joystiq

Sony: iPad consumers will graduate to the PSP
9 days ago
PS3 Firmware 3.15 becomes mandatory, fixes minor Trophy glitch
25 days ago
Final Fantasy VIII tops PSN sales for December
26 days ago

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

mrlogical @ Oct 13th 2008 9:39AM

Wasn't the release of firmware 2.5 supposedly going to be at the same time as the release of Home? Is this still the case?

Ves @ Oct 13th 2008 10:13AM

No, the guy who said that. Apologized for causing confusion. He never meant the link up between the 2.50 firmware and Home release.

The Aggie CEO @ Oct 13th 2008 10:25AM

nope......got shot down like 3 days after it was said.......lol

Tiptup300 @ Oct 13th 2008 1:37PM

I'm just happy they're adding the friend information feature, currently it's useless. All I know is everyone is offline. No idea what games they play/own or when they play them.

xFenixKnightx @ Oct 13th 2008 9:44AM

"including how long it has been since a friend has signed onto PSN."

Awe, PS3. You're so cute. Always tryin to play catch up. Maybe next year I'll be able to see what game AND what stage/map my buddy is playing in. FTW! :P

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!"

Cigol @ Oct 13th 2008 9:49AM

I've noticed a few games doing that already. EA SPORTS titles and LBP, whether it's a PS specific feature or limited to those particular games - I'm not sure.

Victus @ Oct 13th 2008 9:54AM

Because that matters so much right?

What a d0uch3

xFenixKnightx @ Oct 13th 2008 9:57AM

Really now...are you sure? Well, not on Madden/NHL/NFL HEAD COACH 09. When my friends are on those it doesn't say anything. And the only thing Ive ever seen for LBP is Pod 1. Anyway, even if they do that. Theres still gonna be ANOTHER patch so you can see what QTR/score/team your playing as. Like it already does on 360. But its ok...babysteps, right? :)

xFenixKnightx @ Oct 13th 2008 10:00AM

"Because that matters so much right?"

Actually yeah, its pretty nice to know and see. But you arent used to that I guess. Anyway, it was a joke and I forgot how defensive PS3 fanboys can get.

WOW!

j.howlett @ Oct 13th 2008 10:03AM

sounds like a stalker feature.

Victus @ Oct 13th 2008 10:33AM

Actually, I have both systems. I could really care less about seeing what level my friends are playing on. For free, the PSN is a terrific service. D0uch3 comments, however intended, are d0uch3 comments.

ExMcCloud @ Oct 13th 2008 10:16AM

Well Fenix you were a Douche about it about I agree with you lolz....Seeing what your friends are doing in a game or where they are has been a feature that is over looked....I cant remember how many times people saw me playing NG2 and asked me how to beat certain bosses or how to do a test a valor because they saw what part I was on...So it definitely brings more of a community aspect to Xbox Live...PSN could definitely use it

Jay @ Oct 13th 2008 10:21AM

Look up "joke", moron. *Then* try one.

xFenixKnightx @ Oct 13th 2008 10:22AM

Thanks ExMcCloud

I know exactly what you mean having beat NG2 myslef and helped others. Its good for that reason and several others but theres no changing the PS3 crowds mind. Since they dont have it, they get angry and come to defend. Just like with achievements how many times did I hear "I dont need achievements", and now look at the Trophy lovers out there myself included. Dont knock on some feature until you know!

Cigol @ Oct 13th 2008 10:34AM

In LBP it tells you what the player is doing, I saw that a friend was creating a level that was blank (or something - I mean, I wasn't paying attention because I really don't give a shit, but anyway you get the idea...). Whilst another time, playing NHL it told me he was in the online lobby. In another case the guy was playing a game and it said; idle underneath.

I have literally only just noticed these little messages some time this week. That's why I think they are game specific.

Jack of No Trades 85 @ Oct 13th 2008 10:35AM

When I was in the LBP Beta I could see from my friends list what level they were in. All the new EA sports games do it too and heres the kicker: PSN IS FREE. You pay money for a service we get free. Who's the retard now?

ExMcCloud @ Oct 13th 2008 10:40AM

Right u are again...I wouldnt have even dreamed of buying Dead Space for Ps3 (which is what Im about to do) until trophies were introduced so Im happy Sony has walked into the achievement party Trophies are awesome and just give you more to do in the game.....But people knocked achievements until the PS3 finally got them so In game status will get knocked until the PS3 gets it....Its the circle of life man...lolz

ExMcCloud @ Oct 13th 2008 10:44AM

Jack it has been stated that LBP and the EA games are the select few in the convo why must you make it personal with the name calling son...If your gonna start calling people Fuck Tards atleast make your own point and not CIGOL's who said what u said twice already Douche.

You dont wanna get into the PSN vs. XBL argument everyone already knows who's in the lead and whos playing catch up so that convo is an exercise in futility by the way.

Kspraydad @ Oct 13th 2008 10:46AM

I can always log on to the internet ON MY PS3 and get this information already...catch up indeed.

kbomb1upc @ Oct 13th 2008 10:50AM

@xFenixKnightx
Yo waz up with all the McCain attacks on the PSN? I have started to see a little bit of what you are talking about. My friend has NHL 09 and it lets me know if he's in a game or if he's idle and I also some info when someone was play LBP beta. I think this feature is available but developers would have to implement it.

Jack of No Trades 85 @ Oct 13th 2008 10:52AM

@ MCloud

Who are you anyways? I know it hurts your feelings that PSN gives me everything I NEED FOR FREE and you have to pay for your epic incredible XBL service.

ExMcCloud @ Oct 13th 2008 10:55AM

First of I have both systems anyway your the one depriving yourself of greatness with Brand Loyalty...But regardless of the fact even if you disagree with someone are the personal attacks necessary is all Im saying...No hey are not...Theres no reason for the name calling son

Vidikron @ Oct 13th 2008 10:56AM

Well, it sounds like the game status is a feature that the PS3 supports already but isn't utilized by many devs. Maybe it's another situation where MS mandates those features and Sony does not.

Anyway, it's a cool feature that I'll look at every now and then on the 360, but not that important. I mean, I really don't care if my friend is up 35-7 in the 4th quarter in Madden... though it's neat that I can see that.

What I would find more useful is if the PS3 would say what the person is doing if they aren't in a game. For example, on the 360 is says "Watching a movie" if the person is doing that. On the PS3 there's simply nothing listed if that's what they are doing.

xFenixKnightx @ Oct 13th 2008 11:02AM

Kbomb

Honestly it was a joke, regardless of what Jay and his crappy disabled humor detector reads. Look at the original post and tell me that I'm seriously crapping on the PStriple with hate a la PremiereAssassin/Azureknight. I'm not.

*sigh

xFenixKnightx @ Oct 13th 2008 11:08AM

Joystiq, I can haz Game of the Week now? :(

Haggard (Mr.ESC resurrected on a... thursday?!) @ Oct 13th 2008 11:20AM

But fanboy tirades are always funny to watch, so distinguishing them from a joke is impossible.

Vcize @ Oct 13th 2008 11:52AM

"Because that matters so much right?"

Good god yes.

It is absolutely necessary when you get game invites to be able to see which of your friends are in each room, and as such which you would rather join. Also, when you're in a full room and a spot opens up you can see which of your friends are in the menu of that game (waiting for a spot in your room) without relaying a bunch of messages to 10 people.

Then again, if you're on a PS3 I guess you just have to be thankful if the game you're in even supports those invites in the first place.

Also, in Madden leagues, etc when you're waiting on someone for a game it's nice to be able to see what quarter they're in.

The-E @ Oct 13th 2008 11:52AM

FENIX LOOK WHAT YOU STARTED!!
You should be ashamed!!..........*shakes head disapprovingly*

Vcize @ Oct 13th 2008 11:53AM

"D0uch3 comments, however intended, are d0uch3 comments."

Waaaaaaiiiiittt a second. So spelling douche "D zero u c h three" isn't a douche comment now?

DigDug @ Oct 13th 2008 2:07PM

What a cretin, who wants to tell him PS3 already does this, and has for 18months....

As usual, Xbots talking about what they know nothing about...

FOXHOUND @ Oct 13th 2008 6:16PM

I'd gladly trade off that "time online" feature for just changing the damn "(blank)is online/offline" box that pops up in the top right. It's effin' annoying to see, especially while playing ROCKBAND or any game that uses that corner significantly. Why not put it in one of the bottom corners or better yet -- make it a *lot* smaller in size. Yeah, it's nice to know when friends sign on, but it's a cumbersome distraction at this point. :\

JoeTheBlow @ Oct 13th 2008 9:48AM

Screenshot taking=awesome.
Hopefully it'll mean an end to lazy websites using bullshots for reviews too, a shameful practise.

j.howlett @ Oct 13th 2008 9:56AM

they had the last time online info on the website, good to see they're putting it in to the friend list directly.

DEEZNUTZ @ Oct 13th 2008 10:01AM

No Bravia Theatre-Sync support :(

Vidikron @ Oct 13th 2008 10:06AM

What would that do? I don't have a Bravia, I'm just curious.

Tim @ Oct 13th 2008 10:17AM

BRAVIA Theatre Sync
The one-touch operation of “BRAVIA” Theatre Sync opens a whole new world of connectivity and entertainment simplicity, allowing full control of Sony’s home theatre system with a single remote commander.

DEEZNUTZ @ Oct 13th 2008 10:32AM

@ Vidikron:

It's Sony's version of HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control over HDMI). Basically, it allows you to control devices hooked up with HDMI using one remote. Remote commands are sent to devices through HDMI. It's not guaranteed, but it should work with other brand TV's and receivers, as long as it supports some sort of HDMI CEC. My Panny plasma and Onkyo receiver both support it, and I can control my receiver using my TV remote, and vice versa. Once the PS3 supports this, I could send playback commands through the TV or receiver and control the PS3 with an IR remote, and no longer need the BT remote.

Another great convenience is that your TV can be the sole IR receiver, and can send IR commands over HDMI, so even if you don;t have a clear line of sight with the rest of your equipment, you can still control them via the TV's IR receiver, since the IR on your TV will almost always be accessible.

Vidikron @ Oct 13th 2008 10:37AM

Thanks for the info.

Will @ Oct 13th 2008 10:07AM

Sounds like progress. Awesome!

Vidikron @ Oct 13th 2008 10:09AM

Two-tone plasma background. What will the colors be, or do we get to choose them?

ExMcCloud @ Oct 13th 2008 10:14AM

Bravo Sony way to add those features I dont want...BUT anything is better than nothing....All I want is Home and the ability to play Audio Files in game(On all games!!) streamed from the PC....I dont want to make a playlist, I dont wanna put music on my PS3 just let me stream....That is all

Popfrogs @ Oct 13th 2008 11:46AM

Yeah I've been wanting streaming audio in games for awhile too. It's weird how you can play games and pick music (for the games that support it) but the DLNA server connection isn't an available music source.

I guess it has something to do with online connectivity, maybe they didn't design it to handle more than one source at a time for networking.

ExMcCloud @ Oct 13th 2008 12:19PM

The 360 can do it so I dont know why the PS3 cant...They need to look into that

Ves @ Oct 13th 2008 10:14AM

Nice to see there doing there working hard to get the best out of the console.

Ben @ Oct 13th 2008 11:26AM

When will they add AVI support the PSP, the PS3 has had it for a while now!

Albanian_Killa @ Oct 13th 2008 10:41AM

*Waits for Dylan Jobe to get all on this and add screenshots to Warhawk*

You know it's going to happen lol

Anyway, I like the screenshot feature. I also wondered why we could see how long people have been offline on the PlayStation Underground PSN site, but not on the XMB. Odd, but not anymore. Glad that Account Management is no longer web-based either. I can't wait to play SOCOM with the sexy new headset. Great firmware update.

Sounds great for the PSP too. If I still had a PSP, I would be happy as hell.