PS3 firmware 3.00 revamps XMB, adds 'What's New'

by Andrew Yoon on Aug 18th 2009 1:12PM

As many of you predicted, Sony has announced a brand new firmware update for PS3. The big three point zero. Firmware 3.00 will offer support for animated XMB themes and a "What's New" section. At GamesCom, SCEE presented a theme with an animated Sackboy running on a globe. The redesigned XMB makes it easier to see what's updated in the PlayStation Store (both Video and Game content), so some comparisons to Xbox 360's NXE can be made.

The firmware will also have some Euro-specific applications, with shortcuts appearing on the XMB for various video services from BBC, RTVe, Antena 3, LaSexta and other European channels. Check out all the official details after the break. Update: The firmware update will be available on September 1st.

"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.

Tags: gamescom-2009, ps3-firmware, PS3-Firmware-3.00

Reader Comments (155)

Yes yes, that's all very cool. But where's PS2 S/W emulation? C'mon sony 3.00 is a major firmware revision.

They probably didnt announce all the features yet.

Hmm, maybe it won't happen then, or only for the slim, but that is unlikely.

Yep, this firmware update shouldn't be called 3.0, it should just be 2.9 these features seem really minor. Where is PS2 Compatibility? Where is cross game voice chat? No one cares about 16 way text chat Sony.

Why is everyone whining about software emulation? Sony _never_ said it was coming, they never even hinted at it. I'm sure they have some brainiacs working on it but to announce it before it's finished would be foolish.

Software BC won't happen until the PS2 is dead.

@Popfrogs agreed . Sony took out PS2 B/C and said that they aren't any plans to bring it back to any new PS3 system. The new PS3 slim doesn't have it and that should be a major hint . Also have people forgotten that the PS3 can't emulate the PS2? If it could, then they would of already said something about it or at least remember that the PS3 MGS edition PS3 doesn't fully support the PS2 even though it has part of the PS2s hardware inside. I hope it does later on though. It's the whining about that same thing that is getting a little ridiculous.

I don't want to re- type a whole new thing to say the same thing, so I'll just re- post what I wrote on a previous post.

You guys want Backwards compatibility?. Sorry folks, that ship has sailed.

We had that, remember? Not only we did have it but it was hardware based so all games were running just fine. But people wanted a cheaper price so that had to go. Now you want it back? Without adding hardware (and cost may I add) you won't get it.

And let's be honest: software emulation won't work as well (as shown with the 2nd generation machines) and will cause more problems than solutions. Heck, I can already see people complaining about why the sound on this game doesn't work right or some of the textures on this other game game have a weird breakup, or even why this game or this game are not supported if software emulation is added.

You want backwards compatibility? Go out and get an original PS2 for $99 and play the games on the hardware they are supposed to be played. ...Mmmmm... that brings the price of a just announced $299 Slim back up to $399, price that those wanting backwards compatibility are still complaining about.

We had BC. You wanted lower price. We lost it. Let's move on.

omg pat, if you're a girl pat, then marry me..

this is one of the best posts.comments i have EVER seen!

nice update but not enough to warrant 3.0 status. bummer.

but those premium avatars are gonna be great.

Yes, new avatars, thanks Sony. Those things are terrible right now. That is the most exciting news I got out of this, seriously.

Ta daaa.

meh...

New firmware for a new hardware generation!

C'mon, slim, slim, slim, slim!

What, no in-game music player? How hard is this? Seriously sony! I'm not complaining. The price drop is enough to motivate me to get one... finally. And with their greatest hits now rolling out its a good time to get into the PS3.

@Vaultboy

Seriously. I guess everyone forgot about it or let it go but I want in game music please!

Yes, I know developers have the "option". But thats a bullshit cop out and you know it!

Developers don't do it anyway, its up to you! I just want to listen to my tunes over EA's stupid ass licensed music. PLEASE SONY!

God I hate the XMB, what a waste of space and tiny!!! I guess it's good for you kids who play 3 feet from your TV in your rooms though.

The XMB is a lot better than some laggy Dashboard with avatars that wave at you...

YA I know XMB is bad for Bums like you who still dont have an HDTV in 2009.

Or I can imagine your eyesight is failing you in your old age.

Well it looks like they're bring avatars to the XMB, I don't know if they'll wave though.

Suggest you go get yourself a new pair of glasses.

and animated ads for Telus...

I disagree, I think XMB is the best interface design in the current console gen. It's super quick and easy to navigate and nice to look at, thats all I need.

@ mightymightyme

Are you aware that we have had avatars since the PS3 launched in 2006? This is nothing new. They are just adding a lot more new ones to choose from. It is not "one of those missing options of the PSN that hasn't been implemented yet", like many have suggested.

I think the XMB is great. Its quick and unobtrusive. Really, what is there to hate about it?

Good enough to win an Emmy, good enough for me.

All I am hearing are haters and fanboys. If you'll notice there are clear similarities between both dashboards. Why do people have to be so hardcore one way or the other? It's not like there are enough sony exclusive titles to warrant this blind loyalty, nor are the 360 exclusives so groundbreaking that they warrant their hype. Halo sucks BTW, and I am glad PS3 has dropped to a reasonable price (if you could call it that). I'm looking forward to checking out the PS3 gems that I have been waiting on for these few years. It should be fun!

Love the LBP theme and it's about time on the Avatars! All in all looks good.

is it coming out today?>

Shut up guys, it looks hawt!

i want the BLADES!!!!!!!!!!

Fail.

Epicly

Crappy update.

So where's my PS2 emulation?

In that 60GB that you were too broke to buy. And on Ebay.

he's right. if I were you I'd wait a few weeks and you'll see those 60gb and 80gb bc console going for $200 used. I got a 60gb back in march for $150.

Your PS2 emulation is in one of the 20/60 gig models that so many despised for their price back in the day (when they didn't care about BC this much), or in the PS2 that you can get for cheap anywhere.

Fail they just copy Ms xbox 360 1!! Fail !

how you come to that conclusion??

something tells me this will still be faster than NXE not to mention its not a COMPLETE overhall....its like XMB+

That LittleBigPlanet theme... DO WANT NOW GIVE IT TO ME NOW NOW NOW!!!!

i don't really want the store to be on every category....
neither do i want to start knowing whats new, i just want to start and play a game

i agree... if thats all that is new in the update, it wont seem worth it, and i doubt you can disable it or else i will like i did the day i downloaded the FW with the whats new ticker in the top right

if i want to know what is new, i'll find out myself

It's an ok update, nothing to get excited at. That LBP theme is hot though but it probably won't be free, sadly.

Snooze...

Whats new, Status indicator and new friends list stuff is the only interesting thing. Well animated backgrounds are sweet but i ain't paying for those.

people once again got hype from rumors....I'd say this is pretty good update....although the 3.00 is a pretty big jump....didnt see anything about trophies syncing in the background either

this should have just been 2.90.....seriously

Get a room you two!

LMAO.....

I still don't think all features are announced..

"In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock."

Here it is! The reason why it is 3.00!!!!!

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PS3 firmware 3.00 revamps XMB, adds 'What's New'

Reader Comments (155)

Posted: Aug 18th 2009 1:16PM Bobthebuilder said

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