Just received word in my inbox that something special is coming down the pipeline from Sony this month. Not one but two firmware updates are on the way. and both offer some new features that I'm genuinely pretty excited about.
PS3 firmware 2.50 will feature the oft-rumored screen capture ability, support for the new PlayStation Bluetooth Headset, and enhancements to the Trophy system. A few smaller features round things out -- but the biggest draw of 2.5? There's going to be a power save mode for both console and controller. Now if my system is unattended for a pre-determined length of time, it's going to boot down. I don't mind so much if the console is on when I'm not there (Life With PlayStation still include Folding@Home, and I'm a sucker for curing cancer), but my damned wiener kids always turn the controllers on, and I'm left with zero battery whenever I want to fire up some PixelJunk/Wipeout/Buzz goodness.
PSP firmware 5.00 will include an on-screen QWERTY keyboard and provide fullscreen TV-out support for PSOne games.
SCEA TO DELIVER UNMATCHED GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS AT HOME OR ON-THE-GO WITH NEWEST PLAYSTATION®3 AND PSP® FEATURES Through Upcoming Firmware Updates, PS3 Gameplay Will Evolve with Advanced Voice Chat Features and In-game Screenshot Capture, While Downloading Games for PSP System Will Be Easier Than Ever with Direct Access to PlayStation®Store over Wi-Fi
FOSTER CITY, Calif., October 13, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced details of the next PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) and PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system software updates, adding new features to both platforms to benefit consumers. PS3 firmware update (v. 2.50) will include the implementation of advanced voice chat features for the PS3 Official Bluetooth® Headset, the ability to capture screenshots in-game with supporting titles in the future, and enhancements to make the PlayStation Trophy interface more intuitive. PSP firmware update (v. 5.00) will add direct access to PlayStation®Store on PSP, enabling consumers to browse the store and download games whenever they’re at a Wi-Fi hotspot. Both system software updates will be released this month.
“These firmware updates keep both PS3 and PSP in lockstep with consumer expectations for gaming and entertainment, particularly the ability to download PSP games on-the-go, which is a functionality we know consumers can’t wait to get their hands on,” said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and PlayStation®Network, SCEA. “As we approach our second anniversary with PLAYSTATION 3, it’s remarkable to look back at how much the system has evolved and improved, including its critical link to PSP that effectively extends these entertainment capabilities beyond the home.”
PLAYSTATION 3 Firmware 2.50 Update
Building upon the foundation set by previous firmware upgrades, the 2.50 system software update will refine existing features while also adding new functionality. The update will deliver exclusive options to support SCEA’s Official Bluetooth Headset, as previously announced, such as an on-screen indicator that shows volume, battery charge, and mute functions, as well as a High Quality (HQ) mode, which utilizes advanced wireless technologies and the Headset's dual-microphone design to enable clear and wide-band wireless voice communication with PS3 system. HQ mode greatly improves the voice chat experience in multi-player titles such as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, which will be bundled with the Headset when it launches at retail this week.
To further strengthen the gameplay experience on PS3 system, the firmware update will add an in-game screenshot capture tool, laying the groundwork for developers to add capture and sharing options to their games and allowing players to immortalize their favorite gaming moments and share them with friends. Titles that support the feature are expected to be announced in the future.
The 2.50 update also will enhance the user interface for PlayStation Trophies. When players acquire a Trophy, the in-game notification will now include the specific Trophy icon created by the developer, while more intuitive options for comparing Trophies with friends have been added, including an icon to represent the Trophy level. The Trophy system will continue to expand through future firmware updates, catering to the PS3 community and the competitive nature of the more than 12 million registered PlayStation Network users worldwide.
Other new features delivered through PS3 firmware 2.50 will include:
Video – A video scene search functionality will provide thumbnails to help you find a particular scene in a video more easily.
Information Board – The Information Board will be able to include direct links to PlayStation Store, making it easier for PS3 owners to download content that they read about on the Information Board.
Power save – PS3 owners will have the option to automatically shut-off their console or controllers after pre-selected periods of inactivity.
PSP Firmware 5.00 Update
As demonstrated at the Tokyo Game Show last week, the PSP firmware 5.00 update will add direct PlayStation Store access to the system, eliminating the need for PSP to be connected to a PC or PS3 to download content. PSP owners will be able to download games, demos, trailers, and other game-related content anytime and anywhere that their PSP system is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. This functionality delivers on the portable promise of PSP, making the device even more compelling for gaming and entertainment on-the-go.
Additional enhancements delivered through PSP firmware 5.00 will include:
On-screen keyboard – A full-size, QWERTY on-screen keyboard will be added to make text entry during Web browsing easier and more convenient.
Sleep timer – During music playback, a sleep timer will enable users to shut off their PSP system after a specified amount of time.
Video-out – The PSP-2000’s video-out feature will be able to display classic PlayStation® format titles at the full-screen size of the TV that the PSP is connected to; the feature also will support interlace displays.
About PS3 and PSP System Software Updates
PS3 and PSP systems were designed to continually evolve with regular system software updates that deliver new features. There’s no additional investment required from consumers, who simply update their systems and can immediately enjoy the benefits of the added functionality. This process lengthens the lifecycle of PS3 and PSP, and consumers no longer have to worry about their hardware becoming outdated or missing out on exciting new capabilities. SCEA will continue to release system software updates on an ongoing basis. For further details and instructions on how to update the PS3 and PSP system software, please visit us.playstation.com.
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site.. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 