Home Patch 1.05 Brings Back VOIP

- PlayStation Blog announced the release of a new patch to Home which adds VOIP functionality back in.

Home - 10 Days On

- Here is a recap of the big moments of Sony's Home launch over the past few days.
- Home was given its own "home"-page on PlayStation.com.
- The game client itself was finally launched, (still technically in beta,) in many regions on December 11th. The launch wasn't without issues however, with some snags and outages along the way.
- You can access home under the PlayStation Network bar of the XMB. You get all the basic services and features for free and included in the beta. Some items you would be charged for though, such as premium clothing.
- Sony believe that Home will sell PS3's.
-Here is an example of a game space in Home, the Red Bull Air Race:

- Namco release a game demo that unlocks items in Home when you play.
- Word comes in, just days after release, that Home has been hacked already:

- The above is only editing the local files for that player, but SKFU has found exploits in Home's scripts to upload, download and delete files from Sony's servers.
- Some players were still experiencing connetion problems, (error C-931,) but a patch was forthcoming
- However, patch 1.04 has also disabled VOIP in Home for now.

PS3 Wireless Keypad Review

- Engadget have a PS3 Wireless Keypad Review up on their site.
- Spoiler: While the keypad is better than a d-pad, $50 is expensive for a tiny keyboard when you could just as easily buy a USB or wireless PC keyboard.

PS3 Keypad $50 in December

- That PS3 keypad addon that wraps around your controller will be available in stores during the first week of December for $50.

PS3 Firmware v2.50 Out Now

- PS3 Firmware v2.50 is now live.
- For a reminder of what is included, Sony has you covered:

"# Support for the PS3 Official Bluetooth Headset - we’ve told you about the upcoming Bluetooth Headset and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation Bundle on the Blog. This latest firmware installment enables High-Quality (HQ) mode, which delivers clear and wide-band online voice chat. On top of that, an added on-screen indicator shows battery status, volume level and use of HQ mode.

# PlayStation Trophies interface enhancements - I know that many of you are busy collecting trophies and raising your PlayStation Trophy level. This update makes sharing and comparing your trophies with your friends even easier. On 1st part of the profile page you’ll see a symbol under level that represents level and the actual percentage towards the next level along with the existing level meter. The level symbol carries over to the trophy comparison screen where you will now be able to see your level, your friend’s level and the percentage towards the next level for both users along with all of the game by game comparison information you see today.

# Friend status – Offline friends on your Friends list will have information below their avatars that will indicate how long it has been since they were last online.

# Video – This update adds the Scene Search feature similar to the feature on the PSP. Activating this feature while viewing a video on the PS3 will break the video up into scenes that you can quickly access by pressing the X button. You can break the videos into one, two or five minute intervals. In addition, you can now choose to have all of the videos under the video section of the XMB play in sequence. Go to Settings then Video Settings to turn this option on.

# PlayStation Store – We’ve added a redeem codes option right on the store to make it easier to redeem your PlayStation Network Cards and promotion codes. In addition, PlayStation Network Sign Up and Account Management have been redesigned.

# Power Save Settings – You can now set your PS3 and wireless controllers to turn off automatically after set periods of inactivity. Go to Settings then Power Save Settings to turn on these features.

# Background Downloading - You now have the option to set the PS3 to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has completed. This option is available when you turn off the system from the button under [Users] while content is being downloaded or installed.

# In-game Screenshots - this tool will allow everyone to capture, share and in other words, immortalize their favorite gameplay moments. This will be supported on a game by game basis. Please check back to find out which games will support this feature.

# In addition to all of the features above there are some additional features and enhancements included in 2.50."

-There is also Flash 9 support added to the web browser.

Connect PSP and PS3 for Reistance Fun

- "PSP Plus" is a new tech being utilized in upcoming PSP game Resistance Retribution. Players will be able to connect their PSP to their PS3 via USB and then play the PSP title with their PS3's wireless controllers, complete with dual-analog control and rumble.
- On top of all that, if you also own a copy of Resistance 2 for the PS3 then you can enable Infection mode. After connecting your systems an option in the PS3 game's menu lets you activate Infection which will alter the PSP game by transfering the Chimeran virus. This gives your character regenerative health and the ability to breathe underwater which means you can access previously inaccessible areas of the game world and uncover extra secrets and details on the overall Resistance plot.

Use PlayStation Eye for PS3 on PC

- AlexP is a smart guy and has written Windows drivers for the PS3's PlayStation Eye.

PSP-PS3 Interaction Expanded

- From IGN:

"This Fall, PSP will gain direct access to the PlayStation Store. This long promised feature will allow for PSP users to download demos and more directly to the portable without having to go through the PS3 or PC.

In Japan, Sony will commemorate the new PS Store-friendly PSP with the release of Mainichi Issyo Portable. The PS3 version of the Japan-only title is available as a free download, with Sony charging for items and gameplay modes that are added every month.

Perhaps more significant than both these developments, Sony will be offering PSP players some new connectivity options thanks to a new service that further ties the portable with the PS3. This Fall, select PSP titles will allow players to go through the PS3 to take their ad-hoc multiplayer modes online. When playing in this fashion, the PS3 can be used for text and chat messaging and also for matching.

Currently, Sony has confirmed that Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G will be compatible with this new service. In Japan, this is big news, as that title has sold over 2.4 million units.

Other titles, as well as further details on the service, will be announced in the near future.

Both these features will be compatible with all models of the PSP, from the original up to the new PSP-3000."

Backup PS3 Games to HDD?

- There are some rumours circulating that this is a way to backup your PS3 games to the HDD and play from there without the need for a disc.
- More news as we get is, but Engadget tips us off.

More Media Functions for PS3

- VidZone is a new music service for streaming and downloading songs and music videos to your PS3 and other Sony devices.
- Joystiq do their unboxing of PlayTV.
- And finally there is EyePet, which you can see a trailer for below.

Firmware Rumours

- Two rumours about upcoming features in future PS3 firmware updates.
- First is the ability to rip PS2 Singstar tracks into the PS3 version, much like Rock Band.
- Second is screenshot functionality via the XMB.

80GB and 160GB PS3s

- A pair of new PS3 SKUs are making themselves available.
- First is a 160GB version, packaged with Drake's Fortune, Pain and a DualShock 3 for $500. Buy Now
- There is also a new 80GB version which is rumoured to contain new
65nm CPU and GPU chips. Buy Now
- Joystiq put together a chart comparing the PS3 SKUs.

PS3 Wireless Keypad

- Multiple reports of Sony's new Wireless Keypad accessory for the PS3 are showing up, including a listing on Amazon for $50.

PS3 News Update

- Here is a post to catch up on a bunch of PS3 news.
- First, there have been some firmware updates. v240 was taken down, but v241 quickly followed up. v242 is out now too.
- For those interested in Trophies, info has come out about the Little Big Planet additions. Apparently Sony may mandate some unique trophies for their titles, (in other words, challenges that are different to Xbox 360 achievements.)
- Qore have continued to put out new episodes.
- Logitech released a steering wheel.
- There is now a Greatest Hits line of games for PS3. Find out which are worth buying. In other cheap games news, Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty is only $15.
- Sony cut the price of the 80GB PS3 down to $400. EU/Australia will get it in August. The FCC got in on the action and showed off some details of the new model.
- Your PSN account will work cross platform.
- Then there is the PSN video store. It is open now, but not in the PAL regions. However, the EU will get PlayTV in September.
- Certain areas of Home will be region locked. A couple of game specific areas were revealed for Warhawk and Uncharted.
- Some more lifestyle apps, "Life with PlayStation" is coming this month.
- Sony love their XMB interface, of PSP and PS3 fame. So much so that the XMB is coming to Vaio laptops.
- And PS3 homebrew is kicking off and we now have the inevitable Pong for PS3.

PS3 Firmware v241

- Firmware v241 is now out to fix the problems in v240 from earlier this week.
- Now that the issues are all fixed, here is a closer look at some of the things you get with it:

• Cleaned up PSN Store Interface


• Platinum Trophy image changed already

PS3 Firmware v2.40 Pulled from Consumers and Developers

- The Official Sony Blog has news on the firmware issues:

"As has been reported on many gaming blogs and websites, we have temporarily taken Firmware v2.40 offline. We've received a limited number of calls from consumers experiencing an issue with installing the system software update on their PS3. While our consumer services department has seen a low volume of calls on this topic, we are committed to providing the PS3 community with XMB access features delivered in the v2.40 update. We are working diligently to isolate the problem for those few consumers and to identify a solution before we put the firmware back up.

We'll provide further information as necessary here on the Blog."

EU Get DualShock 3 This Week

- PS3 Fanboy got word from Sony Europe that the DualShock 3 will launch in continental Europe tomorrow and in the UK on the 4th for £40.

PS3 Firmware v2.40 Features

- Develop Magazine lets us know that Sony have finally spilled the beans to consumers on firmware v2.40, due this Wednesday:

"After having filled developers in on the details two weeks ago at its DevStation events, Sony has today revealed the features of its 2.40 PS3 firmware to consumers.

The new firmware includes support for in-game Trophies, Sony’s take on Xbox Live-style achievements, with 'many online games' set to feature platinum, gold, silver and bronze trophies. UK-developed games set to feature Trophy support include Buzz! Quiz TV, LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm: Pacific Rift.

The other main addition to firmware 2.40 is the in-game cross media bar (XMB), which allows people to check their friends list to see who's online and send messages while inside the game. The Friends list will also double in size, now supporting up to 100 entries."

- See the in-game XMB in the video below:

Official PS3 Bluetooth Headset Bundled with SOCOM

- Joystiq show us the official PS3 Bluetooth Headset, (and it's about time Sony!)

"SOCOM Confrontation's retail release will include a Bluetooth headset, Sony reconfirmed today -- this time with pictures. While similar to the Jabra headset packaged inside Warhawk's box (and later removed), SOCOM's offering actually appears to be well-designed and, in fact, PlayStation-branded. Features include a prominent Mute button, USB charging cradle, and extended battery life. Sony has neither finalized the design nor priced a standalone model, but the SOCOM bundle is rumored to fetch $80."

Life with PlayStation: News & Weather on PS3

- PS3 Fanboy gets wind of a News and Weather channel for the PS3 which will be something to compete with the Wii:

"A weather and news service was also revealed as part of a new Life With PlayStation brand. This will feature an interactive globe showing real time weather reports and headlines from all over the world. This feature will also support geo-tagged photos (awesome) and other features which will be released over time. Again, we'll probably hear more about this whole Life With PlayStation brand at E3."

- See some images at Engadget.

PS3 Movie Downloads For US This Summer

- Joystiq mentions the upcoming PS3 movie download service:

"Sony PlayStation executive Kaz Hirai has announced a movie download service is coming to the PS3 this summer for the US, with similar service for Europe and Japan at a later date. Hirai told reporters (via TMC) that more details will be announced month, presumably at E3. The first images of the program were found via Hirai's presentation on the Sony's corporate site (PDF file via PS Beyond)."

PS3 Trophy Screens Leaked

- PS3 Fanboy has some leaked images of the Sony Trophy system.
- They basically show a similar setup to the gamercard you get on Xbox 360.
- I can tell you now that those are real, but mock-ups. Expect things to change for the final release.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Database

- A free peice of software, Metal Gear Solid 4 Database, will be going up on the European PSN Store on Thursday, (26th June.)
- It's an interactive encyclopedia meant to guide players through the epic saga, stuffed with facts. It will even check your MGS4 progress so as not to reveal spoilers.

PS3 Firmware Updates

- Firmware v2.36 is out now with some stability fixes for certain PS1 titles.
- More interestingly, Sony also let us know that v2.40 will finally add in-game XMB and trophy support, (similar to Xbox achievements.)

PS3 Firmware v2.35 Improves Game Stability, Not GTAIV

- PlayStation Blog have stated PS3 firmware v2.35 improves game stability, but is not related to GTAIV issues.
- For help with GTAIV Sony have put up a support page. They basically say there is a solution, but you should call the helpdesk.
- You can download firmware v2.35 now.

PS3 Firmware v2.30 Out Now

- PS3 Firmware v2.30 is out now. That means the new PlayStation Store and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Access the Home Beta

- xtianoPL on the PS3 News Forums found a way to get access to the Home beta.
- User SwordOfWar put together these instructions, (edited for clarity):

"Ok, this is how you do it!

First, download each of these files to your computer:

http://select.ww.home.playstation.net/home/ww/product-select.xml
http://select.ww.home.playstation.net/home/ww/country-select.xml
http://pkg.ww.home.playstation.net/home/ww/home/EP9000-NPIA00005_00-HOME000000000001-E.pkg

Open each .xml file with notepad and change all the "off" words to "on"...then save it.

(Right click then and click "Save Target As" and don't change the file name when you save it... make sure you put it on your desktop so its easy to get to!)

Now download and install PS3 Proxy, PS3 ProxyServer Installer, or PS3 ProxyServer Installer (ENGLISH).

Once you start the PS3 Proxy program (find it in the Program Files folder if there is not a shortcut to it) select the box that says PS3 mode, and in the IP box put 192.168.1.96 and click start.

Now go to the Replace Files tab and click on the add button 3 times so you have 3 lines. On each line there is 2 boxes. Put the original link for each file in the left box, and put the link to the file on your computer in the right side box.

Now restart the PS3 and if everything is correct you will see an icon to install HOME Beta.

Enjoy"

PS3 Firmware v2.30 To Add Blu-Ray Hi-Def Audio Features

- From GamaSutra

"Sony has announced that in addition to the updated interface of its PlayStation Store, the latest version of its PlayStation 3 firmware will add DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio features for Blu-ray movies.

Sony says the new audio features will give users the "complete high-definition Blu-ray movie experience, matching the format’s crisp visuals with rich, lifelike sound."

DTS-HD Master Audio delivers audio at 24.5 mega-bits per second (Mbps) significantly higher than standard DVDs, and 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depths. Sony says more than 100 Blu-ray movies and concert videos feature DTS-HD Master Audio.

The company also says the DTS-HD High Resolution Audio codec gives content creators the ability to stream audio at a high constant bit rate of 6.0 Mbps on Blu-ray discs, and is also capable of up to 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depth resolution.

In addition to the audio features, the new update will also bring the newly revamped PlayStation Store, transitioning the feature from an online storefront to a native PS3 application, which Sony says will enable customers to "more easily and quickly locate and purchase games, and download demos, game videos, Blu-ray movie trailers and other game-related content for PS3.""

- Engadget HD took a look at the PS3's new BD-Live finctionality add in the v2.20 firmware:

"Okay, so we dutifully updated our PS3 software to version 2.20, and took it for a quick spin. Granted, the removal of portable copy from the release lowered our expectations, but we really wanted to see what BD-Live is all about. During the install, we got a dialog to "... allow Internet connection from BDs" that got our attention. Hello, BD-Live! The number of discs with BD-Live content makes for slim pickings, but we popped in a copy of "War." We uncovered the BD-Live enabled version of "Yakuza Fighter." It's without a doubt, the lamest game ever to grace our PS3: you set a sequence of moves and then pit your sequence against the other player. Once you're done, your scores and moves can be kept associated with your online profile for future fights. Think "scripted rock-paper-scissors" here. Even more disappointing is that we found it impossible to get the "Resume play" function to work with this title. The feature did work just fine on other discs, however, and is a welcome addition to our fragmented lifestyle. We'll hold off on a verdict until more BD-Live content becomes available, meanwhile perhaps we'll try to grab a copy of the other BD-Live disc, Saw IV, and see if the BD-Live yawn-fest continues."

PlayStation Store Relaunches Mid-April

- SCEA have announced that the PlayStation Store is getting a facelift and will be relauunched in mid-April via firmware update. Meanwhile there will be no new content added, but all current downloads are still available. More here.

Homebrew on Firmware v2.20?

- Word is that Dragula96 has found a hack to get homebrew running on PS3 with firmware v2.20:

PS3 NAND Dump Extractor/Unpacker Released

- Mainman has released the PS3 NAND Dump Extractor/Unpacker that has been in the works for awhile! It comes with a Windows and Linux binary as well as source code, and those without an Infectus Mod can still experiment with it using flash dump files via PS3 Infectus.

PSP Firmware v3.80 and PS3 Firmware v2.10

- A little old this one, but from Joystiq:

"OK, Mr. Big Shot, so you already knew about the new, DivX-sporting PS3 firmware 2.1 going live today. But that's only because you read Joystiq. Never forget: We gave you that knowledge, and we can take it away. ... OK, so we can't do that. But we're working on it.

Perhaps a little more of a surprise for fans of Sony's small screen is the news that PSP firmware 3.80 has also appeared for you to download and enjoy. Most significant in this update is the new Internet Radio feature, which Sony says provides access to thousands of stations. The set-up instructions are pretty specific though, you can check them out after the jump."

Read - PSP Firmware 3.80 is live
Read - Firmware update (v2.10)

- Joystiq continues:

"DivX for the PS3 and internet radio for the PSP weren't the only treats buried in this morning's latest Sony firmware updates. Nope, they've got a little something special for those of you rocking both of Sony's latest consoles: PS1 games are now playable via Remote Play. What does that mean to you, Joe Gamer? You can download PS1 games on your PS3 through the PSN Store but, instead of swapping games on and off your no doubt ballooning Memory Stick, you can stream them straight from the PS3. You can also leave your favorite PS1 game in the drive and Remote Play that, if digitally distributed media ain't your thing.

Coupled with the PS3's recently acquired Remote Start capability and the PSP's internet-enabled Remote Play functionality, you can tap into that library of PS1 games at home from anywhere in the world. That's a pretty exciting feature ... but, there is one shortcoming: when's that library of PS1 games coming?"