VG247 is reporting that PS3 firmware 3.0 means big things for Sony fans when it arrives just before Christmas, bringing with it fresh features and the promise of a "completely new system." Allegedly, a massive overhaul is coming to the PlayStation 3, one that can be compared to the New Xbox Experience "in some respects."

Among the potential changes will be a long-awaited "reputation system," where players can evaluate each other. There will also be grief reporting as well, which doesn't mean you tell Sony about how sad you are over Michael Jackson. Instead, you'll be able to take screenshots of player abuse and show the PSN overlords.

The most pleasant bit of gossip is talk about players being able to download patches in the background, meaning one can do other things while waiting for excessively long updates to install. Audiophiles will also be thrilled to hear that simultaneous HDMI and digital optical outputting should also be on the way.

Until Sony confirms any of this, we can't say it is definitely coming, but everything sounds like a good feature for the PS3 and will be welcomed with open arms. As soon as more is said, we shall let you know.

[Update: Sony has commented on this, and is calling nonsense on the whole thing.

"These rumors are completely untrue, nothing has been announced or confirmed for upcoming PlayStation firmware, and this is just wild speculation," Jennifer Clark, director of SCEA product publicity, told IGN today.]