The Internet was ablaze with speculation yesterday that the PlayStation Network’s downtime for scheduled maintenance (from 11 AM to 5 PM EDT) meant that PS3 system software v2.40 was not too far in the offing. Now, we have some seemingly concrete details on the update’s release window, as well as the new features it will provide.
A little bird told CVG that we should expect to see the launch of v2.40 in about three weeks. Hm...three weeks...hey, isn’t E3 in three weeks? Indeed it is! Coincidence? I think not. It seems like the perfect opportunity for Sony to show off the update’s feature set and then debut it on the PlayStation Network.
As for what “in-game XMB” actually entails, hit the jump for the full list of features that CVG’s anonymous tipster listed. It includes the requisite messaging functions (view, send, receive), as well as access to commonly-used XMB features like the download manager, friends list, and “system BGM” (background music). Sound-wise, you’ll be able to do things like playing, stopping, switching tracks, enabling repeat or shuffle, and changing volume (five levels).
The much-desired ability to play your own music from the XMB’s Music tab in-game will be there, but there’s no word yet on whether this will only be compatible with future titles. One of the bullets in the list simply says “Game category” -- perhaps we’ll be able to launch different games directly from the in-game XMB menu without having to quit out of the current game.
Sony hasn’t confirmed (or, for what it’s worth, denied) any of this -- hence, we’ve slapped it with the trusty Rumortoid tag for now. But if CVG is right, we’ll soon know how much of this is fact, and how much is fiction.
[Via CVG -- thanks, Adam!]
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Everyone mentions BGM...but honestly I barely use it. The only time I use it is if I am playing multiplayer...it shouldn't be used in singleplayer cause they made music for the game...but that's me.
By the time they polish this out it will be time for a new console. Too bad they havent pulled their resources towards the game side of this system like they have for the bluray side which is great! Well, at least I have a great bluray player-all of this is yet to be seen.
What no trophy support for in-game XMB? That sounds fishy.
@ParaParaKing: Perhaps I should’ve clarified this in the write-up. The CVG article only has details on the in-game XMB access features that will be part of 2.40. They said nothing of the trophy support, which is unrelated to in-game XMB.
Trophies have been confirmed with 2.40, but there was mention of what will be in the in-game XMB since they said it would be "limited."
@Samit Sarkar: But since Sony already announced trophies to be part of the 2.40, there should be a way to access your trophies via the in-game XMB.
All stuff the 360 has had for years...way to go Sony! Is it me or does it seem like Sony is constantly playing catch-up with the PS3, even though they had an extra year to build it?
So far no reason for me to buy one...I'll keep an eye out, but LBP is not a good enough reason for me to buy. Maybe when it is under 350, i'll seriously think about it.
Like gott said, as a ps3-owner I'm not too proud this is coming to us after almost a year, since the other ones just had it :p
Interesting to see no "invite friends" option in there. or could that be what "Register friends" means?
@ BlindsideDork : I'm with you dude, I think that the game music is part of the experience. Imagine Slayer playing in the background of something like the Zelda ending.. totally a mood killer.
Every month the reasons for not owning a PS3 are going away. I'm getting one in a few weeks!
It is taking a long time for things to get going but if you really think about it all any online console really needs is the ability to send messages or chats in-game, game invites and the tweak some settings. Things like bgm are pretty useless. My biggest gripe is that Sony doesn't have its own proprietary mic, the voice quality of BT isn't that great.
Gotta disagree with you Kahjah. The more Sony uses non-proprietary devices, the more options we as gamers have overall. We're not tied in to buying extremely overpriced hard drives, wireless adapters, or other devices, which is perfect. And, when BT X.X comes out, you just patch it in with the firmware, hopefully making the sound better.
so no ingame voice? :( i see voice changer, but ingame voice is still up to the individual devs? :(
just bring it already. enough with the delays. i thought this would be released around the time mgs4 came out but nope.. it of been a nice way to introduce trophies into the playing field with the biggest ps3 game around being released.
I don't see why people want BGM in so much. What's wrong with the music in the game? I don't think I've ever played my own music through my consoles but maybe I'm the weird one
it depends anus theres some sports games or car games that sport corny crappy music and i can see how playing my own music would make it better. skate for example or burnout paradice or just insert any sports title. now i can see not wanting to interrupt a compelling game like bioshock with your own soundtrack but it be nice to have the option around just incase.
YYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!
Fin-fucking-ally, I can play music whilst playing Pro Evo instead of listening to those moron commentators. GT Prologue will be infinitely better with it too.
Assuming its backwards "compatible". Actually, Sony has let Europe down so often, I kinda expect it to be a Europe only addition that 2.4 is actually an in-game ass raping instead of XMB.
hurry up you damn update
About time, nice to have a release window when we can expect it.
This will be cool as some of the feature will be nice.
I must say though: I survived without in game messages as when I play a game I don't want to chat with people outside of my game. When I get a message in game I read it when I am damn ready and done with my game session.
You know how people hang out with their friends but spend the WHOLE time texting other people? Yeah in game messages is like that...lol
Finally, I wont have to quit a game to see a message from friends or see if theyre online.