I think I’m going to use this header image for all the “firmware vX.XX is out” posts from now on.
On Monday, Colette told you about all the new features that would be coming “this month” in Sony’s v2.50 and v5.00 updates to the PS3 and PSP, respectively. Today is October 15th, and since that is indeed in October, it’s safe to say that Sony has made good on their word — those system software updates are now available for download. The PS3 firmware update went live about eight minutes before midnight EDT (I’m basing that on the announcement confirming it from the official PlayStation Twitter account).
The PS3 update brings a litany of additions to the console’s considerable feature set, including: support for the official PS3 Bluetooth headset; a better interface for the Trophies system; Flash 9 support in the Web browser; and power-saving options. The v2.50 firmware also adds the ability to capture in-game screenshots, though like everything else with the PS3 (see also: Trophies, DualShock 3 support, custom soundtracks), it’ll only apply to future games — and it’s completely up to the developer to implement the feature.
Hit the jump for the “main features” as seen in a list shown before downloading the update, and some more details.
[Via el c-blog de shipero]
I’ve downloaded and installed the update; downloading it took about two and a half minutes, and the installation took an additional three minutes. A new addition to the pre-download screens is an option to have the console automatically turn itself off after installing the update. And when my PS3 booted up after installing the update, it gave me a screen saying it was “updating” a “database” of some kind, which took all of five seconds or so. Weird.
Sadly, the Flash 9 support doesn’t quite work. According to various version check pages I visited, the PS3’s browser has Flash v9.0.124, but I wasn’t able to watch full episodes of TV shows (which requires Flash 9) on the Web sites of CBS, NBC, FOX, or ABC — NBC’s site even told me to get Flash 9. Hulu worked once, but the rest of the videos I tried to watch kept timing out (I wonder if that’s my low-strength wireless connection, though).
Still, the update didn’t brick my unit, which is a definite plus considering the debacle that happened the last time the tenths place of the PS3’s system software version changed. Here’s hoping you don’t have any issues either.
Main Features Revised in System Software Version 2.50
The [BD/DVD Settings] option under [Settings] has been renamed as [Video Settings]. Also, multiple video content items can be now played in order. You can set this option in [Video Settings] > [Sequential Playback].
A scene search feature has been added to the [Video] category. You can easily select a scene that you want to watch. This feature can be accessed from [Scene Search] in the control panel that is displayed during video playback.
The [Sign Up for PlayStation®Network] and [Account Management] options have been improved. You can now create and manage an account more easily.
A feature has been added that allows the PS3™ system or wireless controllers to turn off automatically when not used for a certain period of time. You can set this feature in [Settings] > [Power Save Settings].
Published: Oct 15, 2008 07:00 am