Today is the big firmware update day for Sony. The updates in them selves aren’t big, but Playstation 3 will be updated to v3.10 and Playstation Portable will get v6.10.
PS3 update 3.10 include:
The Photo category on the XMB has been revamped to make it easier to see more of your photos stored on the PS3.
The PSN Friends List has been modified based on feedback we received after update 3.00. Additionally, you can now choose a color for your PSN ID on the XMB.
PSP update 6.20:
Digital Comics Reader – PlayStation Network Digital Comics is a new service launching in December. It will allow you to download hundreds of classic and new comics from the PlayStation Store and read them page by page or frame by frame on your PSP system. Firmware update (v6.20) includes the Digital Comics reader application, which you’ll find under a new section called “Extras” on the XMB. Please note, the comic reader is an additional download; once you’ve loaded (v6.20) onto your system, simply click on the comic reader icon under “Extras” to download it to your PSP. In addition, you’ll be able to try out a free digital comic sample from the service soon. Visit www.playstationcomics.com for more information.
Export video/photo playlists – This is a new feature that allows you to export your video and photo playlists from your PC to your PSP system through Media Go. Download the latest version of Media Go (v1.3) for this and a few additional enhancements.
According to Joytstiq.com the Digital Comic Reader will be available to Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States in December. France, Italy, Germany and Spain will get it early 2010. Japan will get a manga service slightly earlier.
It’s getting closer to the next Xbox 360 Dashboard update. The new firmware will bring you four new services to the Xbox. It will let you use Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune from the Xbox 360 Dashboard. According to Xbox UK the update will come on November 17. Also there will be a public beta end of this month. If you live in UK, you will also get the Sky Player sometime this fall, which will let you watch TV on the Xbox.
If you are a heavy user of Facebook and/or Twitter, now is the time to invest in Xbox 360 Messenger Kit for text typing. I’ve been using it close to a couple of years now and it’s way better to type text than useing the controller.
For an indepth preview of the new services, you can check out Joystiq.com or watch the video from Engadget.com below.
Sony will soon release firmware v3.0 for Playstation 3. It looks like a very nice udpdate. Here is the list of what the update will contain.
“What’s New” – The “Information Board” will be replaced with a “What’s New” section, which allows you to enjoy interactive PlayStation news every time you start the PS3 system. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, “What’s New” displays the latest and greatest game, video, PlayStation Network and PlayStation news and releases, as well as your recently played games, in a sleek, new animated format.
Status Indicator – In the top right corner we’ve added an indicator bar, which displays your user icon, friend icon, the number of friends you have online and a small message icon to let you know if you have any new messages. The indicator also includes a scrolling ticker that features the latest news from PlayStation Network. In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock.
Friends List – Now your PlayStation Network friends will appear in a slightly redesigned format on your Friends List. Also, messages will now be viewable from each of your friends’ respective profiles.
PlayStation Store Shortcuts – We’ve added a handy shortcut icon to the PlayStation Store under both the Game and Video categories so you can access the latest content quickly and easily.
Personalization – Personalize your PS3 with new dynamic custom themes and avatars. Dynamic themes as well as free and premium avatars will be available through PlayStation Store. A dynamic theme takes your screen to a whole new level as it incorporates animated objects into the background.
Trophies – Showcasing your hard earned trophies just got better. Update 3.00 gives game developers the ability to modify how they display trophies for add-on content. Base and add-on game trophies will continue to be combined into a single list so you can see where you stand in a game as a whole. Within that list, trophies will be broken out into subcategories—base trophies and add-on trophies—that way, you can easily view the percentage of your base game trophy collection, and separately track your trophy progress in add-on packs. Look for this enhancement to be included in upcoming games.
Last week Nintendo DSi owner is Japan and Europe could update their DSi to firmware 1.4 (will come to US in the fallUS August 3rd). The biggest news is that you now can upload pictures taken with the Nintendo DSi to your Facebook account. Pretty cool. It’s also blocking all flashcards. You can read more on Nintendo.co.uk.
To update the DSi firmware, go to System Settings and choose System Update (on page 4).
The Facebook integration with the Nintendo DSi Camera is one feature of a new system update for the Nintendo DSi, which also includes other improvements to the technical features of the console. This update is accessed by performing a system update in the System Settings of the Nintendo DSi, which will automatically upgrade the console’s firmware to version 1.4.
The exciting new Facebook integration with the Nintendo DSi Camera allows you to send photos directly to your Facebook stream, where they will be shared with friends and stored in an Album on your profile. A Facebook logo will then appear in the album section of the camera, and a Facebook icon will now be present above your picture. Tap this to immediately connect online to your Facebook account and upload your picture.
The Xbox 360 Dashboard will get a new update on August 11, and will have some new features. You could apply for an early preview and some at Joystiq.com got one and made a video of the new update. I wasn’t able to apply this time since I’m on holiday, but August is not that far away.
