Sony delivering a double-whammy with two firmware updates for both the PS3 console and PSP hand held. Firmware 1.90 includes these updates:
I also noticed you’re no longer required to connect the controller via USB when performing the update. Check back for additional details and a download when official word (at the PlayStation website) is made.
Download: PS3 1.90 FW Update
Update: According to Eric Lempel, PlayStation Network Operations Director, there will be no in-game MP3 playback just yet… But here’s official word of what firmware 1.90 will consist of:
Customization is one new feature: you can now personalize the wallpaper on your XMB with a photo. When viewing a photo, simply bring up the options screen by pressing the triangle button and selecting “set as wallpaper” from the options displayed. Additionally, you can now change the order of the games displayed under the game icon on the XMB.
Another new feature focuses on added communication elements: When you’re sending messages to friends on PLAYSTATION Network, you can now use emoticons. We’ve added a bunch of emoticons that can be easily accessed from the virtual keyboard. Also, another cool addition is, when an avatar is displayed during voice/video chat, the avatar will move in response to audio.
Finally, on the more technical side, you can now play AVCHD videos saved on a Memory Stick or digital video camera, and we’ve added the ability to upscale audio CD output from your PS3. Now, there are two requirements for this feature: the device you’re outputting to must support a sampling frequency of 88.2 kHz or 176.4 kHz, and your PS3 must be connected to that device with an HDMI cable or digital optical cable.
Oh, and one more thing: you can now eject discs using your controller by selecting “Eject Disc” in the options menu after you push the PS button.
Several other minor options will be included in 1.90 including a few new display options that will allow you to adjust your display while playing PlayStation, PlayStation2 and Blu-ray movies.
Thanks John. - read full article -
There have been a few rumours floating around about people spotting a v1.90 firmware PS3 at E3 last week. The best part of this rumour is that some people are reporting this new firmware to include an in game option for your mp3’s. At last the ability to make your own custom soundtracks! Remember these are just rumours and are as of yet unconfirmed. When we find out more details on the v1.90 firmware we will make sure to pass them on.
Update: This was just brought to my attention… (Thanks Daniel)
Could the welcomed $100 price cut for Sony’s PlayStation 3 be temporary? Reported comments from multiple Sony execs in online publications Gamesindustry.biz and Joystiq.com indicate so. The current PlayStation 3 model, which is equipped with a 60 GB hard drive, certainly has received a price cut to $499 and is available at that price right now - but Sony’s recent statements indicate that model is no longer in production.
Weak! Read full article here.
Unfortunately no news relating to hacks, so this is the next best thing… After much talk & anticipation, Sony has finally decided to drop the PS3 price by $100. Console gamers, starting July 12th, can pick up a PS3 for $499.99 USD.
Perhaps more owners will result in more PS3 hacks. :)
