3D PS3 in a couple of months?

Sony has confirmed that it will release a 3D firmware update for PS3 consoles ahead of the official UK launch of its new 3D television set in June. The PS3 is capable of 3D through a firmware update even though it's older HDMI 1.3 port was initially not designed for it. Of course, if you are a regular human you probably won't have a 3D TV until 2021 when these will all be quaint retro-games.

The upgrade will enable PS3 consoles to support 3D gaming, with a range of 3D converted titles in development, including Killzone 2 and LittleBigPlanet. A further firmware update to make PS3s compatible with 3D Blu-ray movies will be made available later in the year.

Using the 'active' glasses technology, the Sony BRAVIA HX803 will be the firm's first 3D television set to arrive in the UK market. The product supports 1080p HD 3D pictures and up-converts standard pictures into 3D.

For a limited time, the set will come bundled with two pairs of 3D glasses and a PSN voucher for a free 3D gaming experience. Available titles include the full game of Wipeout HD, a single level from Motorstorm Pacific Rift, three episodes and a tutorial from PAIN and the full game of Super Stardust HD.

Sony has also confirmed plans to film 25 games from the World Cup (including the final) in 3D under a rights deal with football world governing body FIFA.

The electronics firm will stage a series of public viewings for customers to watch the 3D World Cup games, along with running promotional trailers featuring 3D highlights from the matches at Sony-affiliated stores around the UK.

Later in the year, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release an official 3D FIFA World Cup compilation film on 3D Blu-ray disc.

PS3 2.53 Update

A new update for the PlayStation 3 has added full-screen support for Adobe's Flash Player.The update also offers improved support for all Flash-based content within the console's browser.

Version 2.53 of the PS3 firmware was released earlier today and also features improvements to the Power Save settings and improved playback for several software titles.

You will be prompted to upgrade to version 2.53 the next time you connect your PS3 to the PlayStation Network.


Finally, there is a PS3 version of the BBC iPlayer for those UK PlayStation gamers that were unable to access iPlayer on the multiple other platforms it's already been made available on.

Got a PS3? Then direct your browser to the BBC iPlayer homepage where you will be able to easily direct your eyes to the PS3 version of the superb telly viewer.

Now, in addition to other services that have brought your iPlayer to your TV (such as Virgin Media) you can catch up with those thousands of hours of TV you missed out on from the comfort of your sofa.

In other iPlayer news, the BBC claims today that the service has seen over 298 million views to date.

PS3 2.52 Update

Fire up those Internet connections, PlayStation 3 owners. Sony is once again about to indulge in its favorite pasttime - firmware updates.

Over on PlayStation.Blog, they're announcing that the newest update will bring the PS3 to version 2.52, though the actual changes are relatively few and far between. This time around, the playback quality of some of the PS3 format software has been improved, and a text entry problem with has been addressed.

So if either your keyboard or your playback quality were suspect, it sounds like you're in luck. And if nothing else, there's just something satisfying about seeing that little firmware number get a tiny bit higher.

PS3 2.50 update

Firmware Update 2.50 for the PS3 is all set and now ready for download today, 15 October 2008

The new update could be a good one, offering exclusive options for support for official wireless headsets, like an on-screen indicator that shows volume, battery charge, and mute functions.

There is also a High Quality (HQ) mode. The HQ mode helps to improve the voice chat experience.

The best feature for me has to be the new Flash 9 support; this means that you are able to browse web pages with full Flash support. The 2.50 update also has an enhanced the user interface for PS3 Trophies.

Another important feature of the v2.50 update is the ability to take screenshots within the game. Players will be able to snap pictures and send to friends via the PlayStation Network or transfer them to a PC via a local network connection. Unfortunately, not all games will support the feature immediately. "This will be supported on a game by game basis," says Sony. "Please check back to find out which games will support this feature."

Other notable updates include a refined PlayStation Store with a new "redeem codes" option, a Scene Search feature in the Video section and a better Trophies. Gamers can also set the PlayStation 3 to turn off automatically after a certain time frame, and can even allow the console to shut down once downloading a demo or movie has completed. Have friends? Now information will be stored under their avatars, displaying the date last seen online.

Additionally, Sony is updating the PSP system firmware as well. The v5.00 firmware update will add a PlayStation Network icon on the XMB. Now PSP owners can access the PlayStation Store directly without the PlayStation 3 connection. Sony also redesigned the XMB background as well as throwing in a sleep timer option. There’s also a full on-screen keyboard heading to the PSP, a vast improvement over the current multi-character key listing.

Although the firmware updates for both consoles are certainly welcomed, many PlayStation 3 owners anxiously await the PlayStation Home interface, bringing a Second-Life type virtual community right to their TV. The update is scheduled to enter open beta sometime in Q4 2008 with a release date set for next year. In the meantime, let’s hope that this new firmware update doesn’t brick the PlayStation 3 console like v2.40 did back in July.

Only time will tell if Sony PS3 firmware update 2.50 is any good, or if it has any bugs! Hopefully not this time :)