Geek In Me

by Andrew Yoon via ps3fanboy.com

CVG has learned from a shadowy “development source” that the next major PS3 firmware update, possibly 2.5, may include the ability to capture screenshots directly from the PS3. “Exactly how this would be done and what you could do with the shots once you’ve grabbed a piece of the action isn’t yet known.”

The PS3 already has the ability to save images from games to the hard drive, but they must be specifically programmed into each game. For example, players can save low-res images from Metal Gear Solid 4’s camera. They can also save images from replay videos in WipEout HD. Having the ability to take screengrabs whenever will let us immortalize our most cherished gaming moments … and will certainly make our jobs easier.





via ubergizmo.com

PS3 owners, there is a new firmware for you to download - version 2.42 is now available, but it doesn’t look like anything major was thrown into the fray. Apparently, the official stand on this firmware would be “This update improves the playback quality of some PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation format software.” Sorry, don’t expect any groundbreaking features here, but at least it has not yet burnt as spectacularly as the previous firmware release.

by Randy Nelson via joystiq.com

Following months of rumors, speculation, and – most of all – waiting, Sony has officially unveiled version 2.40 of the PlayStation 3’s operating system and XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface. Joystiq got a look at it in action last week and can finally unzip our lips about what we saw.

In a nutshell, the update introduces most of the features we’ve seen floating around as rumors for some time. Here’s the short list of what you can now do without exiting from games:
- In-game XMB (a quick tap of the PS button brings it up)
- View game-specific trophies
- Time / date display
- Send text messages to PSN users on your friends list
- Access accessory settings, such as Bluetooth pairing and voice changer
- View and manage downloads
- Quits game directly from an icon under the “Game” section of the XMB
- Search the web using the Google Search option under “Network” (similar to the latest PSP firmware)
- Launch directly into another game from the one you’re currently playing
- Play music tracks stored on the HDD in games that support this feature
- Access a new on-screen music player interface (when listening to your own tracks in supported titles)