PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.5 Details

Milestone firmware updates are always great. They add functions to our systems that make owning the unit just that much more enjoyable. Well, after gracing us with a Cross Media Bar (XMB), today's PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.50 adds something else we've been looking forward to: in-game screenshots. Furthermore, on top of being able to snap your own shots, there is now an advanced voice chat feature for the official PS3 bluetooth headset. The advanced features include on-screen indicator's of the bluetooth's battery life, volume, enabling a high-quality mode, and muting the device. Enhancements to the Trophy system have also been made to make the interface "more intuitive."

"These firmware updates keep both PS3 and PSP in lockstep with consumer expectations for gaming and entertainment, particularly the ability to download PSP games on-the-go, which is a functionality we know consumers can't wait to get their hands on," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and PlayStation(R)Network, SCEA. "As we approach our second anniversary with PLAYSTATION 3, it's remarkable to look back at how much the system has evolved and improved, including its critical link to PSP that effectively extends these entertainment capabilities beyond the home."

Sony's made it a point to highlight the strengths of the official PS3 headset, which will be bundled with Socom, as it'll provide superbly clean audio by utilizing its dual-microphone design and other advanced features. It's worth noting that the in-game screenshot feature requires game compatibility, meaning that it's at the developer's discretion to issue a patch or work the feature in the game. A list of compatible games will be mentioned soon.

But the enhancements don't end there, as Sony has issued three more features for this firmware upgrade, the last one being a spectacular one, as well. And they are:

Video Scene Thumbs - A video scene search functionality will provide thumbnails to help you find a particular scene in a video more easily.

Information Board - The Information Board will be able to include direct links to PlayStation Store, making it easier for PS3 owners to download content that they read about on the Information Board.

Power save - PS3 owners will have the option to automatically shut-off their console or controllers after pre-selected periods of inactivity.

10/13/2008 Arnold Katayev

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Comments (51 posts)

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Tatsujin
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 11:16:09 AM
Reply

Ben, I just tried to download it and it's not up yet!!! Stop lying to me! lol

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www
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:05:13 PM

It's not out yet, as the headin says it's the "details" n it's Arnold not Ben!

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Tatsujin
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:04:40 PM

I knew that, I was just testing all of you...

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Bugzbunny109
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:18:06 PM

lol sure you were.....

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FeyeR
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 11:21:29 AM
Reply

Im getting the SOCOM bundle and I cant wait to test out the new headset!

My biggest "want" for the Ps3 firmware updates is In game Voice Chat, such as the one the 360 has. It would be really nice to be able to talk to your friends in a single player game, or if your not playing the same game.

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FallenClyro
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 11:23:20 AM
Reply

Screenshots! Yeaaahh!!
Is the update up now?

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Shatterday
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 11:27:51 AM
Reply

I can't wait for the socom headset.
Sounds like it's going to be pretty beast.

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NoMoreWar
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 11:31:21 AM
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after what happened to my ps3 when i downloaded update 2.40, i'll be waiting a day before downloading this one.

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www
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 1:38:18 PM

wat happened?
which type is ur ps3?
Yes,heard some had issues with 2.40,but still not clear to me wat really was the problem?

Cause ma ps3(60gb) has NEVA had no problem thus far,except some freezin once in a while.
All those "gta iv killed ma ps3" complains,i don't know if it's really true, but gtaiv didn't kill mine.

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NoMoreWar
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 2:16:30 PM

60gb. never had any other probs. gta worked fine. but that update caused a fair number of ps3's to fail on restart. it downloaded and installed the update 'normally,' but when it restarted, the user log-in never came up. it would just sit there with the wavy background flowing. sony eventually agreed fixed it for free even though it was out of warranty (actually just gave me refurbed 60gb) because it apparently happened to a significant number of people, but i lost everything. now i use the backup utility all the time and wait a while before installing new updates. don't want to deal with that hassle.

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The_Vandelizer
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:04:12 PM
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Hey Arnold do you know when the Resistance 2 beta starts?

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WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 1:26:05 PM

I heard Oct 17 my friend.

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Schmitty
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:10:27 PM
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Are we gonna be able to buy the official headsset on its own?

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pavlovic
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:31:18 PM

Yes, but you have to wait longer, according to amazon it will be available on Oct 21

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Alienange
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:11:33 PM
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Power save! Nice addition there. I'm going to use that for sure.

Voice chat is the bomb too. But do I need another headset?

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Daedusian
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:15:16 PM
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Great update that's for sure. Power save will really help me out when I'm downloading crap over night. My campus internet is too slow for just about anything so I always end up downloading at night when it's a little faster and when I'm not on the internet on my laptop.

And I don't understand the point of in-game screenshots if we have to rely on the devs to put it into the game. What's the update going to do to with what devs already put into their game? I'm confused. It's just like the in-game music app that came out not too long ago. Why not just make it so if you hold down a button for X amount of seconds you get your screenshot, kinda like you can with a computer, by hitting "Prnt Scrn." Then if a dev doesn't want their game to have it, they just block it... or is that what their going to do...?

Last edited by Daedusian on 10/13/2008 12:16:05 PM

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AntDC
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:24:33 PM

That was exactly what I was just thinking. There's probably no point in getting to excited about screen shots just yet. Have any games been updated so that you can play custom music yet? Considering how long ago that update was made it's pretty limited.

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dillonthebunny
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:17:07 PM
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Resistance Beta should start either friday or very soon after, there was a rumour that it was starting today, but so far nothings up.

and yeh, this firmware isnt up yet, any idea when that will be?

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LegioN
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:20:48 PM
Reply

My bet will be it's tommorow morning/night depending on where you live.

Usually when they give out the details, they release the Firmware in the next couple of days and Tuesdays are a popular day for these things.

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SarahPalinMILF
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 12:58:53 PM
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Can you use the PS3 Bluetooth with your cell phone too?

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Bugzbunny109
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:21:56 PM

yea you can

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BlinkBoy
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 1:19:51 PM
Reply

I will buy the Socom/headset bundle just for the headset. Buying the headset standalone seems much more expensive.

It will probably usable in LBP too, and pretty much every game that have online play don't you think?

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www
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 1:28:59 PM

Dat's exactly wat i am also thinkin...

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Jed
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 9:45:24 PM

ya, it will be like any other bt headset, except much better

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WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 1:28:12 PM
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Hey guys, if the headset is launching this month, and with this update, I think it's safe to say Home is on the way. :)

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Alienange
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 7:51:48 AM

Then I can see your awesome ninja gettup in 3D! Maybe teach me some jutsu?

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souljah92
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 1:52:13 PM
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I think home is coming on october 24th, i can't remember where i read that

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BigBoss4ever
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 2:25:10 PM
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great news!!!

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Zaben
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:01:31 PM
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SarahPalinMILF, Yes.
Souljah92, you read that here.
I also do not understand the significance of in-game screen shots... If they are going to do something in that area, they should make it so we can make our own videos. I'm still not sure if I'm going to get SOCOM. I realllly want the headset so maybe after looking at some reviews I'll decide.

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br0d1n
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:13:48 PM
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cool stuff, updates are always good, but....i'd REALLY like to be able to listen to my own music in-game, and while navigating through menus in the XMB.

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Bugzbunny109
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:25:51 PM
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Arnold, what happened to Ben? I haven't seen any articles by him ever since the "Fanboy" article.

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Jed
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 9:46:34 PM

if you read the article he said he would be off for a few days, give the guy a break.

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shaydey77
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:32:12 PM
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yeah i agree with you there br0d1n. I still dont see why sony dont make there own software or whatever it is for in game music..i mean they sell ipod equivilants..cd players..everything..still its not the worst thing either..,y ipod plays away grand for me..just annoying when my parents call me for sumthing..especially dinner because then its alway cold!!

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dillonthebunny
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 3:57:01 PM
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Bens away til tomorrow...

Snapshots will be cool.. especially when in games like GTA and Mercs 2!!

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JPBooch
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 5:28:18 PM
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I sent psxex a link to a site that alledges Home to be released on 11/17 but there has been no official release date. Perhaps it was alluding to the xbox 360 equivalent being released.

At any rate I'm looking forward to the new update and the trophy tweaks. I ordered Socom with the headset today also, hope it's worth it!

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AceTatsujin
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 6:12:53 PM
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sup Arnold! first time seeing you post!

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sharpiro
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 7:34:26 PM
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i know it would definately out soon. looking forward to the new update.

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bamf
Monday, October 13, 2008 @ 11:27:38 PM
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Power save on the joypads, great, should have been there on day one though. I like the idea of screenshots, why can't it be that the PS3 just snaps a shot of whats showing on the screen just like you would with a PC? why the need for patches?

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King James
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 12:38:35 AM
Reply

powersave mode? sweet!

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tanner1
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 1:33:02 AM
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Good update, however come on sony the latest flashplayer would be nice

Last edited by tanner1 on 10/14/2008 1:33:58 AM

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tanner1
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 1:34:59 AM
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cutting my comments short, downloadin and chargin in standby would b good aswell;)

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im4vivisection
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 3:18:12 AM
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So....I guess once again no new flash player support on our browser? Isn't that some poop. I've really been waiting on that like crazy, i mean, c'mon, no hotmail, or game trailers or *cough* youporn lol had to. Really though, i thought i heard something about this, although i assume it to be a rumor. Update me on this Ben, if ya could thankx!

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 7:52:32 AM

Actually, flash 9 support is included according to MusterBuster's forum post.
He also said it'll be released tomorrow (the 15th)

Last edited by ThePoetRazel on 10/14/2008 7:55:09 AM

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Alienange
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 7:56:35 AM

Same here. Where's my flash playa?

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whooka
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 6:10:29 AM
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Anyone's who's had their console bricked over an update (like me) probably gets a little nervous when they see there's going to be a new firmware release. I don't see how anyone can run out and grab these things right away with their history of destruction (check the playstation.com forums sometime). The worst part is Sony does not allow you entrance to the PSN or PS Store until you've upgraded your firmware which I think they ought to change their policy on. Some of us prefer to wait a few days until the firmware has been tested in the wild to upgrade.

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Alienange
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 9:58:42 AM

Referring to 2.40 ? Your PS3 was not bricked!

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Ultimadream
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 11:43:17 AM
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according to PS3FANBOY This update will include Flash 9

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Maz
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 3:58:37 PM
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That update is great and all but im still in need of in-game music!!!!

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Dingodial
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 4:22:26 PM

Yeah, Seriously Maz. The only game that does the in-game music feature is war-hawk. I wish sony would come out with an update that allowed the music feature on all the games (including the PS2 and PS1 games) without putting the burden on game developers to enable the feature when they're creating the game. The same should go for this "in-game screenshot" feature.

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ThePoetRazel
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 4:43:56 PM

@Dingodial. The reason why Sony cannot implement the in-game music feature in that way has been discussed at length previously. The gist of which is, it is beyond Sony's control.
Also, Warhawk is not the only that has this feature. Burnout Paradise, Wipeout HD, Pixeljunk Eden, High Velocity Bowling and PAIN all currently have this feature. I believe there's a few more, but you get the point.

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FallenClyro
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 @ 6:27:07 PM
Reply

Seeing as Sony can't make in-game music and in-game screenshots work without patches they should make it required for games which come out, like trophies.

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