Gamertell

What was Sony doing will America was out voting? Pumping out a new firmware that’s what. That’s right, firmware 2.52 is out now but don’t get too excited, kids. According to the Playstation.Blog, the firmware is only minor and only does two things:

• The playback quality of some PS3 format software has been improved.
• A text entry issue that occurs when using the on-screen keyboard, USB keyboard or Bluetooth keyboard with some PS3 format software has been addressed.

And here you were thinking there was some massive update that was…

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Sony has released the details on its next firmware updates for PS3 and PSP.

While no release dates were given for the updates, Sony expects both will be released within the month. The updates promise to bring in a slew of conveniences and, of course the big one for Playstation Portable owners, the Wi-Fi store.

Click through for a complete list of the upcoming PSP and PS3 firmware updates…

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The PSP refuses to back down despite some claims of impending doom. Today (September 2, 2008), Sony Japan let loose a few details regarding future firmware updates to the handheld. These updates will focus mainly on the networking capabilities of the PSP instead of adding more trinkets to the XMB. Luckily the update will work on all new and old PSP models.

PSP owners will finally be able to access the PlayStation Store without using the PS3’s remote play feature or a PC. Full games, demos, wallpapers and themes can be downloaded straight on the PSP through a wireless internet connection. While this feature eliminates the need for the PS3, another upgrade to the software further expands…

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Another PS3 firmware update has just been released. PS3 firmware v2.42 is more of a technical update than a flashy one. It doesn’t add any special XMB touches or new features to the system. Instead, it makes some PS3 and PS1 games play better on the console.

Of course after the fiasco known as PS3 firmware v2.40, and its clean-up crew v2.41, I’m sure a lot of PS3 owners are going to wait before making the jump to v2.42. After all, v2.42 doesn’t really add anything special. It just makes the console run better.

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If you’ve been afraid to update your PS3 ever since the hard drive destructor known as v2.40, fear no longer. Sony has made good and released v2.41.

Here’s Sony’s official apology posted on its site by Eric Lempel, PlayStation Network Operations Director, after it was forced to pull the previous firmware update:

“Hi, everyone. As many of you know, we released PS3 firmware update v2.40 last week, but had to take it offline temporarily because, for a limited number of users, the XMB wouldn’t display after the update was installed. We’ve been able to fix the problem, and I’m happy to report that firmware update v2.41 will be released shortly.

We want to extend our apologies to the PlayStation community for any inconvenience. Now we’ll be looking forward to seeing everyone online and racking up those trophies!“

The not-so-buggy update features include all those from the buggy version: an in-game XMB (Cross Media Bar, not yet compatible with all games), a Trophy System, some sound and imaging features, web search from the XMB and turn off the system from the menu.

Read [GameDaily] Also Read [Sony] Also Read [MadShrimps] Download [Sony PS3 Firmware Update]

EDITOR’S NOTE: At the time of this post, the Sony download page was still showing v2.36. Even so, this will be the link to the site where the latest firmware update will be available.

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The team behind the R4 slot one flashcarts think piracy is wrong. Well, at least when it effects them. They’ve had enough with knock-off R4 flashcarts, and have decided that, after September 15, 2008, they will change the programing in the R4 kernels so they will only work on official R4 carts.

Let’s say you already own a fake R4 cartridge. Well, you better not update the firmware for it after September 15. The new update will not only not work with the fake card, it will also turn your DS into a very expensive brick. R4’s development team has issued a firm statement that owners of the fake carts who ignore their warnings and render their DS units useless will have to complain to the shop they purchased the fake cart from.

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The July 2, 2008 release of PS3 Firmware 2.40 is going to be a major, mandatory update for PS3 users thanks to three crucial features it will include. Sony really listened to PS3 owners, because 2.40 is comprehensive. It ups the friends list count, allows XMB (Xross Media Bar) access in games and a Trophy system.

That’s right, PS3 owners will no longer have Achievement envy. The Trophy system will act in a similar manner, rewarding players for performing certain feats and allowing them to brag about it. So far Super Stardust HD, Buzz!, LittleBigPlanet, Warhawk, Resistance 2, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation and NBA 09 are a few games which will have Trophies.

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Yet another PSP firmware update has been released by Sony, v3.93. Figures - I just updated mine. This latest update is mainly fluff if you already have your PSP running with v3.90 firmware. All that is new in v3.93 is updated support for some of the Playstation Network games. v3.90, however, did add additional Skype and Internet Radio support to the handheld.

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The Playstation 3 had yet another firmware update again over the weekend, one which didn’t add any new features but does promise better support for online games. Version 2.17 of the firmware’s purpose is to help online PS3 titles run better than they previously did. If you’re one of the gamers who doesn’t take their console online, then this isn’t a crucial update for your system.

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In the Xbox 360’s most recent update (December 4, 2007), Microsoft included the Family Timer. As its name implies, it is a virtual timer you can set to limit the amount of time the console is used.

Certainly meant to make the system even more family friendly, Microsoft conducted its own survey. According to the completely biased, corporate sponsored surveys, 62 percent of the 800 US parents surveyed said they would use a timer and 75 percent “welcome built-in technology or software to monitor the time their children spend playing video games.” Of course, The Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii all have some parental controls in place.

The Family Timer is all on screen through the Xbox 360’s Xbox Live menu. After the timer has been set, on-screen warnings pop up (yay, more popups) to warn gamers that the system will soon shut down. It is supposed to give them enough time to save the game but, as all gamers know, that is not always immediately available. ("Just a few more minutes, I need to get to a save spot, mom/dad/automated babysitter.") Once the timer runs out, the system shuts down.

To get to the timer you go to the Xbox Dashboard, to System, select Family Settings and then select Console Controls. It’s the sixth item down (labelled “Famiyl Timer,” of course). You can set the limits to Daily, Weekly or Off. You then select an amount of time in 15 minute increments from 15 minutes to 24 hours (for the Daily option) and hour increments from 1 to 168 hours (Weekly option).

The Xbox 360’s other settings include limits for Game Ratings, Video Ratings, Access to Xbox Live, Xbox Live Membership Creation and Marketplace and Inside Xbox. These are all part of Microsoft’s “Safety is no game. Is your family set?” campaign which also includes involvement from Best Buy and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

No matter how many of these nice features companies include, please remember that the best parenting is educated and involved parenting. Try all (and I mean all) the games your kids are playing and see how well they play with others. Though the timer will help limit excessive gaming, simply setting a hardcore time limit might not be the best solution for every family.

UPDATE: The timer gives a popup warning at 5 minutes prior to shutdown. Also, the time left is displayed in the Xbox Dashboard, so you can press the Xbox logo button on the controller to see it. When set, it appears at the top of the dashboard in the upper right corner next to a mini family logo. When your time expires, the Dashboard pops up and three options are available: Add More Time, Suspend Time or Shut Down Console. The first two require the parental pass code (a four-button sequence). If you shut down and simply restart the system, you get 2 minutes on the clock.

Read [Loot Ninja] Site [Is Your family Set?] Site [Microsoft]

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