Through Upcoming Firmware Updates, PS3 Gameplay Will Evolve with Advanced
Voice Chat Features and In-game Screenshot Capture, While Downloading Games
for PSP System Will Be Easier Than Ever with Direct Access to
PlayStation(R)Store over Wi-Fi
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer
Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced details of the next
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) and PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) system
software updates, adding new features to both platforms to benefit
consumers. PS3 firmware update (v. 2.50) will include the implementation of
advanced voice chat features for the PS3 Official Bluetooth(R) Headset, the
ability to capture screenshots in-game with supporting titles in the
future, and enhancements to make the PlayStation Trophy interface more
intuitive. PSP firmware update (v. 5.00) will add direct access to
PlayStation(R)Store on PSP, enabling consumers to browse the store and
download games whenever they're at a Wi-Fi hotspot. Both system software
updates will be released this month.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO)
"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."
PLAYSTATION 3 Firmware 2.50 Update
Building upon the foundation set by previous firmware upgrades, the
2.50 system software update will refine existing features while also adding
new functionality. The update will deliver exclusive options to support
SCEA's Official Bluetooth Headset, as previously announced, such as an
on-screen indicator that shows volume, battery charge, and mute functions,
as well as a High Quality (HQ) mode, which utilizes advanced wireless
technologies and the Headset's dual-microphone design to enable clear and
wide-band wireless voice communication with PS3 system. HQ mode greatly
improves the voice chat experience in multi-player titles such as SOCOM:
U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, which will be bundled with the Headset when
it launches at retail this week.
To further strengthen the gameplay experience on PS3 system, the
firmware update will add an in-game screenshot capture tool, laying the
groundwork for developers to add capture and sharing options to their games
and allowing players to immortalize their favorite gaming moments and share
them with friends. Titles that support the feature are expected to be
announced in the future.
The 2.50 update also will enhance the user interface for PlayStation
Trophies. When players acquire a Trophy, the in-game notification will now
include the specific Trophy icon created by the developer, while more
intuitive options for comparing Trophies with friends have been added,
including an icon to represent the Trophy level. The Trophy system will
continue to expand through future firmware updates, catering to the PS3
community and the competitive nature of the more than 12 million registered
PlayStation Network users worldwide.
Other new features delivered through PS3 firmware 2.50 will include:
-- Video -- 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.
PSP Firmware 5.00 Update
As demonstrated at the Tokyo Game Show last week, the PSP firmware 5.00
update will add direct PlayStation Store access to the system, eliminating
the need for PSP to be connected to a PC or PS3 to download content. PSP
owners will be able to download games, demos, trailers, and other
game-related content anytime and anywhere that their PSP system is
connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. This functionality delivers on the
portable promise of PSP, making the device even more compelling for gaming
and entertainment on-the-go.
Additional enhancements delivered through PSP firmware 5.00 will
include:
-- On-screen keyboard -- A full-size, QWERTY on-screen keyboard will be
added to make text entry during Web browsing easier and more convenient.
-- Sleep timer -- During music playback, a sleep timer will enable
users to shut off their PSP system after a specified amount of time.
-- Video-out -- The PSP-2000's video-out feature will be able to
display classic PlayStation(R) format titles at the full-screen size of the
TV that the PSP is connected to; the feature also will support interlace
displays.
About PS3 and PSP System Software Updates
PS3 and PSP systems were designed to continually evolve with regular
system software updates that deliver new features. There's no additional
investment required from consumers, who simply update their systems and can
immediately enjoy the benefits of the added functionality. This process
lengthens the lifecycle of PS3 and PSP, and consumers no longer have to
worry about their hardware becoming outdated or missing out on exciting new
capabilities. SCEA will continue to release system software updates on an
ongoing basis. For further details and instructions on how to update the
PS3 and PSP system software, please visit us.playstation.com.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the
entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console,
the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and
network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and PLAYSTATION(R)Store.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and
develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game
console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 and
the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif.,
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all
North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc.
Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com
"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", "PSP", and "PS one" are registered
trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All
other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
(C)2008 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.playstation.com
http://www.us.playstation.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk
photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Al de Leon, +1-650-655-7348,
al_deleon@playstation.sony.com, or Patrick Seybold,
+1-650-655-7549, patrick_seybold@playstation.sony.com, both of
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
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