PlayStation 3 gets firmware upgrade

Update: Sony has suspended the 2.40 upgrade, following reports that it has fouled up some PS3 systems (see Joystiq for more). While the two PS3s we have here at CNET were able to install the update with no adverse effects, it appears that some users were considerable less fortunate.

The 2.40 firmware update for the PlayStation 3 is now available. The free update, which Sony has been talking up for the past several days, adds a smattering of new features, including in-game access to the XMB (Cross Media Bar) home screen, custom soundtracks, a new trophy system, and a shortcut to Google searches.

The new features carry a host of caveats: the in-game XMB, customized soundtracks, and trophies aren't supported on all games; in-game XMB features are fairly limited; and the trophy system (with the a few exceptions) won't be retroactive to already-accomplished goals.

Trophies, for instance, are better viewed as a feature that will begin becoming more useful as future games begin supporting the feature. That said, both the trophy system and in-game XMB help the PS3 better compete with the achievements and Xbox Live or Xbox Dashboard features offered by the Xbox 360.

PS3 users will also notice a handful of other simple but useful touches with this update, including an on-screen clock, a quick shutdown icon, and a shortcut to Google searches. And speaking of the PS3's browser: while it's not new for 2.40, it's worth noting that the Web browser splash screen now includes shortcuts to YouTube, Flickr, and Facebook.

So what do you think? Does the 2.40 update add some worthwhile features to the PS3, or does the Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii still have an edge? And what other features would you like to see come in future PS3 software upgrades?

PlayStation.com: Firmware 2.40 walk-through, part 1 (embedded above)
PlayStation.com: Firmware 2.40 walk-through, part 2
PlayStation.com: Firmware 2.40 FAQ

[mmntech]

I played around with it a bit this morning and found the in-game XMB feature to be pretty useless. The video made it sound like I'd be able to play all my own music and adjust all my settings from within any PS3 game. In both Gran Turismo 5 and Uncharted, I got a message saying "music content cannot be played during use of this game." So it seems the games themselves have to support custom soundtracks. Also, I found you could only adjust settings for Accessories like Bluetooth headsets in game. Finally, in-game XMB doesn't work with PS1 and PS2 games. The only thing it really adds is chat in game but since I don't play online often, it's of no use to me. The only real useful thing for me version 2.4 added was a clock.

[planblove]

Good updates. And yes the publisher of a particular game will probably have to put out a patch or something to have older games support some of these features. All future releases will support them from the beginning.

[chrkeller]

Any idea what games previously released games will feature trophies?

[veracity88]

warhawk and pixeljunk eden and also littlebig planet

Veracity88 psn

[RRosal]

Looks like the firmware 2.40 update has been pulled (hopefully temporarily) by Sony. Anyone attempting to update via the PS3 will be informed that they have the latest firmware (if they're up to FW2.36) and the web page with the update will display as Page Not Found. Although I can't verify the authencity of this, I've heard that some 60GB PS3 owners were getting bricked units after they installed the update. Guess we'll find out soon enough...

[ev61]

I have a working, 2.40 60GB PS3 (6/01/07 purchase date). No issues updating for me.

[masonkid1]

i just wish that in game music would work with older games like Warhawk and COD4. It probably could because you can easily turn off the game's music then substitute your own for it.

[madcow06]

ITs been bricking a lot of systems apparently, the only two ppl I know who have ps3's had this problem.

[Macajuel]

I've got a 60Gb PS3 purchased 8/29/07 running fine so far with 2.40. I haven't really put any of the new features to the test yet but my system runs fine so far.

[hagosrush]

This XMB is GREAT! If only something other than messaging in game was available during game play. Have you tried to play music while playing a currently owned game? Yeah...you cant do that...what is the purpose of this if you cannot override the games built in music. Some of it is just plain garbage. But whatever Sony, it's just another you promised and the consumer has to wait a few years before you implement your promises...sound familiar Apple (copy & paste on the iphone) - bunch of morons?

[veracity88]

yea no lie but the update got me hyped thinking i can play music while also playing games but i just got informed that in order for the games to play music there is a patch that the games is going to have to be downloaded

[Deacon_s]

My 60gig Playstation , messed up after I updated to 2.50. Problems with the HDMI and video.. PLease HELP, If anyone knows how to fix...