PS3 2.40 Firmware: Sony leaves a lot out
July 2, 2008 By Daniel
Filed under Gaming, Sony Playstation 3
The Sony PS3 2.40 firmware update is a good step forward for the next-generation games console but many of the features we would want have been left out by Sony is this update, although it’s been said that they are “evaluating opportunities to expand on the new features delivered in 2.40”.
Being able to change the accessory settings is great as it was only a couple of days ago when I was playing Call of Duty 4 and the microphone was set to the Playstation EYE camera, this could not be changed as I was playing a game and now after firmware update 2.40 it can be change just by clicking the PS button. Although you cannot change sound, chat, music and other settings without quitting the game.
While in a game you cannot play videos, music and other media from external hard drives although you can play music from the PS3’s hard drive if this is supporting by the game. Many features that you see in the XMB while playing a game cannot be used and this also includes accessing the Playstation Store. So having them there seems a bit pointless at this time, but as Sony are looking at expanding on these new XMB features we could see more support in future firmware updates.
The biggest feature I feel that’s missed in 2.40 is the ability to voice chat privately while in games, it would have been cool but this is not possible. After moving from the Xbox 360 to the Sony PS3, private chats are the biggest feature I miss.
When you are in a game on your PS3 and click the PS button, you will see the option to invite friends and family to a voice chat has been grayed out, so this is not possible now but the Playstation blog has said, “We are evaluating the opportunity to offer voice chat”. For now you will have to make do with the added feature of private text chats while in games.
What features do you feel have been missed from firmware 2.40 and what would you like to see added to future updates?
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I was really looking forward to private chatting to people in other games while im playing cod4. Oh well will just have to wait EVEN longer.
Feel that is a bit harsh to be honest, they put in everything they said they would put into this update. You didn’t mention that they have kicked off the whole trophy thing and friends’ list capacity has gone up too.
I’m pretty happy with the update, not being able to access the videos or photos ingame doesn’t bother me, the Store I wouldn’t likely visit during a game (and they do allow you to see your download progress), I usually do my Store stuff all in one go after they add new stuff.
The voice chat thing I agree with you though, that is important for them to get out. And I would like cross game invites (a ‘join’ option would be even better).
That is what I would like to see in the next update.
none, its pretty perfect
“Many features that you see in the XMB while playing a game cannot be used and this also includes accessing the Playstation Store. So having them there seems a bit pointless at this time”
Not at all, you are applying XBox logic, and you want it to work like a Xbox. That won’t happen.
The fact that many of these things don’t allow you to access this without quiting a game, is a good thing, as opposed to simply not offering them. Why? Because you can jump from playing a game, straight to the store with a single action. Press XMB, select store, and say Yes you want to exit the game, voilla! straight from game to store in a single action..
I like that concept ALOT…
Like Daniel, being an XBOX Live user I also feel the lack of the Private Chat function is my biggest dissapointment with the 2.40 update. Whilst playing COD4 online for example, I really do not believe that the rest of the players in the session are interested in our ‘matey’ non gaming conversations either during a game or within the Lobby in between games. In fact, when we are in our private sessions we all communicate openly and feely (sometimes too freely!), but then as soon as we enter the open, online world, conversation almost drops to zero….aside from the ‘is Moosehead here yet?’ or ‘can someone invite Rambo1986′?
I hope Sony seize the opportunity to really get the PS Network & PS3 community to a position where it is on a par (or surpass) the XBox Live experience.
Bottom line?? ‘Well done’ and ‘thanks’ to Sony for getting this update out to us, we mustn’t forget this a free service (unlike XBL of course). Just don’t rest on your laurels and stop the development here.
ok besides the fact that was an awful piece or writing…
in a game i can not play videos???!!! why would i want to play a video while i’m playing a game, how much ADD do i need to want that and most of the other things complained about here. and you know what if its on an external drive then play it on something else. i can’t even believe i’m defending sony but really, this is just a crap article.
Response to r.decline..
And I’m afraid that is a ‘crap’ (as you put it) response.
Just for starters, there are two shift keys on your keyboard which you could make some use of, so please think twice before criticising other’s ability to write an article. If anything, it would seem more appropriate if you just left your Caps Lock on as it would appear to suit better your style (ahem) of communicating.
Unlike you, at least Daniel prompted a discussion.
And in answer to your question of ‘how much ADD do you need’….. I would suggest you’ve got just the right amount.
Marco
a fourtytwo inch LG scarlet and some sweet chairs would have been nice, gosh.
PAIN! supports 2.4 with customizable music playlists from your HDD!
Whether r.decline can type properly or not, I totally agree with him (and Mark). There is no reason to want to play videos etc.. whilst in a game, and Sony never promised this.
Yes, private voice chat is missing, but they never said they would add this feature to the current firmware either.
Very poor article imo.