Firmware 2.36 for the PlayStation 3 is now available to download. According to Eric Lempel, Director of PSN Operations, the minor firmware update improves system stability when playing PlayStation format software titles. In addition to announcing Firmware 2.36, Lempel also confirmed that PS3 Firmware 2.40 will include XMB access in-game, as well as the "trophies" feature. A release date for Firmware 2.40 has not been set but we can expect a post on the PlayStation.Blog closer to the time. As for the other speculated features, nothing official was mentioned.

Official PlayStation.Blog Post by Eric Lempel:

"A new PLAYSTATION 3 firmware update (v2.36) will be launching soon, improving system stability when playing select PlayStation format software titles. We’re also happy to officially report that the 2.40 system software update for PS3 will include "XMB" access in-game. The update will also include "trophies," an exciting new feature that we’ll be providing more details on soon, as well as some other new enhancements. We’ve talked about some of this on the blog previously and know that many of you can’t wait to get your hands on these features. You can expect us to share all of the official details shortly."

So far, Sony has not confirmed what will be included in PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.40 so any information related to this firmware update is just speculation and wishful thinking. Since our last post on Firmware 2.40 features, a number of new speculated features have surfaced, this includes almost complete access to the XMB while in-game. This means you will be able to play music while in the middle of a game, in addition to messaging buddies and changing various settings. See an updated list of speculated features below, as well as a video of in-game XMB taken from a debug PS3 machine.

Updated feature list:

• Access XMB in-game (including messaging, videos, music, photos, settings, network menu)
• 2D trophies from the XMB (supported titles only)
• Video coding and groundwork for the Movie Store
• Video/Image capture support (take videos and screenshots of gameplay)
• Time and Date on XMB (like PSP)
• PSN Store search feature
• Multiple PSN logins for multiplayer games

Most of these feature are speculation only so don’t get your hopes up until there is an official announcement from Sony, usually on the PlayStation Blog. The release date for Firmware 2.40 has not been set yet, though it is rumored to arrive towards the end of June or beginning of July.

In-game XMB Preview:

This week’s PlayStation Store update is now live. Europe and the US have both received the Enemy Territory Quake Wars playable demo, but Europe has also received another new playable demo. Both stores have new add-on content and new downloadable games. The US store has received a much bigger update than Europe this week with many more videos and trailers. This week’s update also includes new XMB themes and wallpaper for both stores. Check out the complete list below.

European Additions:

• Playable Demos
  
  • Enemy Territory Quake Wars
  • Monster Madness: Grave Danger
• Downloadable Games
  
  • Ape Quest Full Game (£6.99)
• Game Add-on Content
  
  • Guitar Hero – Isle of Wight Track Pack (£3.99)
• Video
  
  • Haze Korn Interview #1
  • Haze Korn Interview #2
• Wallpapers
  
  • PixelJunk Monsters Bee Wallpaper
• Themes
  
  • PixelJunk Monsters Rainbow Theme

US Additions:

• Playable Demos
  • Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars Demo
• Downloadable Games
  • Syphon Filter 3 ($5.99)
• Game Add-on Content
  • Army of Two: Veteran Map Pack presented by Pontiac
  • Guitar Hero III: Isle of Wight Festival Track Pack ($6.25)
  • Rock Band
    
    • "Girls Who Play Guitars" – Maximo Park ($1.99)
    • "Bullets & Guns" – Them Terribles ($0.99)
    • "Moving to Seattle" – The Material ($0.99)
    • "A Clean Shot" – The Myriad ($0.99)
    • MTV2 Pack 01 ($2.99)
• Game Videos
  • GameTrailers TV – Resistance 2 Teaser
  • Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots "Theatrical" Trailer
  • Kung Fu Panda Launch Trailer
  • Fatal Inertia EX Phoenix Trailer
  • FIFA Interactive World Cup 2008
  • Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Leader’s Quotes Trailer
  • Hail to the Chimp: Inshellitron
• Movie and Blu-ray Trailers
  • Hancock Trailer 2
• PS3 Themes
  • Metal Gear Solid 4 Theme
• PS3 Wallpaper
  • PixelJunk Monsters Soundtrack Wallpaper

The first episode of Qore is now available to download from the US PlayStation Store in this week’s update. The US has also received three new playable demos, two new downloadable games and lots of new game add-on content. As for Europe, the update is much smaller with two new playable demos and only one new downloadable game. The European update also includes new game add-on content, videos and a new XMB theme. Check out the list below.

European Additions:

• Playable Demos
  • Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit
  • Battlefield Bad Company Demo
• Games
  • Tom Clancy s Rainbow Six (£3.49)
• Game Add-on Content
  • Motorhead Track Pack (£3.99)
  • Toy Home: Second Gear Pack (£2.99)
• Videos
  • Top Spin 3 Debut Trailer
  • Resident Evil 5 Trailer 2
• PS3 Themes
  • God of War theme

US Additions:

• Qore Digital Magazine, June 2008 ($2.99 Issue, $24.99 Annual Subscription)
• Playable Demos
  • Civilization Revolution Demo
  • Battlefield: Bad Company MP Demo
  • NASCAR 09 Demo
• Downloadable Games
  • Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 ($9.99)
  • NOVASTRIKE ($9.99)
• Add-on Game Content
  • Guitar Hero III – GOW Add-On
  • Guitar Hero III: Motorhead Track Pack ($6.25)
  • Rock Band
    • "Perfect Insanity" – Disturbed ($0.99)
    • "Inside the Fire" – Disturbed ($0.99)
    • "Indestructible" – Disturbed ($0.99)
    • Disturbed Pack 1 ($2.99) – includes "Indestructible," "Perfect Insanity," and "Inside the Fire"
    • "Volcano" – Jimmy Buffett ($1.99)
    • "Margaritaville" – Jimmy Buffett ($1.99)
    • "Cheeseburger in Paradise" – Jimmy Buffett ($1.99)
    • Jimmy Buffett Pack 01 ($5.49) – includes "Margaritaville," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and "Volcano"
• Game Videos
  • Guitar Hero III – God Of War Add-On
  • Resident Evil 5: Spring Trailer 2008!
  • Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 Trailer
  • LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures launch trailer
  • Dead Space Story Trailer
  • Fracture Trailer
  • Fracture Behind the Scenes "Story"
  • Hail to the Chimp: 3:00 AM
• PS3 Themes
  • Retro Theme
• Game Music
  • God Of War "The End Begins" Music Track

SCEA has today announced that Qore, Presented by the PlayStation Network, a highly interactive, monthly lifestyle gaming program covering the world inside PlayStation is on its way to PS3. Qore has been developed to give PS3 users early access to game related content at a level of quality, interactivity and depth. The program will be available in high-definition format and will allow subscribers access to exclusive news, developer interviews, in-depth game previews, behind-the-scenes look at games, exclusive access to game demos, special beta invitations, game add-on content and more. The first episode will be available to download in this week’s PlayStation Store update.

Each episode will cost $2.99, or you can subscribe annually for $24.99 and receive 13 episodes. The program will download under the [Game] menu on the XMB, and can be purchased just like buying a game from the PlayStation Store. If you choose to subscribe annually, new episodes will automatically appear on your download list.

[Via: PlayStation.Blog]

3D Blu-Ray movies could be availabe on the PS3 with a single firmware update later this year. Manuel R. Gutierrez Novelo, CEO & President of TDVision Systems has stated that they are "in the process to enable the PlayStation 3 to playback 3D movies using our TDVCodec and Blu-ray discs at our R&D labs since the PS3 is enabled with the BD2.0 version." He also stated that "we have it working on a PC in 3D and after some changes on the firmware and installing some software for the PS3 we’ll be playing 3D directly form the PS3."

Movies not recorded in 3D can simpley be re-encoded using the TDVCodec, which will display the movie in 3D if it is supported and 2D otherwise. Since one Blu-Ray disc can store both a 3D and 2D version of the movie, it makes the technology somewhat backwards compatible. The only obstacle here is to get the major movie companies to re-encode their existing and new titles to a compatible format.

Only a single firmware update is needed to enable the PS3 to play 3D movies, whether on Blu-Ray or DVD format. The company is planning to release their technology for the PlayStation 3 later this year.

[Via: Play3Live]

Earlier this month, we reported some features that might be coming in Firmware 2.40. Recently other news outlets have been reporting similar tips, stating that not only will trophies be available, but full in-game XMB and use of custom in-game soundtracks. According to Gaming-Age.com, PS3 users can expect such features as universal friends lists and in-game messaging. Also it’s been confirmed that Sony already has a title with trophy support on the way. Sony’s Official PlayStation website for upcoming Pixeljunk title, PixelJunk Eden, has been listed to support the new trophy system.

Sony is currently shifting through the PlayStation 3’s library of games in order to see if the XMB is fully compatible or not. It is expected the new menu system, in-game messaging etc will function in all games, though the current black menu screen will likely be retained for the majority of titles. User music is only included in new development tools, which have only just been distributed to coders. Therefore, existing games won’t utilize the feature unless they are patched to do so.

The same applies to the new trophy system; developers have only just obtained the tools necessary to input the feature into their software, so it’ll be a while until they show up in games. Some elements of the XMB won’t be usable in-game until after the next firmware update, such as the photo viewer. Also with the addition of improved Audio/Video communication, it’s safe to say Sony is finally providing it’s users with a better online community, nearing the quality of Microsoft’s Xbox Live.

[Via: PSU]

A small update for Europe this week with only nine new additions to the PlayStation Store, including new downloadable games, new add-on content, three videos and 3 new wallpapers. The US has received a much larger update with many more videos, new add-on content for Rock Band and some new PS3 wallpaper. Check out the list below.

European Additions:

• Downloadable Games
  
  • Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix (£6.99)
  • Rayman (£3.49)
• Game Add-on Content
  
  • Army Of Two Veteran
• Videos
  
  • Super Stardust – Solo & Team Trailer
  • Overlord Trailer
  • MGS4 E3 Trailer
• Wallpapers
  
  • PixelJunk Monsters Wallpaper
  • Prince Of Persia Wallpaper (2)

US Additions:

• Game Add-on Content
  • Rock Band
    
    • "You’re All I’ve Got Tonight" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "My Best Friend’s Girl" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "Moving in Stereo" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "Just What I Needed" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "I’m in Touch with Your World" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "Good Times Roll" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "Don’t Cha Stop" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "Bye Bye Love" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "All Mixed up" – The Cars ($1.99)
    • "The Cars" Album ($14.99)
• Game Videos
  • Top Spin 3 Debut Trailer
  • Battlefield: Bad Company Dev Diary – Characters
  • Battlefield: Bad Company Sweetwater’s Blog
  • Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #1
  • Project Origin Teaser Trailer
  • Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars Projectile Dysfunction
  • Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars Human Juicer Video
• Movie and Blu-ray Disc Trailers
  • Enchanted
  • No Country for Old Men
• PS3 Wallpaper
  • Prince of Persia Prodigy (2)