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)

The June issue of the XTREME PSP Magazine is now available to download. This issue contains over 100 pages of great content including reviews of Grand Theft Auto IV and Haze for the PlayStation 3, and reviews of Hot Shot Golf: Open Tee 2 and Echochrome for the PlayStation Portable. Download the magazine from the link below or use the PSP Media Manager to download and automatically transfer the magazine using our RSS feed. You will find the full content list below.

Contents:

• Previews:
  • Buzz! Quiz Master (PSP)
  • Killzone 2 (PS3)
  • Mirror’s Edge (PS3)
  • PixelJunk Eden (PSN)
  • Resistance 2 (PS3)
• Reviews:
  • Echochrome (PSP/PS3)
  • Hot Shot Golf: Open Tee 2 (PSP)
  • Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3)
  • Haze (PS3)

[Download XTREME PSP Mag i035]

A decent update this week for both Europe and the US. Europe has received two new demos (which are already available on the US store) along with new add-on content for High Stakes Poker, videos, new wallpaper and a new theme. The US has received lots of new tracks for Rock Band, the sound track to PixelJunk Monsters and lots of new videos and trailers. Check out the list of both stores below.

European Additions:

• Playable Demos
• Bourne Conspiracy
• Iron Man
• Game Add-on Content
• High Stakes Poker – Video Chat Add-On
• Videos
• Haze song Korn video clip
• High Stakes Poker Trailer
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Play Compilation Trailer
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Introduction: Kaz Hirai
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Play brings us together
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Play is full throttle
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Play has no limitations
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Play is a thousand stories
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Play is unexplored
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Play is moving lips, hips
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Summary: Play
• PlayStation Day Trailers – Play is hiding and waiting
• Movie Trailers
• Indiana Jones 4, Paramount Pictures
• Wallpapers
• Pixeljunk Monster Encore Wallpaper
• EchoChrome Wallpaper
• PS3 Themes
• Pixeljunk Monster Encore Theme

US Additions:

• Game Add-on Content
  • Rock Band
    • "Beetlebum" – Blur ($1.99)
    • "Countdown to Insanity" – H-BlockX ($1.99)
    • "Hier Kommt Alex" – Die Toten Hosen ($1.99)
    • "Hysteria" – Muse ($1.99)
    • "Manu Chao" – Les Wampas ($1.99)
    • "Monsoon" – Tokio Hotel ($1.99)
    • "New Wave" – Pleymo ($1.99)
    • "Perfekte Welle" – Juli ($1.99)
    • "Rock ‘N’ Roll Star" – Oasis ($1.99)
• Game Music
  • PixelJunk Monsters Album
• Game Videos
  • Siren: Blood Curse Debut Trailer
  • GRID CGI Trailer
  • Battlefield: Bad Company: Find All Five – Recon Kit
  • Battlefield: Bad Company: Find All Five – Support Kit
  • Brothers in Arms: Hells Highway – Wasn’t Supposed to Happen
  • The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian The Video Game Trailer
  • Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars Launch Trailer
  • Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars Team Play Behind the Scenes Video
• Movie and Blu-Ray Disc Trailers
  • National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets
  • Untraceable
  • First Sunday
• PS3 Themes
  • Graffiti Theme
  • High Velocity Bowling Theme (3)

As usual, the rumor mill is in overdrive regarding the next PlayStation 3 firmware update. Ray Maguire mentioned that firmware 2.40 will feature in-game communication. Recently, announcement of PixelJunk Eden mentioned a XMB trophy feature. While the above features seem pretty much confirmed, there are some that are unconfirmed. Check out the list below and judge for yourself. The firmware is expected to hit before the release of Metal Gear Solid 4 out on June 12th.

Firmware 2.40 features:

• Access XMB chat features in-game
• 2D trophies from the XMB (70% of titles will support this feature)
• Video coding and groundwork for the Movie Store (out September)

This week’s PlayStation Store update is quite big one for both Europe and the US. The European PlayStation Store has received a new playable demo and two new full games, whereas the US has received two new playable demos. The PixelJunk Monsters Encore pack is now available to purchase in Europe and both stores have received new characters for Everybody’s Golf World Tour. This week’s update also has several new videos, XMB themes and wallpapers. Check out the full list below.

European Additions:

• Playable Demos
• Overlord Raising Hell Demo
• Full Games
• Dark Mist (£4.99)
• Command & Conquer Red Alert (£3.49)
• Game Add-on Content
• Pixel Junk Encore Pack (£1.99)
• Everybody’s Golf World Tour
  • Gloria Pack (£0.69)
  • Alex Pack (£0.69)
• Videos
• Dark Sector Launch Trailer
• Welcome to Paradise City! The Ultimate Driving Playground
• Brothers In Arms Hell s Highway Trailer
• Burnout Paradise Accolade Trailer
• Haze TV Ad
• Wallpapers
• Overlord Wallpaper (5)
• Themes
• Warhawk
  • Eucadian
  • Operation Broken Mirror
• Eye Of Judgment
  • Spellbound
  • itadel
• Pain
  • The Dude Theme
  • ED T Bone
  • Ice T Theme
  • Jarvis Theme
  • Cookie Theme
  • Ginger Theme
  • Hung Lo Theme
  • Muffy Theme
  • Santa Theme
  • Scurv Dogg Theme
• Overlord Theme

US Additions:

• Playable Demos
  • Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit Demo
  • Overlord Raising Hell Demo
• Game Add-on Content:
  • Hot Shots Golf New Characters
    • Gloria – Expert Skill Level ($0.99)
    • Alex – Intermediate Skill Level ($0.99)
  • Rocketmen: It Came From Uranus!
  • Rock Band
    • "Kool Thing" – Sonic Youth ($1.99)
    • "Train in Vain (Stand by Me)" – The Clash ($1.99)
    • "Hanging on the Telephone" – Blondie ($1.99)
    • "Shockwave" & "Sugar Magnolia" are reduced to $0.99 for a limited time.
  • Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore Downloadable Songs ($1.49 each)
    • " Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" – The Police
    • "More than Words" – Extreme
    • "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" – Tony Bennett
    • "Build Me Up Buttercup" – The Foundations
    • "Can’t Help Falling In Love" – Elvis Presley
    • "Easy" – The Commodores
    • "Let’s Stay Together" – Al Green
    • "Wide Open Spaces" – Dixie Chicks
    • "Drift Away" – Dobie Gray/Uncle Kracker
    • "I Walk the Line" – Johnny Cash
    • "Celebration" – Kool & The Gang
    • "Thank You" – Dido
    • "I’ll Be" – Edwin McCain
    • "Uptown Girl" – Billy Joel
    • "Heaven" – Los Lonely Boys
    • "I’m With You" – Avril Lavigne
    • "Rock and Roll All Night" – Kiss
    • "Sweet Home Alabama" – Lynyrd Skynyrd
    • "Here Without You" – 3 Doors Down
    • "When I’m Gone" – 3 Doors Down
    • "Truth Is" – Fantasia
• Game Videos
  • NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Storm Announcement Trailer
  • MK vs. DCU Gamers’ Day Trailer
• Blu-Ray and Movie Trailers
  • Pineapple Express Red Band Trailer
  • Saawariy
• PS3 Themes
  • HAZE Theme
  • Overlord Raising Theme
  • echochrome Theme
• PS3 Wallpaper
  • Overlord Raising Wallpaper (5)

A new firmware update for the PlayStation 3 is now available to download. According to Eric Lempel, Director of PSN Operations, the minor update is to "improve stability of some PS3 titles". However, for those expecting this update to fix their GTA IV problems will be disappointed. Over at the PlayStation Blog, Al de Leon says, "this upcoming firmware update isn’t related to GTA IV." But fear not, de Leon also states: "For those of you who may still have an issue playing the game [GTA IV] on your PS3, we have identified a solution that should resolve the issue."

Other than improved game stability, no other changes are present in this firmware update. Look out for another firmware update in coming weeks to address the GTA IV freezing problems.