Sony has released a program to help you create your own PlayStation 3 XMB themes. The program is a windows command line application and comes with detailed instructions on how to create your own themes. Also in the package are some sample icons and images to help you get started. The process for creating custom themes is fairly easy, however, it does require a lot of graphic editing work. You can download the package below, as well as download three official XMB themes.

[Download Custom Theme Maker]
[Download Pixel Theme]
[Download Classy Pink Theme]
[Download Nature Theme]

UPDATE:

If you are having trouble making a theme, please see our Tutorial. Additionally, the PDF file found in the download archive will also help with editing and creating your own themes. The Theme Creator is a Windows command-line application (it will only run on Windows systems using MS-DOS).

Dark_AleX has released an update for Custom Firmware 3.71 M33, bringing the firmware to version 3. In addition to an update to the custom firmware, DAX has also released a new version of Popsloaded that uses the new firmware. In order to be able to install this update, you must first install Custom Firmware 3.71 M33 version 1 or 2. The same is required for the new Popsloaded. You can find the changelog for both the custom firmware and popsloader below.

Changelog for CFW 3.71 M33-3

• Fixed a bug in access to flash by usb.
• HEN core: kernel prx’s with syscall exports work again.
• PSP Slim: programmers can set the size of user memory to 52 MB by using a sfo flag.
• Check sample in sdk for usage.
• March33 NO-UMD driver:
• Fixed a bug that could hang the psp when exiting with home.
• Fixed compatibility issue with Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles, and maybe more games.
• Vshmenu: it wasn’t displaying properly with psp slim TV-OUT due to the change of resolution. Fixed.

Changelog for the new PopsLoader

• Support for 3.71 and 3.72 pops has been added. Note that 3.71 however will not appear in the list in 3.71 M33 as it is not necessary.
• List of files needed for each version:
• 3.00-3.03: kd/popsman.prx, kd/meaudio.prx, kd/pops.prx, vsh/module/pafmini.prx
• 3.10-3.30: kd/popsman.prx, kd/pops.prx, vsh/module/pafmini.prx
• 3.40-3.72: kd/popsman.prx, kd/pops.prx, vsh/module/pafmini.prx, vsh/module/libpspvmc.prx
• The files must be decrypted. (use square in psardumper). Support for encrypted and packed files is planned for the future.

[Download Custom Firmware 3.71 M33-3 and Popsloaded]

Following the announcement of Firmware 2.00 for the PS3 yesterday, the PlayStation.Blog has been buzzing with talk of no in-game XMB access and other features requested by gamers not found in the new update. Eric Lempel responded to the comments and complaints with "SCE continues to evaluate opportunities to provide new functionality to PS3 on an ongoing basis. New features and functionality have continually been added to the system since it debuted, and we will continue to update you with new developments."

Could this mean that in-game XMB access could come to the PS3 at a much later date or is Sony just keeping the hopes up for games? We don’t really know. At time of writing, there have been more than 700 comments on the PlayStation.Blog, all pretty much saying the same thing. Some gamers are happy with the update, but others no so much.

Post by Lempel reads:

"About the firmware version number – In general, we don’t wait to release new features based on a particular firmware update number. The 1.80 update, for example, was pretty substantial, including important features like DVD upscaling.

That said, this update does include valuable features that consumers have been asking for – such as the Remote Start functionality. Personally, I’m looking forward to using this feature as I’m frequently on the road – and I know a lot of you are too.

As far as other features many of you are calling for (such as in-game XMB) – SCE continues to evaluate opportunities to provide new functionality to PS3 on an ongoing basis. New features and functionality have continually been added to the system since it debuted, and we will continue to update you with new developments.

We do read your comments, and they have helped shaped previous updates – including this one."

[Via: PlayStation.Blog]

PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.00 is now available to download, following yesterday’s announcement. The new firmware adds several new features to the system including the ability to customize the XMB further by using themes, and changing the colour and brightness of the XMB. In addition, the PlayStation Network now has its own category, under which you will find [Account Management] and the [PlayStation Store]. This category will also have [PlayStation Home] once it is released.

You can now create playlists for Music and Photos. The Internet Browser has been updated to include Trend Micro Web Security which can protect you from malicious websites. The option to use Web Security can be changed from the Internet Browser itself and uses a 4-digit passcode for access. The service will be free to use uintil April 2008. Using Wi-Fi and a PSP with Firmware 3.72 or greater, you can now turn your PS3 on or off remotely, so you won’t need to leave it on when you go out.

We’ve had a good look around and found a few things that have been modified but not mentioned in the official changelog. Did you know that you can now arrange your Photos, Music, Videos and Games into folders? You can create and edit folders for any item stored on the PS3. So, you can now seperate your full games from your demos, which makes finding what you want a lot easier.

[See video of Firmware 2.00]

Today, SCEE has officially announced the release of Firmware 2.0 for the PlayStation 3. The new firmware update will be available to download on November 8th 2007 and will include several new features and improvements. The update will allow the PS3 to be turned on and off using a PSP and Wi-Fi and also allows the XMB to be customized further that before. User’s will be able to change the colour and brightness of the XMB and set custom themes which can be downloaded from the PlayStation Network.

In addition to the above features, an Information Board will be added to the XMB to keep people up-to-date with the latest PlayStation news, and Trend Micro Web Security will be added for better security.

“Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB menu screen. Change the colour and brightness with the greatest of ease or have something completely different by setting a custom theme. With the potential for new backgrounds to become available on PLAYSTATION Network in the future, Version 2.00 truly opens up a whole raft of options.

A host of other enhancements includes the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep people up to date on the latest PlayStation news, the inclusion of a new PLAYSTATION Network category and logo for easier navigation and Trend Micro Web Security, a free, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.”

Unfortunately, there was no mention of in-game XMB access or the ability to play your own music in-game. But, lets wait until tomorrow before we jump to any conclusion.

Screenshots:

[Via: SCEE Press]

In a new poll, Gamer Advisory Panel (or G.A.P.) members are able to choose which feature they want to be included in a future firmware update for the PlayStation 3. The choices include In-game messaging, ability to play own music in-game or bigger buddy list and buddy categorizing. Unfortunately, members are only able to choose one option, and it looks like ability to play own music in-game is winning. Could this mean that complete XMB access will not be implemented?

It’s unclear of the poll was created by Sony or G.A.P. but it could mean that one or all of the said feature could be coming to the PS3 in the next firmware update. If you are a G.A.P. member, but haven’t voted, head over to the G.A.P. Member’s Area and vote. We have included a screenshot of the results at time of posting.

As some of you may be aware, the PlayStation Network went down for a few hours yesterday to update various aspects of the service. One update we noticed was the ability to use PlayStation Network cards in Europe. A new option has become available on the Transaction Management screen that lets you top-up your PlayStation Wallet by redeeming PlayStation Network Cards or promotional codes. It is still unclear when the PlayStation Network Cards will become available to purchase from retail stores.

Look out for more news on the release of PlayStation Network cards. Another change to the network was a few new avatars to customize your online profile with. If you have noticed any other changes, let us know by posting a comment below.

The XTREME PSP Magazine is back! The November issue has previews of Medal of Honor 2 and SWAT, and reviews of Worms 2. Also, new to the XTREME PSP Magazine is PlayStation 3 game previews and reviews. This issue includes previews of Assassin’s Creed and Fracture, plus reviews of Stuntman: Ignition and F.E.A.R. You can find a full list of content below.

Content List:

• Top PSP and PS3 News
• PSP Previews:
  • Medal of Honor: Heroes 2
  • SWAT: Target Liberty
• PS3 Previews:
  • Killzone 2
  • Assassin’s Creed
  • Fracture
• PSP Reviews:
  • Worms 2: Open Warfare
  • Medal of Honor: Heroes
• PS3 Reviews:
  • Stuntman: Ignition
  • F.E.A.R.
• Tips and Cheats
• Wallpapers
• Competition

[Download XTREME PSP Mag i028]