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After yesterdays PlayStation Network downtime, Firmware 2.50 for the PlayStation 3 is now available to download. Amount the new features we noted in our previous article, including in-game screenshot support and improved trophy interface, a few new features have also been released in the update. This includes DivX Video on Demand (VOD) and Adove Flash Player 9. You can update your console using the Network Update feature from the [Settings] Menu. See below for the full changelog.

New account management website:

Changelog:

• Users
  • You now have an option to set the PS3 system to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has been completed. This option is available when you are turning off the system under [Users] > [Turn Off System] while content is being downloaded or installed.
• Settings
  • [BD/DVD Settings] has been renamed as [Video Settings].
  • Under [Video Settings], the [Cinema Conversion] and [Upscale] options have been renamed as [BD/DVD Cinema Conversion] and [BD/DVD Upscaler], respectively.
  • [Sequential Playback] and [50 Hz Video Output] have been added as options under [Video Settings].
  • [DivX VOD Registration Code] has been added under [System Settings]. You must use this registration code to authenticate and register the PS3 system to be able to play video files that are compatible with the DivX VOD (Video On Demand) service on your system. For details, visit divx.com/vod/
  • [Power Save Settings] has been added as an option under Settings. To save power, the PS3 system and Wireless controllers can be set to turn off automatically after a certain period of inactivity.
  • Under [Accessory Settings] > [Audio Device Settings], the method for reconnecting Bluetooth devices has been changed.
  • Under [Accessory Settings] > [Keyboard Type], you can now choose the following keyboard types: [German Keyboard (Switzerland)], [French Keyboard (Canada)] and [French Keyboard (Switzerland)].
  • In the keyboard layout for [German Keyboard], the "Y" and "Z" keys have been switched and the "Q" and "A" keys have been switched.
  • Under [Printer Settings] > [Printer Selection], you can now select printers that support network connectivity. You can also select HP printers using the [HP] option.
• Music
  • You can now select one of nine volume output levels using the [Volume Control] setting on the control panel (or the mini-size control panel).
  • [Pause] has been added as an icon on the mini-size control panel.
• Video
  • You can now select one of nine volume output levels using the [Volume Control] setting on the control panel.
  • [Scene Search] has been added as an option on the control panel.
  • You can now use the [Mosquito Noise Reduction] setting for video content that is saved on the hard disk or storage media. Use this setting to reduce mosquito noise that appears on the edges of visual images.
  • During BD (BDAV) and DVD playback, a technique known as "chroma upsampling" is now automatically selected based on the movement of objects within the video content and then applied to enhance images in the content.
• Game
  • [Sync with Server] has been added as an option under [Trophy Collection].
  • By pressing the PS button while playing PLAYSTATION 3 format software, you can now view information from the [Settings and Connection Status List] option under [Network Settings]. This feature is not available for use with some PLAYSTATION 3 format software.
• Network
  • Support for Adobe Flash Player 9 has been added to [Internet Browser]. "Adobe" and "Flash" are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
• PlayStation Network
  
  • The way to disable the automatic sign-in option and the way to sign out from PlayStation Network have been changed.
  • In PlayStation Store, the design of the [View Downloads] and [View Cart] buttons has been changed, and a [Redeem Codes] button has been added.­

[Originally Posted On: 15/10/08 09:25 AM]

PlayStation 3 Firmware update v2.50 in coming soon and with it comes several improvements and new features. With the release of the official bluetooth headset this month, the firmware update will add new features to support High Quality audio mode. Also, the trophy system will be getting an interface enhancement to make it easier to compare trophies. As for new features, the firmware update will add in-game screenshot support, power save settings for wireless controllers and background downloading features.

Changelog:

• Support for the PS3 Official Bluetooth Headset – enables High-Quality (HQ) mode, which delivers clear and wide-band online voice chat. Plus, on-screen indicator shows battery status, volume level and use of HQ mode.
• PlayStation Trophies interface enhancements – This update makes sharing and comparing your trophies with your friends even easier. On 1st part of the profile page you?ll see a symbol under level that represents level and the actual percentage towards the next level along with the existing level meter. The level symbol carries over to the trophy comparison screen where you will now be able to see your level, your friend?s level and the percentage towards the next level for both users along with all of the game by game comparison information you see today.
• Friend status – Offline friends on your Friends list will have information below their avatars that will indicate how long it has been since they were last online.
• Video – This update adds the Scene Search feature similar to the feature on the PSP. Activating this feature while viewing a video on the PS3 will break the video up into scenes that you can quickly access by pressing the X button. You can break the videos into one, two or five minute intervals. In addition, you can now choose to have all of the videos under the video section of the XMB play in sequence. Go to Settings then Video Settings to turn this option on.
• PlayStation Store – The redeem codes option has been added to the store to make it easier to redeem your PlayStation Network Cards and promotion codes. In addition, PlayStation Network Sign Up and Account Management have been redesigned.
• Power Save Settings – You can now set your PS3 and wireless controllers to turn off automatically after set periods of inactivity. Go to Settings then Power Save Settings to turn on these features.
• Background Downloading – You now have the option to set the PS3 to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has completed. This option is available when you turn off the system from the button under [Users] while content is being downloaded or installed.
• In-game Screenshots – this tool will allow everyone to capture, share and in other words, immortalize their favorite gameplay moments. This will be supported on a game by game basis. Please check back to find out which games will support this feature.

A new firmware update for the PlayStation 3 is now available to download, but it features nothing new for the US or Europe. This is the first time Sony has released a firmware version that only affects a particular region, although it can still be downloaded to US and European PS3s. The update allows content to be rented from the Japanese PlayStation Store. Luckily, the update is optional for Europe and the US so you do not need to update to this version.

The changelog is as follows:

• This update supports the release of rental content on PlayStation Store for the Japan region. Users in the SCEE/SCEA region do not need to perform this update. However, if you perform the update, it will not harm your system.