PS3 2.0 (Finally some Official Information?)

Just recently on the G.A.P. section of the US Playstation site there has been posted a survey for all G.A.P. members. The survey asks:

"Choose which XMB
(Cross Media Bar) feature
would be most important
to you in a possible PLAYSTATION®Network update:

A) In-game access to PSN messaging
B) Ability to play my own music from the XMB while in-game
C) Larger buddy list and buddy-list features such as categorizing"

Now this, combined with the recent PSP update which offers a feature that may only be used with PS3 FW 2.0 makes for a pretty strong sense that Sony is thinking about releasing the update very soon.

Now this also brings up another worrying issue for the fans hoping to get in-game XMB soon. In the survey it asks to choose only ONE of the following. Does this mean that the complete XMB menu will not be available in-game, and just a portion of it will? Let the speculation begin...

Note: Only G.A.P. members are allowed access to that section, so if you are a member, go check it out (and maybe vote too). If you are Not a member, then I am sorry :P

[Mercutio]

yh this is nice, im a member but cant acces it i get an error message, In-game Music for me ¬!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sonarus]

am happy they have plans for it but releasing firmware 2.0 without all 3 would suck.

[kewlkat007]

Everything else I can already do on the 360.

How about "XMB Backround Music" automatically plays when you turn on the PS3?

My modded Original Xbox with "Avalaunch" did this..On another note no need to vote XBL is way ahead in terms of certain functions now just copy and make gamers happy.

I really would luv that...

[mark09]

i think in the end they will have all 3 things, why would you ask people to choose from 3 great features instead of just adding all 3 of them? time restraints is the only thing i could think of.

[C_SoL]

i wanna watch some Gametralier(HD) videos on my PS3.....also how come i can't login N4G on my PS3?

[Mikey_Gee]

I will take A, B and C please.

[monkey602]

For a while I was able to login to N4G on my PS3 but it just randomly stopped working one day, I dont know what happened

[Jen5en]

@1.4

The PS3 can't load Active X objects, for protection I guess. It can see links and such. Besides, Game Trailers are running Real Player I believe and Sony haven't made a deal with those guys.

The browser is good for the casual search on the net, and by not loading everything also protects you from viruses (if there are any for PS3).

But yes, I agree with you. It sucks that only YouTube works. However, you can install Yellow Dog Linux and run Firefox.

[MaximusPrime_]

Thanks for posting the news. im a non-GAP member. :( But it is good to spread it.

[Ri0tSquad]

A) In-game access to PSN messaging - 39%
B) Ability to play my own music from the XMB while in-game - 55%
C) Larger buddy list and buddy-list features such as categorizing - 6%

total votes - 638

whoops someone beat me to it.

[C_SoL]

thats bull..at least their asking

[mighty_douche]

is the caption above the whole thing? please answer!

edit: thanks

[Stray_Wulf]

Not sure what youre asking but in order to vote on the survey (or even just see the survey) you have to be a member of the Gamer Advisory Panel (GAP). To become a member, you just basically have to hope Sony sends you an e-mail inviting you to be part of it. Sony basically invites people that have been in the PlayStation Underground for over a year or are very active in the community.

[Marceles]

In-game access to PSN messaging
39% (240 votes)
Ability to play my own music from the XMB while in-game
55% (343 votes)
Larger buddy list and buddy-list features such as categorizing
6% (38 votes)
Total votes: 621

Edit: I hope they put all 3 in the next update...and the ability to attach videos to messages too

[Meus Renaissance]

What?! I hope Sony ignore that then lol. People should be smart with their voting, you can wait for the music. Besides if you really wanted to listen to it, just put on your iPod earphones and mute the television.

[Sam Fisher]

r u serious y not all of the above wow this is fuking retarded

[Marceles]

Yeah I voted for the in-game messaging since I use that most on the 360...I use the in-game music for the 360 driving games, and I'd use it for Motorstorm and GT5 if it came to the PS3, but it's not THAT important where I would need that update now.

[Marceles]

I looked for that option but wasn't there :(, I hope they deliver on all of the above at once and make everyone happy instead of just adding one and hearing people at the forums say "what? where's the music?? what??? where's the messaging? huh?? where's the buddy list categorizing?"

[bym051d]

No, because if you mute the TV, you miss out on dialogue and sound effects. If you replace the music with your own, you still get all of the sound effects and dialogue.

[mphillip49]

I wish I was a GAP member now. I would vote for in game messaging. I don't have a problem with turning my tv down and turning my stereo up. I have my in game music right there. I have no control over messaging in a game or not.

[Kleptic]

yeah dude is this true?...

the forums and blog is nothing but people wanting in game messaging...I want that the most also...I hope all of this is in an update soon...but I really want in game messaging like 6 months ago...

[LosT---SouL]

and what if you dont have an iPod?

dumbass

[Bits-N-Kibbles]

YOU ARE AWESOME!

I laughed pretty hard at your comment, and also your icon is pretty awesome!

You are cool my friend...

[hardcorehippiez]

and audio would be good to because vista has already messed up my sharing of my music to the pc community. gawd micro you suck - that isnt a dig at the xbox by the way after a rocky start with the 360 the xbox is one thing that micro have done right . i just hate micro and they have shafted a lot of people .

[Meus Renaissance]

I think we'd all like to access the entire XMB in-game but it doesn't seem like that'll be happening anytime soon, so I'd rather access the Inbox if I had to choose. It's annoying quitting game just to read a message and reply. Then you start the game, it loads then you get a reply!

[SmokeyMcBear]

ive always wondered that.. why in the world do you want access to the entire xmb while in game.. you really want to play a video while playing a game? you want to look at your other games while playing a game? You want to surf the internet or go on the playstation store while playing a game? Do you want to change your network settings or look at system information while playing in a game? You want to look at pictures while playing a game?? geez

[Meus Renaissance]

Actually I wouldn't. For example I want to show a cool trailer to a friend of mine but I don't want to quit the game because I've progressed, so I access the XMB and show him the video!

Or I could take a break for a moment and surf the Internet to check my email or N4G.com ;)

Why not?

P.S. No to the pictures, I wouldn't need that personally.

[Arkham]

I think the overall desire for in-game XMB access is a general cry mainly for in-game messaging, buddy-list, and music access. If they roll out the major features in separate updates, that'd be fine with me.

[Bebedora]

In game access to PSN messaging. That's my vote (stupid peeps polling!)

[IamTheStorm81]

Hopefully we get in-game messaging, custom soundtracks and in-game private chat. :)

[SeanScythe]

looks like they may want to know which 2 we want the most. and worry about them then in that order. I say in-game A then B. But I really want B more but I know it's not as badly needed.

[Snukadaman]

heres a idea...why dont you do all three and just make everyone who owns a ps3 happy?

[Bnet343]

but at least Sony is catching up and PSN is free so you can't complain, but then again Microsoft will take a big ass lead this fall with clan support within thew dashboard.

[Sam Fisher]

where did u hear that thats fuking kool and xbox did have this from start but id rather have to pay live 4 a year... sony r making online games seperate to their solo games and r making ppl pay 4 more Warhawk 30 or 40 $ plus nex yr mgs online 40$ (already 80$) and prob more in the future... idk bout u but id rather have a sustaining payment in a yr then having to pay every online game i want in 1 yr

[xsteinbachx]

@10.1

i really have no idea what you're trying to say at all......

[genericname]

hey sam fisher, when you get near a sentence could you let us know...

[dude_uk]

what the hell are you talking about???

HAHAHAHAHA

so u mean that the 40 Dollars that somebody pays for Warhawk goes to sony's PSN division???? LOL

that the lamest thing I've ever heard...

it goes to the game's division, just like MGSO will do but the problem is (and this is where u made your mistake) MGSO IS MADE BY KONAMI.. so HOW THE HELL ARE THE 40 DOLLARS PAID FOR IT GO TO SONY'S PSN???

btw PSN is financed by the IN-GAME ADS we get in our games

[Ri0tSquad]

your a big ol dummy. Your post made no sense at all. Please get off the computer, go read a book, and please please stay in school.

[scheme_a]

No wonder you'll end up being a fugitive.

[Proxy]

You mean that $40 was for the PSN? Well, atleast it's not $50.

Ohh, and did I mention that the PS3 is giving away FREE games now. ($40 was for PSN not Warhawk, thus Warhawk was FREE. Whipee!!!)

[MaximusPrime_]

i would like to have my own music playing, while on the game. I can imagine Burnout Paradise will soon have one.

[BSigel81]

This is really great news, I know the people in G.A.P. say that it is just ok to be a member. But, I really wish I could have been one for the Closed Home Beta. Well hopefully this is that confirmation that Firmware 2.0 is coming this month or the next.

EDIT: Why did I get disagreed, I only stated my opinion, from which I heard from some of my IGN friends about the benefits of the group.

[PS3 Limps on and on]

70K sales a month? I think it's getting close to that time, when it's time for Sony to pull the plug on the PS3.

People just prefer XBOX 360 and Wii. This is embarresing.

[AwRy108]

Pick the one about being able to check Friends List messages while in game! The fact that this isn't already an option--ON THE 8-CORE CELL CPU--is completely f*ckin' stupid.

[-SIXAXIS-]

You have it wrong. People prefer XBOX360 and Wii if they can't buy a PS3. Do a survey if you don't believe me. Go and ask your friends (I mean REAL friends, not the fanboys on the forums) and ask if they would rather have a 360 or a PS3. Most will say PS3. Why? Because there's more power, better games, and they loved their PS2.

[mrlakadaddy]

are a very sad child

[Darkiewonder]

I found the poll lol.

I voted the one that is most likely something I'll use.

In-game XMB is Limited in terms of the idea. ;o

[CrazyJ]

This probably means they have the ability to do both but only the reserved RAM to do one at least at this time. Sony really needs to trim the fat off of their xmb os or use the HD as virtual memory.

[LiquifiedArt]

Why are the Idiots voting for MUSIC. Messaging a buddy in game is Wayyyyyyy more important wtf is wrong with them.

[Marceles]

lol exactly...I hope they don't rely on this poll and ONLY add the music feature, I'd be personally pissed.

[Darrius Cole]

Checking your friends list while you are in game is only important if you play online a lot. People like to forget this but still there are more people gaming offline than their are gaming online.

[SmokeyMcBear]

another thing ive wondered about is the private chat during a game.. im sorry but I literally spend 30 seconds on phone calls, well at least to my friends, and they usually consist of.. where you at? alright im coming over ( or you coming buy?) alright i'll grab a six pack.. peace. Do people really talk a lot during games, like telling me how your day was and $hit like that, i mean im trying concentrate on playing the game for gods sake, and if you are not in the room next to me, i think it can wait if I really need to tell you something, people these days.

[razer]

followed closely by in-game music.

D@mn you G.A.P. members I am jealous! I've been wanting to be a G.A.P. member for a year now and still no invite. (am cry)

[DrPirate]

What the hell's wrong with all these retards voting.

In-game messaging is where it's at, usually games have awesome well produced soundtracks to begin with anyways.

Sigh.... Another disappointing firmware inbound...

[Getembanks]

c'mon sony just stop playing and put all 3 and more features in the next update, jezus its powerful enough...im sick of waiting i love my ps3 it's all i play but it just need sum new features

[jackdoe]

I voted for ingame XMB messaging, but so far, in game music is winning.

[UnblessedSoul]

I hope they don't base it on that poll from a few hundred people lol that would be stupid

[MrWonderful]

i would like to chat in game with friends that are playing different games like i can on 360. d@mnit sony you can do it. my playstation does everything else those features would be nice. Or since M$ copys your doing just copy them but dont make us pay for it.

[Gran_Turismo]

In-game access to PSN messaging
40% (270 votes)
Ability to play my own music from the XMB while in-game
55% (373 votes)
Larger buddy list and buddy-list features such as categorizing
6% (40 votes)
Total votes: 683

[lockload]

Surely 2.0 is due soon it sounds like these features are not even close to being implemented yet, why else would there be a survey now?

[sectionz]

things to add to a FIRMWARE soon before its launch? It takes weeks of programming, testing and integration for even the smallest .x upgrade. These features are in they are just building up how to position it to the rest of the userbase.

[Snukadaman]

this is people have something too look forward too...2.01 ..or maybe 2.02.

[MrWonderful]

maybe they already have it in there they just want to see which one we want more

[Darkiewonder]

about QWERTY keyboard layout.

[-SIXAXIS-]

GAP? Gay and proud? WTF? Anyways, I want in game music.

[pwnsause]

No, small Brain, its Gamer Advisory Panel

[DemiseofPandas]

Yeah definately would have to vote for messaging. Nothing like inviting friends between games. Most people can play music on their computer, sound system, or mp3 player. If turning it down during dialogue scenes is too much for some of you, then man I wish I was that pampered. As DrPirate said above, most of these games work hard on their soundtracks, to fit the feel of the game. Lets show some appreciation.

[ChibiSelz]

sweet music from xmb for me =D voted for the people who are saying its idiotic it a choice im sure well get both

[Equinoxe_7]

Come on Sony we have waited a year now...

[Marceles]

http://img258.imageshack.us...

[Neurotoxin]

Wouldn't`t be at all surprised if they included it all in the next update!

What!!! I can wish. :o)

What I`m Worried about is if all these new features increase the Footprint of the OS which may effect Ram efficiency. I thought they were trying to reduce it?

Ho Hum, hopefully i`m being a Pessimist.

[Equinoxe_7]

I think they are doing the poll for commercials, they are already in, I hope so.

[tk]

Would like all the functions - but I agree with the ranking.
I don't care about buddy lists...
Not really that into the XMB functions in game
Really would like to have my own music in games rather than some of the horrible music that I don't like in some games.

After all - online in South Africa sucks big time... so the music function is something that will actually add value - until we get decent online here.

[d3l33t]

if they are asking it means 1 of 3 things:

1) they have already added all of them
2) they havent started work on any of them
3) they are working on all 3 but it's so hard they need to focus on one

[jonson]

Sony didn't write the poll, the questions & possible answers were all generated by the community (it says so in one of the posts in the main community). This poll has no immediate impact in terms of what SCEA will or won't be doing in FW 2.0.

[Stray_Wulf]

actually the monthly GAP polls posted on the member area are posted by SCE staff. I dont know where you read that the community posted them but thats wrong.

[AllroundGamer]

my friend who is a reviewer already has the 2.0 firmware on his PS3 test kit, and there is no in-game XMB :(

Edit: lovedaddy i hope you are right, but i have a bad feeling, that the feature won't be even in the retail FW...

[6wl]

However that doesn't mean its not going to be in the release firmware - there has been other features disabled or completely missing in the past. For example, all blueray playback is missing from the test kit releases.

On the PSP testkit firmwares, you couldn't ever play MP4 files (but photos worked).

So basically, I'd wait until the 2.00 firmware lands. It shouldn't be long - to be honest, this is the first firmware I can remember where the testkit / devkit release came out before the retail kit firmware.

[Skerj]

If they give me ingame XMB I will be 100% happy with my system instead of 90%, Assassin's Creed will need my custom soundtrack next week!!

[ATLRoAcH]

I can't wait for Assassin's Creed.Luckily I'm a G.A.P. member so I'll vote for in-game music.If its like any of the other Sony polls they'll ask us what we want and give us everything like its a poll just to mess with us for fun.I think we'll get full access to the XMB,clearly they can do all that so I don't see why we wouldn't get all three options.In-game music is what I want the most but I want all the choices.Anyway I can't believe we're just one week away from Assassin's Creed man I've been waiting for it for so long and its just a week away.

[Skerj]

I know!! I've been waiting for this game for so long and it's almost here. I beat Ratchet yesterday and now I'm back on Folklore until next week. Oh yeah Uncharted demo on Thursday woot.

[whoelse]

I dont think these polls are made by any official Sony reps, just forum mods. I dont think it means much.

Those 3 options are the top ones i want in 2.0 tbh. In-game messaging is more important if the buddy list is expanded but still top of my list, the others arent far behind.

Not just buddy list, a whole revision of PSN is whats needed.

[ATLRoAcH]

The G.A.P. is official Sony and the poll is on a page that can only be modified by officials.Its the monthly poll on the main page its official.

[Nightwing12]

I hope your right because i want all 3 choices implemented in 2.0

[xplosneer]

These admins are not affiliated with direct Sony ideas and products. So this is just a poll. I may be wrong. Whatever, I voted for A.

[Frulond]

A) In-game access to PSN messaging - 44% (393 votes)
B) Ability to play my own music from the XMB while in-game - 51% (460 votes)
C) Larger buddy list and buddy-list features such as categorizing - 5% (44 votes)

Total votes: 897

come on XMB messaging ; ; been wanting it for so long, it sux having to quit a game just to reply

[Skerj]

That it does, like getting match invites for Tekken and then getting into the game and not being able to get in the room. I have to leave and tell them I can't get in then they send me the invite again.

[bootsielon]

A larger buddy list and buddy list features. But rather, I'd like HOME now and to be able to access home directly from the game. Hell, give the PS3 a reason to stand on its own without games, a function exclusive to PS3 and one that doesn't have to do with media, but rather, with interactive entertainment. That should be HOME, and I hope Sony delivers. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for that...

[DrPirate]

Everyone: I have a report:

My buddies at a game-testing facility got 2.0 to test for game conflicts.

It does not, I repeat, DOES NOT, have in-game XMB.

Some obvious changes: PSNetwork icon is changed. I'll report more as I hear it.

Don't discount this, I'm a PS3 fan, so I wouldn't try to drag this down.

[dude_uk]

hmmm

why should we believe you???

and by "we" i mean all the users in this site

[DrPirate]

Ok, so don't believe me.

But know this: I have absolutely no interests in lieing, and I don't think it's funny to watch people go crazy when you tell them something.

This is what my friend has told me, he has fed me insider information for a long, long time. But, as someone above said, this is the frist time a Firmware has been available to testers before retail (They were always behind), and debug firmware is also slightly different.

[AllroundGamer]

as i mentioned before, my friend game reviewer said the same to me, also they added the PSP like themes in the 2.00.

[Bull5hifT]

they will give us the least requested and so on and so on.......just in case they manage to hack the system they'll have somthing we want to dangle in front of us to make us upgrade' just in case
DUH'

[Sevir04]

should have there heads chopped. if they want harddrive music access then get a 360. Messaging and ingame XMB was something the PS3 should of had from the get go. the PSP a less powerfull machine from them has been doing this since it launched in 2004, why cant it's 2006 launched releative who has an update XMB not function 100% like it's less powerfull and old relative is being me.

they shouldn't be giving people a chance to vote. they should just implement the damn thing and move the frig on with another Firmware. quite foolish of Sony if you ask me.

[ATLRoAcH]

Doesn't have in-game XMB.I'm pretty sure none of them do.

[Skerj]

UH the PS3 XMB has more multitasking features than the PSP does and neither has ingame XMB music. The PSP DOES however allow your own music to be played off the memory stick but it's dependant on the game to allow that. In game music helps me add my own atmosphere to the game and I actually use it all of the time on the PC and 360, so I'd like to do the same thing on the PS3 since that's my primary set top media center as well now.

[xplosneer]

PSP couldn't even do photos and music at the same time until like version 3.71. Seriously.

[Sevir04]

the PSP had that function all you had to do was press the select button while playing your games and the xmb would pop right up. and the game would Pause. and the screen would dim as the xmb became bright. youi all must not have fiddled with the psp enough

[fenderputty]

I don't give a rats arss about messaging people ingame. I hardly message people as it is.

[PANDADjCK]

In game messeaging people PLEASE!!!!!!

[DJ]

I hate quitting a game just to find out what someone wrote me. In-game music can wait.

[stennexxx]

Went to the site i think XMB access will be available for in game play. But its not a big deal. I actually hate wen i am in the middle of an intense for e.g. COD4 and people are texting me. Bluetooth serves me well i rather talk than type. Who really has the time to type and play these games at the same time. My buddies already see that i am busy playing the game. Music gets old especially EA tracks so playing my own, would really be cool. Anyway once Home is finally released who will care about the XMB anymore. I have been beta testing Home for awhile now, and i don't want to look back. Just boot my PS3 straight into Home and i am good to go.

[xc7x]

having one at the time per update is fine,some people here need to ease up on their demands,PSN isn't some santa claus lol but try as you may

[mikeslemonade]

Doesn't choice B cover A. If you were able to access your music and play them from the Xmb in game then can't you message your buddies. I want both A and B. I voted for B.

Right now:
A %44
B %52
C %4

[uuaschbaer]

Pshh.. B

[MaximusPrime_]

Result so far:

A. 54.68%
B. 43.17%
C. 2.16%

[Skerj]

Ingame audio and video messaging would rock. For video messaging they could pop a little screen in one of the corners so you can check it out and still pay attention to the game. Since we're all on broadband anyway it shouldn't be that bad for ping times when playing online, although I heard the voice chat gives you lag on Tekken even though I've never experienced it.

[InMyOpinion]

What a fckin joke lol! This whole survey is an embarrassment in itself.

[aftrdark21]

Here's the latest numbers...

In-game access to PSN messaging

44% (565 votes)
Ability to play my own music from the XMB while in-game

52% (672 votes)
Larger buddy list and buddy-list features such as categorizing

4% (56 votes)
Total votes: 1293

[kidd2446]

Following is the official press release from Sony on Firmware Update 2.00 (available for download 8 November). On top of the ability to turn the PlayStation 3 on remotely via the PSP, Version 2.00 also allows the creation of playlists in both the music and photo sections, giving users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists, as well as sharing favourite photos in high definition.

Version 2.00 also allows for customisation of the XMB menu screen, with the ability to change the colour and brightness or to set a completely different custom theme. Moreover, there’s the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep users 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 free2, state of the art internet security system.

Official press release follows.

Latest PLAYSTATION®3 System Software Update Allows PSPTM to Turn PS3TM On and Off from Internet Connection for Enhanced Remote Play

Ability to customise XMB™ and add personalised playlists for both music and photos also enabled

London, 8 November 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today the availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system software. Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system via the Remote Play1 function, allowing for a truly mobile partnership between the two systems.

Building on the success and potential of the Remote Play functionality, Version 2.00 will cement the partnership between PS3 and PSP and create a truly global experience. With the ability to turn your PS3 on and off from Wi-fi connection, there is now the opportunity to listen to the music, look at the photos and watch the videos saved on the PS3 Hard Disk Drive, anywhere in the world.

To further enhance the PS3 offering, Version 2.00 allows for the creation of personalised playlists in both the music and photo sections. This simple to use function gives users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists for all occasions, as well as sharing favourite photos in glorious high definition.

Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) 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 free2, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.

[Stray_Wulf]

i swear man if theres no in-game anything on the update.... ill be p!ssed...

[J@D]

It's confirm by threespeech.com ^_^