You Can Soon Save Your PS3 Games In Thin Air

Kotaku has learned that earlier today, Sony informed developers of a new feature for the PlayStation 3: the ability to save games in the "cloud".

Cloud storage means that, rather than just keeping your save game data on your PlayStation 3's hard drive, users will be given the option to upload their saves remotely to a server. The advantage of this is that not only does it save the user space on their hard drive, but since it's tied to a PlayStation Network account, it can be pulled down to different consoles whenever and wherever the user desires.

First rumoured all the way back in 2009, there is of course a catch: it'll only be made available to PlayStation Plus subscribers, not the great unwashed. Actually, there are two catches: Sony bundled the announcement with the clause that, because saving games to the cloud "will allow save data with the copy prohibited attribute to be copied into the online storage", developers are able to opt out and bar their games from using it should there be a concern.

Sony will call the process "Online Saving", and it'll be made available as part of the PS3's upcoming 3.60 firmware update. We've contacted the company for further information, and will update if we hear back.

Having previously revealed a launch date of "June", Sony Japan got specific overnight and said that the PlayStation 3's 3D era will begin on June 10.

That'll be the day a number of downloadable titles for the Japanese PlayStation Network are updated to support 3D technology. Those games are Super Stardust, WipeOut and Pain, and while the first two will update free of charge, in a disconcerting precedent people who already own Pain will still have to pay ¥300 (USD$3.20) if they want to play in 3D.

A few things to note: you'll need a 3D TV to actually use this tech, so that'll instantly rule out over 99% of you. And June 10 won't necessarily bring about a new firmware update, as the groundwork for 3D games was laid last month.

While we'd imagine that the June 10 updates will be worldwide, we'll check with Sony to be sure.

UPDATE - Nope! Sony tells us the June 10 date is for Japan only, with North American & PAL details to come "shortly".

Sony may finally be ready to make a little more cash from its PlayStation Network, with rumors that the PlayStation 3 maker will introduce a "premium" option at this year's E3 popping up weeks before the big video game expo.

According to a report from VG247, one part of Sony's E3 showing will focus on a paid version of its PlayStation Network. Premium class subscribers are said to get access to a free PSN game per month and a streaming music services, presumably among other services, for "less than £50 per year," or under $70 USD.

Those details sound in line with a survey that Sony sent out last year gauging interest in a paid version of its PlayStation Network. The pricing for the majority of those options was also inline with this latest rumor.

Would you pay? If so, what do you want for you money?

Premium PSN plans for E3 reveal, to cost "less than £50 per year" [VG247]

I wanted to let you guys know that the phat PS3s are now able to login to the Playstation network and the clocks are working. I was able to login at 6:28 PM eastern time in the Boston, MA USA area.

No official word from Sony yet, however, so proceed with caution.

We believe we have identified that this problem is being caused by a bug in the clock functionality incorporated in the system.

Errors include:
* The date of the PS3 system may be re-set to Jan 1, 2000.
* When the user tries to sign-in to the PlayStation Network, the following message appears on the screen; "An error has occurred. You have been signed out of PlayStation Network (8001050F)".
* When the user tries to launch a game, the following error message appears on the screen and the trophy data may disappear; "Failed to install trophies. Please exit your game."
* When the user tries to set the time and date of the system via the Internet, the following message appears on the screen; "The current date and time could not be obtained. (8001050F)"
* Users are not able to playback certain rental video downloaded from the PlayStation Store before the expiration date.

We hope to resolve this problem within the next 24 hours. In the meantime, if you have one of the above listed models, we advise that you do not use your PS3 system, as doing so may result in errors in some functionality, such as recording obtained trophies, and not being able to restore certain data.

As mentioned above the new slim PS3 is not affected with this error. We are doing our best to resolve the issue and do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Sony is F*ed

The OS clock wasn't set to read leap year.  Which is why it doesn't matter if you have gone online with it or not.  It is not a PSN problem, it is a PS3 problem.  I have read they may do a recall (on the models affected) and send new free ones, or you can reset the clock yourself by taking the clock-battery out (which WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY).......I have also read that at midnight tonight it may fix itself (sorta) to be March 1st, which I'm oblivious as to how this fixes things since it will really be March 2nd!.....Yes, I know, you don't really rely on your PS3 to be a clock nor a calendar, but from a technical standpoint it seems like a step backwards to me.

If anyone else has any info, post it here.............also, my warranty is out anyway, so Im gonna take the CLOCK BATTERY out and see what happens and I'll keep yall posted........................here are 2 links to sites you might find helpful:      http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/genmessage.php?board=927750&topic=53710360        and               http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35646131/ns/technology_and_science-games/                         

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atlkilla8706 - Posted on 11/12/2009 4:07:45 PM

 

how come every thing has to be about facebook.Why not Myspace

 

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These dashboard screens—reportedly found directly on the UK version of PlayStation.com—suggest the PS3 will soon have Facebook integrated into the Cross Media Bar interface, plus a new photo viewing option, and the ability to change gamercard colors.

OK, the last one isn't super interesting, but the Facebook feature would be nice. Looks like Sony caught on before we had the chance to confirm the pics ourselves, but ScrawlFX says it found the them here, here and here. [ScrawlFX via Kotaku]

PS3 Cross-Game Chat Coming In Next Firmware Update?

By Michael McWhertor, 2:40 PM on Wed Oct 14 2009, 16,083 views (Edit, to draft, Slurp)

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PlayStation 3 owners may be getting a long-requested feature with the console's next firmware update: cross-game voice chat.

While the feature has been rumored to be in development for months, a post on the official PlayStation forums today may have inadvertently confirmed its imminent release. "Naughty Dog Dev" ReklissAbandon wrote in response to player requests for enemy spectating in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves that PlayStation 3 cross-game chat might make that request unfair.

"But I will suggest it anyway," ReklissAbandon wrote. "Not to mention that the next PS3 firmware update is going to allow cross game chat. So if players use that instead of in game communication then they would also be able to communicate enemies positions."

That post was quickly deleted, leading some posters to take that as further confirmation that cross-game voice chat was coming, but not yet ready to be announced.

Cross-game text chat was added to the PlayStation 3's firmware earlier this year with version 2.70. Cross-game voice chat was said to have been ready to go earlier, but falsely rumored to have been held back by one publisher in particular.

We contacted Sony Computer Entertainment to verify that slip of the keyboard, and received the following response: "As you know, we haven't made any announcements on upcoming firmware and don't comment on rumor or speculation."

Re: Elimination suggestion [PlayStation Forums - thanks, Edwin!]

By Luke Plunkett, 10:30 PM on Wed Sep 9 2009, 7,619 views (Edit, to draft, Slurp)

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According to a Sony rep speaking with Cnet, "over the following two or three years" Sony will begin installing hardware inside the PS3 that will enable the console to display games in 3D.

Now, before we go any further, this information was supplied to Cnet by a Sony rep at the recent IAF consumer electronics show in Berlin. The same IAF where Sony reps haven't exactly had the best track record for accurate statements. So this may turn out to be total bullshit.

But just in case it's not, here's the deal: next year, Sony will release a line of 3D-capable Bravia TVs designed to be compatible with the PlayStation 3. Which means, in theory, all PS3 games could run in 3D, provided you have that TV.

Sounds great, but remember, it's the same claim Sony later backed down from.

More interesting is the report that in 2011-12, similar technology will be installed inside the PlayStation 3 itself, meaning - in theory, at least - you could get games running in stereoscopic on other TV sets, not just specially-equipped Bravias.

Which would be awesome, but seeing as previous reports from IAF were so loose on facts, we've pinged Sony for comment, and will update if/when we hear back.

Sony's 3D PlayStation 3: Hands-on photos [Cnet, via GameSpot]

PS3 Firmware Q&A Addresses Glitter, Jingles & Uncharted Problems

By Luke Plunkett, 8:20 PM on Tue Sep 8 2009, 13,455 views (Edit, to draft, Slurp)

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The PS3's last big firmware update, from 2.8 to 3.0, brought with it a lot of neat changes. It also, however, brought with it a few niggling annoyances, like a glittering background and the loss of the distinctive Ps3 "chime".

You know the one, it'd play every time you booted up a game and the system flashed the old PS3 logo. It was a nice touch! But now, it's gone, and that (and a number of other changes) have some PS3 users feeling a little shirty.

Enter the PlayStation Blog, who are able to address some user's frustrations, while politely fobbing others off.

On the loss of the startup jingle:

One of the reasons we removed the PS3 jingle is that it was created to indicate the start of a game, but now we're offering non-game content such as Vidzone in addition to games. More importantly though, this change makes the loading time a bit quicker than before, which we think will be a noticeable benefit for all game users.

On the awful "glitter" sparkling away in the background:

To turn the fizz off, go to the Theme Settings under Settings on the XMB, you can choose different themes from here. "Classic" is the default theme without the fizz.

Helpful. On the new, larger icons:

Based on your feedback, we are looking at the possibility of making the changes optional.

That would be great, thanks, it currently looks like my pS3 is set to "vision impaired" mode.

On Uncharted freezing for some users since updating to 3.0:

We're aware of the problem with Uncharted: Drake's Fortune following the latest system software update and have a team working hard to isolate the issue. We'll update further information here on the blog, as and when we get it. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and appreciate your patience and understanding.

Firmware 3.00 Q&A [PlayStation]

From Kotaku.com

Report: Nigerian Gov't Upset Over New PlayStation Ads

By Michael McWhertor, 4:30 PM on Tue Sep 8 2009, 14,609 views (Edit, to draft, Slurp)

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While news of the PlayStation 3 price drop to $299 USD appeared to have been met with universal praise, it appears that one group isn't so thrilled with Sony. That would be the entire country of Nigeria, apparently.

According to reports citing a statement from Nigeria's Minister of Information and Communication, Prof. Dora Akunyili, the African republic is up in arms over Sony's latest PS3 ad campaign. Specifically, it appears one line from one of the commercials is an "unwarranted attack on the reputation and image of the country" according to Nigeria's federal government.

That would be "You can't believe everything you read on the internet. Otherwise, I'd be a Nigerian millionaire by now." Fictional director of rumor confirmation Kevin Butler says so in this ad, which is only amusing to me because I'm not Nigerian.

Nigeria "demands an unconditional apology from Sony Corporation for this deliberate negative campaign against the country's image and reputation" according to a cited press statement.

We've asked Sony Computer Entertainment America to see if we can get a copy of that expected apology and comment about the slight against Nigeria, but have not yet heard back. Furthermore, we'd recommend heeding the advice of the fictional Mr. Butler, because we've definitely seen some sneaky shit come out of Nigeria. Just sayin'.

Sony Corporation portrayed Nigeria as home of fraud – FG [Vanguard - thanks, Paul!]

Firmware 3.00 was just released tonight and has the following features:

"

Sony has announced new PS3 Slim last week and now mentioned a new PS3 Firmware Update Version 3.00 arriving soon which, unlike the previous PS3 Firmware Update 2.80, will consist of great features that deal with navigation improvements including looks, design and usability.

V3.00 PS3 Firmware will include new design changes to the XMB (Xross Media Bar) navigation and made it look better, so it will become easier to use for pros and also beginners in the Playstation Network. Overall, all the amendments in the Playstation 3 3.00 Update will make life a lot more practical within the PSN providing more within reach.

When the new update is available, you would be able to download it at Sony’s Hardware Site.

Some of the specification of the new PS3 Firmware Update are:

- What’s New Section will take over the “Information Board” and grant you  an interactive way to stay updated with the entire Playstation Network playing field.  Every time you will start your PS3, you will be able to find the “What’s New” section that will provided updated Playstation news, including new games, new PS3 videos, recently played games, and much more, in a cool and easy to use format.

- Indicator Icon: just like in regular chat rooms, social networks etc, a new indicator bar was added at the top right corner. This PSN Indicator Bar will provide your details, avatar, number of friends available Online and brief messages that may be pending in your account. Moreover, there is a smaller ticker that will display part of the information that is
available in the What’s New section, such as current and important Playstation News.  [It was also mentioned that if the Battery Life indicator will not hide the clock if the PS button is pressed...again granting a little more usability with what is available]

- Friend’s List: Your friend’s list will be given in a different format providing an easier view and also allows you to see the personal messages in your respective friend’s profiles…saving some back and forth running around.

- Shortcuts to the Playstation Store: In the Video and Game categories, an easy to use shortcut was added to the store, allowing you to have information within reach and get the latest downloads without having to go back Home.

- PS3 Personalization: As any PS3 fan knows that what makes your account different besides your personal scores is the ability to customize and create your own Playstation World in your account. Many new premium avatars (some for free) will be available inside the PSN store and new Dynamic themes as well, that now include new animated objects to change in
the background of your screen.

- PS3 Trophies Shocase: If you have been working hard to gain your trophies and show off your success, then you will like the upcoming PS3 Version 3.00 firmware update. The new update allows game developers to change the way trophies will be shown to others while base trophies will still remain as a list for easy comparison. This Trophies list will be broken down into sub-categories and add-ons, providing easy view by percentage and progress.

As can be seen, this upcoming update really seems to be worth it, and considering the new PS3 Slim just around the corner, the timing is just right." -walyou.com

Here is a video showcasing the new features off of YouTube:

Personal Notes: 

The intro music when you turn on your playstation has also been redone... softer, lower chords are sounded as well as the new PS3 logo, im assuming to keep it inline with the Slim's introduction.

When you start a game, the "Playstation 3" logo and chimes no longer appear.

There dosn't seem to be a way to remove the ugly and gaudy news ticker under the new clock.

Knowing how our clan sends messages, the new message notification icon is useless, as there will ALLWAYS be unread messages.