Firmware 3.10 Released on Playstation 3

Sony has just implemented their lasted addition to the Playstation 3 system with adding a small update to address some user feedback and mark the entry into the social network arena with facebook integration. The update features:

• Picture browsing has changed to a grid based system rather than a list.
• You can now change the color of your gamer card.
• The friends list has been updated based on user feedback, no longer is every friend contained in a large gray box, simply the one selected.
• Automated facebook wall posts for trophy information, PSN purchases, and event specific games.

All in all a rather small update but expect a larger one filled with gaming functionality soon. It already has been confirmed that Sony has been lab testing cross-game communication and other requested features although are adding finishing touches and waiting for the higher up approval.

My impressions and thoughts:

First off these updates are free. Free. I remember the days when you bought a console and hey! you got whatever was in the box day one. Now if any of you have a current gen system you know that in the three plus years we have seen tremendous strides of improvements via firmware updates, which to me is a blessing. So with that being said, after extreme frustration(haha) with update 3.0 for the Playstation 3 I am happy to see that they did improve on the number one problem, the friends list. I would still prefer to see the list as it was originally, although I feel Sony implemented the boxes for a reason. Possibly for the use of premium avatars that are “supposed” to be in the works. So we’re hoping that we can soon see some light on the subject. As far as the picture navigation, I do not use it much but the grid based functionality is a huge improvement in browsing, and probably a big advantage for those who store hundreds of pictures on the HDD. Which brings me to my next point, social networking integration. So we all use myspace, facebook and so although I am not a huge fan of it myself it is something that a lot of people spend WAY to much time on (if that’s you sorry, I know it can be addicting). Its nice to see that I can share my Playstation trophies with my friends, especially because I am what some may say a tid bit of a whore for them. Not to mention this is a great advertisement option for Sony as well. But, I have heard of a special project that Sony is working on call Playstation Cloud. It is basically a social network specifically designed for use on the Playstation 3. So you can actively see who is unlocking trophies, playing what games, unlocked certain aspects of a game, text/voice chatting with who, possible ways to create and manage gaming events with friends and family. If true this integration, which I can see is slowly being added (things like facebook, and games now saying “playing single player on so and so level”) I feel Sony is really working on a true gaming social network on the Playstation 3. I have just come to the realization that I have quite a few ideas on how this may work and will write a detailed article soon. Sorry, off topic but this is a step in the right direction to integrating a social network for gamers to enjoy and to enrich the Playstation gaming community, and we can be sure to be looking forward for updates in the future. More on Playstation Cloud predictions soon, so keep your eyes peeled.