Hands on with PS3's firmware 2.5 update

The PlayStation 3 will get a host of new features and improvements later this month with the new firmware 2.5 update.

Hands on with PS3's firmware 2.5 update

PS3 firmware 2.5 will add screenshots, Trophy improvements later this month

The new PlayStation 3 firmware adds the ability to take in-game screenshots, a notable new feature that will need to be enabled by developers. Still, Sony representatives seemed optimistic that the new screenshot functionality would be enabled by some developers via game updates and that many future games would take advantage of the screenshot function. The physical method for taking screenshots -- what button or buttons to press -- is still up in the air, but those details should become more clear later this month when the firmware launches. We do know that captured screenshots will be automatically dumped in the PS3's Photo folder.

Though details are still scarce on the screenshot function, the possibilities are impressive. And because the capturing will be done internally, the resulting images should be pixel-perfect -- more than enough quality to build an online Flickr gallery of your favorite game moments, for example.

Other highlights of the new PS3 firmware 2.5

Controller auto-off: One of the biggest annoyances of the PlayStation 3 will finally be resolved -- players can set an "auto-off" in the new Power Save settings menu. This will make the Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers turn off after 10 minutes of non use. The Power Save menu also allows you to set an auto-off time for the PlayStation 3 (handy if you want to charge your controller before heading to bed).

Trophy updates: The Trophy comparison screen has seen several improvements, most notably a new "level" system that tracks player progress. Players will now have a role-playing game-style "level" (Level 1, Level 2, and so on) with an experience-point meter that fills as new Trophies are earned. This will allow two players to compare their progress at a glance.

New video features: Firmware 2.5 adds two subtle new video playback features. Scene Search will re-process your movie or show into 1-minute increments with thumbnails for quick navigation. Sequential Playback will daisy-chain your videos together that will, for example, allow you to watch an entire season of shows uninterrupted.

Read our coverage of the PSP's new firmware 5.0 here.

Comments [54]

post a comment

bluer57

The updates sound good. The trophy system is becoming more and more popular.
It is good that they improved how you can view it.

VictoryRed

Screenshots are cool, but I'm actually more excited about the power-saving features, haha. There's also going to be an auto-off feature for when you're done downloading and installing, if you're so inclined. Great firmware updates all around for PlayStation.

salrang2002

Should be a great update. The power saving feature and enabling the auto-off will be pretty cool. Screen shot feature will be awesome. New wallpapers when ever you want.

ViciousSid

Controllers auto-off = win. I can't believe this basic feature wasn't included from day one...

DeadlyWhispers

good update. Screenshots, while I don't use too often, should be cool for making background pictures and stuff. There have been moments in some games where I've wanted to take a pic, but couldn't. The auto-off feature is most welcome though. I wonder if it will extend to the blu-ray remote as well. When will my PS button start glowing? Almost every picture of a dual shock, or sixaxis, the PS button is always glowing. Or is that just some kind of mod?

BRAWLMAN13

Sire wrote:

Not since the ever annoying "voice changer" has there been a more useless feature on the PS3. Now "screenshots" ups the anti. . . man that's dumb.

why are you hating? =P

Post a Comment