ps3 slim

Upcoming PlayStation 3 Firmware Update 3.21 removes ‘Install Other OS’ function

by GamingBits on March 29, 2010

If you purchased one of the original PlayStation 3 systems, aka "PS3 Fat," say goodbye to one of your bragging rights as an early PS3 adopter. The next PS3 system update will be taking away one its unique features. The "Install Other OS" feature will be removed later this week on April 1, 2010 when PS3 Firmware Update 3.21 is released. Maybe the date is adding a little salt on the wound to those of you this affects. It is the truth, as the US PlayStation Blog reported that this is due to "security concerns," or a PS3 hack that surfaced in January 2010.

You can chose to not install the update, but this locks you out of the PS3′s online capabilities, playing newer games that require a system version later than 3.21, and other featured system updates to the PS3. For a full list of the details of what is affected, see the US PlayStation Blog.

The newer PlayStation 3 "Slim" did not include the "Install Other OS" feature. Sony has been removing PS3 hardware over time to bring the cost of the system down from it’s original $599 price to $299. The original $599 PlayStation 3 60GB was more like a computer, giving the owner accessibility to features that were not traditionally seen in a gaming console at the time. I can’t say I’m surprised to see the feature go. It was bound to be exploited. As an owner of a PS3 60GB, it’s sad to know that the option is being taken away, although honestly it is something that I stopped poking around with when I was asked to partition the PS3 harddrive. Overall, it won’t affect the majority of PS3 owners. Unless you really know what you’re doing with the "Install Other OS" feature, you probably haven’t done anything with it. It’s bad news for those of you that installed Linux on your PS3. If you did use the "Install Other OS" feature, Sony is advising that you back-up your data. Otherwise, if you really want to keep the feature, hang on to your offline PS3 "Fat" and get a PS3 Slim. So long, "Install Other OS." Hopefully the post 3.15 era brings better things.

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PlayStation Network down; older model PS3 ‘fat’ systems affected

by GamingBits on March 1, 2010

in Sony PlayStation News Bits

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is warning PlayStation 3 owners to keep out of the PlayStation Network for now. PlayStation 3 Slim (newer 120GB and 250GB models) owners appear to be ok, but it’s the original PS3 system users (aka "PS3 fat") that will want to stay away from logging in to the PlayStation Network for now. Here is a rundown of some of the errors that could be affecting you if you have an older model PS3, as noted from the US PlayStation Blog:

"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.
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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)”.
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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.”
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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)”
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Users are not able to play back certain rental video downloaded from the PlayStation Store before the expiration date."

SCEA is advising PS3 owners which may be affected by this to not use their PS3 (or unplug your PS3 from its online connectivity, whether ethernet or wireless). Doing so may result in "errors in some functionality, such as recording obtained trophies, and not being able to restore certain data." SCEA is estimating a fix within 24 hours.

Keep a lookout on the US PlayStation Blog or on Sony PlayStation’s official Twitter account for the latest updates on the status of the PlayStation Network and when it will be safe to login again.

UPDATE: From Sony’s @PlayStationTEAM Twitter account: “PSN is Up & Running… May Need to ReCharge Your Date Settings Manually or via InterWebs! PlayStation Gaming is a GO!”

UPDATE 2: “PlayStation Network Service Restored” – details from the US PlayStation Blog.

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PlayStation 3 Firmware 3.0 now available

by GamingBits on September 1, 2009

in Sony PlayStation News Bits

It’s time for another PlayStation 3 System Update. Firmware 3.0 brings a fairly sizable update of new features to the PlayStation 3 today. You’ll be prompted to download the update once you connect online with the PlayStation 3. There’s a few cosmetic changes, including improvements on how you view Friends, information and access content on the PlayStation Store. All this comes on the official launch date of the PlayStation 3 120GB.

Here’s the breakdown of the Firmware 3.0 updates, as noted by the PlayStation Blog:

“What’s New” - The “Information Board” will be replaced with a “What’s New” section, which allows you to enjoy interactive PlayStation news every time you start the PS3 system. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, “What’s New” displays the latest and greatest game, video, PlayStation Network and PlayStation news and releases, as well as your recently played games, in a sleek, new animated format.

Status Indicator - In the top right corner we’ve added an indicator bar, which displays your user icon, friend icon, the number of friends you have online and a small message icon to let you know if you have any new messages. The indicator also includes a scrolling ticker that features the latest news from PlayStation Network. In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock.

Friends List – Now your PlayStation Network friends will appear in a slightly redesigned format on your Friends List. Also, messages will now be viewable from each of your friends’ respective profiles.

PlayStation Store Shortcuts – We’ve added a handy shortcut icon to the PlayStation Store under both the Game and Video categories so you can access the latest content quickly and easily.

Personalization – Personalize your PS3 with new dynamic custom themes and avatars. Dynamic themes as well as free and premium avatars will be available through PlayStation Store. A dynamic theme takes your screen to a whole new level as it incorporates animated objects into the background.

Trophies – Showcasing your hard earned trophies just got better. Update 3.00 gives game developers the ability to modify how they display trophies for add-on content. Base and add-on game trophies will continue to be combined into a single list so you can see where you stand in a game as a whole. Within that list, trophies will be broken out into subcategories—base trophies and add-on trophies—that way, you can easily view the percentage of your base game trophy collection, and separately track your trophy progress in add-on packs. Look for this enhancement to be included in upcoming games.

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PlayStation 3 120GB system, aka PS3 Slim, now on sale for $299.99; sells out at several retailers

by GamingBits on August 25, 2009

in Sony PlayStation News Bits

Sony’s recently announced PlayStation 3 120GB system, nicknamed the PS3 Slim, is now available from several retailers. The new slimmer PlayStation 3 was announced at Gamescom just last week. Since the announcement, the PlayStation 3 120GB system has been on the #1 spot of Amazon.com’s Video Games Bestsellers List. The official release date during the announcement was September 1, 2009, but several retailers have already sold their inventory. Earlier this morning, the PlayStation 3 120GB was listed as sold out on Amazon.com, but it currently says the PS3 will be in stock again on August 28th. Amazon.com has also limited 1 purchase per household.

A random check of local GameStop stores revealed some have already sold out of the new PlayStation 3. You may want to check GameStop.com for availability if you’re considering getting the PS3 120GB system. Some other retailers selling the PlayStation 3 120GB system include BestBuy.com, Toysrus.com, Buy.com, and Kmart.com. Leave a comment below if you’ve spotted any in stores or seen any in stock. The $299 PS3 may have been the price point many gamers were waiting on.

See detailed system specifications of the new PlayStation 3 120GB slim system here.

See various pictures of the PLAYSTATION 3 120GB system here.

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PSPgo retail package peek

by GamingBits on August 21, 2009

in Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) News Bits

Here’s the retail pack shot of the upcoming PSPgo. It’s a complement to the package of the newly announced PlayStation 120GB (which features a red accent instead of blue). Another picture of the packaging came from Sony’s snapmylife.com posting (see below).

The PSPgo system will be available in North America for $249.99 in Piano Black (pre-order here) and Pearl White (pre-order here) on October 1, 2009.

For more details on the PSPgo, visit the official Sony PlayStation website.

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