147w ago - Today Examiner.com (linked above) reports that numerous users who opted to upgrade the PS3 HDD are now experiencing issues with the recently released PS3 Firmware 3.41 update.

It is not yet determined if these issues are related to the PS3 Firmware Patches Sony instituted beginning with PlayStation 3 Firmware update version 3.41, however, there is currently a lengthy thread on Sony's official board covering the issues.

To summarize, quoting from Examiner.com: "The problems being reported are the following: PS3 owners are unable to update their system to firmware 3.41, HDD upgrades aren't being allowed, systems are crashing, and after installing a new HDD the system isn't fully downloading the file and then prompts users with a message stating 'no applicable data found'."

148w ago - Update: Unlike the previous version, according to Examiner.com PS3 Firmware Update version 3.41 unfortunately does not appear to contain any 'hidden' features this time.

Earlier today Sony confirmed that PS3 Firmware Update 3.41 adds recommendations for games and videos on the PlayStation Store, and now it is officially released and available for download below.

Download: PS3 Firmware Update 3.41 (US) / PS3 Firmware Update 3.41 (EU)

It's important to note that while the PS3 3.41 update is released, the recommendations feature on Sony's PlayStation Store is slated to go live by the end of July, 2010.

As always, further details and any hidden PS3 features uncovered will be added as soon as...

148w ago - Today Sony's Network Operations VP Eric Lempel has confirmed that PS3 Firmware Update 3.41 is coming soon alongside PSP Firmware Update 6.31, both of which will add PlayStation Store Recommendations.

To quote: The next PlayStation 3 (PS3) system software update is coming soon. Firmware update 3.41 will add recommendations for games and videos on PlayStation Store.

When you're browsing through the details of a particular title, you'll see a new "You May Like" section on the right-hand side. This section lists additional items based on the purchases of other PlayStation Network members who have purchased the item you're currently looking at.

You can then click on this section to zoom in on the list and scroll the recommended titles.

This feature is a great way to discover new games that you may not know about, and it's another step toward making the shopping experience easier and better for you all -- similar to the five-star ratings feature we added in the last firmware update.

Please note that while the 3.41 update will be released shortly, the recommendations feature on PlayStation Store is slated to go live by the end of July.

In addition to this PS3 update, the next PSP (PlayStation Portable) firmware update (v.6.31) will be coming...

152w ago - As previously rumored and confirmed, today of Sony's VP of Network Operations Americas Eric Lempel has announced that PlayStation 3 System Software Update v3.40 and PSP Firmware v6.30 arrives tonight and will be available soon to download.

To quote: Hi everyone, once again we're adding new features to the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system via firmware update to ensure we're bringing you the best, most comprehensive entertainment experience possible.

PS3 system software update (v3.40) will be available soon, adding the PlayStation Plus subscription, enhancements to the connection between your PlayStation Network and Facebook accounts and more.

Additionally, we'll be launching system software update (v6.30) for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system simultaneously with PS3 system software update (v3.40), adding PlayStation Plus compatibility as well as other new features.

We've gone ahead and provided a few highlights from PS3 firmware update (v3.40) below:

• PlayStation Plus: PlayStation Network users...

152w ago - Update: Both PS3 Firmware 3.40 and Sony's PlayStation Plus subscription service are now available for those interested!

You can purchase a three-month package or a one-year package on the PlayStation Store now. The three-month package is available for $17.99 and the one-year package is available for $49.99. Sony will also be offering three additional bonus months for free if you purchase the one-year package -- that's 15 months total for $49.99.

Previously we reported that PS3 Firmware 3.40 was slated to be released on June 22 as confirmed via Sony Press Release, however, Sony has since updated the release to now state it will arrive next week on June 29 to coincide with the launch of PlayStation...