161w ago - Today TheSixthAxis.com (linked above) reports that they received confirmation that PS3 Firmware 3.40 has been released to PlayStation 3 developers, and that this may be a sign the update is coming soon for users as well.

It's been just about a month since PS3 Firmware 3.30 was released, and this rumor may lend credence to the recently rumored PS3 XMB Redesign if it turns out to be legitimate.

To quote: "We're told System Software version 3.40 was released to developers late last week, and although parity between dev and retail firmware updates isn't always guaranteed (or indeed timely) recently they've been pretty close, with, our sources say, just a few weeks between testing and public release.

Update: we've been told that the update has vanished."

165w ago - As with nearly every PS3 Firmware revision, the recently released PS3 Firmware 3.30 update arrived with user reports of PlayStation 3 consoles breaking post-update.

To quote: "The main reported problems are that the systems no longer read any form of disc, thus making gaming and watching movies an impossibility - even the NetFlix disc is reported to no longer work in some cases.

One user report stated on the official PlayStation forums: "Are you kidding me! First (3.21) it freezes, and now with this one (3.30) it won't even read or recognize the disk, that means that I won't be able to play online or offline."

Although they may be isolated cases, has anyone here experienced these issues since updating to PS3 Firmware 3.30 this week? Feel free to reply in the comments below!

165w ago - Update: TheSixthAxis.com has confirmed that the Flash version used in the PS3's browser has also been updated alongside some region-free Blu-ray disc issues (such as BBC's Life), and badcrumble of NeoGAF speculates that the PS3 Blu-ray profile has been updated in preparation for 3D support.

PlayStation Network Operations Director Eric Lempel has announced details today of the mandatory PS3 Firmware 3.30 System Update.

Download: PS3 Firmware 3.30 (US) / PS3 Firmware 3.30 (EU)

To quote: Hi everyone, in our continued effort to provide the best, most comprehensive entertainment experience possible, we'll be adding a few new features to PlayStation 3 (PS3) via the latest system software update, which is a mandatory update and will be available shortly.

Most notably, you'll see some new sorting options within Trophies that make it easier to claim bragging...

165w ago - Sony recently stated that it will not compensate retailers who refund customers because of a PS3 Firmware update to its PlayStation 3 entertainment system.

The change prevents the machine from using alternative operating systems, which it was previously able to do. Some owners installed the Linux operating system, allowing them to use their consoles as desktop computers as well as games machines.

Consumer law protects the buyers of goods if their functions change, but retailers generally cannot pass those claims on to the device makers who made the change, according to Richard Parkinson, a technology lawyer with Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind OUT-LAW.COM.

To quote: Press reports indicate that one consumer received a refund for his console from online retailer Amazon. Sony itself has said that it will not reimburse retailers who do so.

The company told reporters that the machine's main function was as a gaming console, and that an ability to run the Linux operating system is not explicitly mentioned on its packaging. Others have claimed, though, that a feature called "Install Other OS" was listed in Sony's promotional material.

"The retailer has...

168w ago - As scheduled, today the PS3 Firmware 3.21 update is available for download and as Sony previously confirmed it disables the OtherOS functionality in an effort to make the PlayStation 3 entertainment system more secure.

Download: PS3 Firmware 3.21 Update (US) / PS3 Firmware Update 3.21 (EU)

PS3 hacker GeoHot (EgoHot to skeptics) has promised a solution to those who hold off updating their console which may include PS3 Custom Firmware alongside a Nouveau open-source PS3 RSX driver rumored to be in development.

More details...