Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10/14/ps3_firmware_latest/
Sony to save planet with PS3 firmware overhaul
Talks up power conservation plan
Posted in Games, 14th October 2008 07:02 GMT
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Sony isn’t willing to drop the PlayStation 3’s price, but the electronics giant is at least keeping the console up to date with another firmware revision.
The latest release – to be called version 2.50 – has been written with the future of the planet in mind - no, not another first-person shooter - because it lets gamers set both the console and its controllers to automatically power down after a set period of inactivity.
Leaving consoles switched on is said to cost gamers dear [1] in 'leccy bills.
Sony also claimed that the latest system software will ensure that users of the official PS3 Bluetooth headset [2] get “clear and wide-band online voice chat” while gaming. The update will also add a headset battery status indicator and volume level icon to your screen during gameplay.
A Scene Search feature’s been included that’ll allow you to skip through videos into one-, two- and five-minute intervals, which can be scanned using the controller’s X button.
Post-update, you’ll be able to take in-game screenshots to immortalise your favourite moments of, say, blasting an alien or power sliding around the slopes - if your title of choice lets you. This feature will be supported on a game-by-game basis.
Sony hasn't said, however, when PS3 firmware 2.50 will be made available to console owners.