The long awaited PS3 firmware update that adds PlayStation Plus support along with new extra features has finally arrived. Here are the details:
- PlayStation Plus: PlayStation Network users will be able to purchase membership to PlayStation Plus; a new subscription service on the PlayStation Network that provides you with new options to expand and enhance your gaming experience and enable you to gain an exclusive set of features and content. Friendly reminder, all of you PlayStation Network users will continue to have free access to PlayStation Network’s unmatched and expanding suite of new and exclusive features while PlayStation Plus subscribers will gain access to an exclusive and expanding set of gaming features, content and functionality.
- Photo Gallery: A new network based photo sharing feature is now available on the Photo Gallery. The enhancement allows you to upload, browse and comment on photos on Facebook and Picasa Web Album. You can also opt to share your photos between your PlayStation Network friends as well as print photos from Photo Gallery.
- Video Editor & Uploader: Video Editor and Uploader is a new function found on the XrossMediaBar (XMB), which enables you to edit, save and upload video files stored on the PS3 system to sites such as Facebook or YouTube.
- Five Star Rating Support: Users can rate the PlayStation Store content they have purchased with one to five star ratings.
- Power Save Settings: The default setting for PS3 System Auto-Off will be set at 2 hours, providing you with additional power save options and further improving power save features on the PS3 system.
It was also revealed that a new application will be available which will integrate PlayStation Network and Facebook.com even further. Users will be able to display their PSN profile on their Facebook accounts and find out which of their friends has a PSN account. From there, they will be able to send them a PSN friend request and view their online status.
Though a bit vague, it was also mentioned that a new PSP firmware will also be released (v6.30) in tandem with PS3 firmware update v3.40 which will add PlayStation Plus support among other things. Stay tuned for more detailed updates as both firmware updates release tomorrow.
