Sony PS3 Firmware 3.0 Now Available!

Last week, Sony mentioned that Firmware 3.0 for the PS3 is going to be the last major update of the year with small updates for the rest of the year - of course. Well, it's now live to all users. Here's some new features that have been found already, more will come later of course. By the way, I'll be updating this post when more information about Firmware 3.0 gets pushed out.

The new firmware update has it, bringing new XMB functionality, a status indicator, a friends list redesign, dynamic themes, avatars, and much more.

Free and premium avatars show up in your status bar, but the most prevalent of the changes is a status bar in the top right of the screen, which shows your avatar, your user icon, what you are up to, and a mail icon, in case you have messages waiting. Messages from your friends now appearing in their respective profiles.

Update: According to Sony Insider, here is most of what has changed in Firmware version 3.0.

System changes

• The system startup has been slightly redesigned.
• [Information Board] replaced by a [What's New] feature.
• When the system is started it will display the [What's New] screen by default instead of the [Games] menu.
• A [Status Indicator] added to the top of the screen showing the user’s online status, the number of friends online and an icon indicating if there are unread PSN messages.
• The swirling activity indicator has been redesigned and now looks like an analog clock
• The [Friends] list has been redesigned.
• Messages from a specific person will now be accessible from that user’s profile screen.
• BRAVIA Sync allowing control of the XMB by BRAVIA TV remote control. (120GB PS3 only)
• Graphical changes to the XMB (increased font and icon size)
• The default theme has been changed to an updated version of the ‘Original’ waves theme
• Added print screen functionality to the [Internet Browser]

Game changes

• A new feature will be added allowing game developers to display Trophies in different ways, such as grouping them by add-on pack, etc.
• A [PlayStation Store] icon will be added under the [Game] category.

Media changes

• A BBC iPlayer application for users in the UK/ROI.
• A ABC iView application will be added for users in Australia.
• A [PlayStation Store] icon will be added under the [Video] category (where available).
• Added the ability to upscale audio stored on the internal or USB hard drive to 88.2KHz or 176.4KHz

Settings changes

• Support for new [Dynamic Custom Themes].
• [Install Other OS] and [Default System] will be removed. (120GB PS3 only)
• An option has been added to the [Settings] menu to allow the user to change what the system displays by default on startup
• Option to output audio through multiple sources (e.g. HDMI and optical) simulatiously

[Engadget, Kotaku]