The new PS3 update is all set to add the PlayStation Plus subscription functionality soon. A post on the official PlayStation Blog confirmed that the update will include many such other important additions also. However, the previous PS3 firmware updates haven’t been received well. So lets hope this one will create magic.
The update says to include PlayStation Plus subscription functionality, a video editor and uploader, a five-star rating system for PlayStation Store content, new power save settings for the console, and a new PlayStation Network application on Facebook.
While the present level of PSN service and online multiplayer will stay free, PlayStation Plus subscription promise users free games, early demos, beta invites, discounts, free themes and avatars. The premium service will cost US$50 annually, or US$18 for a three-month trial subscription. The first month’s offerings include a free copy of the downloadable racer Wipeout HD, two PSP mini games, and a handful of premium avatars.
The video editor and uploader make up a new feature that will allow admission via the PS3′s XrossMediaBar (XMB); it will allow users to edit, save and upload video files stored on the PS3 system directly to YouTube and Facebook. Also new is the five-star rating system that will let gamers rate content downloaded from the PlayStation Store; the scoring system will also work retroactively, meaning gamers can rate past content via a “Rate” button on the product pages.
The firmware update will also include a new network-based photo sharing feature on the PS3′s Photo Gallery, which will allow gamers to upload, browse and comment on photos on both Facebook and Picasa Web Album. Users can also opt to share photos between PSN friends. Ultimately, new power save settings will mean the default setting for the PS3′s System Auto-Off will be set at 2 hours, as long as users with extra power save options.
As mentioned on the PlayStation Blog, users will now be able to incorporate their PSN account to their Facebook page, displaying PSN profiles, sending PSN friend request and viewing friends’ statuses all on the social network.
Tags: extra power, facebook, free games, free playstation3, free themes, playstation plus, playstation store, ps plus premium, ps3 firmware updates, rate content, wipeout hd, xrossmediabar