PS3 System Update 3.30

I tried 2 BT keyboards but they wouldnt work without their USB Bluetooth receivers

I am not sure if I did anything wrong

 

Did you pair them properly? I had no problems, but I did need to properly pair it beforehand (go to the pairing bit in XMB, press the pairing button on the keyboard, then when they found each other I had to type a code on the keyboard shown in the XMB, and then it worked - only needed to do that once though, at least until I had used the keyboard with another device).

 

I use this, got it around $40 for my HTPC. Since the HTPC is rarely used, the tiny USB receiver usually stays on one of the PS3 usb ports. Everything works including the trackball, and the huge Enter key is awesome. I hate the bluetooth pair/unpair process in almost any bluetooth device, and getting up to change the USB port the dongle is plugged into seems much easier.

 

E3 rumour : Sony ps3 cross media bar is getting a completely new redesign.

heard this via Cheapassgamer podcast (the host lives in Tokyo and speaks with some industry people there).

He also said the nintendo 3ds will be as strong as the wii.

 

Whilst XMB has become slightly unweildly I hope it remains "in spirit". Evolution rather than revolution. Especially as it's prevalent in so many Sony CE products now. Mind you I don't think revolution did the 360 any harm.

I finally caved in and picked myself up a Bravia for my gaming room. I'd been waiting for 3D capable sets to launch here and, whilst they're only a matter of months away, I couldn't wait any longer. Now the battle is to convince my gf that the new set is a "temporary" solution before going 3D... *drool*

 

I have a Bravia for gaming and BD playback. It rocks!! Of course a 3D version would rock to eleven.

 

Both rumors seem unlikely. Sony's going to put XMB in everything BUT the PS3? And Nintendo's going to make a handheld as powerful as the Wii (I assume that's what it means, if you're talking about sales then the successor of the DS performing as well as the Wii is a step down) doesn't seem to mesh with their strategy these days.

 

Sony's firmware team has been working on *something* since their last major release back in December..

 

OT, but it'd be hard not to produce as 'powerful' as Wii in a handheld if you're using modern mobile components. Wii is basically 10 year old tech and I believe any current handheld GPU will be a match.

As for XMB, they can't change it too much or it won't be XMB, at least if they care about sensible naming. XMB was ahead of its time when it was developed and has proven a useful, flexible interface, but it's not really a media library system. That's what needs improving IMO. Have the 'film' options where they are, with vertical icons for different film options, but chossing a film takes the user to a proper film selection interface rather than just a huge list. That'd be enough. Most importantly add XMB chat that works between all internet-enabled XMB devices as a background task!

 

Evolution or revolution jon??

 

All I remember from the podcast was that it was a redesign and not simply an addition of a few columns in the xmb.

He also claimed that the psp2 will not be shown but is in development. He also said new rebranded xbox natal with a black color scheme and smaller form factor will be announced, but I'm guessing most people were aware of this one.

 

I don't know what they've been doing, but I know the pace at which they were releasing significant functionality upgrades, and that all stopped about 6 months ago.

Assuming they've not fired the whole team, I assume we'll see something significant at E3.

I hope they don't get rid of the XMB, though.. I'm quite fond of it, and I'd hate to see them move away from it on the PS3.

 

Apologies. For some reason I'd registered you as an insider. Maybe something to do with Cambridge? Anyway, I don't want to creep you out so I'll leave it there!

 

Hah, no, I'm a nobody.

 

Maybe there'll be the old familiar XMB and some new ui that is optimized for the move controller. They could give you an option whether you want to boot to the new ui or old.
The current XMB really isn't optimal for motion control, you need something more like In Wii, but prettier of course

 

my post doesn't really have to do with 3DTV...but from that link....

"Devices running Google TV will also be able to run applications written for Android phones, and will feature Google’s Chrome Web browser, which would allow consumers to surf the Web from their television sets."

this might be a stretch here....but could "devices" also include the PS3... the reason I ask this is because, a while back someone brought up how/when Sony would improve their built-in Internet Browser.....and I believe someone at the PlayStation Blog responded with "wait till later this year" or something to that extent.

and then there is this other recent rumor about this year's E3..

"PS3 is getting a completely redesigned XrossMediaBar. Like totally new, not just like new columns and stuff like – totally redone."
http://www.examiner.com/x-12218-Video-Game-Examiner~y2010m5d17-Rumor-New-PS3-XMB-coming-at-E3

so if this is true, is it far fetched to think this includes Google TV?...along with Chrome?....I don't know about the Android applications though.

 

Only thing I will say is please Sony, don't use the cluttered mess that is the 360's user interface as a form of inspiration. I think the XMB is great: slick, fast and easy to navigate. (and looks super neat when a little Sackboy is running in the background)