PSN weekly updates
- Thread starter Arwin
- Start date
That'd address Phil's complaints. Have the icons for visibility, if you really want to do it that way instead of having a sensible "what's new" feed that flags user that there may be new content they can use, and have the option to remove the icon knowing it can be added from PSN later.
I hope Sony actually learn something before next-gen. FW updates aren't really addressing this. MS have introduced two complete overhauls now, for better or worse, whereas Sony are just dragging out the same system. Weren't there rumours of a new XMB interface floating around a few months back?
Rumors, yes. Sony has so far maintained that they got it right the the first time, so no need to change. I have to say that they're not all wrong on that one: I still prefer XMB over XNE and definitely don't change something as fundamental as a UI unless you really need to. My wife likes and understands the XMB and would go crazy if it changed. Also important to note that unlike for the 360 where there is a different interface for in-game menus versus the NXE, the XMB works both in-game and as the main interface, so that makes it even harder to change things here.
On the other hand, nothing is perfect, and everything can be improved and if I were Sony I'd want to keep working on improving things as much as possible.
I personally think that the nightly auto-updating / patching functionality does not belong in Playstation Plus, for instance, but should be available to all.
On the other hand, nothing is perfect, and everything can be improved and if I were Sony I'd want to keep working on improving things as much as possible.
I personally think that the nightly auto-updating / patching functionality does not belong in Playstation Plus, for instance, but should be available to all.
yes but that doesn't help when you want to just look through your songs (or does it?) - also I want to be able to group in my own sections (i.e. kids, mine, Mrs etc) so I'm only scanning several at a time
WRT the XMB I agree that it's fine as is - ok to tinker, but not to change...
True. I would personally have liked more options there myself - like being able to hide most of the songs on the disc and just see everything that I bought from PSN>
The problem is not XMB per se. It is simple and elegant for what it does. It's the way they extend XMB. *Sometimes* it lacks foresight and thoughts on usability.
I like the 2D photo display panel instead of the original list view.
But ticker, Move integration is not well implemented. The scatted icon placement has annoyed many ("Video Upload" is rarely used but it's on top). They probably should let us hide icons or customize their placement.
Have mixed feelings about "What's New" (could be better but I actually don't mind seeing the grid of new stuff sometimes).
The mini-apps (Video Upload, EyeCreate, Photo Gallery, ...) are probably rarely used. It's mostly because they are too isolated, not part of the common workflow. If PS3 can read mounted drives, usage would probably jump. If it takes fewer clicks to get there, then it will also be helpful. e.g., The Facebook integration with Photo Gallery is very well done, but it takes too many steps to get there. If it's just one click from XMB, I will check it out often.
Yap.
There is such a function? how?
I'm not sure, but doesn't the XMB leave the vertical rows where you've last visited them?
I mean if you don't use the video upload app, the default position in the video cataegory will likely be something else, something you last used/viewed.
I'm not sure if it works that way after you've powered down, but I'm pretty sure it does until you turn off your PS3 and on again.
My sentiments exactly. XMB was swish and stylish on release, and the general 2D structuring is fine. However, it's starting to creek under the weight of additions, like a Windows Start menu with a massive list of programs because the typical user doesn't know to create subfolders. XMB doesn't need an overhaul, but it does need refinement, and ideally a significant change in approach and mechanics to user involvement in the whole network. Information needs a much better portal, and file and program management needs to be handled better.
I forgot how... hang on...(0) Allow Facebook access to Games (under Account Management icon)
(1) Start Photo Gallery 2.0 app
(2) If you're in the Playstation Network area, it will ask you to select a network service to use:
(a) Picassa
(b) FaceBook
(3) Choose b and login
(4) You'll see your PSN avatar and your FaceBook friends' photo "piles" on the screen. If you choose your own avatar, you'll manage your own FaceBook gallery from there. If you use your dpad to navigate to the friends' piles, their galleries will appear as a 2D grid on the screen. You can zoom into any one of them to view their photos. I think you may be able to start a slideshow but I'm not sure.
The thing is if you skip step (0), the Photo Gallery app will not tell you anything. It will start at the "Camera Import" screen and appears to be a regular photo app.
EDIT: Yes sir, slideshow is possible. This is a really nice app but hidden too deeply; just like EyePet's drawing recognition; SingStar's community and voice recognition; LBP2 tools, EyeCreate and so many other things....
(0) Allow Facebook access to Games (under Account Management icon)
(1) Start Photo Gallery 2.0 app
(2) If you're in the Playstation Network area, it will ask you to select a network service to use:
(a) Picassa
(b) FaceBook
(3) Choose b and login
(4) You'll see your PSN avatar and your FaceBook friends' photo "piles" on the screen. If you choose your own avatar, you'll manage your own FaceBook gallery from there. If you use your dpad to navigate to the friends' piles, their galleries will appear as a 2D grid on the screen. You can zoom into any one of them to view their photos. I think you may be able to start a slideshow but I'm not sure.
The thing is if you skip step (0), the Photo Gallery app will not tell you anything. It will start at the "Camera Import" screen and appears to be a regular photo app.
EDIT: Yes sir, slideshow is possible. This is a really nice app but hidden too deeply; just like EyePet's drawing recognition; SingStar's community and voice recognition; LBP2 tools, EyeCreate and so many other things....
That sounds great. Thanks. I will c heck it out. I wonder why Sony doesnt mention much about the additional functionalities that come up with each firmware. It boggles my mind
Gradthrawn
Veteran
They do, actually. And then people bitch about not adding "feature x", and that everything that was added was useless, so, the useful information get drowned out in a sea of complaints.
They do, actually. And then people bitch about not adding "feature x", and that everything that was added was useless, so, the useful information get drowned out in a sea of complaints.
Hehehehe so True.
But these features should have been also explained in firmware update itself. Not just in the blog (which is a complaint magnet)
After you update it often informs you one or two minor features and doesnt list all the other additions they have made. Only if you are occasional blog/internet reader you can learn about them
They should have had some kind of list and tutorial of important features added with each new firmware withing the XMB.
They do, actually. And then people bitch about not adding "feature x", and that everything that was added was useless, so, the useful information get drowned out in a sea of complaints.
In my experiences, this is mostly because:
The feature/technology does not address mainstream needs. As a result, they become more like a standalone mini-app with obscure functionality. e.g., Photo Gallery should access media stored on Macs and PCs since most people keep their family album there. Few people will use it with a separate repository. Hence most people will find the app useless (Not suitable for their needs).
Since Sony doesn't seem to consider/consolidate use cases and workflow in their app design, it is common to find gaps in their solution, which render the software tedious/hard/pointless to use.
EyeCreate on its own is like Apple's Photo Booth. Both are pretty useless (although mildly amusing to play with). But if EyeCreate can be integrated into LBP's workflow and tools, then it may be more useful.
The XMB notification when playing video is another example. Should have an option to turn off notifications.
Also, if an app is clumsy to use, then many will not go there (e.g., PS Home)
I'll see if their upcoming PlayView game guides can be used in-game.
I noticed on the US blog that Playstation Plus owners are getting 1-hour free game trials for both God of War collection games. That means that they're now also selling as individual PSN titles, which is interesting and promising for future HD releases (like, say, Ico).
upnorthsox
Veteran
(0) Allow Facebook access to Games (under Account Management icon)
(1) Start Photo Gallery 2.0 app
(2) If you're in the Playstation Network area, it will ask you to select a network service to use:
(a) Picassa
(b) FaceBook
(3) Choose b and login
(4) You'll see your PSN avatar and your FaceBook friends' photo "piles" on the screen. If you choose your own avatar, you'll manage your own FaceBook gallery from there. If you use your dpad to navigate to the friends' piles, their galleries will appear as a 2D grid on the screen. You can zoom into any one of them to view their photos. I think you may be able to start a slideshow but I'm not sure.
The thing is if you skip step (0), the Photo Gallery app will not tell you anything. It will start at the "Camera Import" screen and appears to be a regular photo app.
EDIT: Yes sir, slideshow is possible. This is a really nice app but hidden too deeply; just like EyePet's drawing recognition; SingStar's community and voice recognition; LBP2 tools, EyeCreate and so many other things....
Just tried this and it works quite well. FYI, you need to close out of the app and go back in to see your friends photos but it works well.
upnorthsox
Veteran
Could be, initially I could only see mine but closing out and going back in made them all appear. I'm on DSL so = slooowwww.
I'm intrigued with the idea of exposing different parts of facebook to different apps on the ps3. Being able to click on a friends list and seeing their game section on facebook would be neat.
Oh yes, bought Hoard last night:
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010...omorrow-learn-how-to-train-your-dragon-today/
Been waiting for it since it was announced. I always thought Lair should have been a game like this
It's not as obnoxious as I wanted (Like give us ways to torture villages, knights and princesses !), but it looks interesting so far. It's a strategy game vs other players/bot dragons.
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010...omorrow-learn-how-to-train-your-dragon-today/
Been waiting for it since it was announced. I always thought Lair should have been a game like this
It's not as obnoxious as I wanted (Like give us ways to torture villages, knights and princesses !), but it looks interesting so far. It's a strategy game vs other players/bot dragons.