Sony @ GamesCom 2009: UK PSN getting facelift, PSN cards next month, PS3 Firmware 3.0 confirmed

Posted Aug 18, 2009 at 10:26AM by Karl B. Listed in: PS3 Tags: Audi, BBC, GAMESCom, Playstation Home, PlayStation Network, Sony
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GamesCom - Image 1


Sony has announced a lot of new stuff for PlayStation Network during the first part of their GamesCom conference in Cologne. There's a new video download service, more Home spaces, and yes, Firmware 3.0.

First, Firmware 3.0. There are just preliminary details, but apparently it's going to come with animated themes, a What's New section, and some other interface changes. Links to various TV services will also be added to the XMB for easier access. UK PS3s, for example, will get a link to BBC iPlayer.

The PlayStation Network itself will also be given a new look on September 1. That same month will also see the addition of new Home spaces, including ones from SingStar and Audi. Home itself will also be updated next month.

Still on the PSN, Europe's VidZone service will be expanding to Sweden Denmark Norway, and New Zealand later this year. Europe is also getting a new video download service similar to the one already being offered in the US. This one will be for both PS3 and PSP and will let users buy and rent movies in either SD or HD format. This new service will launch in November.

Finally, gamers in Europe will be able to buy PSN cards starting September. 50 Euro and 20 Euro versions have been confirmed to be available.

Stay tuned for more GamesCom updates.



Related articles:


Via EU PlayStation Blog

 
 
 

Comments

by Acteon - 2009-08-18 10:42:27
Hmmm

iPlayer is a welcome addition, and the slim model might convince a few more people to adopt, but I'd want to know if it's PS2 compatible. (I have a PS3 anyway, but if I were looking that would be my key question). No PSP Go! Price though, which is very disappointing.

by Sw3RvE - 2009-08-18 10:48:49
so...

if that kmart ad is real. someone tell me why sony would let a crappy retailer reveal their new ps3. why wouldnt they reveal something that big at gamescon?

by NathanDrake - 2009-08-18 10:53:50
...

Easier access to the BBC iPlayer ain't a bad idea. Just seeing it on the XMB might appeal to many who use the PS3 as an all around media machine (like I do, though I don't generally use iPlayer)

by FelisCatusLover - 2009-08-18 11:14:55
...

you know i'm getting sick and *****ing tired of Sony giving Brits better treatment then Americans. First, the made that cool trophy gamer card for them and not for us Americans and now they're doing all kinds of stuff for them. WHAT GIVES? There's far more PS users here in America, stop doing all kinds of stuff for third-world countries and do something for the place that got you where you are for once.

by NathanDrake - 2009-08-18 11:34:08
...

You know it goes both ways right? We still missing a couple Home spaces the US has such as Uncharted. We STILL don't have Bomberman Ultra on PSN and Metal Gear Solid PS1 you folk had a couple months back and it took us several months to get Street Fighter HD which came out on pretty much the same day SFIV arrived here. What's with the third-world country bit...? Gonna be like that then stop using our language :P

by ___ - 2009-08-18 11:37:38
read

the first dam sentence. " Sony has announced a lot of new stuff for PlayStation Network during the first part of their GamesCom conference in Cologne."

by Silver-Tiger - 2009-08-18 11:54:42
....

Shut the f*** up you F**kwit, Europe is not some thir-world country, if you would have an IQ over 10, you would know that Europe is actually a continent with over 40 countries and FAR more people than in USA. USA has "just" 300 Million inhabitants, Europe has over 700 million. Who's got the bigger userbase now? i can't say often enough, THINK before you write something.

by FelisCatusLover - 2009-08-18 20:00:02
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Actually I was referring to the UK, not Europe.

by unggoy - 2009-08-18 20:01:42
PSN cards..

PSN cards on EU will finally be available.. wtf, i only recently got a credit card just so i can buy games from PSN then this happens.. i dont care anymore for the credit card, i'll go for this PSN cards.. haha..

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