Remember how Sony promised that PlayStation Home's launch this fall will be similar to Gmail's own launch, in that it's going to be an open, working beta? If you're worried that the service would probably be some half-baked launch just to be able to show something to gamers after so many delays, PlayStation Network director Eric Lempel clarifies on a few things. Details in the full article.

Do you have any questions about upgrading to the latest PlayStation 3 firmware 2.40? Or are you curious as to how the implementation of trophies will affect your current games? Do you want to know whether or not you can access the XMB while playing PS2 games? Well, you better read the full article to have those queries answered.

Wondering about PlayStation 3 firmware update 2.40? Well, wonder no more! New details are up regarding firmware 2.40, and they come in the form of videos and a release date. View the info and the videos after the jump!

Last we heard from PSN director Eric Lempel, FW 2.40 will include in-game access of the XMB and trophies. While that was official, everything else after seems to be uncharted rumor territory, including this latest one: a full list of features outlining functions of the XMB you can actually access in-game. Aside from the Trophy system, we might also get to play our own music in-game (no, not via Solid Snake's iPod, but via in-game XMB!). There's also some bit about FW 2.4's release. As reports go, the current release window is three weeks from now. That's E3 week!

 The latest post on the US PlayStation Blogs has revealed that PS3 Firmware 2.36 is closing in on us real fast. Eric Lempel also mentioned more confirmations regarding the much-awaited in-game XMB on FW 2.40 and the addition of trophies. Read on to find out more.

Thanks to R7i1c3K and gtxboyracer for the tip!

What can we expect from Sony's official Firmware 4.0 update? How does a Google Internet Search feature grab you? Or the ability to change the speed of your video playbacks? Details in the full article.

Wondering just what sort of features the next official PSP firmware update will bless upon your handheld? Then read on in the full article as we catch wind of updated PSOne controller customization AND improved connectivity with your own Sony PlayStation 3 via this latest firmware update.

*Update*: It seems the new PSP firmware has been released early. We still haven't received official word from Sony about FW 3.95, so be sure to be cautious when you take a peek at this latest firmware.

Have you taken advantage of all the updates for the PlayStation 3's firmware 2.20 update yet? In case you missed anything, here's a new video from Sony's Eric Lempel to show you a demo of some of the new features. Check out the video in the full article.

PlayStation Network's director of operations, Eric Lempel was able to give time to Next Generation for an interview regarding the status and developments of PSN.

He was able to share some of his thoughts regarding their unique service compared to the Xbox Live, PSN's firmware updates, and a new achievement system for their users. Details on the interview after the jump!

Game Developers Conference 2008 is still several weeks away, but Sony is already prepping up some serious fireworks come showtime. Like last year, it'll be showing off PlayStation Home. This time, however, they'll be highlighting the value of user-generated content. Eric Lempel, director of operations at PSN talks about it in the full article.