PS3 firmware update – version 3.50 released today

By Leo Graziani on September 21st, 2010

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Today, Sony releases new firmware for the PS3. Version 3.50 comes with the following new features and functionality:

• Blu-ray 3D disc playback
• Facebook integration
• Grief reporting

What does this mean for PS3 owners who just want to play games? A few things. Sony introduced 3D gaming back in June with some online offerings, so taking it to disc-based gaming is the next logical step. You won’t, however, make much use of 3D Blu-ray features unless you’re one of the few who have a 3D TV. And there isn’t a ton of 3D Blu-ray content currently available, though some 3D versions of movies are being released. You also need an HDMI cable, but that shouldn’t be a problem for anyone these days. But hey, at least we’re ready for the content when it does come out. Can’t do any harm.

Facebook integration will allow you to post updates about your current gaming achievements, but only for future games that get released supporting the Facebook interface. So if you’re getting your ass kicked in an upcoming Street Fighter game, everyone will know about it. Just the kind of news you want shared!

Grief reporting means that if you get an inappropriate message or are being harassed from some other user, you can send a report about it directly via the XMB on the console. You can access it by going to the message in question (ironically, under “Friends”), hitting triangle, then selecting “Grief Report.”

Bottom line? Personally, I’m not too crazy about the Facebook and the grief reporting. They’re nice to have, sure, but for me, the 3D possibilities are more exciting—once 3D TVs come down in price and there’s more content available, that is. As always, I’m curious to see what happens next.