More details on the patch through here.

According to Sony Japan, the main function of the new patch is “in system software [and] improved stability of motion.” In other words, system stability. Google translate must have bungled the language used there. The patch will also strengthen various security features of the console, while adding new ones.

So nothing that should take too long with decent internet speeds, then. Carry on.

According to Sony:

This means that you will now be able to use these wireless headsets on your PS4 and can experience 7.1 virtual surround sound and voice chat while playing your PS4 games.

Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 for PS4
We’re also pleased to tell you about a new headset that is coming soon for PS4. The Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 will be available from 10th February 2014 (market dependant) at  $99.99/£79.99/€89.99 SRP.

This new wireless headset for PS4 features stunning 7.1 virtual surround sound, as well as a crystal clear, noise-cancelling internal microphone for chatting to friends on Party, when playing online multiplayer.

The headset can be used at home using the USB wireless adaptor with your PS4, PS3, PC or Mac for up to 8 hours thanks to its rechargeable battery. You can also use the headset on the go with your PS Vita or with other mobile devices using the included 3.5mm stereo mini jack. With its foldable design the headset is ideal for travel and storage, so when you’re not using it, simply fold your headset up.

Headset Companion App
What’s more, you’ll be able to access custom sound modes to enhance your gameplay, music and movie experience on PS4 and PS3 through the Headset Companion App, available soon from PlayStation Store at no extra cost (also available through an update patch to the PULSE Manager app on PS3).

Make sure you look out for future releases of sound modes that are specifically tuned to enhance the audio in your favourite PS4 games. The first sound mode that will be coming soon to the app is being developed by Sucker Punch for their highly anticipated PS4 exclusive, inFAMOUS Second Son.

In addition, the app also offers a variety of preset audio modes for games, music and movies, as well as a tool to create your own custom EQ mode.

The Headset Companion App will be compatible with Wireless Stereo Headset 2.0 and the PULSE Wireless Stereo Headsets on both PS4 and PS3.

PlayStation App Update – Version 1.6
An update released to the PlayStation App for iOS and Android devices last week, added ‘Live from PlayStation‘ support (among other features), allowing you to browse and launch videos of live gameplay on your phone or tablet via USTREAM or Twitch.

For additional information on PS4 system update v.1.60, including how to update your system, please click here when the update goes live.

Sony has sent live PS3 firmware update 4.50, with changes ranging from seamless webstore purchases to a more cohesive relationship between PS3 and PS Vita.

Here are the changes you’ll find in the latest update:

• Auto download of system software updates has been expanded to support all PSN users.
• Auto download support of purchases made on the Web Store will be made available to all PSN users.
• New options for trophy privacy settings allow users to set which trophies are visible.
• Data can now be transferred from PS3 to PS Vita using wi-fi and ethernet connection.

PlayStation Home and Account Management will also be taken offline, however if you’re logged in now and during the maintenance times, you’ll still be able to jump into the multiplayer of your favorite game. In essence, don’t sign out of your PSN account and you’ll be fine.

To compensate, Sony’s sending the PS Plus update live one day early, which is tonight, to “allow you to hop into the store tonight ahead of tomorrow’s store update post, and pick up your purchases prior to the Tuesday downtime. Since this is an early update, be sure to take advantage of any current sales now, while you can.”

Via the US PS Blog.

According to a tweet from the PlayStation official feed, the changes are minor and a mainly for system stability.
 

PS3 software update v4.41 is coming today, it’s a minor update that will improve system stability.

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) April 25, 2013

It’s now live.

One user told us he tried signing in about fives times only to be hit with an error, so he contacted Sony to find a solution.

We’ll contact Sony ourselves to find out what’s the problem, once we have an answer, we’ll share it with you.

Have you had any issues? Let us know.

According to the firm, firmware update 4.2 will include time-off adjustments, a solution to the feature that enabled you to hear your own voice through the “Wireless Stereo Headset” when playing multiplayer modes. Said feature was added in firmware update 4.10. More inside.

Here’s the full list, as rumored by NeoGAF:

– Wireless Stereo Headset

– When the wireless stereo headset (CECHYA-0080) is connected, you can now adjust the sidetone level for microphone audio. Select [Sidetone] under (Settings) > (Accessory Settings) > [Audio Device Settings].

– Off: Disable microphone audio from the headset

– 1-5: Enable microphone audio from the headset

– Auto Off

- You can now set the amount of time until the system automatically turns off. Under (Settings) > (Power Save Settings) > [System Auto-Off] you will be able amend the time for [Video/TV/Music/Photo] and for [Game/Other
Features]:

– Video/TV/Music/Photo – After 1 Hour, After 2 Hours, After 3 Hours, After 4 Hours, After 5 Hours, Off

– Game/Other Features – After 1 Hour, After 2 Hours, After 3 Hours, After 4 Hours, After 5 Hours, Off

– If you enabled [System Auto-Off] in system software prior to version 4.20, the selected time will be set for both [Video/TV/Music/Photo] and [Game/Other Features].

– The default settings are [After 4 Hours] for [Video/TV/Music/Photo] and [After 1 Hour] for [Game/Other Features].

Save Game Selection

– Under (Games) > (Saved Data Utility (PS3™), you can now select multiple saved data items, and then either delete or copy them as a group.

– You cannot use [Copy Multiple] to select data that is copy-protected.

– Some saved data cannot be copied.

– The upper right corner of the screen displays: the number of saved data items that are selected, the total number of saved data items and the total file size of the saved data items that are selected.

Team Defender!

Following our Battlefield 3 meetup on Sunday starting at 2pm, (7pm UK), the Gamesthirst crew will ready ourselves for some Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer action!

It begins at 4pm eastern (9pm UK), two hours after the Battlefield 3 conquest meetup. A marathon Sunday.

The game mode will be Team Defender and like Battlefield 3, we’ll game for about 2hrs nonstop. You up to it? If so, add me: Maestro-GTUnit and send a message relating to the meetup and I’ll get you setup immediately.

Team Defender is loads of fun. We should enjoy this.

Ever since the PS3 launched back in 2006, the online feature gamers have been most adamant about is cross-game chat. Have they received it? No. But we’re now in 2011 and just recently the PlayStation Network was breached, resulting in one of the internet’s biggest security lapses. For three weeks the network remained “under maintenance” while Sony sorted the service. Periodically the firm would update the PS Blogs with valuable information concerning the hack and what steps gamers should take, but it was Kaz Hirai, PlayStation boss who, at a press conference in Japan, spoke of the “welcome back” package they were planning.

We know said package includes free games, 30 days free PS Plus amongst other things. But while PSN-gate was yet hot, a Sony rep let loose some rather juicy information concerning new features that might come available once PSN was back up. Things like cross-game chat and in-game video chat, and even a XMB revamp. The service has since then seen triumphant return, but today PSN is once again “undergoing maintenace”. Could this temporary shut down be related to the new features?

Responding to a a user who goes by the alias TheGordonShumway, who was giving Sony advice on how they should reopen PSN by discounting PS Plus, allowing PayPal accounts etc., a Sony rep said:

“As we are rebuilding the network, we are taking into consideration implementing features such as cross-game-chat and in-game video chat to name a few. I cannot confirm any new features at this time but expect a massive update when the network is restored.”

Surely this wasn’t some misguided quote in the midst of excitement. This could well be what Sony’s getting ready to unveil when the update is complete and the PlayStation Store goes back online. The firm obviously must prepare for the stress the network will come under when millions of gamers simultaneously start downloading free content, so that too could be tied into the “maintenance”.

We’re keeping our fingers “crossed”.

Life’s ironic you know, just when things start moving in the right direction for Sony, another thorn rears its ugly head. No rest. Even so, the giant keeps pushing.

The PS3 has been the victim of many homebrew exploits recently, but Sony’s fighting them like a wife with a bottle of Raid killing off roaches.

The recently released firmware update 3.42 kills them all off.

That means those who’ve spend money buying PS Jailbreak, PS Groove, PSFreedom and any other exploits will see their cash go to waste. They won’t work.

SCEA’s John Koller confirmed the update that was issued this morning over at the US PS Blog.

It’s a mandatory install, too. So no going around it.

It’s over now. The storm is over now. Come, let’s see it together!

Video Thirst:

In the past, many have snubbed the idea of anything that dealt with 3D, not only in the gaming industry but also in Hollywood. Before most of us were even born, 3D made its not-so-grand entrance only to fade into darkness. It was well received but then lost steam – more like a phase.

But 3D is back! and with films like Avatar, which is now the highest grossing movie of all time, we know the tech has made a lasting resurgence in; but what about games? That too is looking good.

Sony’s basically lead the pack in said arena, enabled through a firmware update, the hardware giant is planning to release an onslaught of titles gamers can experience in full 3D from start to end which is stunning, and a line of Bravia TVs with full compatibility. So the revolution is here no doubt.

Another big player in Hi-Def TVs, Samsung, has released a listing of their impending 3D-enabled LED HDTVs to be made available this month, so you can start saving up to be part of the fun.

With a grand total of 8 series from size 19 -through 65inches, there’s good variety for starters and big spenders alike.

Mind you these things are not cheap; start saving now.