PLAYSTATION 3 Firmware Updated to 2.00

November 7, 2007

PLAYSTATION 3 Firmware Updated to 2.00

New PLAYSTATION 3 Firmware Update Adds PS3 Remote Start Via
PSP and
New Information Board That Delivers PLAYSTATION News Updates Directly to the XMB Screen

Sony Computer Entertainment
America (SCEA) today announced that the next system software update for
PLAYSTATION 3, firmware version
2.00, will be available on Thursday, Nov. 8, and will add several features
that enhance the user experience. Firmware 2.00 will deliver exciting new
features such as Remote Start, which upgrades the Remote Play feature by
enabling users to turn on a PS3 system remotely with their PSP from an Internet hotspot, and a new
Information Board, where users will find the latest PlayStation news and
updates in a scrolling window on the XMB menu screen.
Other new features include the addition of custom themes that personalize the XMB interface, the ability to build music and photo playlists, and the
creation of a PLAYSTATION Network category on XMB.

"PLAYSTATION 3 is constantly evolving and this latest firmware is a great
example of how we can make existing features such as Remote Play even more
user-friendly. We’re also delivering entirely new offerings that increase our
touchpoints with consumers through the new Information Board," said Eric
Lempel, director, PLAYSTATION Network Operations, SCEA. "These types of
updates show the value of PS3 goes beyond your initial purchase, and we’re
continuing to evaluate new technology upgrades and consumer interests to
develop future firmware updates throughout PS3’s lifecycle."

Remote Start
Since May 2007, the Remote Play feature has enabled users to stream
photos, videos, and music stored on their PS3 hard drive or PC onto a PSP
system, whenever their PSP system is connected to a wireless Internet access
point (or hotspot). Consumers have also been able to use PS3 system as a
gateway to remotely access media files stored on their PC with their PSP
system, all through PS3’s Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) capability.
Now users no longer have to leave their PS3 system on when they leave home, as
the new firmware update adds Remote Start, allowing a PSP system to remotely
turn on a PS3 system from a hotspot. Once they’re done using Remote Play,
users can also turn off their PS3 with their PSP. This delivers greater
flexibility to the Remote Play feature and makes accessing media files on-the-
go easier than ever.

Information Board
A new Information Board enables SCEA to communicate directly with PS3
users, delivering information to XMB on a regular basis about new content
added to PLAYSTATION Store, software releases, hardware news, firmware
details and other updates. The Information Board consists of a window on the
upper right corner above the XMB that scrolls through the headlines of each
item. Users can read the entire "story" or update by clicking on the
Information Board icon under the Network category. Some Information Board
updates will include a Web site link for more information, which the user can
click on to view using PS3 system’s browser. Moving forward, the Information
Board will be a valuable communications tool that allows SCEA to push
real-time news and updates to PS3 owners. Users can turn the scrolling window
on or off by clicking on the Information Board icon under the Network category
and changing the setting.

  • Other Feature Upgrades
    — Custom themes — Users can now personalize their XMB by choosing custom
    themes, which change wallpapers and icons at one time. A variety of
    themes will be available for download from PLAYSTATION Store and
    http://www.playstation.com, including themes related to specific titles
    or franchises. Users can also create their own themes and share them
    with their friends. Instructions on how to build personalized themes
    will be posted soon on http://www.playstation.com.
  • Music and photo playlists — Users can now create playlists for photos
    and music stored on their PS3 system. This new feature makes it simple
    to create personalized soundtracks of favorite songs or share
    slideshows of favorite photos, all grouped according to the user’s
    preference.
  • PLAYSTATION Network category — A PLAYSTATION Network category icon has
    been added to XMB, where users will now access PLAYSTATION Store and
    Account Management settings. PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve
    and this dedicated category reflects SCEA’s focus on current
    PLAYSTATION Network offerings, primarily PLAYSTATION Store, and several
    new initiatives planned for the future. The current Network category
    icon will continue to include the Remote Play feature, Internet
    browser, Folding@home, and online instruction manuals.

To install the latest system software on your PS3 system, you can select
the System Update feature when your system is connected to the Internet; use a
PC to download the update data and transfer it to the PS3 system through
storage media or a USB mass storage device; or install it using update data
included on an upcoming game disc. Further details are available at
http://www.playstation.com.