Playstation 3 Firmware v3.00 Now Available: Whats New?

Just in time for the launch of the PS3 Slim, Sony released PS3 Firmware v3.00 that offers a breadth of new features including a redesigned XMB for improved navigation and personalization features.

The biggest change is what Sony calls the “What’s New” section, which replaces the “Information Board” previously available. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, the addition displays the latest news and videos broken up in screens. Click on one of the screens and it will take you directly to its source. If there is a video featured, the video launches immediately upon selection. It will also display games last played on the PS3 for easy launch. Other shortcuts include the PlayStation Store icon, which now also appears underneath the Game and Video icons as shortcuts to games and videos featured in the store.
At the upper right hand corner of the screen you’ll now find an indicator bar displaying your user icon, a friend icon displaying the number of your friends online, a mail icon that displays when you receive new messages, and a scrolling news ticker underneath. This makes it easier to track activity on the PlayStation Network as it is no longer buried in the XMB.
With the firmware update comes more options to personalize your PS3. There are finally more avatars to choose from. This includes free and premium avatars available for download. In addition, dynamic developer-created themes are available that feature full movement of characters in the theme, as well as backgrounds changing based on night and day. Both avatars and these new dynamic themes are available through the PlayStation Store.
Finally, the update gives game developers the ability to modify the way trophies are displayed. Base and add-on game trophies will still be combined into a single list so you can gauge where you stand in a game as a whole. You can also break these lists into base and add-on trophies to separately track your progress in add-ons.