PS3 Firmware 3.30

Last night’s System Software Update, which takes the PlayStation 3 to version 3.30, didn’t just add Trophy sorting and 3D support for games, it also updated the version of Flash used in the PS3’s browser. Fans of sites like YouTube will now find that the PS3 is quite happy throwing around videos of Slow Loris’ being tickled, or, you know, something great like our very own TSAtv.

 

In addition, the issue with some region-free Blu-ray disks (such as the BBC’s Life) has been fixed, leading some to speculate that the Blu-ray profile within the PS3 has been updated in preparation for 3D support.

 

Of course, Flash, 3D and the Blu-ray fix aren’t the only things on offer this update, with considerable work being done on the Trophy Lists. You can now sort your Trophies by title and date, which is nice, and you can also look into the add-on lists and sort there too, although most games don’t use this feature yet. You can also sort by Trophy grade, too, so all your Plats can sit at the top.

 

Despite a reasonable update list, version 3.30 was mostly tweaks and additions to the software development kit, changes that we as consumers won’t be seeing for a little while yet. Recent such SDK changes include a smaller footprint for the firmware, and although there’s no games that yet use the extra RAM now available, the improvements were welcomed by developers.

 

We’ll be on the lookout for any other new features today – if you find any, drop us a comment below.

 

Update: It appears there’s a new BD Audio Output setting under Video Settings: [(Direct)] and [bitstream (Mix)] have been added for optical output. More info here, thanks TTP.

 

Update 2: There’s now an option for PC remote play. We’re investigating this.

 

Update 3: PlayStation.com answers the PC remote play question: “You can now select [PC] as an option under [Remote Play Settings] > [Register Device]. When you select this option, you will be able to use the remote play feature to operate your PS3 system from future models of the VAIO PC. Details of this feature will be announced on the official VAIO website at vaio.eu/playstation in May 2010″

With the PS3 Firmware 3.30 update, Sony has introduced a new Terms Of Service and User Agreement - Version 6.0 (April 21, 2010).

 

The most interesting is paragraph 11, to cite:

 

11. MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADES

 

From time to time, it may become necessary for SCEA to provide certain content to you to ensure that Sony Online Services and content offered through Sony Online Services, your PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system or other SCEA-authorized hardware is functioning properly in accordance with SCEA guidelines.

 

Some content may be provided automatically without notice when you sign in. Such content may include automatic updates or upgrades which may change your current operating system, cause a loss of data or content or cause a loss of functionalities or utilities.

 

Such upgrades or updates may be provided for system software for your PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, or other SCEA-authorized hardware. Access or use to any system software is subject to terms and conditions of a separate end user license agreement found at http://www.us.playstation.com/termsofuse.

 

You authorize SCEA to provide such content and agree that SCEA shall not be liable for any damages, loss of data or loss of functionalities arising from provision of such content or maintenance services. It is recommended that you regularly back up any archivable data located on the hard disk.

Download: PS3 Firmware 3.30 (US) / PS3 Firmware 3.30 (EU)