This is the Firmware that every blog, news site and PS3 fanboy has been talking about for the past year. Sony has finally released information on the Playstation 3 firmware update 2.00. But while it adds many new features it is missing some of the things that pretty much everybody has been asking for since the Playstation 3 release. And before I talk about why this new 2.00 release is causing such a huge uproar in the Playstation 3 community let me comment that I really do love the new themes. I also like the fact that you can now change the colors as well as editing your pictures and you now have more options in terms of music... But first things first though. Here are the new images of PS3 Firmware v2.00...

Word from Sony... 

The official Playstation blog released the following statement on the Firmware update 2.00.

Firmware Update (v2.00)+ Posted by Eric Lempel // Director, PlayStation Network Operations

Hi everyone. Here’s a preview of the next PLAYSTATION 3 firmware update (2.00) scheduled to release within the next few days. This update contains features that will allow you to receive news directly from us on everything PlayStation, enhance the way you access and organize your media, and allow you to customize your XMB in new ways.

Here’s a closer look at the new features:

You’ll notice this icon in the Network category of the XMB. This is the Information Board.

Once activated, you’ll notice scrolling headlines in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. We’ll be delivering the latest news on new games, PLAYSTATION Store updates, hardware, accessories and lots more through the Information Board. Click on the Information Board icon and you’ll be able to see all of the headlines and click through for more detail. The headlines and associated stories will be updated on a regular basis. You can choose not to display the Information Board, but you never know what you might miss, so I’d recommend keeping it on.

We’ve added a nice enhancement to Remote Play called Remote Start, to use Remote Play locally or from a Wi-Fi hotspot, you needed to make sure that your PS3 was on. With Remote Start this is no longer necessary. As long as your PS3 is in standby mode, you’ll be able to turn your PS3 on remotely via the PSP. You can then use Remote Play to access media on your PS3, and when you’re finished you can put your PS3 back into standby mode.

Another feature we’ve added with this update is the ability to set themes on your PS3. Themes will change the whole look of your XMB; the background, icons, and in some cases sounds on your XMB will completely change. We will be providing themes on PlayStation.com and through the PLAYSTATION Store. Once you have downloaded a theme, under Settings go to Theme Settings, select Theme and then choose a theme to display or install a new theme. We are also providing the ability for you to get creative and make your own original themes.

We’ve also added a new way to organize your photos and music on the PS3 - you can now create custom playlists for all of your music and photos.

Finally, regular readers of this blog may have noticed that I’m using a new avatar. You will see that logo above on your XMB representing the new PLAYSTATION Network category. You’ll find the PLAYSTATION Store and Account Management in this category.

Did Sony Drop The Ball with 2.00?

Since this update there has been a huge outcry on blogs and forums all over the internet. Why? Because there is no in-game XMB in the firmware 2.00 update. And this news has set of a bomb in the community. This has been the largest complaint by-far and it has been wanted by pretty much everybody that owns a Playstation 3 system. This 2.00 update mentions nothing about in-game XMB. Another thing that is angering many in the community is the extreme "lack of" talk about in-game XMB since the PS3 release. Many have been feeling that when PS3 firmware 2.00 is released it will take them to the promised land of being able to actually replying to messages without having to quit a game. It is no secret that many have been complaining about this for the whole part of 2007. I went to about 10-12 different forums and blogs to guage how people are feeling about this new info on the 2.00 update and I would say that about 90% of the community were overly angry and speaking their minds about how mad they are about still not having no in-game XMB. I was very surprised at the negative comments on the official Playstation blog. The comments were pretty intense and even the hardest of fanboys were pretty angry.

Is this a slap in the face to PS3 owners who have been longing for the same goods that Xbox 360 owners have in Xbox Live? Some are quick to say that Playstation online is free (and Xbox Live is pay) and this is the reason for the in-game XMB taking so long. But I have the feeling that this debate will not end, this is only the beginning and many PS3 fanboys are angry over it. As far as the PS3 Firmware 2.00, it will be released in a matter of days (most likely tomorrow). And here is the breakdown of what firmware 2.00 has to offer...

PS3 Firmware 2.00 Info:

Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP (PlayStation Portable) system via the Remote Play1 function, allowing for a truly mobile partnership between the two systems.

Building on the success and potential of the Remote Play functionality, Version 2.00 will cement the partnership between PS3 and PSP and create a truly global experience. With the ability to turn your PS3 on and off from Wi-fi connection, there is now the opportunity to listen to the music, look at the photos and watch the videos saved on the PS3 Hard Disk Drive, anywhere in the world.

To further enhance the PS3 offering, Version 2.00 allows for the creation of personalised playlists in both the music and photo sections. This simple to use function gives users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists for all occasions, as well as sharing favourite photos in glorious high definition.

Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB (XrossMediaBar) menu screen. Change the colour and brightness with the greatest of ease or have something completely different by setting a custom theme. With the potential for new backgrounds to become available on PLAYSTATION Network in the future, Version 2.00 truly opens up a whole raft of options.

A host of other enhancements includes the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep people up to date on the latest PlayStation news, the inclusion of a new PLAYSTATION Network category and logo for easier navigation and Trend Micro Web Security, a free2, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.