Firmware 3.40 for PlayStation 3 Is Out, Brings Facebook Integration

Sony has launched the 3.40 firmware update for the PlayStation 3 home console, bringing some new features to the console and adding the changes needed for the fresh PlayStation Plus subscription service. All those interested in getting the firmware need to turn on their device and follow the prompts.

Apart from the changes made to the PlayStation Network service, the 3.40 firmware upgrade is also set to introduce features to the core user experience of the PlayStation 3 home console. The Photo Gallery is now getting an entirely new network based feature permitting users to share photos on sites likes Facebook and Picasa Web Album directly from their home console. A set of options allows for photos to be printed from the fresh interface.

The PS3 is also receiving a new feature called Video Editor and Uploader that will show up in the XMB enabling users to save video, edit it and then upload content to external sites like YouTube and Facebook. The PlayStation Store is getting a feature that allows any user who buys a piece of content to rate it using a five star system, building a clear hierarchy that can guide those looking for quality entertainment.

With the 3.40 firmware, the PlayStation 3 is also getting new power saving settings, with the default setting for auto turn off now set to 2 hours, making sure players will be able to better manage the electricity consumption of their device.

Sony is also launching a PlayStation Network application on Facebook, allowing more integration between the PSN profile of the user and that on the popular social network. Gamers can see which of their buddies also have PSN accounts, plus send and accept requests for friendship, while showing whether they are online or not.