PlayStation 3 Firmware Update 3.00 Available Now

As promised, Sony has released the 3.00 version of its PlayStation 3 firmware and all those who own one of the gaming consoles should connect them to the Internet and should allow the device to update itself so that they can take advantage of some of the features introduced.

All those planning to update should be advised that the download package is pretty big and the console needs to go through all the update steps before any online play can be done.

The 3.00 firmware update for the PlayStation 3 introduces a redesigned friends lists, which allows easier access to those whom you are interested in talking to or gaming with, new shortcuts that take you to the PlayStation Store directly from the XMB bar, a more capable system for Trophies, which will especially benefit those titles which get add ons or DLC.

Gamers can also get more avatars to use on the PlayStation Network and Sony has done itself a service and included a What's New section, which will deliver all the news regarding updates from Sony and fresh games added to the store. The 3.00 firmware also introduces a new status indicator and dynamic themes for the XMB.

Sony made the announcement regarding firmware version 3.00 for the PlayStation 3 at the Gamescon exposition in Cologne where the company also unveiled the new Slim version of the device.

Sony is clearly trying to make sure that the PS3 is easy to use for both those who are familiarized with it and for newcomers, who are expected to flock to the console which now costs just 299 dollars and uses less electricity while delivering the same amount of gaming power. The impact of the price cut and of the new firmware will be seen in the NPD Group numbers for September, where the PS3 is expected to give the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii a run for their money.