In the first week of July, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) released firmware update version 2.40 for the Playstation 3. Some users reported that they could not see the XMB after this update, so it was temporarily removed from the system for some tweaking. A few days later, version 2.41 was released - so now we can update!!

Version 2.41 added the two things I dreamed of and begged for Sony to implement into the PS3 since I bought it on the release date - The in-game XMB and the trophies! Now you don’t have to wait to exit your game to see who’s online or what your friend’s message says - just press the PS button on your controller and the XMB will pop-up over your game so you can check that info or send a quick message out.

The trophy system displays your accomplishments in specific games so you can show off and compete with other online users. Currently, this feature only works for Super Stardust HD, but according to the Sony reps, the following games will be using the trophy system as well: Resistance 2, Socom: Confrontation, Warhawk, PAIN, PixelJunk Eden, NBA ‘09, LittleBigPlanet, Buzz! Quiz TV, and Motorstorm Pacific Rift.

What other gifts did Sony give us with their firmware update? Let me take a deep breath…
You can now have up to 100 players on your friend-list (it was originally 50), search the web from your XMB (powered by Google), view the date and time from the XMB, the text entry field can now be cleared at once when using a keyboard, reassign controllers, adjust controller vibration settings, print playlist images, use a small music control panel, use noise reduction settings for stored media, AND support of upscaling of blue-ray disc video content. *WHEW* That was A LOT of goodies!

Thanks to the developers and programmers over at Sony for their hard work in bringing out the best in the PS3!