CVG has managed to get its grubby hands on the final list of features for the hotly anticipated Firmware 2.4 update, which was yesterday rumoured to be due early next week. But that's not the case we've been told...

Speaking under strict conditions of anonymity, a source has told CVG that Firmware 2.4 is expected to launch in around three weeks' time. A quick look at the diary reveals that E3 is just under three weeks away. It doesn't take a genius to see that Sony's pre-E3 conference would be the perfect time to launch the Sony XMB assault.

Announcing something and making it available at the same time is the way forward, as Microsoft proved by revealing Doom isn't just coming to Xbox Live Arcade, it's on Xbox Live Arcade a few E3s ago. Apple is known for this approach too.

We've also scooped the following list of XMB features that you'll be able to access in-game. Here goes:

* Friend category
* View, send, receive messages
* Manage downloads
* Set the vibration feature of the controller
* Sign in to PlayStation Network
* Register friends
* Manage Bluetooth devices
* Terminate the game
* Music category
* Use the system BGM
* Work the system BGM operation panel
* Settings category
* Assign controllers
* View profiles
* Game category
* Set audio devices
* Use the voice changer


As previously reported the update will also allow you to play back your own tunes in-game from the XMB Music column. It's unclear whether this feature will be compatible with all games or just new titles created with more recent development tools.

The system BGM will offer functions such as Play, Stop, Previous track, Next track, Change repeat mode, Change shuffle mode, Change volume (five levels). When you stop the playback of your tunes, playback of the game music will then begin.

Sony has yet to confirm or deny any of this and won't comment on rumour and speculation. If you ask us though, this is bang on the money. Not long to wait and see...

http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=191641

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Maybe Doc will finally come to love PSN after this.

:tongue:

sounds good to me. I was hoping for an earlier release but I suppose I can live with this.

I'm good with it. All I really wanted from in game XMB was the ability to send and receive messages during a game. It would make game nights a heck of a lot easier.

I'm good with it. All I really wanted from in game XMB was the ability to send and receive messages during a game. It would make game nights a heck of a lot easier.

It sure would. Should have been there along time ago but I suppose later is better than never.

Seems about right,just as the article said 'E3 is just under three weeks away',so it's the perfect time for Sony to announce a release date and possibly show how it will work.

Sony is teh winnerz. :tongue:

I hope 2.4 comes out "early next week" vs. 3 weeks...

No in game private chat? =/

Also with games that already have access to the xmb friends list, when you look at your friends can you tell if there joinable and join them without a invite if so?