Psyonix Studios developer Corey David let the cat out of the bag this week regarding upcoming Playstation 3 firmware update 2.7.0. In discussing a bug with the studio’s game, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, David let slip in a forum post that the update is scheduled for release later this month.

Hey Guys -

I’ve been working with Sony trying to reproduce and solve the PSN sign-out issues some of you report.

Any info you can generate will be really helpful. Sony mentioned a bug they fixed with the next system software update (2.70) that might resolve these issues, but we have to narrow it down and verify it’s the same problem to be sure it’s that and not something we need to fix on our end.

IIRC it will drop later this month. And contain lots of fun new fixes. I’m excited about this one, lots of new stuff. :)

Though, I dont think I can mention any of them just yet.
-Psyonix-Corey

It is not uncommon for developers to recieve advance copies of hardware updates so that they can ensure compatibility with their software. After the internet caught wind of the premature announcement the post was swiftly edited to remove any reference to the 2.7.0 release, further supporting the veracity of the statement.

So what exactly do we have to look for in 2.7.0? Last month, a member of the GameTrailers forums claiming to be a Sony R&D employee posted a list of new features supposedly coming with the firmware update. Neither confirmed nor denied at this point, the information sounds too good to be true yet just plausible enough to consider taking seriously.

Friends List:
- Voice Messaging is now available as an alternative to text after selecting a user on the friends list. Voice message recordings are capped at 30 seconds.
- Home Integration: Saved PlayStation Home avatar photos can be selected as photo ID for Gamer Card/Friends List.
- Trophy number and Gamer Level are listed under Friend names for quick reference.

Gamer Card & Trophies:
- Gamer Card layout has been changed to more closely resemble the PlayStation Store aesthetic.
- Past Trophy information can be viewed in detail by selecting “Recent Trophy History” option.
- Newly acquired trophies auto-sync in the background
- Server infrastructure for Trophies has been optimized. Resulting in faster retrieval time for Gamer Card and Trophy information.

In-Game XMB:
- Loading time for In-Game XMB has been drastically reduced, resulting in a more seamless in-game experience.
- “Theme settings” options while in-game is now available, allowing custom themes to be applied to the In-Game XMB.
- Internet Browser can now be accessed while in-game.
- Voice messaging and voice chat options can be used while in-game.
- Options that cannot be used in the XMB during game sessions are grayed out (but still selectable) to eliminate user accessibility confusion.

With loads of previously requested and novel high-quality features like these, Sony might finally be stepping up to the plate to give Microsoft a run for its money. Whether you’ve got a PS3, an Xbox 360, or both, industry competition always benefits the consumer. Three cheers for good news!

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