PS3 2.42 firmware update has been released by Sony and is available on the PlayStation Network.

PS3 2.42 firmware update improves the playback quality of some PlaySation 3 and PlayStation format software.

Here is the link to the PS3 firmware 2.42 update file to download to your PC and then transfer to the PS3: PS3 2.42 Firmware file.

More information on PS3 Firmware 2.42 update can be found on Sony’s official PlayStation blog.

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It’s official! Sony announced that PSP-3000 will go on sale worldwide from October 2008.

According to Sony, the main changes are:

• The new LCD screen adopts an anti-reflection technology, which enables users to see the screen more clearly in well-lit places, even when used outdoors.
• The built-in microphone will allow users to easily enjoy games that utilize a microphone, as well as Skype and other communication tools.
• the video-out port is also expanded to output gameplay in interlace format, which will allow new PSP users to enjoy games on non-progressive TVs by using separately sold cables.

In addition to the basic “Piano Black” color, the new PSP will also come in “Pearl White” and “Mystic Silver”(*4) to meet variety of lifestyle and preference of all ages.

Source: PR Newswire (Sony press release)

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PSP 4.05 firmware update includes new visualizers for music playback, a feature that will be welcome by those who use their PlayStation Portable for listening to music, among other features.

Sony has not mention what other features it will also released in PSP 4.05 firmware update which will be released very soon.

Eric Lempel, Director of PlayStation Network Operations posted over on the official PlayStation blog:

I wanted to give a quick heads up to everyone that a new PSP firmware update, v4.05, will be released soon. We know that more and more of you are listening to music on your PSP, and this update will add new visualizers for music playback, among other features. Enjoy!

It’s been almost four whole weeks since Sony released the PSP 4.01 firmware update on June 25th. We will let you know when Sony released PSP 4.05 firmware update.

Update: PSP 4.05 Firmware Update is available for download here.

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PS3 2.40 firmware update has been released by Sony and is available on the Playstation Network.

PS3 2.40 firmware update includes “XMB” access in-game and “trophies,” an exciting new feature. For a walkthrough, check out the video here.

Here is the link to the PS3 firmware 2.40 update file to download to your PC and then transfer to the PS3: PS3 2.40 Firmware file.

More information on PS3 Firmware 2.40 update can be found on Sony’s official PlayStation blog.

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Microsoft has cut the prices of its Xbox 360 console by up to $121.

The Pro version of the console now costs $499 (previously $620), the Elite version costs $699 (previously $799) and the Arcade version costs $399 (previously $459).

The company’s aggressive price-cutting strategy is part of Microsoft’s efforts to make the Xbox 360 “more accessible” and to gain market share.

The Xbox console lacks the coveted Blu-ray high-definition drive that rival console PlayStation 3 touts.

This is not the first time Microsoft has slashed prices of its console. Last August, it reduced the price of the Xbox 360 by $40.

Sony, on the other hand, has increased prices of its PlayStation 3 (PS3) console to $599 from $559 since April 21.

Nintendo has no immediate plans to tweak prices for its Wii console, which retails at $659 and comes bundled with three games.

But Microsoft might want to heed the demands of gamers and release a console with a Blu-ray drive soon if it is to make any headway in the gaming console space.

Mr Eric Chua, an account executive, said: “I don’t mind paying more for the PS3 because it has a Blu-ray drive. It means the games and movies that I buy will be future-proof.”

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