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PS3 Firmware Update 4.50 Delivers Auto Download Features

The latest PlayStation 3 firmware update is here, and it delivers a few very useful features that were once exclusive to Plus members.

As detailed over at the PlayStation Blog , firmware update 4.50 has been released. It's available to download at any time, so get to it.

The new version adds the following to your console:

— Auto download of system software updates has been expanded to support all PSN users.

— Auto download support of purchases made on the Sony Entertainment Network online store will be made available to all PSN users.

— New options for trophy privacy settings allow users to set which trophies are visible.

— Data can now be transferred from PS3 to PS Vita using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection.

With the auto download features for system updates and SEN online store purchases, you can actually set a two-hour interval for your PS3 to run on from standby mode. That's when it will check for updates and any new content that's ready to go. I've already downloaded it and I'm really hoping that firmware updates for the PS4 are a little…well, quicker.

PS3 Update v4.25 Ups Cloud Storage

More space is always good.

At Gamescom last month, Sony announced they'd be amping up the amount of available cloud storage for PlayStation Plus members. That time has come; the upgrade will be included in the new system update for the PlayStation 3.

As confirmed over at the PlayStation Blog , update v4.25 will update the Online Game Save Storage from 150MB to 1GB. Remember, though, you have to be a Plus member. If you are, just download the update, go to the Saved Data Utility and access the Online Storage folder. You'll find that any existing game saves have already been uploaded, and if you set your automatic download to upload every game save for every compatible title…well, that's just a nice safety net. Always a bonus.

If you aren't a Plus member yet, we strongly recommend it. Even with little activity, the membership will likely pay for itself in a short span of time.

PS3 Firmware Update 4.20: Multiple Save File Copying FTW

Time to update your PlayStation 3 again.

Details of the firmware update 4.20 have popped up online , and they include a series of fixes and new features.

This includes wireless stereo headset sidetone functionality, the ability to copy and delete multiple save files, and the chance to alter the amount of time before the system automatically shuts down. Being able to copy a group of saves at once will be a lifesaver for those who want to back up those files, and if you're looking to clean up the hard drive, deleting a bunch of saves at once is helpful, too. Obviously, this is a very practical update; it isn't exactly flashy – some were hoping for a redesigned XMB, for instance – but it's functional.

Personally, I'm good with saving any flash for the PS4. I'm not the biggest fan of a ton of updates when it comes to electronics, just because I keep thinking those in charge are often only trying to find new things to do…not 'cuz we need it, but 'cuz they don't have anything else to do. Yeah, you know, work in the corporate world. 😉

Firmware 4.20 should be available today (Tuesday).

PS3 Update 4.00 Prepares PS3 To Interact With Vita

It's almost time for gamers to link up their PlayStation 3 and sleek new PlayStation Vita and do all sorts of fun things. …well, in Japan, anyway.

Sony's new portable launches in Japan on December 17, but everyone is getting a necessary PS3 update this week: it's v.4.00 and it has been detailed at the PlayStation Blog .

In addition to game patches, system software, recommended games and videos, and Sync Trophy information, the big news is that v.4.00 basically makes the PS3 a content management device for the upcoming Vita. Users will be able to copy their digital content (games, music, photos, videos) between the PS3 and Vita, back up Vita titles including save data on the PS3 hard drive, and update the handheld's system software via the PS3's network features.

So we're guaranteed that when the Vita hits the US on February 22, our PS3s will be ready to go. And really, without that connectivity, the coolness factor of Sony's portable drops a lot; it's one of the features that makes the unit so damn impressive and appealing.

Security Updates For PS3, Sony May Consider Serial Keys

We don't normally cover hacking and other issues – primarily because we don't believe in giving certain people any attention whatsoever – but this is sort of an FYI for everyone.

After the recent hacking and piracy problems, Sony has decided to take some security steps: first is the upcoming firmware update 3.56, which will include "a minor update that adds a security patch." Firmware update 3.55 was also a security patch of some kind. But something else may be looming on the horizon, as reported by TechEye ; it's the as of yet unconfirmed report that Sony is looking into serial keys. In other words, they will ship unique serial keys with each game it ships, thereby causing a big hurdle for those who wish to steal their products. Unfortunately, this didn't work very long on the PC platform so we'll have to wait and see if Sony comes up with another plan of action.

Also, let's not forget that big publishers like EA and THQ now have the Online Pass program, where you have to enter a code – that is only available if you buy a game new – in order to play online. …how many codes are we going to have to put in? Just to stop the rampant problem-causers? 'sigh' Whatever happened to just playing games?

PS3 Update 3.50 Disables Some Third Party USB Devices

Firmware update 3.50 for the PlayStation 3 not only added full 3D compatibility for Blu-Ray movies, but it has also disabled several third-party devices.

This according to an update at the official PlayStation boards , which confirms that 3.50 has disabled "75% of 3rd-party USB Adapters." This may also impact some third-party controllers, too, if you read the explanation:

"Counterfeit PlayStation®3 Wireless Controllers, which are practically identical in appearance to genuine PlayStation®3 Wireless Controllers, have been discovered in the market. SCEA advises consumers to be cautious when buying PlayStation®3 Wireless Controllers from uncertain sources as the quality, reliability and safety of counterfeit products is uncertain, and in some cases, may be dangerous. It is possible that some counterfeit product may ignite or explode, resulting in injury or damage to the user, your PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, or other property. Moreover, SCEA does not support continued functionality of counterfeit or unlicensed controllers in system software updates and these devices may cease to function in the future because of system software updates."

Basically, the controller won't work if it connects via USB and if it isn't licensed by Sony; there are plenty of third-party controllers that should function just fine. Obviously, this is in response to recent hacking attempts, which have seen much publicity on the Internet. For the most part, we recommend Sony-licensed accessories at all times…I distinctly recall losing 30 hours of Front Mission 3 and the first 5 hours of Vagrant Story data on an EB-branded memory card…