Rumor: full list of PS3 FW 2.4 XMB features revealed, in-game music, debuts on E3?

Last we heard from PSN director Eric Lempel, FW 2.40 will include in-game access of the XMB and trophies. While that was official, everything else after seems to be uncharted rumor territory, including this latest one: a full list of features outlining functions of the XMB you can actually access in-game. Aside from the Trophy system, we might also get to play our own music in-game (no, not via Solid Snake’s iPod, but via in-game XMB!). There’s also some bit about FW 2.4’s release. As reports go, the current release window is three weeks from now. That’s E3 week!

Details about the coming PS3 Firmware 2.4 are making rounds on the net lately. The most recent confirmed item is, of course, PSN director Eric Lempel‘s official announcement that FW 2.40 will include in-game access of the XMB and trophies.

Everything aside from that, unfortunately, have been taken from the rumor bin, including (but not limited to) some leaked screens of the PS3 trophies, the function to play your own music in-game, and others besides.

This coming from CVG now: we hear that PS3 Firmware 2.40 will be heading out in three weeks’ time – just right smack in the middle of E3, actually. Possible, yes? We imagine Sony revealing the PS3 FW 2.4 features during the E3 event, and simultaneously make it available on the same day. It’s not that far-fetched a marketing strategy.

Aside from a release window, we learn that there are four types of trophies to be had: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, all achievable by a leveling-up system – not by “gamer points”.

It also looks like getting to play your own music while playing a game will be possible on FW 2.40. CVG reports that there will be the usual music player functions such as Play, Pause, Next Track, Previous Track, Change volume, Change repeat mode, and Change shuffle mode.

Here’s the list of PS3 FW 2.40 features that was leaked to CVG:

• 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

Too much of a dream come true? Well, the Xbox 360 had its own rumored dream list for its Spring Update (denied by Microsoft, eventually), so let’s hope that PS3 FW 2.4 doesn’t follow suit with that. We’re ticking this one off with the Rumor label until we get official word from Sony.