**UPDATE** PlayStation 3 firmware 2.0 goes live – with video demonstration

PlayStation 3 owners rejoice! PS3 Firmware 2.0 has gone live in most territories (depending on what timezone you’re on). The firmware update upgraded a number of features including Remote Start, the XMB, and other stuff.

Check out the full story by clicking the link below. More details on the changes and some notes about remote play awaits plus a newly added video from PlayStation Network Operations Director Eric Lempel.

Originally posted on November 7, 2007 at 11: 50 p.m.

Rejoice, PlayStation 3 owners! Sony has just announced the release of PS3 Firmware 2.0 on November 8 (Thursday, today for some regions). So what’s in store for us in this latest firmware update? In a nutshell, Remote Start, Information Board, and other feature upgrades.

Here’s what Eric Lempel, director of PlayStation Network Operations at SCEA, had to say:

PlayStation 3 is constantly evolving and this latest firmware is a great example of how we can make existing features such as Remote Play even more user-friendly. We’re also delivering entirely new offerings that increase our touchpoints with consumers through the new Information Board. These types of updates show the value of PS3 goes beyond your initial purchase, and we’re continuing to evaluate new technology upgrades and consumer interests to develop future firmware updates throughout PS3’s lifecycle.

Remote Start will enable users to turn their PS3s on and off with their PlayStation Portables. As long as you’re in the middle of a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can turn your Sony PS3 on or off for any number of reasons, like access music, pictures, and watch videos.

The Information Board which will allow users to view the latest PS3 news on their XMB. It will serve as a quick and easy way of announcing new releases, new downloadable content, and updates, among other things. According to a press release, users will be able to scroll through news and read the full story via the Network Category on the XMB or through web links that can be opened with the web browser. The said feature can be turned on or off by visiting the Information Board icon under the Network category.

Other upgraded features include custom themes, music and photo playlists, and a PlayStation Network category on the XMB. You can now personalize your XMB by changing your icons and the wallpaper with a theme. Themes will be available via the PlayStation Store, but users will also be able to make their own themes and share with other users.

Another good upgrade is the playlists for music and pictures. Now you can organize your music and create slideshows for your pictures. Lastly, the addition of the PlayStation Network icon on the XMB will allow for easy access to the PlayStation Store and Account Management settings.

According to a report from SCEE, the updated Remote Play (and most probably Remote Start, too) will need at least PS3 FW 1.80 and PSP FW 3.50. According to the press release, Sony’s got more things planned for us in future updates, so we’ll keep you posted on those.

Thanks to tipsters SooperGooman, mik3yl3, PSP_Gangsta, and JollyRoger for the quick heads up!

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UPDATE: PlayStation Network Operations Director Eric Lempel posted a video demonstration of the newly released PS3 FW 2.0 over at the official PlayStation Blog. While an official changelog has yet to be released, Lempel provided these comments:

We’ve created a quick video demonstration of some of the new features (shot using the PlayStation Eye). Inside, youÂ’ll see a quick run through of how Themes, the Information Board, Remote Start, and custom photo and music playlists work.

Click on the Source link below to watch the video!

Via PlayStation Blog