Las Vegas (NV) - Users will soon be able to access PS3 console settings, send instant messages, and scroll through other system options while in the middle of a game.

The console's main menu, known as the XMB (Cross Media Bar), handles the entire navigation of the PS3, including access to music, video, games, and online options.  The latter of that list is the most significant part of this future update.

As it stands now, to send a basic message to another PS3 user while playing a game, you need to exit the game and access the "friends" feature from the XMB.  Some games do allow you to send an invite for other users to join you, but it forces you into a game room and you have no way of communicating after that.  Adding the in-game XMB functionality would be crucial to chatting with people without needing to find a save point, quit the game, and then access the messaging feature.

We spoke to a couple different Sony reps who weren't sure about the news, which has been reported by various sources, but eventually tracked down a guy who confirmed it.  We couldn't get any specific details as to when this new feature would be added, but the rep did say it should be part of a firmware update some time this year.

Despite its presence as one of Sony's major divisions, video games are scarce at the company's booth.  It did show off a demo of Little Big Planet, an anticipated online PS3 game, and gave us the announcement of a September 2008 launch for that title, but otherwise it's all about Sony's OLED HDTVs and the Rolly dancing MP3 player.

What a cool idea!

Jan 10, 2008 08:13     

Now all they need to do is put a big shiny button in the middle of the controller that calls up this feature. They can call it the Guide button. Sorry, for stating the obvious.
Shaun report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

ps3

Jan 10, 2008 09:44     

ps3 is getting better as time goes by. they need to advertise all these new feature to new buyer.
yo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

advertising

Jan 15, 2008 21:30     

Agreed yo, I rekon they'd get alot more support if people knew ps3's could do this, as well as play divx's. There's no point adding a feature if no one knows about it.
doogie86 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Lets Go PS3 Staff!!!!!!!

Jan 15, 2008 22:54     

Lets get the in-game XMB up and running ASAP!!! I fought in line after a 10 hour flight from Germany, were i'm stationed to get my 60GB 600 dollar PS3 (which is non-existent now, and an 80GB is cheaper now, but i'm not mad) after already owning a 360 over a year (only because it was a gift). I've always been a Sony fan, but what is seriously taking you guys so long to get this done? The PS3 is not a new system anymore. Why can't i play my own music when playing games? You could do that on the old Xbox. WTF!!! You guys need to get your heads out of your butts and make things happen... I'm not even going to bring up "Home"... One thing at a time fellas... FOCUS!!! A Loyal Sony Fan

Texas_Raised report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

PS3 is trying to catch up, but won't compare

Jan 17, 2008 18:26     

Sony is trying to catch up with this new text bar but I still will not buy a $400 George Foreman Grill. It just doesn't make sense. Until they get an online service that doesn't blow, I'm completely sticking with my 360. Atleast my file shares can play all my MP3, Pictures, and Movies.
Headward report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

painful

Jan 24, 2008 13:22     

...to see Sony struggling at re-inventing the wheel when Mickysoft has pretty much perfected it. This news comes across as something totally cool - when in-fact it's old news and has long been available on XBL. Guess you gotta start somewhere eh?
gdawg report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Umm sony won.

Feb 28, 2008 19:51     

Guys, the PS3 was mainly a great way for Sony to make some extra cash and win the format war. The playstation is why Sony's Blue Ray won the battle.
N8 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

"ps3 catching up" ???ok

Feb 29, 2008 18:22     

u must not be able to think clearly from the loud sound of your xbox or maybe your too busy watching hddvd's ow wait they dont make them any more good thing u paid an extra 200 bucks for the hddvd player add on while my blu-ray player came included in the price of my console
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