- From Courthouse News Service:

"SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - Thousands of Sony PlayStation 3 owners say they downloaded a mandatory software update that irreparably damaged their machines, causing the consoles to freeze and the controllers to stop working. In a federal class action against Sony Computer Entertainment America, disgruntled gamers say their PS3s crashed after they installed Firmware 3.0, which Sony claimed would add "a number of great new features" and "changes that improve navigation on (their) PS3."
Sony allegedly released another software update several months later that not only failed to cure the problem, but also caused users' Blu-ray drives to malfunction.
Lead plaintiff John Kennedy says Sony told him it would cost an extra $150 to repair his damaged console after he downloaded the software updates.
Class members demand declaratory relief, compensation and restitution for breach of implied warranty, negligence and unjust enrichment.
They are represented by David Parisi with Parisi & Havens in Sherman Oaks, Calif."

- Take a look at how playing Assasins Creed 2 on PSP can help you in the PS3 version:

- Sony have announced that they are adding voice recognition to their Cell SDK:

- Sony talk about the development of the PlayStation Motion Controller:

- Firmware v3.00 has apparently caused players to see several issues.
- Some controllers no longer respond, even after restarting them or restoring the system. Some inconclusive evidence hints that this only happens to unofficial controllers.
- Uncharted players also say the game is freezing quickly and often.
- Sony have announced that they are looking into the problems. Check here for updates.

"SCEA is aware of reports that PS3 owners are experiencing isolated issues with their PS3 system since installing the most recent system software update (v3.00). Rest assured that we are looking into the matter and will provide an update here as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience, as it’s our mission to deliver the best consumer experience on all PlayStation platforms."

- PS3 Firmware 3.0 is now available, adding a "What's New" section, a status indicator, a renovated friends list, PlayStation Store shortcuts and animated backgrounds to your PS3's main menu screen.

- Joystiq has this:

"Speaking to the UK's Times Online during last week's GamesCom event, Sony boss Kaz Hirai provided some insight into the ramifications following the introduction of the smaller, cheaper PS3 Slim. Hirai noted that while the system itself would be sold at a loss, it would be buoyed by other elements of the PlayStation platform.

"If you look at the growth of the installed base, it is slower than the PS2 was but it's pretty much on track with the growth that we had with the original PlayStation," Hirai said. Responding to the issue of selling the redesigned PS3 at a loss, Hirai explained, "I don't actually know that that's the true nature of the business that we're all in, whether it's PlayStation, Xbox or the Wii. I think the better indicator is to look at the business as a whole platform, to ask: are you profitable in terms of the hardware, software and peripherals. And the answer to that question is yes on a gross profit level since the last fiscal year."

If Sony's price-cutting measures have their intended effect and lift the whole PlayStation platform, Hirai might just be in a position next year to boast about profits so plentiful ... it's gross."

- Blazepro's Wireless Keypad is now available for your PS3 typing pleasure.
- It may be ugly, but at only $11 compared to the $50 for the offical chatpad you get yourself a bargain.
- You have to use a 2.4GHz USB dongle to communicate with your PS3 rather than the built-in Bluetooth, but again, this is ~80% cheaper than Sony's.

- The PlayStation Blog has posted several How-To Tutorials to help you out.

• How to make your own PS3 Themes


• How to make your own PSP Themes


• How to create and view a photo slideshow on PS3


• How to import a music CD and create an audio playlist on PS3


• How to setup remote play between your PSP and PS3


• How to surf the internet on your PS3


• How to start a video chat on PS3


• How to use the PS3 visualizer

- Another remote and keyboard alternative, for those of you with a Blackberry anyway, has appeared from Unify4Life.
- Check out the Game|Shadow dongle and app.

- An enterprising young lad by the name of wraggster has posted some PS3 controller drivers for Windows that he has hacked together.

- Don't like Sony's chatpad? Try this third party model instead which combines a keyboard, remote control and gamepad.