XrossMediaBar

XrossMediaBar (XMB ) ( German: Cross Media Bar, pronounced: [ krɒs mi ː diə bɑ ː (r ) ] ) is the name of the graphical user interface, which is used by PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Sony Blu -ray players and Sony BRAVIA TVs; also used a special version of the PlayStation 2, PSX, the XMB already.

• 3.1 Development
• 3.2 Design 3.2.1 Colour Design
• 3.2.2 Individual design

Operation

The XMB can be controlled easily. Use the arrow keys to navigate and with the "X " ' confirmed or selected. However, this does not apply in Japan, there is confirmed with the Circle button, and "X" an action is terminated or, in the case of the XMB, changed to the parent menu item. Depending on what was the menu item is either something started, for example, a game or a movie, or it is called another menu item. With the Circle button is returned to a parent item and using the triangle button, a context menu opens that offers additional setting options. This applies to both the PS3 and the PSP.

PlayStation 3

Development

The XMB of the PS3 currently has the version 4:46. Were initially quite limited functions, they have been expanded more and more over time. For the launch on November 11, 2006 in Japan, the firmware had the version 1.00, but came directly to launch the first update (1.10), which added important functions. So starting with this firmware the "PlayStation Network", that is, there was the ability to save downloaded from the Internet music and video on the hard disk. The new firmware allowed for the support of audio formats (ATRAC ) and other keyboards is the usual in Japanese.

After a small correction ( 1.11) in late November 2006 and early December 2006 came the next major firmware version 1.30, which added the possibility, among other things, a full backup ( "Backup" ) to create the disk. In addition, the optional remote control is supported, and it was possible to use his old PS2 hardware, albeit without " Force Feedback ".

In December, two more firmware versions (1.31 and 1.32), but no significant changes brought with them. With the following versions of some little things have changed. Thus, in Japan, it was possible since version 1.50 (January 2007) to pay to the virtual wallet " Edy " and select your own user icon. This version was released a day later in the U.S. and there only improved compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games. With version 1.51 ( early February 2007), the backward compatibility was improved again with PS2 games, and with version 1.54 ( end February 2007) was chatting a USB camera used and the image size of the interlocutor will adapt if it used a camera.

The firmware update 1.60 was released on March 22, 2007. This was the first, was the European players available because the PS3 arrived a day later in Europe on the market. With this version, it was possible to select whether a CD when you insert into the drive to be started automatically. In addition, the backward compatibility for European consoles and Folding @ home have been added, and products from the PlayStation Store could be downloaded in the background.

After the update 1.70 in April 2007, the improved support for PS1 and PS2 hardware and made ​​it possible from PlayStation Store to play downloaded PS1 games that followed the update 1.80 (May 2007), added the new functions. So you could PS1 and PS2 games to 1080p upscaling, pictures, video and music streaming to the PSP, and old Scores for PS1 and PS2 could be copied back to a memory card; besides, it was now possible to Blu -ray discs that have been recorded with 1080p24 (also known as 24p ) spend ( in virtually all commercial Blu-rays the case), even with a 1080p24 signal. Then appeared in June 2007, two minor updates and the version number 1.81, which improved the support for PS2 games, and 1.82, which made ​​it possible for movies that are encoded in H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format play.

In July 2007, the update seemed to 1.90. This made ​​it possible for your own background images, instead of using the classic XMB background and emoticons. In early September 2007, the update 1.92 has been released, the rate of return to XMB, the PS3 and the browser in compatibility improved after exiting a game with older controllers of PS1 and PS2. With this update, there were many players have network problems, which is why on 12 September 2007 update 1.93 was released that addressed these problems. With the update 1.94, released on 24 October 2007, the PS3 supported the newly published DualShock 3 The first game that supported the DualShock 3 was, Ratchet & Clank: Tool of Destruction.

On 8 November 2007, version 2.00, which made ​​it possible to download created by Sony or users design and install appeared. These change the look of the menu buttons and the background. It was also possible with this version, select the current background color itself. Previously, this changed depending on the time and date. In addition playlists for music, pictures and videos could be created, and the " Information Board " has been added. After the release of the update to the stability of the PS3 deteriorated. Therefore, about two weeks (November 24 ) appeared the update 2:01 ( November 2007).

Next update released in December 2007, version 2.10. With this version, the PS3 supported the Blu- ray Profile 1.1, DivX and VC -1 ( WMV ), the latter, however, is only up to a file size of 2 GB. In March 2008, the update 2:17 was published, which improved the stability of the online multiplayer of some games. The version 2.20 was released on March 25, 2008. Starting with this Blu -ray Profile 2.0 (BD- Live) was supported. According to Sony, the PS at the time of the update, the only Blu -ray player on the market to have been, who supported this feature. In addition, DivX and WMV files that are larger than 2 GB could be played and the browser of the PS3 could play embedded videos directly.

On 15 April 2008 the update appeared to version 2.30. This changed the structure of the PlayStation Store and the PS3 supported with this update, the audio format DTS -HD.

Was realized requested by users since the release of the PlayStation 3, and 1 1/ 2 years (2nd July 2008) after the release of the in-game XMB, which was released with firmware version 2.40. This firmware also included the feature to receive certain benefits in games trophies. After there had been problems with the update some players, Sony took this back. The affected players the console does not start anymore after installing the updates. The firmware version 2.41 corrected the problems of version 2.40.

End of July 2008, the update 2:42 was published. This improved the stability of some tracks in the PS1 and PS3 format. Mid-September 2008 was released the firmware version 2.43. This did not have to be force-installed, as it extended only to the Japanese PlayStation Store to a VideoOnDemand area.

Version 3.50 brought among other things the ability, movies and games in stereoscopic 3D playback when the PS3 via HDMI is connected to a 3D - enabled TV or projector.

Since version 3.60 can be change according to which the controller are automatically shut off when not in use, the length of time.

The firmware 3.61 includes vulnerabilities PlayStation Network.

In the Update 3.65 [ Saved Data Utility ( minis ) ] was changed to [ Saved Data Utility ( minis / PSP ™ ) ] under [Game ]. Saved data for PSP ™ games can now be copied to the hard drive of the PlayStation ® 3.

With the update 4.00, the PlayStation 3 for the PlayStation Vita has been prepared. Under [ PlayStation Network ] has been [ PlayStation Plus added] and under [Account Management ] has been added [ Privacy Settings ].

Since version 4:46, it is possible to hide notifications when you receive a trophy. (Updated: September 4, 2013)

Design

Color Design

The color of the PlayStation 3 menu changes depending on the time of day and date. While the brightness changes during the day, the color is changed about every two weeks. This is exactly what happens on the 15th and 24th of each month. However, it does not happen when your own background image or a solid color is selected.

The following colors are used throughout the year as the background color:

Change in brightness during the day:

Custom Design

It is also possible to install a custom design. With this menu, the icons and the background can be changed. An individual font is not yet selected, but it can be chosen between three predefined fonts. The designs are produced either by Sony or by users who have created this with a program published by Sony.

In-game XMB

The in-game XMB is the publication of the console demanded by users feature that was implemented with firmware version 2.40. Previously have had the game that was just played, ended when a friend sent a message and it would be read and answered. This was fixed with the in-game XMB, as this can be called the XMB while playing and as a received message can be read and replied to without having to leave the game.

PlayStation Portable

Development

The XMB of the PSP currently has the version number 6.60. At the launch in Japan on 12 December 2004, the firmware had the version 1.00. On this it was possible, as in the version 1.50, which was the delivery version to the U.S. and where the PSP was released on 24 March 2005 to carry out so-called homebrew software. This was ligated with the update to version 1.51. Then the European release followed on 1 September 2005, where the consoles had installed the version 1.52 on delivery. However, was on the included demo UMD already contain the version 2.00, otherwise no then current games could be played.

This version 2.00 was the first to put the innovations with it. Thus, the web browser has been updated so therefore could be surfed the Internet and wireless connectivity has been improved. In addition, compatibility of some video and audio codec has been improved and some image formats have also been made ​​compatible. Now a few other features like AB repeat when playing movie UMDs were installed, the wireless encryption standard WPA was implemented and it was possible to set your own background images and themes. In this version, however, it was partially possible to execute homebrew software, but not. Ausgeweiteter in such manner as in the versions of 1:00 to 1:50

This was followed by the beginning of October 2005, the update 2.01 which included a vulnerability. Mid-October 2005 was followed by the firmware version 2.50. With this the " LocationFree Player " has been added, also you could now change the text size in the browser and it was possible to play copy-protected video from a memory stick. Furthermore, another WPA encryption standard was added. Then came the next update with the version number 2.60 in November 2005. With this it was possible to receive on the PSP RSS feeds. It was further possible to the internal music player to change the volume and you could choose Chinese as writing. Also, it was now possible to load protected video content from the Internet directly to a Memory Stick and the WMA format was supported.

On 25 April 2006, the firmware version 2.70 was released. With this the Macromedia Flash Player version 6 was integrated into the browser if the player is turned on in the settings. In addition, the " LocationFree Player " now supports published at this time in Europe base station. On this followed the end of May 2006, the update 2.71 with the problems that were fixed were with the Taiwanese and the American version of the base station of the LocationFree Player. Also, as of this update possible game demos, one has to download via the Internet browser, save it to a memory stick.

End of July 2006, the update with the version 2.80 has been released. With this it was possible video files with the extension. 3gp play and the PSP will now recognize the music, video and image folders and their contents if they exist on a memory stick. After two smaller patches in early September 2006 ( 2.81 ) and the end of October 2006 ( 2.82 ) was released after about five month break on March 27, 2007, the next firmware version with the version number 3.30. This update made ​​it possible to play downloaded from the PlayStation Store games. In addition, it was possible to play videos encoded with this update in MPEG-4.

This was followed on April 7, 2007, 3:40 update. This update made ​​it possible on the PSP created PSone memory stalls to convert so that these can also be used on the PS2 and PS3. However, PSPs can have only installed the update 3:30 this reservoir levels will no longer be read. With the after that which appeared on May 31 Update 3:50 the Remote Play feature has been added. This allows the PSP to connect to the internet with the PS3 and so to access the PS3 saved, content. With two more small patches end of June 2007 ( 3:51 ) and end July 2007 ( 3:52 ) was stuffed and on the other hand improves the playability of PlayStation Network games on the one vulnerability.

The next major update ( 3.70) then appeared on 11 September 2007. Starting this update, you could also use custom themes and it was possible to listen to music while you look at the photos in the slideshow. Moreover, it was in, stored on the Memory Stick, movies, you select individual scenes. In this update, then three more small patches mid-September 2007 ( 3.71 ), end of October 2007 ( 3.72 ) and the end of November 2007. These problems solved PlayStation Network titles and the UMD drive followed.

On 18 December 2007 the next firmware version (3.80 ), that brought new features appeared. With this version, it was possible to play internet radio. In addition, other file formats of RSS feeds have been supported and it was to be possible with RSS feeds view photos. In mid-January 2008 Update 3.90 was released. With this, the GoMessenger function has been added. Skype also has been integrated, but only in the models PSP-2000 and PSP 3000 (PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite).

The next update ( 3.93 ) was released in mid- March 2008. With this update, there are now more players Designs for the Internet radio to choose from. With the next firmware version ( 3.95 ) you could select the key assignment for games from the PlayStation Store individually. Also, you could now decide whether the PS3 when leaving remote play off the system or not.

As of update 4.00, which was released on 18 July 2008, it was possible to change the playback speed of video. It was also possible to access the Internet search without having to first open the browser. On this was followed by two small updates ( 4.01 and 4:05 ), but the corrected only minor problems and added no new features.

On 15 October 2008, 5:00 Update was published, in which the new category PlayStation Network appeared in the XMB. There it is possible to access directly to the PSP onto the PlayStation Store and manage his Playstation Network account. On 22 October 2008, the update appeared to version 5.01, which fixes a bug in the downloads from the PlayStation Store to an 8 - or 16 -gigabyte occurred Memory Stick Duo. Version 5.02 was released on 20 November 2008 and contained, as the version 5.03, published on 20 January 2009, except for stability or security improvements any further changes.

With the update 5.50, which was released on 21 April 2009, the possible number of subfolders in the " photo ", " music " was, and "Video" enlarged. In addition, the options of a game UMD was added the feature " Internet Search ", with which you can launch this directly with the game title as search term. Furthermore, were the Internet browser security features from Trend Micro and the Playstation Store some improvements, such as a significantly reduced memory usage for downloads added. Under the category " Playstation Network " is now the, already used in the PlayStation 3, to find the " Information Board ". The latest PSP firmware is 5:51, which only enhanced the stability of the system.

On September 10, Sony released the version 6.00 of the PSP firmware. This was a small update that only security updates, some new colors for the 2000, 3000 and N1000er series and a grouping function for games offered. To start the PSPgo ( N1000 series ) on October 1, 2009, the update 6:10 was published. This brought a new software called " SensMe ™ channels" with them, with which you can play music playlists, whose plays have been previously analyzed with SensMe ™. The software must be before it is available for free download. Furthermore, since this system update supports playlists, which were previously created with the MediaGo program on the PC. In addition, the possibility of games has been added to update. For the PSPgo, the possibility was added to dial via Bluetooth to the Internet.

Since 19 November, the PSP firmware is available 6:20. This update allows you to read comics purchased from the Playstation Network using the built- in update " Digital Comic Reader". In addition, Sony promises to improve the Organisiation with MediaGo 1.3. The user can now create playlists for the areas of photo, video and music on the PSP, and synchronize with a PS3/MediaGo. A " comic " section was opened on 16 December 2009 at the PlayStation Store, which initially included only English-language comics. A comic goals for Germany was originally announced for the year 2010, but was never introduced.

The PSP firmware is available 6:30 since 29 June 2010. [By Format] is a new option in the options menu under [ Group Content ], which is in the category game.

Design

Color Design

As with the PS3 changes with the PlayStation Portable, the color of the XMB background each date. In contrast to the XMB of the PS3, the brightness does not change during the day. And in the color of the background, there are differences. Thus, the color of the PSP only changes once a month. However, this does not apply if an individual design is set.

In the following table to see which background colors are used in which month.

Custom Design

As for the PS3, it is possible for the PSP a custom design consisting of a special theme and a background image set.

Awards and prizes

For the intuitive design of the XMB Sony Computer Entertainment was awarded an Emmy.