PLAYSTATION 3 System Software

Graphical User Interface

The system's GUI uses a version of the Cross Media Bar (Xross Media Bar or XMB), which was developed by Q-Games Ltd, a small development company based in Kyoto, Japan. The GUI's stylised default background changes brightness depending on the time of day, whilst its colour changes depending on the current month of the year. (Find out more details here ...)

The XMB includes 8 categories of options, including:

Users

Multiple users can be created, with PS3 games saves, messages sent and received, and bookmarks maintained separately for each user.

Settings

Users can adjust settings for the date and time, display, security, sound and accessories, along with settings for playback of DVDs, CDs and Blu-Ray discs.

Photo

Users can view images (JPEG, TIFF, BMP, GIF and PNG files) stored on the console's hard drive, flash memory, a USB mass storage device or a compatible digital camera.

Music

Memory Stick Audio Format (ATRAC), MP3(MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer 3), MP4 (MPEG-4 AAC) and WAVE (Linear PCM) may all be viewed and played through the Music category.

Video

The following file formats may be played:

• Memory Stick Video Format
• MPEG-4 SP (AAC LC)
• H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Main Profile (AAC LC)
• MPEG-1 (MPEG Audio Layer 2)
• MPEG-2 PS (MPEG2 Audio Layer 2, AAC LC, AC3(Dolby Digital), LPCM)
• MPEG-2 TS (MPEG2 Audio Layer 2)

Some video files distributed over the Internet have playback restrictions.

Game

The game category shows the user the game loaded in the drive; they may then choose to play the game, copy/delete or view information on saved data, create and assign slots for internal memory cards to save data for PS1 or PS2 format software, delete or view additional game data information, or play a game that has been installed on the hard disk.

Network

Players can enter the PLAYSTATION Network through this category in order to use remote play with a PSP, access the Internet browser or go to the PLAYSTATION store to buy and download new games, expansion data, items for games or video content. The PS3 uses a version of the NetFront browser by Access Co, with the same interface, menus and virtual keyboard as the one found in the PSP.

Friends

This section enables users to carry out text, voice or video chat with other PS3 users.

Firmware

The PS3 has the ability for firmware updates to be downloaded and installed via System Update. Firmware can fix graphical issues, install additional security options, and introduce new functionality.

Linux

There is an option in the XMB menu to install other operating systems, such as the Linux-based Fedora Core 5, Gentoo, Debian, and Yellow Dog. Unlike other consoles that prevent unauthorised games from being playable on their system, the PS3 provides direct support for installing and booting foreign operating systems, to enable individuals to participate in content creation for the console.