Sony to save planet with PS3 firmware overhaul

Talks up power conservation plan

Sony isn’t willing to drop the PlayStation 3’s price, but the electronics giant is at least keeping the console up to date with another firmware revision.

The latest release – to be called version 2.50 – has been written with the future of the planet in mind - no, not another first-person shooter - because it lets gamers set both the console and its controllers to automatically power down after a set period of inactivity.

Leaving consoles switched on is said to cost gamers dear in 'leccy bills.

Sony also claimed that the latest system software will ensure that users of the official PS3 Bluetooth headset get “clear and wide-band online voice chat” while gaming. The update will also add a headset battery status indicator and volume level icon to your screen during gameplay.

A Scene Search feature’s been included that’ll allow you to skip through videos into one-, two- and five-minute intervals, which can be scanned using the controller’s X button.

Post-update, you’ll be able to take in-game screenshots to immortalise your favourite moments of, say, blasting an alien or power sliding around the slopes - if your title of choice lets you. This feature will be supported on a game-by-game basis.

Sony hasn't said, however, when PS3 firmware 2.50 will be made available to console owners.