Firmware 2.50.....oh yes

It seems Sony has been busy recently. A new post on the PlayStation Blog details the next firmware update and, let's not beat about the bush, we're pleased with what we see. With this update Sony has made it clear that they are listening to its consumers. Adding Trophies in 2.40 could easily have been a fluke, but these updates show they're moving in the right direction.

Our favorite additions include the trophy improvements (though, where's our "Level Up!" notification?), background downloading functionality and friend status updates. But, really, there's no fluff here. Hopefully Sony will continue this momentum through future updates. There's no word on when we can expect these features, but Eric Lempel says it'll be "soon." Check out the full feature list after the break and let us know what you think in the comments.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Support for the PS3 Official Bluetooth Headset - we've told you about the upcoming Bluetooth Headset and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation Bundle on the Blog. This latest firmware installment enables High-Quality (HQ) mode, which delivers clear and wide-band online voice chat. On top of that, an added on-screen indicator shows battery status, volume level and use of HQ mode.
PlayStation Trophies interface enhancements - I know that many of you are busy collecting trophies and raising your PlayStation Trophy level. This update makes sharing and comparing your trophies with your friends even easier. On 1st part of the profile page you'll see a symbol under level that represents level and the actual percentage towards the next level along with the existing level meter. The level symbol carries over to the trophy comparison screen where you will now be able to see your level, your friend's level and the percentage towards the next level for both users along with all of the game by game comparison information you see today.
Friend status – Offline friends on your Friends list will have information below their avatars that will indicate how long it has been since they were last online.
Video – This update adds the Scene Search feature similar to the feature on the PSP. Activating this feature while viewing a video on the PS3 will break the video up into scenes that you can quickly access by pressing the X button. You can break the videos into one, two or five minute intervals. In addition, you can now choose to have all of the videos under the video section of the XMB play in sequence. Go to Settings then Video Settings to turn this option on.
PlayStation Store – We've added a redeem codes option right on the store to make it easier to redeem your PlayStation Network Cards and promotion codes. In addition, PlayStation Network Sign Up and Account Management have been redesigned.
Power Save Settings – You can now set your PS3 and wireless controllers to turn off automatically after set periods of inactivity. Go to Settings then Power Save Settings to turn on these features.
Background Downloading - You now have the option to set the PS3 to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has completed. This option is available when you turn off the system from the button under [Users] while content is being downloaded or installed.
In-game Screenshots - this tool will allow everyone to capture, share and in other words, immortalize their favorite gameplay moments. This will be supported on a game by game basis. Please check back to find out which games will support this feature.

Official word is the Firmware out tomorow from the official PS blog, seems it also includes Flash 9 player.....watch this space on that one. Allso PSN was taken offline for 5 hours today in both Europe and the US for "Maintinence" I'll go dig out the Home info related to the release of patch 2.50.............back soon

Goto the Home post for full details but heres a quote to whet you taste buds, full details in the home thread

A tipster from the Home beta took a snapshot of this recent thread in the beta message board. A bug affecting Home users got a response from the Home Manager, "TedtheDog." The bug currently freezes PS3 systems running the beta and also gives users sporadic Network errors. He says that the bug will be fixed in an upcoming system software update. "2.5 is what we're waiting for and 'October' is what I've heard, later October is my guess."

The firmware update will also be released in conjunction with Home version 1.00, according to the post. Currently, the beta is at version 0.98. The simultaneous release of firmware 2.50 and Home 1.00 has us thinking that perhaps this could mark the beginning of the wide release of Home. Stay tuned.

Update: Since writing this article, the PS.blog has updated about the expansion of the Home beta. More invites are being sent to users right now. The continued growth of the beta adds even more weight to the possibility that the final version of Home will be available next month.