PS3 firmware update 3.60 adds cloud-saving, idle controller shutdown timer

March 10, 2011 By Adam Rosenberg

Sony releases firmware version 3.60 for the PlayStation 3, adding a cloud-based remote save feature for PlayStation Plus subscribers and an adjustable timer for shutting down idle controllers.

Sony has released a new firmware update for its PlayStation 3 gaming console, version 3.60. It’s so shiny and new that the tech company’s system updates webpage hasn’t even been updated with a link and release notes at the time of this writing. You can download it directly to your console though (confirmed), and it brings a couple of new features to the party.

The big one, as Sony announced yesterday on PlayStation Blog, is the addition of a remote save feature for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Basically, you get 150MB of storage space on Sony servers which allows for a maximum of 1,000 save files to be stored. This is cloud computing in action, people. Publishers reportedly have the option of opting specific games out of remote save support, those with “copy prohibited” save files.

The new feature is yet another example of Sony pushing to make a PlayStation Plus subscription more attractive to consumers. Unlike Microsoft’s Xbox Live, online play is freely available for PlayStation 3 users. What would be a key reason to subscribe is already available to one and all, so Sony has had to come up with a different flavor of premium features, including free PlayStation Network content, exclusive early demo and beta testing access, and now, remote saves. None of which are essential the way online play is for certain gamers, though the added security offered by the new feature could convert a few naysayers.

Also new with v3.60 is a feature which allows you to set how long an activated PS3 controller will sit idle before it shuts off due to inactivity. Which pretty much speaks for itself.

Showing 17 comments

TMB333 at 2:30pm 14th March 2011 Sony ui well within their rights to do whatever they want to their system. If the market doesn't like it, then the market should voice its opinion by not buying Sony products. With that said, if someone does indeed hack their system why does Sony spend their time and resources trying to prevent it, I thought I heard somewhere that they will just ban the hacked box from all network acess to Sony servers (ie online games and Playstation Store). That way, the hacker is free to hack their system all they want, online players are safe from the hacked online play, and Sony can save their time and resources from having to fight the hackers and put it to better use for things like making the system even more awesome. Everybody wins, no?
leonzdzialek at 1:53am 11th March 2011 I don't understand what is new to this "controller shutdown" feature. I always have that in my PS3. Could someone explain?
Joshua Keshmiri at 9:33pm 10th March 2011 Cloud computing is an amazing feature, and this will allow those with less baggy pockets of money to be able to back up their stuff. I still have the old 80GB fatty and can't switch to a new one for the main fact that I have so many saves and what-not I'd lose. It's especially useful in my situation as I will sooner or later get back to those old games to continue on to Platinum because, sorry to say, we trophy whores love our saves. This is a win for Sony, and people should be grateful for what they get at all.
Joshua Keshmiri at 9:33pm 10th March 2011 As to the consistent and overwhelming talk of cross-gaming chat, voice messaging, etc. I rather enjoy online gaming in metered measures. I rather enjoy the feeling of besting your opponents. However, I see this update as a much-needed feature, and definitely one that would give Sony an edge for the "leap of faith" to Playstation Plus. As for the controller timers.... It's about time. The whole "not using your controller for 5 minutes? Oh well, we're shuttin' it down anyway" thing is rather annoying.
Joshua Keshmiri at 9:32pm 10th March 2011 Honestly, I'd have to say this is a rather useful update. Seeing as how cloud computing is becoming a main-stream stay, this was a smart move by Sony. It's also dirt cheap compared to having to buy an external HDD just so you can have backup support.
Paul Gregory Schoch at 6:56pm 10th March 2011 Sony, you need to pay attention to these forums, and blogs, and what not. You need to develop the software to allow cross-game chatting, it is the number one thing that your users are asking for from you, and voice messages. It's something that makes quite a few users switch to Xbox, and it's just something that makes sense. Please do the following: 1. Cross-game chatting. 2. Private chats. 3. Voice messaging. 4. Allow the music player to continue playing during gameplay. (Or any other use of the system. This system supposedly has the RISK technology, you should be using it's full potential, and also the PS3 is more of a computer than the Xbox360, then why can it have more uses?) 5. Also, you need to make chats be output through both the headsets, AND the speakers/Tv speakers, not just one or the other. Thank you, and I hope everyone agrees with me.
Andrew at 6:38pm 10th March 2011 Playstations updates r pointless do they really ha e nothing else to do MAKE IT SO YOU CAN CROSS OVER CHAT ..like xbox
Sam Edwards at 12:56pm 10th March 2011 We need more than just cloud. more multiplayer features like cross gaming partys (so we can spea in partys to people who are in other games) Or anything like that
Ring at 12:11pm 10th March 2011 Mines downloading quite quickly though did seem to hang around at 50% for a while. Still does not make me want to subscribe. I think it's more likely scanning for hacker software. Sony has just won a legal right to see everyones ip address they know who's cheating and will now been in some serious shit when they come knocking for you. I hate hackers and cheaters anyway why buy a game and cheat your way through it. Must be good for there egos. Sado's.
WickedOne at 11:51am 10th March 2011 Useless update.. What about new web browser in ps3 or new flash support.. Im not happy..
Joedirt1982 at 10:28am 10th March 2011 The update is taking a long time to download
theonefor at 10:21am 10th March 2011 A whole update for that
Marc Borland at 9:28am 10th March 2011 Publishers reportedly have the option of opting specific games out of remote save support, those with “copy prohibited” save files. So, nothing changes, except Sony can lose your data, instead of you.
Gr33nInk at 9:18am 10th March 2011 I concur. Although I would Love to try out the demos and betas, meh.... I'm just not shelling out more money for that. This cloud thing. It holds no water for me. That's it. - gr33nink.com (computer repair and printing)
GiantRyan at 8:13am 10th March 2011 Don't see what the big deal is tbh, mite have gone for it if i'd have won the lottery or something, but would still rather pay for actual games or dlc instead of something like that? Still not convinced.
sooperb at 7:57am 10th March 2011 Booooooo
klyptik_17 at 7:42am 10th March 2011 Finally a cloud saving for the ps3. If I wasn't already a Playstation Plus Subscriber I would join now.