PSN director Eric Lempel has offered up a plethora of details on PS3's next firmware update -- 3.15. While sporting only a minor bump in version number, this update actually packs a couple of noteworthy changes. First out of the gate is the data transfer utility, which allows existing PS3 owners to transfer all network content and media over to a new system via LAN connectivity. It's essentially a one click solution that will get you up and running on the new unit in no time. Useful for those who may be upgrading to a PS3 slim in the future.

Another addition is the ability to play PSN bought Minis on the PS3, confirming recent rumors. Going forward, all Minis will be cross-compatible with both PSP and PS3, providing an ample amount of value. The best part? You won't be paying extra for the privilege. This also opens the gateway to a larger potential audience for Minis, a change that will certainly be welcomed by developers involved in creating these bite-sized efforts.

PS3 3.15 System Software Update [PS Blog]

PS3 Firmware 3.15 Detailed, Brings PSP Minis To PS3 [eXophase.com]

Sony isn’t one to sit idle in midst of Microsoft’s social networking efforts, as the company has went ahead and announced that firmware 3.1 for PS3 will include Facebook integration. By linking up a PSN profile to a Facebook account, PS3 owners will able to automatically update their news feed with Trophy and PlayStation Store activity. You’ll never miss a beat. The initiative will also give developers the ability to publish game information to news feeds through Facebook’s API.

While Facebook integration is the main highlight of this update, Sony is squeezing in other noteworthy changes as well, including a revamped photo browser and the ability to change the font color of your PSN ID. Check out a video walkthrough of the soon to be released firmware above, courtesy of PSN director Eric Lempel.

Firmware 3.1 Brings Facebook Integration To PS3 - [eXophase.com]

It has come to light that Sony is not mandating that third-party development studios release their UMD titles on PlayStation Network. According to PSN director Eric Lempel, Sony is merely encouraging studios to go digital. While most are on board, it’s a little nerve-wracking to invest in a PSPgo and not have the assurance that all titles going forward will be made available digitally.

It’s up to individual third parties to decide if and when to publish their UMD releases on PSN. Most, if not all, are on board, as this is a revenue opportunity for them.

It’s great that Sony gives publishers freedom on the PlayStation Store, but honestly, this is one area where the line needs to be drawn. If Sony is serious about embracing digital distribution, it should be mandated that UMD titles are released on PSN going forward, whether you are a first, second, or third-party publisher — no questions asked.

Third parties not required to release PSP games on PlayStation Store [Joystiq]

Sony Not Mandating That Third Parties Release PSP Titles On PSN - [eXophase.com]

PS3 firmware 3.0 is shaping to be quite the update. In fact, it’s so massive that PSN director Eric Lempel says it’ll be the last significant round of additions to hit the PS3 for the remainder of 2009.

You know, I wouldn’t say that or sure just yet because we are working on some things,” said PlayStation Network operations director Eric Lempel in a phone interview following Sony’s GamesCom announcements. “But this is a big and significant update, so you would be correct to assume that [it's the last major update for 2009].

Now, it’s very plausible that we’ll see other minor system software updates after and even before 3.0 drops, but as far as experience-changing enhancements go, 3.0 is it. For this year, at least. With the feature set it boasts, we certainly aren’t complaining. The inclusion of software-based backwards compatibility would make it extra special, but only time (TGS?) will tell us if that happens.

PS3 Firmware 3.0 Marks Last Major Update for 2009 - [eXophase.com]

Speaking in a recent interview with PC World, PlayStation Network director Eric Lempel weighed in on the infamous PS3 clock overlay glitch that cropped up when in-game XMB functionality was added.

For those not clued up on the situation at hand, when pressing the PS button while in-game the battery indicator overlaps that of the clock overlay for a couple seconds before fading out of view. While far from a crucial issue, it is rather embarrassing for Sony as this particular bug has stuck around for over a year now. People often crack jokes in reference to whether it was fixed or not whenever a new firmware update hits.

For those clamoring for a fix, Lempel assures one is coming. Sooner rather than later, we hope.

I personally don’t like that either, and it’s something that’s definitely being corrected. You can put me in the angry camp.

All we can say is: it’s about time.

Eric Lempel Weighs In On PS3 Clock Overlay Glitch, Says Fix Is Coming - [eXophase.com]