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PS3 to receive new online functionality

2.40 firmware update will allow console owners access to their XrossMediaBar in-game and trophies

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced new online gaming functions for the PlayStation 3, which will be implemented on July 2 with the release of the 2.40 firmware upgrade.

Among the new features the system upgrade will bring, is access to the XrossMediaBar in-game, meaning that gamers can access the PS3 menu at any time while playing most games, through the PlayStation button on their controller.

The firmware upgrade will also add in-game communication functionality previously unavailable on the PS3, such as the ability to check if friends are online and to read and send messages without having to quit a game being played.

Sony has also announced the inclusion of game trophies - the PS3's answer to Microsoft's Achievements - which will award players with a gold, silver, bronze or platinum awards. The first game to offer trophies will be Super Stardust HD followed by Buzz! Quiz TV, LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, Resistance 2, Socom: U.S. Navy Seals Confrontation and Warhawk, among others.