The latest issue of Free Software Magazine has some instructions on how to install Mediatomb on a Ubuntu box. With Mediatomb you can stream your media to the PS3 using the UPnP protocol, which allows devices to connect seamlessly and simplifies sharing of media. If there is a compatible UPnP server on the network, the PS3 will automatically detect it.

The article can be found here: UPnP, Mediatomb, PS3, and me.

Today Sony are releasing a significant firmware update (1.80) for the Playstation 3. Here are some of the new features:

• Upscaling DVDs and PS1 and PS2 games to 1080p resolution.
• PSP Remote play via internet.
• DLNA media center connectivity.
• Photo printing with compatible Epson printers.
• Zoom and trim images + a new type of slideshow.
• Transfer save files from the PS3 using memory card adaptor.

Upscaling to HD resolution and DLNA are the biggest changes, and seems to work flawlessly. DLNA adds a button under the Picture, Music and Video menus of the XMB titled “Search for Media Servers”, which seems to work well in a Windows environment. If you have experience about DLNA using Linux, please let us know.

The big news from the GDC is Sony’s annoucement concerning the new Playstation Home. I would describe it as a cross between Second Life, XBox live and Nintendo’s Miis. Home sounds like it will usher in a new era of online gaming and it will truly take us into the “next gen” of the video game world. I am sure you have all seen the trailers at this point, but I found a video of a demo by Phil Harrison that really dives into what it means to be at “Home” … check it out. Beta testing will begin in April and the final release will be sometime this Fall/Winter.

http://www.qj.net/GDC-2007-Phil-Harrison-demos-PlayStation-Home/pg/49/aid/85329