PS3 finally biting Xbox 360's steez...

One of the great thing about Xbox 360 and Xbox Live is the ability to see what friends are online and maybe play some music from your hard drive without having to quit a game. You could actually pause a game and see what friends were online. And although there really isn't THAT much value in "Achievements", it's always fun to earn them and to show of what you've earned. For some people, Achievement points is all that matters.

On the other side of the spectrum, you have Playstation 3's Playstation Network. While the whole setup and interface is cool in regards to accessing friends, sending messages and all that jazz, you would actually have to quit a game just to see what friends were online or to read a message. Plus, PSN has no achievements, which in some instances would have probably caused a gamer to go with a 360 version of game. Bit now all of that is changing.

Sony announced that they are updating the PSN software to make the their Xross Media Bar accessible within games and that they will offer "Trophies", which is just like Xbox 360's achievements. The software will be available Wednesday (July 2).

"Today's PLAYSTATION 3 experience has evolved significantly from what we debuted at launch, and the 2.40 firmware update will drive the PS3 community experience forward at a time when the platform's momentum is stronger than ever, with the launches of several recent blockbuster titles and other exclusive content on the way," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and PLAYSTATION Network, SCEA.

"We listen closely to our community, and we're proud to deliver new features that have been among the most requested -- XMB access in-game and Trophies. These features provide new ways for the PS3 community to easily connect, communicate and share gaming experiences with one another in and out of games."

All i can say is, about time!