PS3 Firmware 3.0 = NXE?

Per VG247, the details for PS3 Firmware 3.0 have been discovered and are being touted as “huge overhaul” for the console that has been compared to XBox Live’s NXE “in some respects”.

The previously-rumored reputation system will be included in the firmware update.  “A reputation system in which users will be able to evaluate each other will be provided for…  game applications… There will be a new API available to so the user can… allow users and also obtain users’ reputation.”

A “grief reporting system” will also be included, allowing gamers to take screenshots of offensive players and submit them to Sony. This is going to be similar to the LittleBigPlanet system, and is likely to include a text input.

Additionally, Firmware 3.0 will allow patches will be downloaded in the background, meaning you’ll no longer have to sit staring at the screen while <insert game here> updates itself with a 500Mb fix.

Simultaneous HDMI and digital optical outputting will also be included in the release.

It was indicated that there’s more to the firmware update included as well, but we’ll have to wait to find out the rest.