What We Want In The Next Vita Firmware Update
The Vita is a fantastic combination of hardware and software – but it’s not perfect. Hardware problems, like the short battery life and weak camera, can’t be fixed, but software issues can be solved with a simple firmware update. After playing with the Vita for a couple of months, here’s what we want in the next firmware update.
Folders:
It’s rather odd that there isn’t an option to make folders on the Vita – the PS3 and PSP both have folders, as do iOS and Android devices. Folders would mean you could group your apps into one folder, your action games in another and racing games into yet another. At the moment, you can only display 10 games/apps per page, and have to swipe down to see more.
Switch of Once Downloaded:
As someone with less-than-stellar internet, downloading games, videos and demos always takes a good few hours. That’s why I love the PS3′s option to switch off the console once the download is over, a nice and simple feature that has helped me greatly. So it’s a shame that such a feature isn’t included on the Vita – especially considering the handheld has a limited battery life. With games like Uncharted: Golden Abyss weighing in at 2777MB, downloading can take quite a while, so such a feature would make perfect sense.
Change the Vita’s Menu Music:
The Vita’s menu music sucks, but thankfully you can turn it off. However, being able to change the music to something else would be a nice touch – Sony could even put game-themed music on the PS Store to choose instead of the awful noise it makes at the moment.
Proper Remote Play:
Full remote play might be a bit too much to ask for – even though hackers have managed it. But at least give us better remote play than the PSP – hell, even the heavily advertised Killzone 3 remote play isn’t ready yet. Sony has to be clearer about what the Vita can, and will be able to, do with remote play.
Turn off Vita Camera Sound:
A minor irritation, but an irritation nonetheless. Even if you mute the Vita, it will make a loud “Chhk” photo sound every time you take a snap, something that can be pretty annoying. The ability to turn the sound off would be a simple thing to patch in, and one that they’ll hopefully add in.
More Vita Compatible PSP Games:
Burnout, GTA, Lumines, NFL Street 2 Unleashed – tons of the PlayStation Portable’s games can’t be played on the Vita. Why? There might be a legitimate reason, but Sony’s not talking. Will I ever be able to play them on my Vita? I have no idea as Sony’s not talking. Either add more, or be honest about why games won’t be added.
Button Support:
A bunch of Sony apps like the browser and trophy viewer look perfectly designed for the Vita’s analog sticks and buttons – but aren’t. Sometimes, I don’t want to use a touch screen, and should have the option to use both – something I have on the Xperia Play.
Rear-Touch Support For The Browser:
The original Sony patent for a dual-touch handheld that we exclusively uncovered before the Vita was revealed described why Sony was patenting a rear-touchpad. One of the main reasons given was that using your fingers on your screen while reading a website meant that you ended up blocking whatever you were reading, and that the problem could be solved by stroking the back. Now the Vita is a reality, the concept seems to have been forgotten, but could be patched in later.
If you picked up a first edition Vita, won a Vita through PSLS, or imported, do you have any suggestions to add to the list? What would you like to see in the next firmware update? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
17 Responses to “What We Want In The Next Vita Firmware Update”
You can change your lock screen. Go into albums, select the picture you want, choose the (…) in the lower right and you have the option there.
Ah good to know, removed
Awesome. Learn something new everyday!
Let’s not forget support for ps1 classics
There was a story saying psone classic support coming soon
I’m assuming the loud shutter click sound when taking photos is to comply with the Japanese law that requires camera phones to make sounds when taking pictures. Perhaps it applies to game devices as well.
If that’s the case, I doubt we’ll see it change, given that the PS3 isn’t region-locked and runs the same firmware everywhere.
There are region-specific features on the PS3 tho, so I don’t see why they have to lump us all with the law.
I agree with Sebastian Moss about the annoying click sound as I have the psp camera and it makes the sound as well. Those laws shouldn’t apply in different regions
I think the US has that law too, but the law just says it has to make a sound, it doesn’t say how loud.
Also, this thing doesn’t even fix the problem of perverts getting pictures. It’s much easier to get a camera and just wave it around you bag. Seriously, a stupid fix for a problem.
Also, try taking a picture with this thing at Church!
CLICK!
…woops!
Folders would be absolutely amazing…I also wish that icons wouldn’t change when you switch memory cards. I have all of my game related items on my 16GB and put movies on my 4GB that came with the system. When I switch between the two the icons for games that I have downloaded and are therefore only on one memory card disappear and then reappear in a different place when the memory card is re-inserted, thus, completely undoing any organization I have tried to put in place. BAH!
The other features you mention would be nice but the only one I REALLY want is full functionality for Remote Play. If they advertised that Killzone 3 would be possible and never give it to us I will not be happy. The possibility to play any PS3 game remotely is the reason that pushed me over the edge to get one as I figured it would allow me to sit next to my wife while she watches her TV shows rather than leaving the room to play games. Don’t get me wrong, I still won’t regret buying one but that doesn’t mean I have to be happy.
Like the guy said above Ps1 classics…. NOW! I want my Metal Gear Solid and Crash Team Racing on my Vita!!!
PS1 Classics and more compatible lists of PSP games. Get that updated on the Vita and we all be happy about it.
I agree with all the requirements. The PSV is amazing and it can be improved even more. Anyone knows if you are online in your PSV, your friends on the PS3 notices? Also, in NEAR, I would like an option to send a friend request from the people I see on the radar. I got the first edition bundle and when turned NEAR on I was amaze to find 10 people near me with Vita.
There is an option to add them. Just touch their PSN ID avatar, touch it again and it’ll take you to that person’s profile and then you can send a friend request. I’ve got three so far who they were all near me.
only thing i care about right now is being able to see my ps vita trophies on my ps3
ps2 games and being able to delete stuff without interrupting the music
All I care about is filers , it would be a lot better , aps , psONe , psn , minis, vita and psp.