Top 3 Problems to Fix with the XMB

Sony made a bold move to carry over the XMB (XrossMediaBar) from the PlayStation Portable to the PlayStation 3. Critics often felt it was too generic, too simple, and not flashy enough when compared to the Xbox 360 interface, and later the NXE. On the other hand, those who loved it took joy in the easy access to all the media stored on their PlayStation 3 system and the quick speed of the console's operating system. However, as with all software, improvements can always be made; here, an emphasis will be made on the top three improvements that Sony should make in the future to their XMB interface, and offer a better experience for every PlayStation 3 user.

1) Fix the download speeds.

For the most part, patches and downloads for PlayStation 3 games are close to the same size as games for Xbox 360. The difference is, when a game is updated on the Xbox 360, the loading bar quickly scrolls across the screen, and in a matter of 15-20 seconds (sometimes less), you will be playing. The PlayStation 3 often takes 2-5 minutes just to download an update for a game. This doesn't even include the install time, which is not exactly the quickest process itself. Then, you are taken back to the XMB, and the game finally starts. C'mon Sony, with some of the best software and hardware engineers in the world, this is a very annoying issue that should have been fixed by now. 

2) Stop making us quit the game to change simple settings.

I'm sure every PlayStation 3 owner reading this knows what I'm talking about. There's multiple scenarios; For example, finally getting past all of the loading screens, about to play a game online with your friends, only to find that you've accidentally connected to your neighbors wireless network. Now, just to change your "Network Settings", you will have to quit the game and start all over again.

3) If there won't be cross game voice chat, can we at least send voice and/or picture messages in game?

Maybe this problem can be fixed, maybe not. But it's hard to believe the most powerful gaming console is still lagging behind the Xbox 360 in this department. Almost everything on the PlayStation's rival is accessible while playing a game, yet it feels as though the other 99% of the capabilities of the PlayStation 3 console are paralyzed while playing games. I don't really see the point of sending a picture or voice message (if voice messaging even becomes an "out of game" feature), when my friend won't bother to open it until finished playing.