PS3 firmware 2.40 : PS3 Firmware 2.40 Available Tomorrow (July 2nd)

The new PS3 firmware 2.40 should be available on July 2nd and should include the XMB access in-game and Trophy support.

The XMB (CrossMediaBar) allows you to check the status of your friends, send and read messages, change settings, launch a game installed on the HDD without going through the start menu, go directly to photo viewing (which involves leaving the game), or play mp3 while continuing the party.

Trophy support, like the Xbox360, allows you to earn a trophy for in game success, and make player profiles visible. Available in four categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

For an XMB demonstration look at Playstation Blog site