Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/19/sony_updates_ps3_folding_at_home/
Sony has rolled out the latest version of the Stanford University-created Folding@Home protein analysis utility for the PlayStation 3.
Folding@Home distributes the task of analysing how protein molecules fold and unfold across millions of connected computers, including the PS3. It's hoped that the analysis will reveal how these processes can lead to diseases like Cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
The new PS3 Folding@Home client, version 1.3, can now play music off the console's hard drive while it's screensaver-like front-end busily polishes off peptides. Tracks feature automatically within categories, including Recommended, Energetic, Calm, Dramatic, Upbeat or Electronic. Users can browse through categories and tracks by utilising simple hotkeys or via the PS3's Music menu.
Folding@Home can now automatically turn a PS3 off after a specified amount of time up to 23 hours and 50 minutes, or after the completion of a current work unit. Sony also said the code has been tweaked to handle more complex protein simulations.
Version 1.3 requires PS3 firmware 2.10 (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/18/sony_posts_divx_update/), which Sony posted yesterday. It can be downloaded direct to the PS3 from the console's Network menu.
Related Reviews
• Logic3 SoundStation3 PS3 speakers (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/07/review_logic3_soundstation3_speakers/)
45th Mersenne prime discovered (possibly) (29 August 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/08/29/45th_mersenne_prime_discovered_maybe/
Monster-capacity PS3 in the pipeline? (29 January 2008)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/29/ps3_capacity_rumours/
Sony denies $299 PS3 talk (24 January 2008)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/24/sony_denies_new_ps3_pricing/
Sony denies Euro, US white PS3 plan despite FCC filing (23 January 2008)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/23/white_ps3_fcc/
PS3 component cost halved in 12 months, analyst claims (15 January 2008)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/15/ps3_component_costs_halved/
Japan to lose 20GB and 60GB PS3 (10 January 2008)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/10/sony_dumps_ps3_japan/
Sony posts PS3 DivX firmware update (18 December 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/18/sony_posts_divx_update/
Old Sony console outsold PS3 in US last month (17 December 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/17/us_consoles_sales_nov_07/
PS3 sales to surpass Wii's... in four years' time (12 December 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/12/analyst_ps3_to_overtake_wii_by_2011/
Sony website leaks PS3 DualShock debut date (10 December 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/10/ps3_dualshock_release_website/
PS3 demand booms in Japan (30 November 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/11/30/japan_console_sales/