The PlayStation 3 may be receiving a large firmware update this fall, according to a rumor from VG247. The firmware 3.0 update is said to be "a huge overhaul" and was compared to the Xbox 360's NXE in some respects. The new features are said to include a reputation system that will allow users to evaluate each other and view the reps of other players. No doubt aiding in the reputation system will be a "grief reporting system," allowing players to take pictures of offensive users and report them to Sony. Someone at SCEA is going to be busy parsing user reports.
Other features may allow background downloads of game patches, and simultaneous HDMI and digital optical output for audiophiles. The update is reportedly planned to hit before Christmas. As always, we classify this as a rumor until we hear something official from Sony. It doesn't sound like an unrealistic wish list of features, so we'll be looking for more details in the coming months.