Sony’s gaming division might have a small showing at this year’s CES, but that isn’t keep Paul Purdy from dropping some big PS3 news:  in-game Xross Media Bar (XMB) access is confirmed for 2008.  When pressed for a specific timeframe, the Sony rep simply relayed that Sony’s focus at CES is on hardware. 

For those not aware, the PS3’s operating system is unavailable while in games.  This prevents the use of custom soundtracks or messenging while a game is active, and since the Xbox 360 offers its users both while in-game, PS3 owners have been justifiably frustrated.

More information to come as it is released.