14 DAY TRIAL // This firmware upgrade has been a much anticipated one. Not only does it provide owners with increased backwards compatibility, but it also allows PS3 and PSP owners to connect their handhelds wirelessly to the big machine. Instead of having to be around the machine when trying to access a Wi-Fi hotspot, PSP users will be able to connect on the move, but still indoors. Not so impressive at first, but better than before, you have to admit. Also, up until now, this was possible only with the 60GB model of the PS3. Not anymore, as firmware v. 1.6 will allow 20GB PS3 owners to benefit from it.
Recently announced by Sony, the update will also give users the ability of "background downloading." This means that when you're downloading something, no matter how big that file is, the PS3 will still be fully operational for other tasks. Also, installing firmware v. 1.6 will come in handy to those who write a lot using the system's software keyboard during text entry. The update makes it possible for a full-size keyboard to pop up, if some of you may find the cell phone-style one.
Other features include some changes in browsing: the browser will now detect video-out settings and set the standard font size accordingly; there will be a "pin-point zoom" option, so users can zoom in on the pages. And let's not forget about the Folding@Home application: with a mere click on the icon, you'll be able to dedicate PS3 idle time for protein folding and other activities that uses the processing power of PS3 around the world, in an attempt to cure diseases like Alzheimer's and several forms of cancer.
This is Sony's last and full description of the firmware update so far and it will be available on 22nd, before the PAL PS3 launches in Europe and other Pal territories. There will be a rather small number of limitations to some of the features and Sony will go public on them as soon as the PS3 launches. The machines aren't equipped with the update in stores, but as soon as you get home with the machine, you log on to PlayStaton Network and get it yourself.