Along with the European launch of the PS3, Sony will also release the latest firmware upgrade for the system and that is firmware v. 1.6. Although it brings some nifty changes and increased compatibility support, it's not coming with the machine, so you'll have to download it from the PlayStation Network after you acquire it. As Eurogamer says, the firmware update will consist in increased backwards compatibility, background downloading, full-size keyboard support and web browser tweaks. Also, there is the Folding@home application, that enables you to let the machine dedicate idle time to protein folding, misfolding, and curing diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diverse forms of cancer.

With this application, PS3 owners all around the world will be able to dedicate their consoles' processing power to science, when games are paused, enabling this application with a simple click on the Folding@home icon.

Also, something that both PSP and PS3 owners will find quite useful is that the update will provide the possibility to use a PSP remotely with the PS3. Using Wi-Fi hotspots you'll be able to globally connect to anything. You don't have to connect the handheld directly to the PS3 anymore.

Now, if we are to look back on the history of firmware updates from Sony, we can't say they've been all that forthcoming, but seeing that with every other update, the company is fixing its mistakes one by one, people might just start believing in the PS3 again. And if Sony decides to lower the price on it as well, the PS3 will surely follow its predecessor's footsteps, the PS2.