US, March 19, 2007 - Sony has at last provided details on version 1.6 of the PS3's system software. This is the highly anticipated update whose release was being timed for the 3/23 launch of the European/PAL PS3. The update will actually arrive just before that, on 3/22.
The biggest new feature for the update is something that was previously confirmed by company executives: background downloading. With Version 1.6 installed, you'll be able to use the PS3 for other things while downloading large or multiple files. Sony states that there are some limitations to this feature, but these won't be announced until the day of the update's availability.
Those who use their PSP as a remote media viewer for the PS3 have something to look forward with version 1.6. Previously, the PSP had to connect directly to the PS3 in order to access media, meaning you had to be in the same area as the PS3, and only owners of the 60 Gig model could take advantage of the feature. Version 1.6 adds the ability to access the PS3 from a wireless point in your home, bringing 20 Gig users in on the action, and presumably allowing additional freedom of movement. Not quite the worldwide access we were hoping for, but this is at least a step in the right direction.
Sony is adding a bonus for those who make use of the system's software keyboard during text entry. Version 1.6 adds the option for a full-size keyboard, for those who aren't satisfied with the current cell phone-style entry system.
Other new features affect the system's web browser. The browser will now detect your video-out settings and set the standard font size accordingly, and even deal with nasty interlacing artifacts. You'll also be able to make use of a new "pin-point zoom" feature to zoom in on pages.
All that, along with the previously announced Folding@Home support should make for one hell of an update. There could be even more to the update than Sony has announced here, so be sure and power up your PS3 on the 22nd to experience version 1.6 first hand.
