2.70 PS3 firmware update brings text chat, video backup

Late yesterday Sony revealed the upcoming v2.70 firmware update for the PS3. The new additions mainly deal with a new text chat feature, which can be used via the onscreen keyboard, a compatible full-sized keyboard, or the new wireless keypad that attaches to the top of the DualShock 3/Sixaxis controller. While in the midst of a game, players can join up to three different chat rooms at the same time, each of which will support up to 16 people.

Sony revamped the friends list on the XrossMediaBar to accommodate the new text chat feature. Friends can be sorted by online status and exchange files up to 3MB in size. The update also allows videos purchased from the PlayStation Store to be backed up on an external hard drive. In a bid to keep things simple for users, Sony will now allow users to transfer PSP video purchases to the PS3 for playback.

[UPDATE] The v2.70 firmware update is now live and ready for download!

--GameSpot Hardware's Sarju Shah co-wrote this report.