New PS3 update adds new Blu-ray, PSP features

The upcoming firmware update for the PlayStation 3 is going to bring with it a whole host of new Blu-ray and PlayStation Portable features. System software update 2.20 will be released in "late March," according to Sony, and will add Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (otherwise known as BD-Live) to the PS3. BD-Live allows those with suitable players to access more features on Blu-ray Discs, some of which require Web-based interaction.

The features will vary from product to product, but there will also be the option for "interactive movie-based games," which can be played against other players locally or over the Internet. To download BD-Live, users will need 1GB of free space.

Firmware update 2.20 will also "enhance PS3's relationship with PSP." Those who own both will now be able to copy music and photo playlists to their PSPs.

A host of other minor features will also be coming, including a "Resume Play" feature for Blu-ray and DVD movies, which will let film fans restart their movies from the exact point they left off, even if the disc has been removed from the drive.

It's not just one-way traffic either; the update adds at least one PSP feature that looks set to enhance the PS3 experience. The new Remote Play setting will allow the PSP to be used as a remote control for music played on the PS3. The PS3 Internet browser will also be enhanced to make streaming video viewable on Web sites, and Sony says that the browser's speed has also been improved.

DivX and WMV format videos over 2GB in size will now be playable, and "Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel for "improved movie playback."