PS3 Firmware (v2.60) Update Released

Jason Wong • Jan 20, 2009 • Comments ()

Fresh on the heels of PSP firmware v5.03 -- a glorified security patch against hackers taking advantage of the GripShift user mode exploit -- PS3 owners will actually want to upgrade the PS3's firmware to v2.60 since it adds new and useful system functionality. The new firmware enhances the PS3's media capabilities and introduces a new Photo Gallery application with a suite of tools for browsing and displaying your digital photos.

According to PlayStation Network (PSN) Operations Director Eric Lempel, "Digital pictures can be organized in groups according to various criteria, including the camera used to take the photos, the event date and time, colors in the photos, as well as the number, ages, or facial expressions of the people pictured. You can also create slideshows set to music and build photo playlists with an easy-to-use interface. The Photo Gallery application will need to be installed separately from the XMB after you update your PS3’s firmware."

The main draw of the 2.60 update is DivX 3.11 support, which means videos that didn't play on the PS3 before can now be viewed. Despite the PS3's better interface and performance as a media player, the Xbox 360 was favored because of its greater compatibilty with newer DivX formats. With Blu-ray support and now DivX 3.11, the PS3 regains the title of best media player.

The firmware update will also allow guest access to the PlayStation Store, enabling non-PSN members to browse the storefront to check out the latest games, demos, videos, etc.

Here’s a video walk-through of firmware 2.60, showing off some of the key features of the Photo Gallery.