The PlayStation.Blog was updated with the features that will be coming in the next firmware updates for PS3 (v2.50) and PSP (v5.00).
The PSP will now be able to access the PlayStation Network from the PSP. You will be able to sign up for or access the PlayStation Network with your existing login. You will also be able to access the PlayStation Store directly from your PSP. The PlayStation Store on the PC will be down so it can be revamped for the changes. The other firmware changes for the PSP include a sleep timer option that can be used while you are playing music on your PSP, a full screen keyboard option for text entry, and a redesigned background for the XMB.
The PlayStation 3 will be getting some big changes. The next firmware update will have support for:
- Support for the PS3 Official Bluetooth Headset - The upcoming Bluetooth Headset comes with the soon to be released Bluetooth Headset and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation Bundle. This latest firmware installment enables High-Quality (HQ) mode, which delivers clear and wide-band online voice chat. On top of that, an added on-screen indicator shows battery status, volume level and use of HQ mode.
- PlayStation Trophies interface enhancements – This update makes sharing and comparing your trophies with your friends easier. On the first part of the profile page you’ll see a symbol under level that represents level and the actual percentage towards the next level along with the existing level meter. The level symbol carries over to the trophy comparison screen where you will now be able to see your level, your friend’s level and the percentage towards the next level for both users along with all of the game by game comparison information you see today.
- Friend status – Offline friends on your Friends list will have information below their avatars that will indicate how long it has been since they were last online.
- Video – This update adds the Scene Search feature similar to the feature on the PSP. Activating this feature while viewing a video on the PS3 will break the video up into scenes that you can quickly access by pressing the X button. You can break the videos into one, two or five minute intervals. In addition, you can now choose to have all of the videos under the video section of the XMB play in sequence. Go to Settings then Video Settings to turn this option on.
- PlayStation Store – A redeem codes option will be added right on the store to make it easier to redeem your PlayStation Network Cards and promotion codes. In addition, PlayStation Network Sign Up and Account Management have been redesigned.
- Power Save Settings – You will be able to set your PS3 and wireless controllers to turn off automatically after set periods of inactivity. Go to Settings then Power Save Settings to turn on these features.
- Background Downloading – the option will be added to set the PS3 to turn off automatically after a background download or installation of content has completed. This option is available when you turn off the system from the button under [Users] while content is being downloaded or installed.
- In-game Screenshots – this tool will allow everyone to capture, share and in other words, immortalize their favorite gameplay moments. This will be supported on a game by game basis.
The ability to access the PlayStation Store from the PSP is great, that should have been there from the start. It’s probably a bit weird, but the most exciting feature for me for the PlayStation 3 is the In-game screenshots. I’m always on the lookout for easter eggs and in-jokes in games, and it would be great to be able to take a screenshot of them on a console. 
Tags: playstation 3, psp, sony
