Sony PS3 2.20 update arrives

Sony has released version 2.20 of its PlayStation 3 firmware, giving owners of the console more options when watching Blu-ray Disc content.

Features within Blu-ray Disc movies such as the ability to resume watching at the point at which you stopped and other interactive options are now available to those using the PS3.

The upgrade essentially turns the PS3 into a fully-functional Blu-ray Disc player. However, rumours circulating online last week that the upgrade would allow you to rip Blu-ray Disc movies onto the PlayStation Portable (PSP) device have proved to be false.

PS3 owners will be advised to download the update when they next log in to the PlayStation Network.

Tony Cripps of analyst firm Ovum praised Sony for making the updates free.

"Firmware upgrades clearly provide scope for incremental improvements on top of this and Sony is to be applauded for delivering these at no cost to the end user," he said.

Cripps also also said that the new firmware could change the shape of the Blu-ray Disc player market.

"This will put major pricing pressure on manufacturers of standalone Blu-ray players, including Sony itself, as consumers turn to the PS3 to meet their movie as well as gaming requirements. As such its viability as an entertainment hub is greatly increased," Cripps said.

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www.ovum.com