PS3 V2.70 Firmware Update Adds Text Chat, Video Features

Sony has released a freely downloadable 2.70 firmware update for its PlayStation 3 console, adding a new Text Chat features and more flexibility with video files purchased from the PlayStation Store. With the update, users can communicate online with up to 15 PlayStation Network friends using the Wireless Keypad accessory launched late last year, the on-screen keyboard, or other compatible keyboard peripherals. The Text Chat feature is accessible while playing PS3 games, and users can participate in up to three chat rooms at once. In addition, PS3 owners can back up video files they've purchased from the PS Store onto an external storage device, restoring the file to the system's internal hard drive for playback anytime in the future. They can can also transfer videos they've purchased for their PSP onto their PS3 for playback. Additionally, the XRossMediaBar (XMB) friends list now allows users to sort their friends by their online status, and files of up to 3MB in size (instead of the previous 1MB limit) can be sent to friends.