The PS3, like the Xbox 360, is no stranger to firmware updates. In fact, the PS3 arguably sees them more often, as Microsoft’s Xbox 360 generally sees larger Dashboard updates on a quarterly basis. The next PS3 firmware update, version 2.60, includes a slew of new features designed to enhance the PS3’s overall appeal as a piece of entertainment hardware.
Most notable in the PS3 software update 2.60 — available today (Jan. 21) — is a new Photo Gallery application that lets PS3 owners organize and view photos stored on a PS3. The firmware update will also support DivX 3.11 and PlayStation Store guest browsing.
Through the new Photo Gallery application, digital photos can be organized in groups according to various criteria, including the camera used to take the photos, the date and time, and even such obscure things as the colors in the photos and the number, ages or facial expressions of the people pictured.
Once in a group, the photos can then be arranged as slideshows that are set to music.
As for the DivX 3.11 video support, the update will enable PS3 owners to watch DivX media files in that format, which is popular due to its ability to compress large video files while maintaining relatively high visual quality.