Posted Mar 19, 2007 at 09:51AM by Tim Y. Listed in: News, Firmware Tags: Sony, Stanford University, Downloadable Content, Folding@Home, Remote Play
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The Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) - Image 1Sony has just provided more details regarding the PlayStation 3's upcoming Firmware 1.6 update. First up is a minor adjustment for the update's release date. Previously set for a March 23 release - the same day as the PS3 launch in Europe - 1.6 will be available as downloadable content come March 22.

Moving on to FW 1.6's updates, it has been reported that it will allow the PS3 to do other functions while you're downloading content - expect far less game session interruptions in the near future. Sony's also adding an option for a full-size keyboard on the system menu, which should make text input easier for those uncomfortable with the PS3's default cellphone-style interface.

Firmware 1.6 will also carry updates for the PS3's web browser, which includes a capability to detect the user's video-out settings and to set standard font sizes accordingly. Also new is a point-and-zoom feature for examining web pages in-depth. There's also the matter of the added support for Folding@home - Stanford University's ongoing project to use part of the PS3's massive cell processing power to study protein folding to help further research into diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Huntington's Disease.

Lastly, we reiterate on 1.6's update to the Remote Play function on the PlayStation Portable. In earlier firmware versions of Sony's PS3, PSP owners could only hook up wirelessly to the 60GB model so long as they were within its sensor range. In the upcoming 1.6 update, PSP owners can opt to use WiFi hotspots to connect with their PS3, which not only allows for greater mobility, but also allows 20GB owners to partake in the fun. Set your calendars for March 22.


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97 Comments


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   by hfughk (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » cant wait

thank you


   Re: Roncoloid (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » PS3 + DUD

The Playstation 3 is a DUD. If you bought it, you are a DUD. I farted on it. The XBOX 360 Sharted on it.

   Re: hg4erg (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » @Roncoloid

dude stfu i have both a ps3 and xbox 360. your just mad kause u cant afford one *****!

   Re: CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2007-03-19
 » Roncoid

Your a roid

   Re: mohaas05 (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » Dee+Dee+Dee+Dee-Dee-Dee+Roncoloid

i bet you wasted all your money on 360 so now you live in a box. ha! ha!

   Re: mohaas05 (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » *****ed up subject

stupid qj comment system

   Re: rtizaposerbutzackjuz*****kinrulez (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » yeah

to end all fighting i will talk about the consoles. Ps3 is amazing in its grafx and computer capabilities. cons- it is expensive to make games for. Xbox 360. x360 does have hd power and great online and is a perfect middle system. cons- made by micro$oft. Wii is the ultimate system for kids under 13. It is a fun system w/ motion sensing (like ps3 but better). cons- very few gamess. horrible controls on sum games. Iz gaining support with developers.

   Re: rtiza continued fogot sum shtuff (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » perfect console

the perfect console would be the wii60. the wii60 would be a wii with hd power and cum wit a hard drive. The wii60 also needs viva pinata, gears of war, and sony games. the wii60 also needs great online play for free.

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   Re: mohaas05 (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » umm...

do us all a favor. next time please dont say cum

   Re: (Unregistered) (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » A DUD?!

your mom's a dud

   Re: bobs (Unregistered) - 2007-03-25
 » poop

wii363
   by CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2007-03-19
 » YES! I Can't Wait!

Sounds like a lot of good improvements!

   by CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2007-03-19
 » YES! I Can't Wait!

Sounds like a lot of good improvements!

   by fiore (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » software emulation?

hm, what about backward compatibility??


   Re: antaeus - 2007-03-19
 » ...

thats already included in the firmware dude but unless your from Europe you don't need to worry about it at all

   Re: fiore (Unregistered) - 2007-03-20
 » backward compatibility

errr, yes I am from europe ...
   by Devise (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » ...

hmm I expected a lot more, Sony was talking up this update a couple of months back. Maybe Home was suppose to be released but got delayed. They is some value in this update just nothing to brag about.


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   Re: Treefingers (Unregistered) - 2007-03-20
 » ...

Home since its GDC debut has been slated for an October release...
   by Devise (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » ...

Oh yeah, I would suggest everyone wait before updating their firmware. The paradox iso loader should be released very soon. Hopefully for PS3 users the hole hasn't been magically patched in the new update.


   Re: grgrgvwf (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » ps2 games

it dosent manner ive been playing alot of my ps2 games lately +)

   Re: PS3rider (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » ...

lol devise your nothing but an xbot fanboy, and we all know that. And the only reason you are saying ''dont update'' is cuz u want the PS3 to fail and your know it has many advantages over the 360.

   Re: Extinction (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » The paradox iso loader should be released very soon

The paradox iso loader will never be released, it is a fake.

   Re: Matt (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » Laughing at those attempting to discredit Devise

If you attempt to do it, at least learn to speak english before hand. Otherwise you discredit yourself and everyone else has no choice but to side with Devise. Back on topic... theres not enough worthy single player games to give up online for some free games, yet... We'll see if anything acually happens.

   Re: mcsiadf (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » yeah, wait for an iso loader

Sorry guys, why would anyone sit around not being able to use their ps3 online, just because at some point in the future they can play roms/homebrew. Don't you get it, this is a next generation system, with HD graphics. If ya want to play old games, play them on an old system. I can play almost anything on my PSP, why should I sacrifice all the gameplay of my nice expensive ps3 waiting for some cheapskate to come out with a loader? I'd rather just PAY for the games that come out, and enjoy them, than worry about the constant battle between hackers and sony to make these things work.
It's just not worth it. Anyone who paid $600 plus a few hundred for games for this thing would be a douche to not be enjoying it. Leaving it on FW 1.3 hoping that SOMEDAY someone will come out with a hack that lets them play all these games they download... *****ass, you gonna buy a BluRay burner, and spend $20 per disc to copy them??
It was cool with PS2 games, but these new games take up a LOT more space and look a lot better. Just pay for them, they are worth it (most of them :) )

   Re: kik (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » lol

silly noob.. we wont need to burn them to BDr.. a simple hd loader will be used.. get ur facts str8 boy.
   by Ralph (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » GAY!

GAY SONY who cares for Alsahemer, what the ***** is it?!! XBOX RULES!!!


   Re: hrtbd (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » alsahemers is a serious disease

alsahemers is a serious disease u *****. u forget everything even your own family. i hope u get it

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   Re: UR b!tCh (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » PS3

if u like xbox none here cares go fu_k urself cause thiz iz a ps3 update u F@g go play ur halo2 4 3 more years f*#@ halo 3 and all that garbage iam sick off u retarts keep gettin on da ps3 cause of the games itz been 5 and a 1/2 months get a while wat are u playing still regular xbox games on ur 360 retarts go sux a d!cK no homo PS3 all day everyday

   Re: At - Ralph (Unregistered) - 2007-03-20
 » Learn something...

If you had a brain ou would know what that desiese is, and how serious it is. Its a real shame that people like Ralph above live. They are the sort of people who will hold back the development of the world because all they care about are themselves.
What a sad live he must lead.

   Re: Alex (Unregistered) - 2007-03-20
 » subject noted

Dude about PS3! - Nintendo is for kids and XBOX360 is for everyone!

What does this have to do with ps3?

I guess PS3 is for aliens. haha

But that is very neat with the PSP access thing.

   Re: ************************************************* (Unregistered) - 2007-03-25
 » ****************************************************************

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************uck
   by WeApOn (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » when

When are we gonna be able to play our music and play games at the same time?


   Re: Mister Common Sense - 2007-03-19
 » too bad

That's one of many XBOX 360 features you will likely not get for some time. You can also rip your CDs to the hard drive with one click.

For being sold as an all in one media center, the PS3 is sure lacking in features.

   Re: antbing - 2007-03-19
 » PS3 rips

You can rip cd's to the PS3 hard drive in 2 clicks.

   Re: Manny151 (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » yeah you idiot

You can Rip, but thats not all, you can actually transfer mp3 files to your HDD and the same goes for photo files and video files. Unlike the 360 that can only stream from your PC. I might as well look at my photos and video files on my PC if I have to stream everything. Either that or buy content from Microsoft.

   Re: Mister Common Sense - 2007-03-19
 » amazing!

I am genuinely suprised sony would add a feature like song ripping that doesn't help them make more money.
You can transfer mp3 files to the 360's HDD you know.

   Re: Vietone - 2007-03-19
 » ..

On the PS3 you can run Linux.

Play Emulators
Play all formats of videos files known to the internet
View Photos from a network without the use of windows media center
Play Music from a network

Unlike Xbox360, you are restricted to streaming windows video and audio files. Meaning the only video you can stream are WMV files. Thats not likely to change either.

   Re: Mister Common Sense - 2007-03-19
 » Manny151 is confused

The 360 CAN play video files from a CD or DVD disc, portable device, or stream it from a PC. You can view pictures from a CD or DVD disc, digital camera, portable device, or stream it from a PC. You can listen to music from a CD, iPod or nearly any other portable device. Good try though.

   Re: Matt (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » common sense, missing...

He said you cannot transfer the songs (from an external HDD be it from a computer or USB) to the 360's HDD for the ultimate convience which is completely true.

   Re: mister common sense is a flaming ass***** (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » mcsiadf posting again

Damn, I figured it out. When he makes comments like, "i'm genuinely surprised" about something that has been around since launch.. Mr common sense is so broke that he must be using the internet from a library. I think QJ is one of the only sites he can access. And he sure doesn't have an Xbox360, like I originally thought. I bet he's at home, with his parents downstairs, playing on his xbox. They wouldn't buy him a PS3 for christmas, or his birthday now, so he gets angry at them, and plots how he is going to kill them. In fact, with nothing better to do with his time, I think we will all notice that he won't be posting here for a very long time... Very soon. I admit, if all he has in life is some reason in his head that he has to come into the ps3 message boards and post his lies, he probably SHOULD kill himself... Honestly, without owning one himself, and obviously never having touched one, (the store won't even let him near the kiosk, because he smells...) plus the lack of education or social skills.... Yeah, nothing to live for.

   Re: datnizzle (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » xbox?

I just watched borat off my ps3's hard-drive, in the middle of the movie a had to take a *****. I used my psp and continued watching from the same spot in the movie. Mr. NonSense can your xbox do that, no.

You can transfer mp3 files to the 360's HDD you know.

Really I can just put in a cd and tell it to maKE THEM MP3'S OR ATRAC. but I'm glad you have a 360, you know there are articles on this blog about it. go check some of them out.

   Re: Mister Common Sense - 2007-03-19
 » mcsiadf has issues

What's going on here?

"They wouldn't buy mcsiadf a PS3 for christmas, or his birthday now, so he gets angry at them, and plots how he is going to kill them. In fact, with nothing better to do with his time, I think we will all notice that he won't be posting here for a very long time... Very soon. I admit, if all he has in life is some reason in his head that he has to come into the ps3 message boards and post his lies, he probably SHOULD kill himself... Honestly, without owning one himself, and obviously never having touched one, (the store won't even let him near the kiosk, because he smells...) plus the lack of education or social skills.... Yeah, nothing to live for."

Interesting story. Sounds like it's told from experience. Describing someone you know? Your father perhaps? Does it make you angry, mcsiadf? Do you compare people who make you mad to your father? Did he touch you in inapropriate ways?
I don't think if what I said regarding the PS3 had any meaning, you wouldn't be so upset. You know I do this for fun to f*ck with people right? Yes I prove a good point also.

   Re: Crow (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » ROFL

"Interesting story. Sounds like it's told from experience. Describing someone you know? Your father perhaps? Does it make you angry, mcsiadf? Do you compare people who make you mad to your father? Did he touch you in inapropriate ways?
I don't think if what I said regarding the PS3 had any meaning, you wouldn't be so upset. You know I do this for fun to f*ck with people right? Yes I prove a good point also."

That's the best you could come up with, MCS? No smacking people? No witty comebacks? No sarcasm dripping off the words? Wow, looks like mcsiadf touched a nerve...interesting.

Oh, and if the Xbox 360 is so much damn better than the PS3, then why do you troll PS3 news sites flaming people for fun? According to you the 360 sounds like much more fun...I wonder why you're not busy playing it..?

   Re: CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2007-03-19
 » Aww Music, Music, Music...

On PS3 you can rip your cd's to either AAC, MP3, or ATRAC. You can also download the album and song titles in a couple seconds too. It is easy. I have about 60 albums on my PS3. Another good thing is you can organise them too. I'm sure we will see new games that will allow you to use your music in the game. Look at Playstation Home. You can insert video, pictures, and music in the virtual 3D world in HD. I can't wait for that in the future.
   by tits (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » What about divx/xvid

I couldn't care less about remote play, where is the xvid/divx playback functionality?, will this ever be added ?

also, i heard 1.6 will now allow u to upconvert dvds to 720p, is this true ?


   Re: Mister Common Sense - 2007-03-19
 » .

I wouldn't count on DVD upconversion ever. It could hurt sony's precious blu ray movie sales!

   Re: Matt (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » Hurting BD

Have you ever seen the difference between upconverted DVD and BD? But then again I wouldnt be surprised if most people thought there was no difference. Upconverted DVD's requires the use of all of the PS3's RAM because it has no hardware scaler therefore it must do software scaling which is very memory intensive.

   Re: Crow (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » WOW

It's pretty bad when MCS is dissing cancer reasearch. He must be desperate; he's reaching pretty low.

Maybe he's pro-cancer? O.o

   Re: Extinction (Unregistered) - 2007-03-19
 » Ummm...

Upscaling would not use all PS3s RAM, and yes it does have a hardware scaler