Sony announced that the next software update for its gaming console, PlayStation 3, will add a new feature, Blu-ray Disc (BD) Profile 2.0 or BD-LIVE.

The new firmware is scheduled to be released later this month and thanks to the BD-LIVE, PS3 owners will be able to experience interactive features, such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more.

Besides BD-LIVE, the new update, which is labeled as 2.20 will add other new features such as the ability to copy photo and music playlists from PS3 to PSP

"With Blu-ray established as the high-definition optical disc standard, more consumers are ready to jump in and take advantage of everything the format offers," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "Whether you want to download movie extras, send ringtones to your phone, or play interactive games, BD-LIVE will offer exciting new ways to enjoy a Blu-ray movie. With these regular firmware updates and future-proofed technology, SCEA is making the 10-year lifecycle of PS3 possible."

According to Sony,  BD-LIVE requires an Internet connection and at least 1GB of local storage. Also, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced two BD-LIVE enabled titles to be released on April 8 - Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and The 6th Day.

Sony also unveiled a list of the new features that will also be included in the system software update:

- "Resume play" will enable PS3 system to start playing a Blu-ray disc and DVD at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.
- "Audio Output Device" will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.
- PS3 system's Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser's view speed will be improved.
- DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.
- "Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.