Besides adding DivX 3.11 support for videos, the PS3 firmware update also includes guest access to the PlayStation Store, which enables users that are not registered on the PlayStation Network to browse the store for games, demos, videos and more. However, if they want to purchase or download something, they will need to register.

 

But the pièce de résistance for this firmware update is the Photo Gallery application, which users can install quickly and easily if they want to. This application will allow them to experience a new way of sorting and browsing through their photo collection.

 

The Photo Gallery application can be accessed from the Photo section in the PS3 menu, and offers multiple criteria based on which photos can be sorted. Just to give an example of that, the Photo Gallery allows photos to be sorted by the relative age of the people in them, by landscape, by smiles, by the camera that took the photos and more.

 

Users will also be able to create slideshows with music in the background, make playlists and more. The application is approximately 100 Mb, and can be installed separately from the XMB after the PS3 gets updated.

 

The users’ reactions regarding the firmware update were positive, although there’s always something left on the wish list. Sony did not give the exact date when the firmware will become available.