Like any other modern console nowadays, the Playstation 3 is getting regular firmware updates. Sony has just released firmware version 1.3 which will bring a couple of new features and a bunch of bug fixes. When you go online with your console you’re prompted to install this new update.

Unfortunately not every known issue has been addressed with this update, the 1080i upscaling issue which we reported on earlier has not been fixed. This problem causes your PS3 to use 480P mode instead of 1080i when your tv doesn’t support 720P. Luckily this only occurs on a small number of ‘old’ HDTVs and this shouldn’t affect the majority of users. A few of the ‘new features’ are questionable as well, they’re mainly support for things that should’ve been there from the start like the support for the BD remote control and Blue-Ray video over HDMI.

The full list of changes:
• You can now register the BD remote control in [Register Bluetooth® Device] under [Accessory Settings]
• [BD/DVD Video Output Format (HDMI)] has been added as an option under [BD/DVD Settings]
• [Backup Utility] has been added as a feature under [System Settings]
• You can now select the hard disk format method in [Format Utility] and [Restore PS3™ System] under [System Settings]
• The method of selecting output resolution has been changed in [Video Output Settings] under [Display Settings]
• The compatibility of USB devices with PlayStation®2 format software titles has changed

The last issue on the list has been addressed in a way that it is now possibly to use a bunch of Playstation 2 hardware which was previously working improperly on the PS3. Some devices aren’t working a 100% since both force feedback and rumble aren’t supported, but that’s something we’re used to. The following pieces of hardware have been added to the list:

• Logitech Driving Force USB Steering Wheel
• Logitech Driving Force Pro USB Steering Wheel
• Logitech Driving Force EX USB Steering Wheel
• HORI Flightstick2 USB Flight Stick
• Logitech Flight Force USB Flight Stick

With system software version 1.30 for the PLASYSTATION®3, the following USB devices are now supported for use with PlayStation 2 format software. Note that the vibration function, force feedback function, and calibration function of these devices are not supported.

Yesterday we reported that Paul Holman, Vice President of Technology for SCEE said that there were many more updates coming which will enable new features which we’re already experiencing with the PSP.

Thanks to drunk pandas for submitting this news.