New PlayStation update prepares system for launch of PS Vita next month

Sony are preparing for the launch of PlayStation Vita in Japan next month by releasing a new PlayStation 3 system software update (v4.0) later this week. The update will allow for sharing of digital content between PS Vita and PS3.

The release of version 4 software allows the PS3 “to serve as a content management device”. Users can “copy their digital content such as games, music, photos, and videos” between PS Vita and PS3, back-up PS Vita games and game data to the PS3, and update PS Vita using the PS3’s “network features”.

In short, PS Vita will interact with the PS3 in a similar fashion to iOS devices, like the iPhone and iPad, and iTunes.

Other changes to be introduced to the PS3 this week include new PlayStation Network (PSN) settings for filtering friends requests and messages, and the ability for PlayStation Plus members to enable or disable individual automatic update features, including game patches, system software, recommended games and videos, and trophy information syncing.

PS Vita, the successor to PlayStation Portable (PSP), is expected to launch initially in Japan next month, and in Europe and the United States in February 2012.