PS3 Firmware 2.70 Update Now Available

Today Sony announced the new features of the 2.70 firmware update for the PS3. The main feature is Text Chat that allows users to chat online with up to 15 friends via Wireless Keypad, on-screen keyboard or a compatible keyboard device. The Text Chat feature is also accessible while playing games. No doubt many PS3 owners will find this a welcome feature in that it provides a more flexible and varied way to communicate with friends online.

Other features include:

Friends list on the XMB (Xross Media Bar) where friends can be sorted via their online status. There is also an increase to acceptable attachment sizes (from 1MB to 3MB) that can be sent to friends.

Video delivery service on the PlayStation Store now allows purchased video files to be backed up to an external storage device. They can also be transferred back to the PS3's internal hard drive. Videos purchased for your PSP can also be transferred to the PS3 for viewing.

Here's a video from the PlayStation Blog that runs through the Text Chat feature.