Sony Japan has released firmware ver 3.0 for the PSP which allows users to view images and play music stored on the PS3 when connected via Wi-Fi. Dubbed "Remote play", the new feature allows streaming of media files stored on PS3's hard drive across a wireless LAN for viewing on the PSP. The files are converted in real time into the MPEG-4 SP format (480p 1Mbps). The feature does not work with Blu-Ray content.

The new firmware also allows games for the original PlayStation to be downloaded from Sony's online store to the PlayStation 3 and then transferred to the PSP.

Of course, "Remote play" works in the 60GB PS3 model only, since the 20GB does not offer wireless connectivity. The PSP can be also used as a remote control for the PS3.

Other enhancements include a timer setting in the RSS channel menu that will make the PSP look for updates on blogs and download them, and the ability to stop the PSP from automatically loading a game on boot-up if a disc is inserted in the handheld's drive.

The new firmware has been released on Tuesday in Japan, and its English version is expected to be available in the following days. For more information visit http://www.jp.playstation.com/psp/update/ud_01.html (Japanese).