Sony's official PlayStation blog released important details this morning about the upcoming 2.60 firmware update for the PlayStation 3 gaming console. This an update that Sony characterizes as 'designed primarily to enhance the system's media capabilities.'

The update will bring DivX 3.11 video clips support and it will also let PS3 customers browse the PlayStation Network Store without having to enter log-in information. Furthermore, players will also be able to download a “Photo Gallery” application, that offers a host of sorting and minor editing tools to better aid PlayStation 3 devotees in displaying their images via Sony's console. In order to install the Photo Gallery, a user must browse over to the Photos tab in the XMB and run the installer.

As for the PlayStation Network account, if users feel compelled to download anything, they'll need to register for an account. However, this looks like a pointless addition, but it's a plus for PS3, as the Xbox 360 still requires an account in order to browse through Xbox Live. Sony has also released a firmware update for its PlayStation Portable, v5.03, which improves system software stability during use of some features.

It looks like these firmware updates represent one step forward in Sony's attempt to make the PS3 a fully functional and capable multimedia machine. Certain video sites say that the 2.60 firmware update will be available for download on January 21, but it remains to be seen if that will be the date, as Sony will announce an official one this week.