We talked about the PS3 v1.60 Firmware Update a few days ago, which is scheduled to be released tomorrow. Well, Sony of Europe dropped a press release that included some more information about what it includes.

They confirmed that this firmware update has the software emulation update for backwards compatibility for PAL consoles (which are lacking the PS2 Emotion Engine). Even better, they clarified some of the questions surrounding the background downloads:

Firmware Version 1.60 also delivers a more convenient process for downloading content to the PS3 from the PLAYSTATION Store. Up to 6 pieces of content from the PlayStation store can be queued up for download while the user enjoys other functions of the PS3 system, including playing games, browsing the web, using media functions including photo browsing, video and music playback. Progress of downloads can be easily tracked under a new Download Management menu under the XMB’s Network icon

Playing games and being able to queue downloads is huge. I’m much more exited for this feature now that the details have been hashed out. Kudos on this one Sony. Now we just need to have better XMB integration in games, so we can pull up our friends lists and such.

Hit the jump for more details…

IGN was able to confirm with Sony some more details about the download queue:

We’ve received word from Sony that you will indeed be able to play games while downloading content in the background. Similar to how downloads on the Xbox 360 works, you’ll be able to play games offline while downloads work in the background, and if you hop online your queue will simply pause until you disconnect.

Sony is playing catch-up to the features already in competitors’ consoles, but at least they’re doing it.

Another option added to this firmware update is choosing whether to auto-launch a disc when inserted into the PS3. This is good news as well. It took the 360 and PSP a while to get this option. Glad to see it was added to the PS3 in somewhat short order.

Hopefully we’ll see some more significant updates in the coming months with the console being released worldwide.