PS Vita system update 3.00 now available, brings PS4 functionality

Written by Brandon Hofer on November 05, 2013

PS Vita News: The new PS Vita system updates brings with it PS4 functionality along with other new and changed features.

PS4 is coming out in North America next week and Sony has begun the preparations. First on the list is the new PS Vita firmware that is now available. PS Vita firmware 3.0 is now available changing and adding additional functionality to the Vita, including some PS4 functionality. The big items from this new update are below:

PS4 Link

The PS4 Link app has been added to the PS Vita system’s home screen. With this application, you can use your PS Vita to remotely control a PS4 system, and play a range of PS4 games on your PS Vita screen. When you’re playing a game on PS4 that supports second screen features, you can also display information from that game on your PS Vita and use it as a second screen.

Trophies

You can now display Trophies of PS4 software on your PS Vita. Rarity of the trophy cannot be displayed.

Parental Controls

The Parental Controls application has been added to the home screen. You can now manage the duration of game play, and the use of games and videos that have parental controls. You can also control access to certain areas of the system, including the use of the Internet browser and Location Data.

Settings

You can now download future system software updates automatically.

Photos

A Panoramic Camera setting has been added. You can now take panoramic photos on PS Vita, and look around the photo by using the PS Vita’s built-in motion sensor.

PS3 Remote Play

The Remote Play application name and icon have been changed to PS3 Remote Play.

Friends

The application layout for Friends has been improved. There are now four tabs: Find Player on PSN, Friends, Friend Requests, Players Blocked

Content Manager

You can now use Wi-Fi to connect your PS Vita to a PS3, and transfer data between them. Your PS Vita and PS3 must be connected within the same network.‎ Also, to use this feature, the system software of the PS3 you’re using must be version 4.50 or later.

Messages

The Group Messaging application name and icon have been changed to Messages. The application layout has also been improved, and you can now send and receive messages with friends and players on PS4 or on mobile devices installed with PlayStation App.

Email

You can now sync the contacts saved in your email account from services including Gmail and Yahoo! Mail. To sync your contacts, select Contact List > Options > [CardDAV Settings] > [Add CardDAV Account], and then follow the screens.

Party

The icon for the Party application has been changed. You can now voice chat and text chat with friends and players on PS4.

Will you be picking up a PS4 to take advantage of these new features? Take a look at the video below showing off the new firmware and tell us what you think below.