PS Vita system software 3.00 now available

Sony continues to get their ducks in a row in preparation for the big PlayStation 4 launch which is only 10 days from now.

As promised, they have just rolled out a PS Vita system software update (v.3.00) that includes a new PS4 Link app, which allows the Vita to connect to the PS4 as a second screen and a remote play device.  The messaging, party chat and Trophies are also now PS4 compatible so PS Vita owners and PS4 owners can more seamlessly communicate.

That’s not all though. System software 3.00 also brings Vita owners a whole new suite of parental control options, a new panoramic photo taking feature, a vastly improved friends interface, wireless data transfer between the PS3 and Vita and more.

Check out a video that shows off some of the new stuff embedded below, and read on for more 3.00 features (or check out the PS Blog).

PlayStation Vita — System Software Update version 3.00:
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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.

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.

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.

Friends

The application layout for Friends has been improved. There are now four tabs:

• Find Player on PSN
• Friends
• Friend Requests
• Players Blocked

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.

Party

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

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.

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.

PS3 Remote Play

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

Settings

You can now download future system software updates automatically.

Trophies

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