Sony has pushed out yet another PS Vita firmware, bringing the version tally to 1.61. Now available on Network Update, the official changelog merely gives a recap of functionality added in 1.60 – such as Google Maps and the ability to record video.

It further states that 1.61 will “improve certain aspects of the system software.” In true Sony fashion, details on what exactly has been improved remain a mystery. For what it’s worth, some users have reported that the interface feels slightly snappier. Let us know in the comments if you notice any changes.

While hardly a shocking revelation, it’s been confirmed that Call of Duty is indeed Vita bound. In an interview with GameTrailers, newly-appointed SVP of PlayStation Brand marketing Guy Longworth dropped word that the title is in development.

Longworth reckons the title will be an “absolute game-changer” for the portable. It’s on for a fall release, though no further details were spared. It’s worth noting that the Vita is the first handheld platform that can properly support a full-blown Call of Duty FPS experience, so that alone will certainly turn heads.

Downplaying rumors that suggest otherwise, Sony Computer Entertainment America boss Jack Tretton hopes he doesn’t have to make a PS4 announcement at this year’s E3, noting that he’d be ‘very distracted’ by talking about next-generation hardware.

At risk of sounding like a broken record, Tretton also said the PS3 is ‘just hitting its stride.” He made the same remark when PS3 sales were outpacing Xbox 360 in 2008 and 2010, as well as last year’s E3.

“I, quite frankly, would be very distracted if I had to be talking about next generation hardware this year,” Tretton told IGN.

It’s no secret that Sony has been adamant about emerging last this generation, as echoed by Sony France CEO Philippe Cardone and WWS boss Shuhei Yoshida. It goes without saying that the company does have its hands full, having just launched the PS Vita worldwide. Perhaps the wait and see approach will be taken, even if Microsoft shows its cards this year.

Sony’s dropped off a new firmware for PS3 users on Network Update, bumping up the version count to 4.11. The official changelog is brief and rather vague — only noting that firmware 4.11 improves “certain aspects” of the underlying system software.

Beyond that, no details were given — so it looks like we’ll need to dig around to see what changed. At any rate, the update is an optional one, meaning those feeling firmware fatigue can pass this one up without any ill effects and still connect to PSN. The choice is yours.

We’ve included a direct link below for those that wish to download the firmware manually.

Download PS3 Firmware 4.11

Need some games to go along with your shiny new PS Vita purchase? US retailer Target will be running a promotion in which you can pick up any two titles and get a third free. It appears to be applicable to the entire lineup, not just select offerings.

The promotion kicks off next week, coinciding with availability of the standalone WiFi and 3G PS Vita units on February 22. It’s not often we see deals like this timed day and date with hardware launches, but hey, we’re not complaining.

While the PS Vita has been enjoying healthy sales in Japan, it’s not quite to the level of what you’d expect from a new hardware launch. Sony WWS boss Shuhei Yoshida has chimed in on why, referencing the still steady sales of PSP units.

“So overall, the portable game market in Japan is still very healthy. We are still seeing good sales through PSP, and we are advertising on TV, a dedicated PSP TV campaign, at the same time we are introducing Vita. For the Japanese market, we are expecting to see a slower transition in platforms. PSP will still continue to be very popular as an entry model. Especially for a younger audience. Our marketing group’s advertising is targeted towards kids’ magazines, in support of these younger-oriented titles. At the same time, we are trying to communicate the value and new, exciting features of PS Vita to an older, mature, core gamer audience,” Yoshida told Venture Beat.

Further, Yoshida alluded that initial sell-through numbers in North America will likely eclipse that of Japan by a considerable margin. He admitted that the launch line-up wasn’t all that enticing to your average Japanese gamer, noting that big-hitters like Uncharted aren’t as popular compared to say, Monster Hunter.  While SCE Japan has been making inroads towards raising awareness, he says Uncharted 3 only shifted around 200,000 copies in the region.

Given that Monster Hunter sold an upwards of 4 million units on PSP in Japan, that represents a huge gulf in sales. more »

Sony’s released a system software update for PS3 to coincide with the arrival of PS Vita firmware 1.60. This update bumps the firmware to 4.1, bringing with it an improved internet browser.

Significant strides have been made to increase browser performance and accuracy when viewing web pages. Some sites that previously did not render properly are now supported under the new firmware, we’re told. more »

Back in November, Sony’s Japanese division launched UMD Passport, a program that allowed PSP and PS Vita owners to get discount rates on digital equivalents of UMD titles by providing proof of purchase. Unfortunately, Sony has no plans to launch a similar initiative in North America, a blow to those heavily invested in the format.

A Sony representative broke the dismal news to Kotaku today. No reasoning was given for the decision. While this likely isn’t a huge blow to your Vita purchasing plans, it definitely knocks another worthy bullet point off the list, which is a shame. Here’s hoping Sony can make up for it by running frequent deals on PSP content, but we’re not holding our breath.

With the domestic launch of PS Vita only a week away, Sony is prepping yet another firmware update. Unlike the past two updates, this one is rather substantial, adding a Map app powered by Google Maps, along with the ability to record videos. Additionally, Sony is rolling out a Mac OSX-compatible version of Content Manager Assistant, a required app for transferring files to and from the Vita over USB connection.

In terms of less noteworthy changes, users can also expect to see the rebranding of PSN to SEN on account sign-in pages. The firmware is due out later this week on Wednesday. We’ll let you know when it’s live.

According to an email making the rounds to PlayStation Network users, Sony is no longer referring to online accounts on PS3 or Vita under the familiar PSN banner. Going forward, any registered accounts across the company’s entire suite of online services will be known as Sony Entertainment Network or SEN accounts. It’s effective February 8.

Outside of minor TOS alterations, the change is in name only, PSN as we know it will stay the same. Sony says the move will help further establish “a global comprehensive network platform of services across games, movies, music and more, all accessible from one convenient account.” That said, the company has been beating the integration drum for awhile now, so we’re not too surprised to see this happen.

Here’s the email in full: more »