The system software update all PS Vita owners have been waiting for is nearly here. Firmware 1.80 will arrive on August 28, according to a post on the PlayStation EU blog, which oddly enough has since been pulled.

Notably, the update also includes a Cross-Controller feature, allowing players to use their Vita as a controller in compatible titles such as LittleBigPlanet 2. Other enhancements include the ability to manipulate the rear touch pad for navigation and zooming in the web browser, along with sending captured photos as attachments in Group Messages.

That’s not all, though. There’s other usability refinements and added support for MPO format images in the full changelog, which is detailed after the break. It’s nice to see the Vita getting a sizable update for once.

Music

Playlists will be supported in Music. You will be able to transfer iTunes (10.6.3 or later), M3U, and M3U8 playlists from a PS3 or a PC using Content Manager.

Web Browser

Rear touch pad operation will be supported by the browser, allowing you to scroll through and zoom out of pages without obscuring the screen.

Video

The following controls have been added to Videos:
Playback speed control
Repeat play

Photos

Viewing photos in MPO format will now be supported, with the ability to transfer MPO files from PS3 and PC using Content Manager.
* 3D and multi-angle viewing are NOT supported.

Group Messaging

Along with some new layout enhancements, you will be able to take photos to add as attachments when writing Group Messages.

Maps

The Maps feature has been improved by adding a button on the top screen to switch between “Search for Location” and “Search for Directions.” You can also touch and hold a location on the map and place a user flag.

“near”

“near” will be able to gather the information of surrounding Wi-Fi access points without internet connection and update the location data based on it later. You can get location data within the area covered by Wi-Fi location services.

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