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.

A quick glance on Sony’s North American press relations page has revealed that PS3 firmware 4.01 is making the rounds for those with TEST / Debug units. Weighing in at 166MB, often these updates are mirrored with availability of retail firmware, but that is not always the case.

Given the small version bump from the current official 4.0 firmware, which was released two months ago in preparation for the Vita launch, it is likely this update introduces some very minor changes or bug fixes. Time will tell if Sony rolls out an equivalent firmware for retail units. If that’s the case, we’ll likely see it later this week.

Sony continues to roll out minor system software updates for the PS Vita, deploying firmware 1.52 via Network Update today. While there’s no supplied changelog – as is the norm for these types of updates, word has it an instance where the 3G Vita would not recognize a SIM card has been fixed.

Apart from that, there appears to be no other noteworthy changes, but we’ll let you know if we stumble upon any new features.

Additionally, the firmware update is a mandatory one. Users attempting to access to the PlayStation Store will be greeted with an update prompt upon connect. This marks the third firmware update since the Vita’s December debut in Japan, and we doubt it’ll be the last we see before it launches in the US and Europe next month.

Update: According to a statement released by PlayStation Japan, the firmware evidently fixes a game-related issue with Dynasty Warriors Next, which prevented players from progressing further. There may be other behind the scenes changes as well, but that’s the official word.

Sony has released a system software update for the PS Vita — firmware 1.51. It’s not clear what changes have been introduced, but we’ll let you know if we find anything.

Given the minor version bump, this update likely addresses some bugs that were found in the previous firmware. There have been reports of intermittent freezing and touch screen response issues, so it could be stability related. We have not experienced such issues on our import unit, however.

Sony has released a PS Vita firmware update to coincide with the launch in Japan. The update – version 1.50 – is required to take advantage of PSN features, such as PlayStation Store access.

Besides that, nothing else appears to be added. There have been earlier reports of launch PS Vita game software shipping with a firmware update, so this is likely the same one.

Sony’s frequent firmware updates are praised when new features are added. Sometimes, however, they can be a bit of a nuisance when your game time is interrupted by a 100MB security and stability update. The company has rectified this to a degree — on PS3, there are times when the firmware is delivered via a small patch.

With the Vita, however, Sony hopes to further address this issue. That’s according to Sony WWS boss Shuhei Yoshida: more »

Sony’s released a new system software update for PS3 – firmware 3.72. As perhaps evidenced by the incremental version bump, there’s not much new here, other than behind-the-scenes changes.

According to Sony, the update improves system stability during use of PS3 format software and network services.

Download PS3 Firmware 3.72 (US)

Update: The firmware is now available, grab it via Network Update or from our download section.

Sony’s just announced that PS3 firmware 3.66 is scheduled to drop soon, likely by tonight. It’s a minor update that “improves stability during use of PS3 format software.”

Additionally, refinements have been made to PSN services. We’ll update when the firmware goes live.

Late last night, Sony quietly pushed out a firmware update for PSP, bumping up the running version tally to 6.38. As perhaps evident by the minor version increment, there’s little in the way of notable changes here. The update merely offers “system stability” enhancements under certain conditions.

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Update: PS3 firmware 3.60 has gone live. Grab it via Network Update or manually from our download section.

Sony’s announced that PS3 firmware 3.60 will drop tomorrow, bringing with it an added incentive for PSN Plus subscribers. On a per PSN account basis, those under the pay-for loyalty program will receive the ability to store up to 150MB of game save data and a maximum of 1000 data files to Sony’s cloud infrastructure.

In addition, users can back-up “copy-prohibited save data” on the cloud. Restores of previously saved data are limited to once every 24 hours. While Sony says “most” PS3 titles will be compatible with the new online storage method right out of the gate, the company has made support mandatory in new titles going forward.

Last but not least, aside from the cloud saving highlight, “other minor features” are due for inclusion in firmware 3.60. Looks like we’ll find out what else awaits tomorrow.