Yay! We didn’t know this before, but Sony has confirmed it. The 1.60 PS3 firmware update will include Bluetooth keyboard and mouse support. This was mentioned in the BC press release. Here is the relevant portion:
Firmware Version 1.60 also delivers a more convenient process for downloading content to the PS3 from the PLAYSTATION Store. Up to 6 pieces of content from the PlayStation store can be queued up for download while the user enjoys other functions of the PS3 system, including playing games, browsing the web, using media functions including photo browsing, video and music playback. Progress of downloads can be easily tracked under a new Download Management menu under the XMB’s Network icon(2).
Firmware 1.60 also provides support for keyboards and mice enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology. Text entry is further expanded with the option to use a full QWERTY on-screen keyboard, in addition to the existing single tap keyboard. PS3’s built-in Web browser is also enhanced with the ability to zoom in to the optimal viewing size for the selected area of a Web page at the press of a button, as well as an optional tool for reducing flicker when the PS3 system is using interlaced video out (480i or 1080i).
Cool stuff!
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Written by: Blackstaffer
- Founder of PS3Blog.net 
#1 by chrysostom on March 20th, 2007 [ 830 Points ]
“…Up to 6 pieces of content from the PlayStation store can be queued up for download while the user enjoys other functions of the PS3 system, including playing games, …” So we can play games while we download?
#2 by Segitz on March 20th, 2007 [ 1450 Points ]
Jup, threespeech also said this here
http://threespeech.com/blog/?p=346
This is good news..
So Henning, not so bad the 1.6 FW update, isnt it
#3 by bunnyhero on March 20th, 2007 [ 1850 Points ]
that is awesome news!
#4 by Pc on March 20th, 2007
Yes, you can play games while your downloading, but just like on the 360 (most likely), you won’t be able to download content while playing a game online. That’s just my guess, but it makes perfect sense.
BTW…This news is awesome because i was going to be mad if you couldn’t download content while playing a game.
#5 by Annie on March 20th, 2007 [ 0 Points ]
Well, actually, the press release just says that the downloads can be queued while you’re playing a game. I don’t think you’ll actually be able to download.
The problem is that downloading takes away too many system resources. In theory, you should be able to download at least while you’re in a game’s menu, but the PS3 has no API for the game to tell the PS3 system software when it’s in the menu versus when it’s doing more resource intensive stuff. Presumably Sony will be providing developers with this so that in the future downloading while you’re in the menu screens will work. This is similar to how the 360 does it – downloading pauses while you’re online.
#6 by Tosh on March 20th, 2007 [ 87426 Points ]
Another option of FW 1.60
A disc auto-start option will allow users to choose whether they want their PS3 to automatically play a disc when it’s inserted or the machine is turned on.
Source
#7 by Segitz on March 20th, 2007 [ 1450 Points ]
Originally Posted by IGN
March 20, 2007 – Yesterday we brought you news from Japan of what functionality the upcoming 1.60 firmware update would add to the PlayStation 3, but today’s US press release shed light on a few more details. In addition to Remote Play support for 20GB models, an on-screen QWERTY keyboard and a zoom function for the web browser, the ability to run Folding@Home and basic background downloading, there will be a handful of other features included.
A disc auto-start option will allow users to choose whether they want their PS3 to automatically play a disc when it’s inserted or the machine is turned on. Support for rewriteable Blu-ray discs has been added, as well as the ability to use Bluetooth keyboards and mice.
Most of all though, the US press release shed more details on the all-important background downloading feature for the PlayStation Store. Users will be able to queue up to six downloads at one time, which coincidentally matches the Xbox 360′s maximum queue. Progress of these downloads can be followed under a new Download Management section that will reside under the Cross Media Bar’s Network icon. You will be able to watch video, view images, listen to music and browse the web at the same time.
UPDATE: We’ve received word from Sony that you will indeed be able to play games while downloading content in the background. Similar to how downloads on the Xbox 360 works, you’ll be able to play games offline while downloads work in the background, and if you hop online your queue will simply pause until you disconnect.
#8 by Annie on March 21st, 2007 [ 0 Points ]
If that update is correct, that’s quite something!
#9 by Annie on March 23rd, 2007 [ 0 Points ]
I’m pleased to see that background downloading does work while in game.