Do not forget to check out the Playstation 3 European Launch Guide.

Sony's Playstation 3 is poised for launch in Europe this week and coupled with the release is Firmware Update 1.60, which will expand how the Playstation 3 is played and make long strides in improving its position in the market. Coupled with the release of Firmware 1.60 is a website released by Sony to answer questions for gamers with Playstation 2 titles they would like to play on the PS3.

"Our engineers have been working overtime, and have succeeded in delivering a significant number of playable PS2 titles for the European launch", said David Reeves, President of SCEE. "We will be adding additional titles to this list in future firmware upgrades, but as we have made clear before, in the future our resources will be increasingly focused on developing new services and entertainment features exclusively for PS3, rather than on delivering PS2 backwards compatibility.”

The website is available here: http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc

Included in the Firmware 1.60 update will be a new process that will utilize the PS3 when it is not in use to help researchers at Stanford University in a program called Folding@Home. The @Home process will use the PS3's power to process data aimed at understanding protein folding, misfolding, and related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and many cancers. According to the report, the power of the PS3 and cell processor will process data up to 10x faster than a home computer. More information regarding this program is available here: http://www.scei.co.jp/folding/en/ and it can easily be set up following the installation of the Firmware 1.60 update by selecting the "Folding@Home" icon on the XMediaBar (XMB).

The update will also include improved downloading from the Playstation Network, allowing gamers to que up to six downloads for future download. These files will then all download in series while the gamer is still able to game online, offline, browse the web or watch videos or listen to music.

High on the list of priorities for competitive gamers is the expansion of the PS3's control capabilities. The PS3 will now allow gamers to connect a blue tooth enabled keyboard and mouse to the PS3 for a more functional gaming experience. Another valuable feature in the update is enhanced support for lower resolutions, such as 480i and 1080i. The update will reduce the flicker effect that has frustrated some PS3 owners.

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Related: Play.com Guarantees PS3 in Europe | Playstation 3 Preview Page | PS3 Launch Title Gallery