Sony has released the next software update for its gaming console, PlayStation 3, which adds Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 capabilities, turning the game console into the first Blu-ray player to support full Internet connectivity.

With the so-called BD-Live profile, PS3 owners will be able to experience interactive features when playing enabled Blu-ray discs, such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more. Besides BD-Live, the new update, which is labeled as 2.20 will add other new features such as the ability to copy photo and music playlists from PS3 to PSP.

"With these regular firmware updates and future-proofed technology, SCEA is making the 10-year life cycle of PS3 possible," Scott A. Steinberg, VP of product marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America, said in a statement.

The first list of Blu-ray Disc titles that can be connected to the Internet for bonus materials has been announced by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for an 8 April release date. The Dewex Cox Story and The 6th Day, are the studio's first two BD-Live titles.

The release of these BD-Live enabled titles should provide the impetus for manufacturers to bring to the market fully Profile-2.0-compliant players quicker than expected. Indeed, the Blu-ray Disc Association is rumoured to consider requiring that all new players be profile 2.0 compliant around October time.

Story filed 29.03.08