Sony's released a new PS3 firmware update preparing it for the release of the PS Vita.

"It will allow users to copy their media content such as games, music, photos, and videos between PS Vita and PS3, back up PS Vita save data to your PS3 hard drive, and update the system software for your PS Vita system using the network features of your PS3," explained brand manager Leon Sanders on the PlayStation Blog.

Other tweaks include the option for PlayStation Plus subscribers to enable or disable specific automatic update services, and filter friend requests and messages.

The update's available now, so make sure you go and download it immediately in order to avoid complaints later in the day. The patch took us about 5 minutes to download and install.