Vita gets functionality update this Wednesday

Sony’s PlayStation Vita will get a hefty functionality update this week ahead of its US and European launch later in the month.

The 1.6 firmware update will, amongst other things, introduce a brand new app to the machine’s home screen – Map.

It works in much the same way as Google Maps and uses the console’s in-built GPS tech to trace a user’s location.

In addition, Vita’s photo app will also be upgraded to include video recording.

Also on the way is a Mac OS version of the PlayStation Content Manager software, which until now has only been available on PC. It allows users to backup their handheld onto their Mac and manage their video and photo content.

Oh, and the Home button will now flash blue when the system is charging as well as changing the PSN branding to SEN.