PlayStation 3 owners in the US will be able to download the latest firmware for the gaming console today, adding several new features including making the unit accessible remotely.

Sony's latest firmware 2.0 update features Remote Start, which upgrades the Remote Play feature by enabling users to turn on a PS3 system remotely with their PlayStation Portable system from a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Remote Play feature allows users to stream photos, videos and music stored on the PS3 hard drive or PC onto a PSP, whenever their PSP is connected to a wireless access point.

The upgrade also includes an Information Board, where users will find the latest news and updates in a scrolling window on the XrossMediaBar menu screen.

Other new features include the addition of custom themes that personalise the XrossMediaBar interface, the ability to build music and photo playlists, and the creation of a PlayStation Network category on XrossMediaBar.

"PS3 is constantly evolving and this latest firmware is a great example of how we can make existing features such as Remote Play even more user-friendly," said Eric Lempel, director of PlayStation network operations at Sony Computer Entertainment America.

"We are also delivering entirely new offerings that increase our touch points with consumers through the new Information Board.

"These types of update show the value of PS3 beyond initial purchase, and we are continuing to evaluate new technology upgrades and consumer interests to develop future firmware updates throughout the PS3 lifecycle."