I?m just downloaded the new version of Windows Live Writer which is from Microsoft. My initial impression is that this tool is a little more intuitive and easy to use than the regular wordpress backend editor.  You should probably check out this new tool while the price is right, if you know what I mean.

Windows Live Writer

New firmware update available on May 24 upscales DVD movies but requires the use of HDMI.

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has announced the release of a new firmware upgrade that will enable the PlayStation 3 gaming console to output not only games but DVD movies at high-definition 1080-progressive (1080p) resolution.

The firmware, version 1.80, becomes available on May 24 and will also enable users to connect to the PS3 via a PlayStation Portable games console, giving them access to their music, video and photo collections via a standard WiFi wireless network connection.

The firmware’s primary upscaling feature will enable the PS3 to play compatible PS1 and PS2 games and render them at 1080p resolution suitable for use with the latest high-definition televisions. It will also now upscale DVD movies to 1080p, a feature initially only available in high-end DVD players and recorders.

While upscaled games will be playable on any TV using either an HDMI or component-video connection, upscaled DVD movie content will require the use of the PS3’s HDMI connect system and an HDMI-enabled television. This should also include HDMI-enabled data projectors such as Sony’s own VPL-VW100 with its native 1920×1080-pixel resolution and HDMI input.

Content streaming is another feature coming to the PS3 for the first time with this new firmware, giving it the ability to receive video and music streams from any DLNA-enabled device. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) was set up by the computer, entertainment and mobile communications companies to help foster interoperability between computers, home entertainment devices and wireless networks. The Alliance consists currently of Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Matsushita, Microsoft, Sony, Philips, Samsung and Nokia.

A new firmware 3.50 will also be released next week for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) gaming unit to expand its ability to access data from the PS3. Since November 2006, the PSP can stream audio and video content to and from the PS3 directly however the new firmware will enable the PSP to do this via any WiFi-enabled wireless network without a direct-wireless-connect to the PS3.

Sony has also ramped up the PS3’s photo printing ability. The new firmware will allow printing of images stored on the PS3’s hard drive to a printer connected to the USB port. At the moment, Sony has nominated select Epson printers as being compatible with the process.

Users can install the PS3 firmware update by connecting their console to the internet and selecting the System Update option. Alternatively, the firmware can be downloaded onto a PC and transferred to the PS3 via disc or USB storage device. And if that’s all too hard, Sony says the firmware update will be released on upcoming game discs.