Vita’s 1.6 Update Bringing Video, Maps, OSX Support on Feb. 8

Sony has announced that the PlayStation Vita will recieve its first major firmware update on February 8, bringing a pair of new features and a few minor changes to the handheld.

The 1.6 update will add a new Map application to the home screen. Apparently designed to take advantage of the 3G capabilities on the pricier model, the app will use geolocation to overlay your current position on a Google map. You'll be also able to view satellite imagery and search for directions.

In addition, the system's camera will be updated to allow the recording of videos for the first time. There's no word on framerate or resolution, but the system's camera only offers a paltry 0.3 megapixel resolution for stills, so don't expect to be shooting any blockbusters on your Vita.

The update will also make a few relatively insignificant changes to the way the Vita operates: the Home button will flash blue when the system is plugged in, and all references to the PlayStation Network have been removed to reflect the company's recently announced rebranding efforts.

Also slated for February 8 is the release of a Mac OSX version of the Content Management Assistant, a program that's required to transfer data between your computer and the Vita.

The PlayStation Vita will launch in North America and Europe on February 22.