Though it's still only a rumour, numerous sources are suggesting that, like Microsoft, Sony has signed a deal with Facebook to integrate the social networking site into its PS3 online service.

Furthermore, it's expected that the Sony will beat Microsoft to the launch of the application, with some evidence indicating that it will added in the next firmware update, expected very soon.

Pictures, spotted by Scrawlfx , which appeared on the official PlayStation website and have since been removed, showed the Facebook icon present on the XMB. The pictures also suggest that gamercards, similar to those seen on Xbox Live, will also be introduced in the update.

A date for the next firmware update has yet to be announced.