The Sony Ericsson Xperia Play made quite a bit of news before its debut on Verizon last May thanks to various leaks and rumors, but we haven't heard much about the device since. That's changing now, as it appears that a new update will soon be making its way to the handset formerly known as "PlayStation Phone." Verizon has updated the Xperia Play's support page with information on the device's 4.0.2.E.0.57 update, which includes the ability to long-press the power button to capture a screenshot, a new preloaded Verizon Wireless Video on Demand app and a bump to Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread. The full changelog:

Applications

• Verizon Wireless Video on Demand now comes preloaded.
• Improved user experience and new delivery method of preloaded games.
• When connected via Bluetooth®, the Music Player now supports Fast Forward and Rewind.
• VZ Navigator® has been updated with the latest 3D map improvements.

Device Operation

• Upgraded to Gingerbread 2.3.4 operating system.
• A long-press of the power button will successfully capture a screen shot.
• Charging issues forcing device to remain in landscape mode have been resolved.
• Recommended contacts now populate correctly when using the dialpad.
• Camera Improvements:
  • Right trigger successfully captures a picture.
  • Record video in 720p with continuous auto-focus.
• Device is now enabled with the Wireless Emergency Alerting System.
• Mobile Hotspot ID broadcast can be turned off to increase security.

Sounds like a worthwhile update for owners of Verizon's Xperia Play, especially with camera improvements that include the ability to shoot 720p video with continuous auto-focus. If you've got an Xperia Play sitting around and want to check for this update in between sessions of Crash Bandicoot and Madden, you can do just that by heading into Menu > Settings > Software Update, Update Now > Check for Updates. Any of you out there currently rocking an Xperia Play?

Via Droid-Life, Verizon