Sony launches PSP web browser update
The first major upgrade to the PlayStation Portable since the device arrived in Japan last December has been launched today, with a new software update for the system adding a web browser and a number of other features.
The first major upgrade to the PlayStation Portable since the device arrived in Japan last December has been launched today, with a new software update for the system adding a web browser and a number of other features.
The version 2.00 firmware, which was announced by the company last week, has been launched for Japanese handhelds and is available from Sony's official PSP website (or can be automatically downloaded by units with wireless network access).
The firmware features support for multiple languages - including all of the key European languages, which have been supported since version 1.5 launched earlier this year, and the new addition of Korean - and is expected to roll out to American consumers shortly.
As well as adding a web browser (on which, we're pleased to note, GamesIndustry.biz is perfectly readable if somewhat peculiarly formatted), the upgrade also enhances the photo, movie and music capabilities of the device.
Users can now share photos wirelessly with each other and set their own background images on the device, while more music standards - including MP4 and WAV - are supported and videos now feature better skip options.
Crucially, the update also allows the device to use wireless networks secured with the popular WPA-TKIP security system, and it includes fixes to the PSP's software which close up the loopholes used by pirates and homebrew software developers to run unapproved code on the system.
It's not yet been revealed which firmware version will ship on European PSPs when they launch at the start of September; test European units currently being shipped carry the 1.52 firmware, but it seems likely that the final devices will include the new upgraded software.