Firmware 2.0 enhances the PSP
Firmware 2.0 enhances the PSP
PSP Firmware 2.0 upgrade adds internet browser, improved audio and video playback and personalisation tools.
Sony have released Firmware Upgrade 2.0, adding a host of features designed at putting the PSP firmly in the ‘use it for eveything’ handheld bracket with improved WIFI internet access and loads of other spnagly bits to keep you glued to the PSP’s widescreen.
Designed to complement the games, movies, music, photos and wireless connectivity provided by the PSP, the Firmware 2.0 upgrade will allow users to take advantage of the unit's built-in WIFI capability and to wirelessly surf the ‘net while out war-walking, or war-biking, war-skating or war-whatever…ing. You get the idea.
The upgrade will also provide increased WIFI security and personalization tools together with photo sharing and expanded video and audio playback options. The firmware 2.0 upgrade can be wirelessly downloaded directly to your PSP or to your PC from http://us.playstation.com/psp and transferred to your PSP through USB.
The new PSP Web browser provides access to news, information, entertainment content, downloads, Internet searches and Internet based email accounts, so it’s juts like having a computer in your pocket, which it is, really… without the keyboard and mouse and that stupid gonk your girlfriend gave you that you daren’t throw away in case she sees it’s gone. A new WPA-PSK (TKIP) security method has also been added to further protect users' data and privacy while on public wireless networks and as well as enhanced parental control features, which, given the total bafflement of most parents won’t ever be touched…
Said Andrew House, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America:
"The Internet browser and other added functionality of the firmware 2.0 upgrade will further enhance the user experience beyond the unprecedented portable to entertainment already provided by PSP. By allowing consumers to wirelessly surf the Web, personalize their PSP and access and share new audio, video and image formats, PSP continues to evolve the entertainment experience out of the home and reaffirm its position as the must-have product of the year."
For consumers looking for downloadable content and information, the official system website when viewed from a PSP( http://www.us.playstation.com ) is uniquely designed and created for the PSP Web browser. Sony hope that this will serve as the ultimate destination for PSP users as the Web site is a central source for consumers to find out everything they need to know about their PSP system, including news and details about PSP games, UMD movies and downloadable content.
Consumers will be able to download PSP game trailers, UMD movie trailers, screenshots and videos from PlayStation events. Content on the site will include detail pages for all PSP games, a comprehensive list of UMD movies from major and independent movie studios, descriptions of downloadable content for PSP, PSP related news articles, information on PSP accessories, and Help content and FAQs. So everything PSP related then… but strangely no news on the best places to import from? Hmmm.
The Firmware 2.0 upgrade also allows users to personalize their PSP according to their own style and taste. Users can control the look and feel of their PSP desktop display by choosing color themes or by saving a photo as wallpaper, which, along with other photos, can be wirelessly sent and received across PSP systems. Also, the Firmware 2.0 upgrade also provides enhanced audio playback options including the support of MP4 (AAC) and WAV (LPCM) formats and allows for new video playback options.
Here’s a list of features available through the Firmware 2.0 upgrade:
Video:
• "Go To" function added as a UMD Video playback feature that allows users to watch a movie at any point of time.
• A-B Repeat function added as a UMD VIDEO and saved video data playback feature that allows users to continuous loop a selected scene.
• 4:3 Screen mode added as a saved video data playback feature.
• Expanded Audio Options added as a saved video data playback feature. • AVC added as a codec that can be played under [Video]. Applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.
Audio:
• MP4 (AAC) and WAV (LPCM) formats can be played their PSP music player.
• Support for Memory Stick PRO Duo.
Image:
• Wireless image transfer between two PSP units via infrared in Ad-hoc mode.
• Support for TIFF, PNG, GIF and BMP image formats.
Network:
• WPA-PSK (TKIP) security method added to protect data and privacy while on public wireless networks.
• Improved and easier-to-use controls during Infrastructure Mode.
Additional Features:
• Character Set added to support display and recognition of characters for each system language.
• Korean added as an optional system language.
• Input modes added to the On-screen Keyboard allowing users to activate special characters for certain languages.
