Browse the web and watch TV on your PSP
It’s Macworld who announced it: Sony will release next week a system software update for the PSP that will add several new functions, including web browsing and video download abilities.
No need for homebrew tweaking anymore, as far as web surfing is concerned, the web browser will be accessible straight from the PSP’s main menu, and it supports HTML 4.01.
The PSP already has a wireless LAN for online gaming and for downloading software from the Internet, but SCEI hasn’t officially allowed users to browse the Web. However, users quickly found a way to exploit a Web browser included in the “Wipeout Pure” game to enable access to Web sites. Instructions for doing this can be found easily on the Internet, but the software update will make Web browsing both official and much easier.
Also introduced in the demo in Tokyo last Thursday, was the download and playback of video in the MPEG4 AVC format. A new PSP portal site will be launched next week by SoNet (Sony’s Internet service provider in Japan), which will offer downloads of TV programs and other content. No info on the price for this service yet.
Other new features include transfer of photos between two PSP via wireless LAN, and support for Apple’s/iPod’s AAC audio format. It seems Sony has learned from the MP3 vs. ATRAC lesson, and they’re going one step further by supporting even more formats now, even Mac users’ favorite one…
This version 2.0 software update will be available via the PSP’s built-in update function and on UMD from July 27, but it is not clear if the update will be available to users outside Japan just yet.
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