PSP set for a 2nd May launch...

[Nick]

.. In Korea...

Ok, sorry, that was mean to let you think that it was for here, but interestingly, the Korean PSP will be web browsing enabled right out of the box!

The Korean package will feature an extra UMD which will allow users to hook up to the net through Wifi hotspots thanks to Korea Telecommunications, Korea's version of our BT.

Now, you've probably seen the article here about how to browse the web on your PSP, so we know it is possible, and a leaked future firmware update read me mentioned applications such as word processing and spreadsheets, so perhaps Sony are looking to expand the appeal of the PSP to encroach on the PDA market?

Several companies have perihperals in development to take advantage of this, such as keyboards and mice, but the big question for the UK user is....

Will WE get web access out of the box too?

I suppose that hangs on whether Sony can fix a deal with a UK ISP, but BT's Openzone Wifi hotspot system is already up and running, so let's keep our fingers crossed, eh?

[Zak33]

soo....WHEN in the UK?

[Stoo]

I've heard dates from April to July(!)

[Nick]

And you know what, I've heard nothing concrete... You can bet yer bum that as soon as it is announced, the whole web will be alight with it...

[chrisuk]

As long as sony release firmware updates for us guys who imported it then it sounds like a great idea.

[Swafe]

Yup, there are firmware updates out on the net somewhere AFAIK.

Web browsing really would make a PSP the daddy, PS2 graphics...web browsing.....expandable memory.....mpeg/mp3 player, all features the DS doesnt have

And seing as its been delayed, the PAL release will be after the korean one, I bet....I HOPE, they do internet out of the box on ours too, it would be a good step for sony if they did.

[Nick]

It certainly would, but the question is, will they supply an ISP deal such as the Korean one? BT have the old Openzone thing going, but then T-Mobile have a hotspot network too.

It'll be interesting to see what happens, and more importantly, how much it costs.

[muddyfox470]

i got an email from play-asia saying about how to upgrade the firmware on your psp.

however a memory stick is required

if you want a copy here it is...

ok here you are, hopefully you can understand a foreign language, i am sure there is a way to say it in english, but they sent me the english version in english (via email!)

http://www.playstation.jp/psp/update/ud_03.html

ps(p). i dont have a psp btw

[muddyfox470]

(how come i cannot edit?!)

but this is what it says in english...

Update with Memory Stick
Click here to download the firmware image (~14MBytes) (Japanese, any of the grey "Download" buttons, they point to the same file)
Create a folder "UPDATE" in your "GAME" directory on the memory stick
Place the downloaded file in the "UPDATE" folder

Select Game->Memory Stick->PSP™ Update Ver 1.50
Follow On-Screen Instructions


Whats in it?!?!?!

List of additions from Firmware V1.00 to V1.50
Languages
German
Spanish
French
Italian
Dutch
Portuguese
Russian
Video Playback
Allows storage of Screen Mode Setting on memory stick
Allows resume after player recovery from sleep-mode
Audio Playback
Allows resume after player recovery from sleep-mode
Allows extended file names
Photo Viewer
Allows extended file names

[chrisuk]

Cheers mate, all seems to be working fine. And weyhey, the keyboard defaults to english layout/characters!

[Stoo]

And you know what, I've heard nothing concrete... You can bet yer bum that as soon as it is announced, the whole web will be alight with it...

Yeah, I've not heard anything definate, just going on what a couple of the GAME managers have mentioned.
Are there any more european trade shows going on soon-ish, as that's one of the likely places they'd announce it given half a chance..

[Allen]

Heh, I wonder long it will be before we're all playing MMORPG's on the move?

[Stoo]

Latest mumblings re European PSP launch..

September/October..



If that's true, then I think I'll be importing after all..