Sony adds Web browser to PSP

Sony is enhancing the PlayStation Portable with features that include the addition of a Web browser to the operating software, the company announced on Wednesday.

The firmware 2.0 upgrade is designed to let users surf the Internet from hotspots using the device's built-in Wi-Fi functions. In addition, the upgrade features Wi-Fi security, tools for photo sharing and enhanced video and audio playback. The software can be downloaded from the PSP Web site directly to the PSP via a wireless connection, or downloaded to a PC and transferred through a USB cable.

The game console has sold 1.95 million units in North America since its launch in March, Sony said. It is priced at $249.99. Currently, 35 games, as well as 125 feature films, TV programs and videos are available for the PSP on the universal media disc. Sony has been fiercely competing against Microsoft and Nintendo in the game device market.

The PSP's Web browser can be used to access Web-based e-mail accounts, as well as other Web sites, on the color TFT LCD display, Sony said. The official system Web site has been designed and created for the PSP Web browser. The site hosts information about PSP games, UMD movies and downloadable content such as games and movie trailers.

Users can receive wallpapers or photos from other PSP systems via wireless connections and save them on their desktop displays. The upgrade also features enhanced audio playback options including the support of MP4 and WAV (LPCM) formats, besides video playback options.

"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," Andrew House, executive vice president at Sony Computer Entertainment America, said in a statement.

Why so much?

Next thing they'll install is a nose-picker or something to that effect. Don't you (sony) think that one function is enough??? Why buy a psp with web-browsing tech. if both our phones, computers, and laptops already do that with a probably cheaper price??

[the liquid man]

I can answer that for you

Because it costs $250 for the system. That is a very steep price for most people. Adding these extra features makes it more enticing. I applaud them for doing this.

Why so much?

Next thing they'll install is a nose-picker or something to that effect. Don't you (sony) think that one function is enough??? Why buy a psp with web-browsing tech. if both our phones, computers, and laptops already do that with a probably cheaper price??

[the liquid man]

I can answer that for you

Because it costs $250 for the system. That is a very steep price for most people. Adding these extra features makes it more enticing. I applaud them for doing this.

[cheslerchaim]

psp internet broasing

how can you wright a web address like:
www.cnn.com
or to wright an e:mail via PSP

[FaTCaT1011]

i can answer that

You can use the analog stick/pad/thing to move the curser like a mouse or the d-pad to move from link to link to a place to write, then you click on that place to write (URL Adress for example) and a screen will pop up with different squares where u use the d-pad to go to each of those squares wile pressing them a different number of times each will give you a different letter shown to the right of the screen, it seems difficult like as texting someone on your cell phone but once you get the hang of it you can get pretty fast at typing. Also i think there are usb keyboards you can get now.

[cheslerchaim]

psp internet broasing

how can you wright a web address like:
www.cnn.com
or to wright an e:mail via PSP

[FaTCaT1011]

i can answer that

You can use the analog stick/pad/thing to move the curser like a mouse or the d-pad to move from link to link to a place to write, then you click on that place to write (URL Adress for example) and a screen will pop up with different squares where u use the d-pad to go to each of those squares wile pressing them a different number of times each will give you a different letter shown to the right of the screen, it seems difficult like as texting someone on your cell phone but once you get the hang of it you can get pretty fast at typing. Also i think there are usb keyboards you can get now.