Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment
America announced today the availability of an all-new firmware upgrade for
its market-leading PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Designed to
complement the comprehensive entertainment experience of games, movies, music,
photos and wireless connectivity provided by the revolutionary portable
device, the firmware 2.0 upgrade will allow users to take advantage of the
unit’s built-in Wi-Fi capability and to wirelessly search the Internet from
Internet Access Points or “hot spots”. The upgrade will also provide increased
Wi-Fi 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 a PSP system using a Wi-Fi connection or
downloaded to a PC from http://us.playstation.com/psp and transferred to a PSP
through a USB cable.
Highlighting the firmware 2.0 upgrade is a new integrated Web browser that
will provide users with unparalleled Internet access. Capable of wirelessly
connecting to the Internet, the new PSP Web browser provides access to news,
information, entertainment content, downloads, Internet searches and Internet
based email accounts all displayed on a brilliant, full color TFT LCD display.
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.
“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,” said Andrew House,
executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “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
(www.us.playstation.com) is a site uniquely designed and created for
the PSP Web browser. Serving as the ultimate destination for PSP users, 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.
The PSP firmware 2.0 upgrade also allows users to personalize their PSP
according to their own unique 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. 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.
Following is a list of features available through the PSP 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 UMDVIDEO 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.
Following a record-setting launch in March 2005, PSP is fast becoming a
cultural icon and has proven to be a market altering force with upwards of
1.95 million units sold in North America. The PSP is available for a suggested
retail price of $249.99 (USD) in a PSP Value Pack. In addition to the
revolutionary PSP hardware, the PSP Value Pack contains an unprecedented
added-value package of accessories and entertainment content, including 32 MB
Memory Stick Duo, headphones with remote control, battery pack, AC
adaptor, soft case, hand strap and cleaning cloth, and a movie/music/game
video sampler UMD disc including multiple non-interactive game demos. There
are currently more than 35 games available for PSP on the proprietary UMD
(Universal Media Disc) and more than 125 feature films, TV programs and videos
from major studios combining to create an unmatched library of entertainment
content.
Visit Sony on the Web at www.us.playstation.com.
SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
