NEWS: Sony Unlocks PSP Potential

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCEI) recently announced that it will continue to further expand the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) platform with new attractive accessories, features and services responding to active demand throughout the world.

Since its launch, the PSP platform has evolved continuously with system software updates adding new and attractive features such as Internet browsing as well as playback and storing of high-quality video. SCEI will further continue to update the system software and expand the world of entertainment with the PSP. SCEI's next software update release will include a Macromedia Flash player and the RSS Channel function will be extended, which enable users to playback and save Internet radio content and entertainment movies directly on their Memory Stick Pro Duo.

As part of SCEI's passion to spread the entertainment world of PSP, it has been introducing its "PlayStation Spot" in Japan since February 2006. There are now more than 150 locations at train stations, complex cafés and games shops where PSP users can easily enjoy various contents such as play-testing trial games for free. SCEI will further extend its location base so that more PSP users could have easier access to the "PlayStation Spot".

For expanding the potential capability of the PSP hardware, a new camera (PSP-300) and a GPS receiver (PSP-290) will be introduced this autumn (circa September 2006). By adding these new attractive peripherals, new features such as motion tracking technology of Eye Toy, developing the new game titles by utilising the video chat function, portable navigating system with GPS function are highly anticipated.


The Eye Toy that attaches to the PSP's USB port



The GPS Receiver that (also) attaches to the PSP's USB port

SCEI will also start a new download service offering selected popular PlayStation format titles from the past. By reviving software assets, users will be able to enjoy playing PlayStation titles anytime, anywhere on their PSP.


Note: I know the pictures are a little small and hard to see and drool over the actual PSP's add-on devices, but I'll get the hi-res ones as soon as they are available.