Hacking the PSP Blog

PSP System Update v3.30 Released

They were a bit sneaky, as usual, but it seems like Sony has finally gotten wise to the desire for full resolution video playback on the PSP with the release of firmware version 3.30. In addition to higher resolution video playback they've once again expanded PSOne PlayStation Network title support along with a few other tweaks to the system software. Don't expect to be able to downgrade or run homebrew any time soon if you choose to install this update. However, if you so wish to have the "latest and greatest," the link to the USA EBOOT is below. Here's what's been floating around in terms of a change log (via PSPUpdates):

• display thumbnails under RSS Channel
• expanded support for PlayStation Network-downloaded PSOne games (but what specific support?)
• support for displaying thumbnails for files in VIDEO folder (more reason to use a file stealthing device now, ain't it?)
• option to set Disc-Load speed to Fast or Normal

Download PSP System Update 3.30 (USA) via PSPUpdates

Sony to stream replays via PSP to Arsenal stadium fans

Sony has outlined plans to allow Arsenal fans access to game highlights and live streams of the matches at the Emirates Stadium via their PSP at all games at its Media Experience in Rhodes.

Under the system, called S.PORT, which is still in a prototype stage, the software will allow you to see replays, stats and other game scores via a wireless feed.

"We see four screens in life; Cinema, Television, Computer, and a portable device", Eric Siereveld, Director of Retail Transport Venues at Sony told us.

The service is expected to be available by the end of the year.

"It will allow you to check to see whether or not a player really was off side", continued Siereveld.

Sony has said there is still lots of issues to be worked out, such as whether or not to allow it to work on other devices, in or out of the stadium and which games it will be available at.

Siereveld also suggested that the service wouldn't just be limited to Arsenal:

"It could be used at any stadium around the UK, or even a golf match where it is sometimes hard to see the ball flying through the air."

A trial with 4000 Arsenal fans is expected to start shortly.

Stuart Miles
March 28, 2007

Source: Pocket-Lint.co.uk

Sony clarifies Americans aren't 'cheap,' but U.S. labor is

Near the PS3 launch in Europe, Sony's UK Managing Director Ray Maguire was interviewed by GI.biz, and while discussing the cost of the PS3 in the UK said, "If you take what's considered to be the most expensive and the least expensive -- consider the US with its massive land and cheap people. Then you look at the UK -- a little island where rent and rates are at an absolute premium, and the cost of people is a lot more."

Coincidentally, in the same interview Maguire also said, "Nowadays, with how the media works, not only does information fly around at the speed of light, so does mis-information. With blogs on the increase, people's thought processes are transferred from one place to another and picked up by people who might be lazy when it comes to finding out whether something is true or not."

Well, to prove him wrong, 1UP went and followed up with Sony America today. They explained what Maguire was trying to say is that the cost of living and labor are different in the two countries. The minimum wage in the UK is roughly $10/hr USD against the US's $5.15/hr. 1UP concludes, "Wouldn't that make us, essentially, 'cheaper?'" Well, no. By that thought process the U.S. is essentially poorer. Sony is doing the U.S. a favor by making the PS3 cheaper for the well-populated, but poor, country.

Alexander Sliwinski
March 27, 2007

Source: Joystiq

No PSone games on UK PS3 store?

UK PS3 owners may have noticed that downloadable PSone games (for use on PSP) are currently unavailable on the UK store.

Sony has yet to make an official comment on when the first PSone games will become available to PAL gamers, but GamesRadar has today been assured by a SCE UK representative that they are 'on their way', hinting at a rough timetable of a month.

While we're a bit disappointed we couldn't test out the feature on day one, in fairness, US gamers had to wait a similar period before the first wave of titles hit their store.

Whether the software line-up will match that of the US store, including titles like Tekken 2, Cool Boarders and Crash Bandicoot is also yet to be decided, but we're half expecting a few new additions for the Euro launch.

In order to download and play the games when they're released you'll need a PSP and at least a 512Mb Memory Stick - although we'd recommend a 2Gb one as each of the PSone downloads clocks in at around the 400Mb mark.

George Walter
March 28, 2007

Source: Games Radar