Sony to Enable Web Browsing for PSP

By Geoff Duncan Published July 22, 2005

At a Sony strategy event called "PlayStation Awards 2005," Sony revealed that it plans to release a "version 2" firmware update for its PlayStation Portable (PSP) gaming device which will enable wallpaper and photo browsing functionality, in addition to a reasonably featured Web browser.

According to a source at the event and online reports, the Web browser will be compatible with HTML 4.0.1, but will not support Java or browser plug-ins like Macromedia’s Flash. The PSP is equipped with a built-in wireless antenna capable of Internet access, but previously the only way to surf the Web via the PSP was to modify the game "Wipeout Pure" to expose a limited browsing feature.

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The PSP firmware revision will also support WPA wireless security; add photo browser support for TIFF, GIF, PNG, and BMP images in addition to JPEG; support AAC and WAV audio in addition to MP3, support H.264 and MPEG4 video; and offer "Personal TV"—at least in Japan, where Sony has partnered with Portable TV and DoCoMo’s iMode online service o supply downloadable television content which users can save to the PSP’s memory stick.

Sony also announced it will be releasing white PSPs, but only in the Japanese market.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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