PSP Firmware 3.90

As promised by Sony earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show, the latest PlayStation Portable firmware update is now available to download, and comes with Skype. There isn’t anything else new in this update except that support for PlayStation Network titles has been expanded once again. As we previously reported, only those of you who have second generation PSPs (PSP-2000) can enjoy the use of Skype.

Skype Features:

Free voice calls between Skype users
Skype contact list management (view existing contacts, add new ones)
Skype presence (see which friends are online and available to talk)
SkypeOut calls to make calls to landlines and mobile phones anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)
Optional SkypeIn number that lets users receive calls on Skype from landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world (requires the purchase of Skype credit)
View and modify Skype settings and account details (including username creation, SkypeOut settings, voicemail settings and call forwarding)

Official Sony Press Release:

London, 30th January 2008 ? Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced the immediate availability of the latest system software update for PSP(PlayStation Portable). Version 3.90 will enable all owners of the new PSP Slim & Lite*(PSP 2000 series) to make and receive phone calls, adding a whole new raft of functionality, highlighting the true portability of PSP.

Skype is a simple to use piece of software that allows users to make free calls over the internet to other Skype users, anywhere in the world, whilst also having the ability to make paid for calls to traditional landline and mobile phones. With the addition of these functions, alongside the ability to send and receive voicemail to over 200 million Skype users worldwide, PSP can now claim to be a highly cost effective and accessible portable communications device, alongside its entertainment credentials.

To use Skype on PSP, users simply need to upgrade to system software 3.90, register and talk, using a headset and remote control.

Also added through system software update 3.90, is the Go!Messenger icon, highlighting the commitment shown towards communications on PSP**. Go!Messenger, with the ability for video and voice chat, as well as numerous other features will be available at the end of February, and the presence of the icon not only emphasises its impending arrival but also allows users to obtain more information about the feature from a dedicated website, accessed via clicking on the icon. More information about the release of Go!Messenger will be announced soon.

*The Skype functionality is only available for the PSP Slim & Lite (PSP 2000 series) and not older versions of PSP (PSP 1000 series)

** Go! Messenger functionality will be available with all models of PSP (PSP 2000 and PSP 1000 series)

PlayStation Store updates for Jan 24th 2008

There is no surprise in this week’s update. The US PlayStation Store has had another major update compared to the European Store, and includes the highly anticipated Devil May Cry 4 demo. Europe has received a new downloadable game as a very limited number of other additions including a new PSOne game, a new game trailer, theme and some wallpapers. The US has received two new playable demos, add-on content for various games including two Stranglehold map packs, including other content. Check out the list below.

European Additions:

Downloadable Games
- PixelJunk Monsters
PSOne Games:
- Judge Dredd: Zoo Digital Publishing Limited
Videos
- Civilization Revolution Launch Trailer
Themes
- COD 4 Theme
Wallpapers
- COD4 Wallpaper (5)

US Additions:

Demos
- Devil May Cry 4 Demo
- The Club Demo
Downloadable Games
- PixelJunk Monsters
Add-on Content:
- Folklore Create-a-Creature Winner Add-On
- Rock Band
  - Wonderwall – Oasis
  - Live Forever – Oasis
  - Don t Look Back in Anger – Oasis
  - Oasis Pack 1
- Stranglehold
  - Stranglehold Map Pack
    - 10 additional multiplayer maps including Kowloon Market, Wong s Estate Grounds and the Rooftops of Chicago.
    - 21 all-new multiplayer character skins.
  - Stranglehold CE Map Pack (US 14.99)
    - 10 additional multiplayer maps including Kowloon Market, Wong s Estate Grounds and the Rooftops of Chicago.
    - 21 all-new multiplayer character skins.
PSOne Games
- Jet Moto 2 (US 5.99)
Game Videos
- Tony Hawk s Proving Ground Stevie s Skater Story
Movie and Blu-ray Disc Trailers
- Step Up 2: The Streets Trailer
- Dragon Wars Trailer
PS3 Themes
- PixelJunk Monsters Theme
- Lemmings Theme

97% of Blu-Ray sales due to PS3

According to “Quarterly Global Next Generation DVD and Game Platform Hardware Shipment and Forecast Report,” high-definition DVD gaming hardware, such as the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360’s external HD DVD drive, had revenue growth of more than three times that of standalone Blu-Ray or HD DVD players from the second and third quarters of 2007. The PlayStation 3 accounts for 97% of all Blu-Ray device sales alone. Overall, game console-related hardware made up 85% of global next-gen DVD shipmentes between Q1 to Q3 in 2007.

Sony dominated the total Blu-Ray market, with 97% worldwide share thanks to the PlayStation 3. “It’s played a very important role,” says Andy Parsons, chair of the U.S. promotion committee for the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). “That’s certainly been a foundation of the Blu-ray format.”

Between Sony, Toshiba and Microsoft, which manufactures the external HD DVD drive for the Xbox 360, these three companies accounted for 98% of global next-gen DVD hardware.

[Via: SMARTHOUSE]

Rumor Alert: PlayStation 3 achievements clone on the way

“Achievements” have become a major part of the Xbox 360 experience, with many games applauded purely because of how the system was implemented. Sony has seemingly taken due notice of the successful system and is currently adapting it for the PlayStation 3. Sony has already announced a "Trophy Room" for PlayStation Home last year, but Sony is working on more than just this. Achievements on the PlayStation platform will not be a mere figure easily displayed on an online card, but will be considerably more indepth and broad in information presented.

If Eric Lempel, director of the PlayStation Network, is to be believed, the PlayStation equivalent of achievements will, “recognize our consumers’ gaming skills and loyalty in new ways”. Could this mean that gamers will receive tangible rewards for playing games? Exact details are still unclear but hopefully Sony has something to share on the whole matter soon.

[Via: MyGen]

PlayStation Store updates for Jan 17th 2008

It’s that time of the week once again. The PlayStation Network Store updates are in and as usual, the US have a lot more new content than the European Store. The European PSN store has received two new playable demos and some new game add-on content for Guitar Hero III and Folklore. As the for the US, there are two new playable demos to download and three new full PSN games available for purchase. In addition, there are several videos and trailers, game add-on content and six new XMB themes. Check out the list below.

European Additions:

Playable Demos:
- NBA 08
- FIFA Street 3
Game Add-on Content:
- Guitar Hero III "Warner track pack" (GBP 3.99/EUR 5.99)
  - Die Fantastischen Vier’s "Ernten Was Wir Saen" (GBP 1.49/EUR 1.99)
  - Extremoduro’s "So Payaso" (GBP 1.49/EUR 1.99)
  - Trust’s "Antisocial" (GBP 1.49/EUR 1.99)
- Folklore "Visions of the Tower" add-on pack (GBP 1.49/EUR 1.99)
Videos and Trailers:
- Gran Turismo 5 Prologue trailer
- Borderlands "debut" trailer
- Brothers in Arms trailer
- Cloverfield movie trailer

US Additions:

Playable Demos:
- Turok
- FIFA Street 3
Downloadable Games
- Tori-Emaki ($1.99)
- Mesmerize: Trace ($1.99)
- Blast Factor Bundle ($12.99
Add-on Game Content
- MotorStorm Double Track Pack – Eagle’s Nest and Diamondback Speedway ($2.99)
- Rock Band
Videos and Trailers
- PixelJunk Monsters Trailer
- Borderlands Debut Trailer
- Dynasty Warriors 6 Trailer
- Brothers In Arms Hell s Highway Trailer
- Lost Planet Trailer
- Syphon Filter: Combat Ops Trailer
PS3 Themes
- PAIN Ice Tea Theme
- PAIN Ed T-Bone Theme
- Mesmerize Theme
- Tori-Emaki Theme
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Theme

Custom Firmware 3.80 M33

The latest Custom Firmware for the PlayStation Portable is finally available to download, thanks to Dark_AleX and Team M33. Firmware 3.80 is the latest firmware for the PSP adding various new features to the portable console, and now you can enjoy it more with the added features of a custom firmware. Like previous released from Dark_AleX and Team M33, CFW 3.80 will allow you to run homebrew applications and legally backed up game ISOs. Check out the changelog below:

HEN core: user mode can load now signchecked files from flash.
recovery: flash1 format will create flash1 directories after format. This could fix some flash1 issues with the previous versions.
Network update from dark-alex.org page. By default is enabled. You can turn it off in recovery (when off, network update will download sony updates as usual).
Nids resolver for various kernel libraries.

Installing the Custom Firmware carries risks and could brick your PSP. Before installing, make sure you read and understand the readme file and the risks associated with flashing custom firmwares.

[Download Custom Firmware 3.80 M33]

PlayStation Store Updates for Jan 10th 2008

The PlayStation Store updates for this week are in and it’s still a disappointment for European PS3 Owners, with no new playable demos. But, Europe did get two new PlayStation One titles and a new game addon for Folklore. As for the US, there are two new playable demos and several new game addons, in addition to a new PlayStation One title. Both PSN Stores got their share of videos and trailers too. More details below.

European Update:

PSOne Games:

Hardcore 4×4
N20

Game Addons:

Folklore: Pigly Pack
MotorStorm: Eagle’s Nest and Diamondback Speedway track pack

Trailers:

Bionic Commando
DMC4 – "TGS 2007 2"
PixelJunk Monsters

Other:

DMC wallpapers (4)

US Update:

Downloadable Demo

Kane & Lynch: Dead Men

Super Stardust HD

Game Addons:

Folklore:
- The Alchemist Pack
- The Origin of Belgae
Rock Band songs

Number of the Beast – Iron Maiden

Interstate Love Song – Stone Temple Pilots

Die, All Right! – The Hives

Need for Speed ProStreet:
- McLaren F1
- Bugatti Veyron 16.4

PSOne Games:

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Videos/Trailers

Burnout Paradise Guns N Roses Network

Spiderwick Chronicles Trailer 2

First Sunday Trailer

PS3 Themes

PAIN Jarvis Theme

PAIN The Dude Theme

PSP Go!Explorer launches early Spring

Go!Explorer, the GPS Navigation System for the PSP was originally announced at the Leipzig Games Convention last year. SCEE has announced that Go!Explorer will launch in early Spring and will initially be available in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Nordic countries, and Benelux. The retail pack will come with GPS receiver and UMD containing the maps, and will retail for ?119/£89.

Similar to the Japanese GPS device, the Go!Explorer GPS will slot into the USB port above the UMD drive. The UMD will support relevant landmarks (all modeled in 3D) and will be available in 11 different audio languages.

CES 2008: Sony confirms in-game XMB access

In-game XMB access tops everyone’s list when it comes to new firmware features, since it will allow messaging and possibly music playback. Sony has finally answered everyone’s prayers and will added it to the PS3 sometime this year. Sony’s Paul Purdy confirmed the long-requested feature but didn’t give away any information on what it would allow users to do.

As most of you know the PS3 Operating System, known as the XMB or Cross Media Bar, is not available when playing games, which means you cannot read or send messages when playing games. In-game XMB access will mean you will be able to access the XMB from in-game to access some of its features while in-game, so you can read and send messages and even edit settings, play music and add new buddies. The release date for in-game XMB access has not been revealed but it will be released this year.

CES 2008: Transfer Blu-Ray movies from PS3 to PSP

At the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony has shown off some of the functionality of the upcoming Blu-Ray 2.0 Profile, also known as BD Live. There was talk of a new feature where you’ll be able to put a Blu-ray disc in your PS3, and within seconds, have a copy of the movie ready to transfer to your PSP. BD Live will add web oriented services to Blu-Ray players, in addition to copying low-resolution movies to portable players. Other abilities include ringtone downloading and other media content to BD Live compatible players.

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