PSP 3.0 Firmware Released, Adds PS3 Connectivity

Sony has released its latest firmware update for the PSP, version 3.0, which introduces several new features, including the promised interoperability between both the handheld and the newly launched PlayStation 3 console. The chief feature added with this update is the ability to play original PlayStation titles on the PSP, once they have been released for download from the PlayStation 3 console's online PlayStation Store. While currently there is no available content to take advantage of this feature, this update prepares updated PSPs for the games' eventual release. According to Sony officials, games will range in price from $5.99 to $10.99, and will be able to be loaded directly from the PlayStation Store to the PSP's Memory Stick Duo. The firmware update allows the PSP to communicate the 60 GB PlayStation 3 model to enable to ability to stream music, photos, and video media from the PlayStation 3 to the PSP. In addition, users can play standard audio CDs, as well as access PlayStation 3 features such as the internet browser, friends list, and messaging services through the PSP. As well as this, Sony officials note that future planned updates include the ability to access a user's stored PlayStation 3 media from any Internet hot spot. Finally, the update also includes a new setting for automatically downloading content to the PSP from RSS channels. Using this new feature, users will be able to schedule RSS updates to better keep up with linked video and audio feeds.