It's been seven long weeks since Sony last updated PSP's firmware to version 3.11. The extended lapse between then and today's firmware v3.30 could be a sign of two factors at play: 1) 3.11 actually secured the handheld (for almost 2 months), despite the firmware being quickly decrypted; and 2) compatibility issues weren't plaguing downloadable PS1 titles (because there weren't any new ones(!) -- unless you count WipEout). So what does 3.30 offer users besides the obvious security patch and extended PSN support? Not much:

• Support for thumbnail images of items has been added under [RSS Channel]
• Support for thumbnail images of videos that are stored in the "VIDEO" folder has been added
• The following sizes of MPEG-4/H.264 AVC Main Profile (AVC CABAC) video files can now be played in the "VIDEO" folder: 720X480, 352X480, and 480X272 (native resolution)
  
• [Use Wireless Hotspot] has been added as a feature under [Network Settings]

The expanded video size options are the most notable addition, but IGN reports that the feature is "very touchy" (read: it has yet to work with IGN's user-created files). But the added resolutions, particularly 720x480, could foreshadow a pending Remote Play update enabling DVD playback (via PlayStation 3). Download here.

Update: corrected Remote Play analysis. [Thanks, Zamfir]

As expected, Sony will soon roll out its 8GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, priced at $300. That's steep, but given previous trends, the price should plummet quickly. Last summer, the 4GB Memory Stick debuted at $250, but could be found for as low as $65 (SanDisk model) during a recent (but expired) Google Checkout promotion on Buy.com.

PSP firmware v2.81 or higher is needed to use the 8GB Memory Stick with Sony's portable gaming device.

Dark_AleX has released another edition of his custom PSP firmware. Just as it appears '3.03 Open Edition Revision A' (OE-A) is essentially a modified version of Sony's official v3.03 fimware. 3.03OE-A also comes with a modified version of Sony's PS1 emulator, popstation; and with this latest custom firmware release, custom-made ISOs (game files) can now be compressed to conserve memory stick space.

Ethical concerns aside, it's amazing how the PSP homebrew scene has exploded ahead of Sony, unlocking the company's emulator for use with all PS1 titles. With just a few hours of research, a stack of old PlayStation games on hand, and perhaps a little trial and error, you now have the power to forge your own emulation experience -- imagine that. You don't even need a PlayStation 3.

Update: clarified that popstation is a modified version of Sony's PS1 emulator.

Dallas' NBC 5 News has the story of a Fort Worth mother who bought a "refurbished" PlayStation Portable MemoryStick from Gamestop only to find it filled with pornographic videos and photos. Sandra Hemm bought the stick as a birthday present for her son, whom she described as "pretty devastated" over the discovery. Frankly when we were his age we would have just been thrilled at our luck.

A Gamestop spokesman said the company was investigating the incident and that standard procedure is for used cards to be wiped clean before being sold. As a precaution, local reporter Scott Friedman recommends parents try out used MemorySticks for themselves before handing them over to the kids. Or, you know, you could just shell out the extra $5 for a new stick and not worry about it.

Next Generation reports Sony is busy preparing a holiday PSP bundle that will feature a 1GB memory stick, ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails, and Lords of Dogtown (UMD movie) -- all for $249.99.

Anyone who's caught the latest PSP advert (embedded at end of post) is aware that Sony's pushing the portable's 'extra-gaming' features. And while tossing a mediocre 1st generation title into the new bundle certainly drives that point home, wouldn't including Media Manager and a download voucher for Sony Connect, or better, PlayStation games -- 'cause the service is allegedly coming in November -- be a better value?

Update: added price; clarified UMD title.

UMD movies aren't doing so hot nowadays, so why don't we experiment with movie playback from MemoryStick ... y'know, the way people have wanted it since day one? Sony, in their infinite wisdom, crippled video playback from MemoryStick on the PSP by barring playback at the handheld's scrumptious native resolution of 480*272 and instead maxing it out at 320*240 (QVGA). So instead of building an iTunes-like store where we could download movies and TV shows right into our little players, they asked us to pay for their proprietary and overpriced (but full resolution) UMD movies.

Fine, so they screwed up. But here's their big chance to make it all up. They've created these simple, easy-to-use 1 and 2GB MemoryStick Entertainment Packs. It's simple, really:

1. Buy the MSX-M1GSTEP or MSX-M2GSEP MemoryStick Entertainment Packs for $60 or $100, respectively at your local retailer.
   
2. Load up the enclosed DVD into your (Windows-only?) computer and select one of four (pretty lousy) Sony Pictures movies.
   
3. Use the enclosed code to unlock one (just one) of these movies, which can then be transferred to your PSP. Oooh, what to choose?
   
4. Figure out how to transfer your movie using the PSP's arcane file system, since they still don't include the mediocre (but nevertheless shockingly absent) Media Manager software.
5. Watch your movie straight from your MemoryStick in (what we assume is) delicious 480*272 resolution. You're happy, your battery is happy!
   

Alright, so it's not iTunes simple, but they're trying. Next step: let us play our own movies on the damned thing in full-res. Do that, and I'll be whistling PSP all day long.

See also:
New TiVoToGo automates PSP support; low-res still

[Via Engadget]

JapanChronicles.com has the scoop on Sony's Portable TV service (P-TV), which is currently available to PSP users in Japan. Despite offering valuable content (downloadable PSP-formatted videos), the P-TV service is flawed. All of the videos are DRM-protected and only accessible for a limited amount of time (ranging from 5–30 days) — each video must be bought separately (some videos are free).

If Sony wants to stay competitive with services like iTunes, the company will have to give downloaders full ownership of downloaded video or move to a fixed low-cost subscription fee. That is, either sell users videos to download and keep, or charge them a monthly fee that will grant access to all (or part) of the video library, giving users a limited time to watch a downloaded video, but also permitting them unlimited monthly downloads. Given the Memory Sticks' limited storage capacity, users should also be given the opportunity to archive content on a PC.

As noted in our earlier story on the PS3's worldwide launch in November, the PSP will drop in price to $199 in the U.S. on March 22nd.

According to an official PR announcement from SCEA, this basic package with PSP, AC adaptor, and battery will also retail for $229.99 CND (for our friends up north).

Highlights include classic PSone games for download onto Memory Sticks, web browser compatibility with Flash, a silver USB EyeToy camera for video and voice-over-IP chat in September, and GPS support for games like Hot Shots Golf as well. Europe will get their basic PSPs for 199 Euros on the same date, while Japan will get a new white SKU on April 15th.

See also:

• PS3 worldwide in November
• PSP-specific page from IGN; second IGN page with other pricing info
  
• New PSP Value Packs revealed [with bundled games for Europe]
  
• Rumor: New PSP to get a built-in camera and 4GB of flash

It looks like the PS3 press conference is just getting started.

IGN reports Ken Kutaragi's opening statement as follows: "It is my aim to clear things up about the PlayStation 3 today. The PS2, the PS3, the network, and Future Cell Network, this will all be addressed."

More as we get it... Update 16--the wrap-up: The PS3 will launch "in early November 2006 in Japan, North America and Europe simultaneously." Incorporating the final specifications of the Blu-ray format will enable "playback of BD software at a high bit rate," with "a maximum storage capacity of 50 GB (dual layer) and robust security." The PS3 will be compatible with all kinds of TVs and a high-speed broadband connection. Update 19 (via 1UP's updated page): DRM was what delayed the launch, but the system will come with a 60GB HDD preinstalled before 11/11/06.

[Thanks, bv; pics used to create new montage from Watch Impress]