Joystiq

PSP firmware update 'guides' users through PSN password change

JC Fletcher — Tue, 24 May 2011 14:55:00 EST

Sony has already issued new firmware for PS3s, to fix security issues and enable a password change following the PlayStation Network megahack. But those measures leave out a few dozen million affected devices: PSP systems. Oh yeah, those do also connect to PSN!

PSP firmware 6.39 is now available, which guides PSP users who have yet to change their PSN passwords through that vital, vital process. "Also," the PlayStation Blog notes, "system software stability during use of some features will be improved."

Note: PSN is under maintenance right now, so you have plenty of time to charge your PSP before you can get back online and change your password.

PSP firmware update 'guides' users through PSN password change originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PS3 Firmware 3.41 mandatory update available now

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Trying to log on to the PlayStation Network today? You'll be prompted with yet another mandatory firmware update. According to the PlayStation.Blog, the big new feature added to firmware 3.41 is a new "You May Like" section to the PlayStation Store. And ... that's about it, apparently.

Some commenters have already expressed some frustration with the firmware, which comes less than one month after the last mandatory update: "That's it?" "Why do we need a PS3 update for a store update?" "Would much rather have a search feature for your download list."

While firmware 3.41 is available now, PSP owners will also be able to get into the mandatory update action with firmware 6.31, which improves the "system software stability."

PS3 Firmware 3.41 mandatory update available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 6.3 adds folders for NeoGeo and PC Engine games

David Hinkle — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Firmware version 6.3 is out and as Fist Full of Potions points out, something's rotten in Denmark -- or very sweet, depending on how you feel about Japanese consoles of yesteryear. The update allows you to "group content" by putting your games into specific folders corresponding to platform, but also curiously adds empty folders for the NeoGeo and PC Engine -- otherwise known as the TurboGrafx-16.

This update could be the precursor to an announcement for the PC Engine Archives extending their reach beyond Japan or it could simply be an overlooked byproduct of the update. Either way, we've contacted Sony for comment and will let you know what we find out.

PSP firmware 6.3 adds folders for NeoGeo and PC Engine games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 6.20 now available

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:50:00 EST

Not to be overshadowed by its bigger brother, a new PSP firmware has gone live tonight. Update 6.20 adds the ability to export video and photo playlists from an updated version of Media Go. However, the biggest addition to this update is the PlayStation Network Digital Comics Reader in a new "Extras" section of the XMB. While the Reader can be downloaded tonight, the service won't go live until December in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Japan will be getting a manga service slightly earlier. French, Italian, German and Spanish stores will follow in early 2010. Here's the full change log:

The importing of playlists from the Media Go application is now supported under [Video].
The importing of playlists from the PlayStation 3 system or the Media Go application is now supported under [Photo].
The [TV] category has been integrated into the new [Extras] category in the XMB menu. Compatible models: PSP-2000, PSP-2005, PSP-3000, PSP-N1000, PSP-N1005

Gallery: Digital Comics (PSP)

PSP firmware 6.20 now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 6.10 is live and ready to Go

Randy Nelson — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:38:00 EST

Version 6.10 of Sony's handheld's firmware announced earlier this evening is now ready for download. Hit the System Update option from the Settings section of your XMB, download, install and let us know what you think of the "mood music" SensMe whips up from your song library. Much to our disappointment, initial testing reveals that Sony didn't implement our "I just made an expensive impulse purchase" mood after all.

PSP firmware 6.10 is live and ready to Go originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 6.10 coming 'soon,' introduces PSP Go cell phone tethering

Randy Nelson — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:40:00 EST

PlayStation Network's Eric Lempel has just announced via the PlayStation Blog that PSP firmware version 6.10 -- which he dubs "a big update" -- will be available soon. The update will add a new feature, SensMe, to the system's XMB. This music player, announced at E3, can be used to generate playlists from songs stored on the system based on pre-defined "moods."

The most substantial addition, however, will only work with the PSP Go. Using the Go's built-in Bluetooth networking, owners of the new system will be able to tether the device to their Bluetooth-capable mobile phones and use them as wireless modems for internet access beyond WiFi hotspots -- essentially wherever a cellular data network is available.

An update to the free MediaGo software -- designed for transferring PS Store items and media to and from the PSP using a PC -- will be available for download tomorrow, October 1, according to Lempel.

We'll update once PSP firmware v6.10 goes live. In the meantime, you can watch SensMe in action after the break.

Continue reading PSP firmware 6.10 coming 'soon,' introduces PSP Go cell phone tethering

PSP firmware 6.10 coming 'soon,' introduces PSP Go cell phone tethering originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP Firmware 6.00 goes live, hints at game rentals

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:00:00 EST

PSP Firmware 6.00 is now available for those adventurous enough to click on Network Update from the XMB. The changelog, copied in full below, may look rather uninspiring at first:

Games can now be grouped and displayed in folders based on their expire date under [Game].
Under [Settings], [Network Update] has been changed to [System Update]. Under [System Update], you can now choose how to update the system software.
The number of colors that can be selected under [Settings] > [Theme Settings] has been increased.
Revisions to strengthen security have been added. (Internet Browser)

While additional XMB colors will excite few, the mention of "expire dates" for games sounds rather surprising. PSP currently supports time-based licenses for video rentals. However, applying the same rules to games hasn't been done before. Earlier in the year, we discovered plans for a potential games rental service for PSP. Is firmware 6.00 preparing the hardware for a new expansion to the PlayStation Store?

[Thanks, Joshua H.!]

PSP Firmware 6.00 goes live, hints at game rentals originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 5.50 can't be cracked for the moment

Justin McElroy — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST

We can't say we agree with Sony's countless efforts to thwart piracy via PSP firmware updates; in fact, the whole thing seems like kind of a waste of energy. But today, let's just take a moment to celebrate its struggle, for Sony has, with firmware 5.50, won! Sceners.org says the update "has the encryption tables changed (at least the 1g one), as it can't be decrypted with latest psardumper."

Sure, in the next sentence the site goes on to say that it likely won't be an issue. But for today Sony, you can stop pushing the boulder up that hill and take a well-earned break. Congrats.

[Via Maxconsole]

PSP firmware 5.50 can't be cracked for the moment originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 5.50 adds Information Board, internet security and more

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:40:00 EST

PSP is slowly adopting more and more features of the PS3. With firmware update 5.50, PSP will add "Information Board" to the XMB (PS3 version pictured above). This feature will allow PSP owners to quickly access news bits from Sony about new additions to the PlayStation Store.

In addition, the firmware update will allow users to create and access sub-folders on the Memory Stick for music, photos and videos. The internet browser will also feature a trial of Trend Micro's "Kid's Safety" service, so parents can finally put an end to their children's insatiable appetite for PSP porn.

Continue reading PSP firmware 5.50 adds Information Board, internet security and more

PSP firmware 5.50 adds Information Board, internet security and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP Firmware 5.03 addresses 'security vulnerabilities'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:10:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

The latest PSP firmware update -- dubbed version 5.03 -- should be making its way onto your portable pal soon. According to Sony's blog, the update "improves system software stability during use of some features" and continues the trend of ambiguously altering unspecified thingies.

More specific are the accompanying patch notes, which highlight the squashing of "security vulnerabilities in the system software." It seem likely that the infamous Gripshift exploit, which allowed the PSP-3000 to run homebrew application, has been eradicated. Where will the next buffer overflow come from?

[Via PSP Fanboy]

PSP Firmware 5.03 addresses 'security vulnerabilities' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SCEE dates new PS3, PSP firmware for Oct. 15

Randy Nelson — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP

The UK's semi-official PlayStation blog, ThreeSpeech, has published a Sony Computer Entertainment Europe press release on PS3 firmware 2.5 and PSP firmware 5.0, which includes the line: "Both system software updates will be released on 15th October." Hey, that's ... tomorrow!

The Oct. 15 date is also backed up by a post on SCEE's official forums from one of its community leads. All indications point towards tomorrow being the day both platforms will get tricked out with the new features we posted about yesterday, plus a couple of surprises - most notably Flash 9 support for the PS3's web browser. We've dropped SCEA a line for confirmation on a North American rollout of the firmware tomorrow.

SCEE dates new PS3, PSP firmware for Oct. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sony reveals PS3 firmware 2.5, PSP firmware 5.0 details

Randy Nelson — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP

Sony today announced the specifics of its forthcoming PS3 and PSP system updates, which will introduce a number of convenience features on the console front and (most notably) the PS Store on its handheld platform. We got an early look at what you can expect from the new firmware, which, although not specifically dated, Sony expects to release within the month.

PS3 firmware 2.5 introduces more detailed friends list information, including how long it has been since a friend signed onto PSN. The PS Store has been tweaked slightly to include a splash screen and an icon in the top right corner for inputting PSN Card and voucher codes directly from the storefront. Additionally, PSN sign-up and account management are no longer web-based in this firmware.

Support for the upcoming, official PS3 Bluetooth headset debuts in this firmware, as does the option to have the system automatically turn off once background downloads have completed. (Unlike Xbox 360, the PS3 does not go into a "low power" state when this option is selected.) The system's settings now include a "Power Saving" option, where users can choose to have their controller automatically turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity; the console can be set to auto-off after one, three, or five hours.

Sony has also included a new chapter thumbnail creation option for use during video file playback, with increments of one, two, and five minutes. The new firmware also includes hooks for developers to implement a screenshot function in their games; the feature will only work in games whose devs have implemented it via a new library. Read on past the break for details on PSP firmware 5.0.

Continue reading Sony reveals PS3 firmware 2.5, PSP firmware 5.0 details

Sony reveals PS3 firmware 2.5, PSP firmware 5.0 details originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: PSP firmware 5.00 to add Wi-Fi Store, screen captures

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

Features to be included in the next major PSP update, v5.00, have allegedly been detailed (translation) by an unnamed French developer working with the beta version of the firmware. 5.00 will supposedly include direct access to the PlayStation Store, which was promised last month for the fall (in Japan, at least), along with an improved RSS reader with text file support and a screen capture mode that supports in-game screenshots. The source could not confirm a date for the firmware's public release, but speculates that it could coincide with the launch of PSP Brite, the new hardware revision, on October 14th or in the weeks following. PSP's current firmware version is 4.05 -- if true, it would be a big leap to 5.00, by Sony standards.

[Via PSP World; thanks, Skylar]

Rumor: PSP firmware 5.00 to add Wi-Fi Store, screen captures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 4.01 is here to fix 4.00

Justin McElroy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

In what could be the least impressive PSP firmware update ever, version 4.01 has arrived to ... well, to make version 4.00 not broked, in short, improving the Internet Search and Video features. We were so enjoying that clean .00 ending and we barely get to savor it before that stupid 1 has to come along and spoil the whole party.

If this update were adding any new features, this would be the part of the post where we would explain them, or make some disparaging comment about their usefulness. Instead, it's the part where we come to an awkward, joyless close.

PSP firmware 4.01 is here to fix 4.00 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP Firmware 4.00 available now

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

After updating the firmware on our PSPs to version 4.00, we were initially quite perplexed by the lack of obvious new features for our beloved portable 'station. This prompted a quick Google search from within the XMB, which pointed us to this Joystiq post explaining ... wait a minute. XMB Google search? That wasn't here before, was it?

The update is now available for download via the network update or through our pals at PSP Fanboy. They tell us 4.00 also adds the ability to change video playback speed with the Up and Down buttons. We'll be sure to try that on all the, err, interesting videos we're busy googling.

PSP Firmware 4.00 available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 3.95 adds minor remote play features

Kyle Orland — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Retro

Attention, people who enjoy playing console games on a portable system via a wireless internet connection: We have important news for both of you! The new PSP firmware version 3.95 offers two minor tweaks to enhance your remote playing experience.

Remote players can now remap the PSP's limited button layout to more usefully replicate the DualShock when playing PSOne games. The new firmware also allows players to stop remote play without turning off the PS3, allowing any background downloads to continue unabated. While these new tweaks aren't exactly revolutionary, it's always nice to see a company continuing to support product features well after their release.

[Via PSPFanboy]

PSP firmware 3.95 adds minor remote play features originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP firmware 3.90 says 'Hello'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

It may not herald the arrival of the mythical PlayStation Phone just yet, but the latest PSP firmware update brings the next best thing. Firmware version 3.90 is now available for download (access it through the XMB's "Network Update" option) and enables previously detailed Skype functionality for Slim PSPs. Before you start prank calling Cristian Cardona though, keep in mind that portable blabbering requires a PSP headset with remote control.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

PSP firmware 3.90 says 'Hello' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sony updates PSP to firmware 3.73, identical to 3.72

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PSP

Experience the same old experience by launching PSP's Network Update today!

To call the latest PSP mutation an update is certainly an overstatement. Firmware 3.73 is so completely similar to 3.72 that Sony couldn't muster a single new feature worth listing in its description of the upgrade. Even the hacks haven't turned up anything more than a few 'byte differences' in the lflash_fatfmt file (don't ask, we don't know). At least it still plays games.

Update: Sony tells us the "operation of the UMD drive has been improved to address cases in which the UMD drive occasionally suspends and fails to reload data."

[Image credit: Diane Arbus]

Sony updates PSP to firmware 3.73, identical to 3.72 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

PSP gets firmware 3.70

Justin McElroy — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Hacks, Sony PSP

Welcome, new PSP-2000 owners to the wonderful world of PSP firmware upgrades. For the uninitiated, these are incremental improvements to the PSP's brain that are supposedly to make the system better, but really just make life more difficult for hackers trying to put homebrew software on their systems. The improvements for 3.70 include:

You can now set custom themes in [Theme Settings] under [Settings].
Support has been added for assigning buttons in [Remote Play].
A scene search feature has been added under [Video].
Sequential playback is now supported under [Video].
Simultaneous playback of content under [Music] and [Photo] is now supported.

...Huh, well, those actually aren't bad, especially now that we can listen to "Friends Forever" while we watch the slideshow that consists of only this picture. Commencing download!

PSP gets firmware 3.70 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments