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PSP Wi-Fi Store On the Way this Fall
Posted by Mark Wilson at 11:06 PM on September 2, 2008
There's been no good reason that PSP users have had to download content through a PC or PS3 when the system can connect to Wi-Fi networks just fine on its own. Now Sony has revealed that a PSP Wi-Fi store is indeed in the works and slated to arrive in a firmware update this fall (confirmed for Japan only, we believe, but surely coming to the US as well). Ironically, when Sony is finally letting the PSP run free, they'll also be offering a new reason to connect the device to a PS3.
A supported infrastructure mode will bring new functions to ad hoc PSP games by playing them through the PS3. Assumably using the PS3 as a dedicated multiplayer server, options like voice and text chat will become available through the console, along with (improved?) online matchmaking.
Hopefully, by exploiting the PS3's backbone, the PSP will be able to perform some neat tricks beyond the stuff we've already seen before. [IGN via PSPFanboy]
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
strider_mt2k
Posted 11:22 PM 2/9/08
I don't know if I'd call giving the PSP the ability to purchase content online "running free" when Sony has fought a never-ending battle against folks who would open up the platform for homebrew development.
I would say they've attempted to give owners an additional walled garden to wander through if anything.
strider_mt2k
Tastic7
Posted 11:21 PM 2/9/08
This is probably the first time I've been impressed by something the PSP can do. In fact, up until today, I wasn't even sure Sony was still manufacturing the device.
Tastic7
The Terminator
Posted 11:21 PM 2/9/08
Oh wow that's gonna be so sweet with wi-fi B 'n all. It'll be like downloading porn in the 90's all over again.
The Terminator
DaveTyranham
Posted 11:50 PM 2/9/08
The PSP & PS3 connectivity is already pretty cool and works really well. Additional features are of course welcomed, but my only complaint is that some of the PSP & PS3 features remain a little unpolished.
I could be way off base, but my feeling is that most people are happy with the PSP & PS3 connectivity. Refining the current features would go a long way. Make the remote play music work a little better (the UI doesn't work well), make voip extend past Skype, improve the web radio interface with a music store, stuff like that.
It's all there - just needs to get a spit and polish.
DaveTyranham
Jon B.
Posted 11:44 PM 2/9/08
802.11b...
...lol
Jon B.
Barry32171
Posted 1:16 AM 3/9/08
Dave, I'm with you on the Music Store... That would be a very nice addition, which should have been here before now.
Remote play... I don't use this much, if at all. If I'm mobile, and even near a hotspot, I'd just as soon play a UMD game/movie, or something I got from the PC Store, than worry about trying to connect to my PS3 (which I would have to leave on, since I'm running the Intercooler...)
A WIFI store will be an interesting addition to the functionality of the PSP. I just hope they don't half-ass it.
Barry32171
SneakerFiend
Posted 1:26 AM 3/9/08
Maybe they'll use the PS3 as a router for larger range than normal wifi routers or to reinforce the wifi network it runs off. I think that'll be the best thing because im not sure if the psp has bluetooth and bluetooth connectivity wouldn't be useful by any form.
I think that the psp could be used as a remote for the music, videos, etc where you can watch one thing on the ps3 screen and be browsing through content thats on the ps3 harddrive on the psp or stream things off the psp onto the ps3 that'd be really good. Like a universal remote with a screen on it but it be for the psp.
SneakerFiend
metalgear08
Posted 1:25 AM 3/9/08
You know, I actually try to pay for smaller, downloadable games, as I think they're a good cause. A PSP WiFi store will definitely help my ease in doing so.
metalgear08
VideoVampire
Posted 2:21 AM 3/9/08
I like the available features on the PSP now in conjunction with it's big brother (PS3), but I'd like to see the connectivity go both ways, for example, I'd like to play my PSP games thropugh my PS3 when I am at home, I do'nt see any reason the PS3 can not be configured to emulate the PSP, also this would allow PSP downloads performed on PS3 to be tried out before the transfer and eventual deletion from the PSP. I know I can plug my PSP into the TV but I dont want to sit that clost to the TV and it has Wi-Fi so why should I have to? And why cant we use the PSP as a sub-controller in certain games? Maybe my buddy could use it to blast people from inside the (multiplayer) car on GTA 4 (usin his own PSP view) via remote play type interaction between the two. I have heard it is possible to use the PSP as a rear view mirror in that Formula 1 game, and I think that this is exactly the sort of multi-use application that these systems are screaming for.
VideoVampire
Charging_Mooses
Posted 10:52 AM 3/9/08
oranges...
well that about sums it up...
yeah this will crash and burn
Charging_Mooses