Sony have cleared up some confusion on the possible setups for using Skype and Go!Messenger. Sony say the Go!Cam is compatible with Skype, but you will still need headphones.

So, Go!Cam is compatible with Skype, but you will still need headphones. Just to be clear, you can use either of the following set-ups for Skype:

OPTION ONE
- PSP Slim & Lite
- Headset & Remote Control
- Memory Stick
- Wi-Fi Connection

OPTION TWO
- PSP Slim & Lite
- Go!Cam & Headphones
- Memory Stick
- Wi-fi Connection

Go!Messenger is slightly different - you can use either the original PSP or PSP Slim & Lite:

OPTION ONE
- Original PSP or PSP Slim & Lite
- Headset & Remote Control
- Memory Stick
- Wi-Fi Connection

OPTION TWO
- Original PSP or PSP Slim & Lite
- Go!Cam & Headphones
- Memory Stick
- Wi-fi Connection

Hope that answers it!

A slide from Sony Computer Entertainment's Chris Eden at GDC 2008 outlined the Playstation store on PSP. The slide states that with the Playstation store on PSP you can "Access native PLAYSTATION Store on PSP via wireless hotspot" and "Purchase and download content direct to PSP (no USB cable)" The launch is currently TBA and Sony are promising more details in the future.

Chris Eden from Sony Computer Entertainment made mention of PLAYSTATION Store on PSP in his Game Developers Conference session. Currently, players must use a PC in order to download content and transfer it to the PSP.

News Source: joystiq

Earlier on it was revealed that Echochrome for the PSP would cost twice as much as the PS3 version. However, it has finally been revealed why there is such a price difference. The PS3 version only provides a sample by giving a taster of 50 puzzles, while the PSP version includes 100 puzzles and multiple modes.

Yes, the PSP version of Echochrome costs twice as much, but there is reason for the extra cash. Walaber’s comment (thanks!) prompted immediate research and all of the answers are found over at Impress Watch. The PlayStation 3 version is actually Echochrome: Jokyoku or Echochrome: Prelude in English. For 1,800 yen ($17) you get a get a sample of Echochrome by tasting 50 puzzles. The 3,980 yen ($37) PSP version contains 100 puzzles and multiple modes including a variation where you have to avoid walking dark echoes. Fortunately, both versions come with canvas mode, which lets players create and upload puzzles on the PlayStation Network or transfer data via the PSP's Ad-Hoc mode.

With this new information the PSP version is more tantalizing. However, the cheaper PlayStation 3 version supports users created content, which devalues the addition of the extra 50 puzzles.

News Source: Siliconera

Sony has confirmed that the GPS and Camera accessories will be released in North America by the end of the year. Secondly, SCEA reps revealed that Sony is working on a first party keyboard for the PSP that is set to be released in the middle of 2009.

Over a year ago, the PlayStation Portable's camera and GPS receiver went on sale in Japan. The photo-snapping add-on also hit the market in Europe in 2006, and its global-positioning cousin has been confirmed to arrive in the territory later this year.

However, to the frustration of North American gamers, neither the GPS nor the camera have been dated for the region--until now, anyway. Today at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show, Sony Computer Entertainment America reps confirmed to GameSpot that both peripherals will be available on this continent by the end of the year. Unfortunately, they could not give a more specific time frame.

SCEA reps also revealed today a welcome surprise for PSP owners weary of its cell-phone-like text entry system. They confirmed that Sony is working on a first-party keyboard for the handheld gaming system for release in mid-2009. When asked if said keyboard will resemble the mock-up that was shown off at the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo, the reps demurred. "We're looking at several designs, but can't tell you anything more specific," a rep said.

News Source: Gamespot

Sony have confirmed that the reason Skype will only work on the PSP Slim & Light is due to memory constraints. The original PSP (PSP-1000) has 32MB of memory, whereas the newer Slim & Light model (PSP-2000) has 64MB. Sony did study the possibility of supporting Skype with PSP-1000, however they had to give it up due to the smaller 32MB of memory.

Sony announced at CES today that Skype will be made available for the PSP Slim & Light. By adding the Skype logo to the XMB via a firmware update, users will be able to access full Skype voice functionality including the use of Skype Out / Skype In, as well as access to the account admin functions.

Before you ask, the reason Skype will only work on the PSP Slim & Light (and not the original model) is due to memory constraints. The original PSP (PSP-1000) has 32MB of memory, whereas the newer Slim & Light model (PSP-2000) has 64MB. Nick Sharples had the following to say.

“Although PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 are identical in basic functions, there are differences in hardware specifications to some extent and, for that reason, PSP-2000 may differ in features from PSP-1000. We had studied the possibility of supporting Skype with PSP-1000 but had to give it up because of the smaller size of main memory on PSP-1000 series.”

Sony's blog has stepped up to confirm that their new PSP Extended Life battery kit will go on sale in the US for a suggested price of $44.99 in mid-December. The new 2200mAh battery is compatible with the new PSP slim and is said to be capable of doubling the life of the unit.

Hi everyone. As you may have heard, we’re introducing a great solution to get longer battery life from your PSP. The new PSP Extended Life Battery Kit includes a 2200 mAh battery pack that can double the battery life of the new PSP model (PSP 2000). Because the extended-life battery is slightly thicker than the one that comes with the new PSP, we’ve included two custom covers in “Piano Black” and “Ice Silver.” Those of you with the original PSP (PSP 1000) may recall that we offered an extended life battery pack (the stamina battery) previously, and this battery remains compatible with that system as well.

The new battery kit will be available at retailers for $44.99 (MSRP) in mid-December – just in time to get you through your holiday travels and any long delays at the airports…

News Source: Playstation.com

ESRB has issued a statement in reference to the recently hacked Manhunt 2 on PSP and PS2 which allowed for the game to become uncensored. They claim that the modifications do not restore the game to the AO version which was banned and that it is not the same as the GTA Hot Coffee situation. The reason that it is not the same as the Hot Coffee mod is that Manhunt 2's content was programmed to be part of the game, the content was previously disclosed to the ESRB and unauthorized software/hardware is required to play the modified content. Although we're not sure if their comments include the recent addition of cheat discs.

Quote:
Manhunt 2 was rated Mature by the ESRB for ages 17 and older for Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content and Use of Drugs.

Earlier this week we learned about a hack into the code of the PSP and PS2 versions of the game that removes special effects filters that were put in place to obscure certain violent depictions. We have investigated the matter and concluded that unauthorized versions of the game have been released on the Internet along with instructions on how to modify the code to remove the special effects. Once numerous changes to the game’s code have been made and other unauthorized software programs have been downloaded to the hardware device which circumvent security controls that prevent unauthorized games from being played on that hardware, a player can view unobscured versions of certain violent acts in the game. Contrary to some reports, however, we do not believe these modifications fully restore the product to the version that originally received an AO rating, nor is this a matter of unlocking content.

Our investigation indicates that the game’s publisher disclosed to the ESRB all pertinent content in the authorized Mature-rated version of Manhunt 2 now available in stores, and complied with our guidelines on full disclosure of content.

The Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas “Hot Coffee” situation involved a scene that was a) fully rendered in an unmodified form on the disc (the Hot Coffee mod did not alter the content that was there, it merely unlocked it), b) not previously disclosed to the ESRB during the rating process, and c) easily accessible to all owners of the PC version of the game. Conversely, in the case of Manhunt 2, a) content that was programmed to be part of the game (i.e., visual blurring effects of certain violent depictions) is being modified, b) the content was previously disclosed to the ESRB, and c) unauthorized versions of software and/or hardware are required to play the modified content.

News Source: Mercurynews

Another hint that there will be a Final Fantasy VII remake. Within Crisis Core's limited edition bundle, an included mini book shows images from Final Fantasy VII's technical demo and denotes "We hope to meet Final Fantasy VII AGAIN."

Quote:
Yet another hint to a Final Fantasy VII remake: Inside Crisis Core's limited edition bundle there is a mini-book that features images from Final Fantasy VII's technical demo and the following text:
"We hope to meet Final Fantasy VII AGAIN!"

Does that mean a remake is coming? Perhaps Square Enix will finally answer the question at TGS 2007.

News Source: forever-fantasy.net

Sony has released PSP firmware v3.7 - update brings new features as follows:

• 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.

Last week was the worst record in terms of PSP sales Sony has experienced in the UK. According to a like-for-like comparison, sales of the system are down 32.1 percent. Although Sony didn't seem too concerned insisting that consumers are waiting for the new Slim & Lite, while the director of ChartTrack supported such a view as well as suggesting kids going back to school would have had a negative effect also.

Quote:
According to ChartTrack statistics, last week was the worst sales period for the handheld since launch.

Sony blamed the slowdown on anticipation for its new, sleeker version of the console, which will launch on September 14th.

The firm told MCV that retailers were ‘thinning out’ stock of the original PSP to accommodate its revamped model, and that it will ensure that there is enough Slim & Lite hardware to satisfy demand at launch.

ChartTrack director Dorian Bloch added: “There are probably a lot of consumers who are now waiting for Slim & Lite to arrive. The fact that kids are returning to school is also sure to have had a marked effect.

There are always bad words to say about a dip like this, but there may well be a sales spike in week 37 after the new console is launched.”

News Source: MCVUK

Say it ain't so, the new PSP Slim & Lite isn't actually 100% perfect. GP has posted up four niggles it has with the redesigned system as follows; 1) sticky directional pad 2) new UMD slot is problematic for kids and clumsy people 3) Too many separate inputs and outputs and 4) plastic bezels aren't as sexy as metal. Does anyone else have any reasons as to why the new PSP Slim & Lite isn't a work of true perfection?

Quote:
2. New UMD slot

This one could be problematic for young kids. During my first play on the PSP-2000, and being the klutz I am, I accidentally dropped a UMD backwards into the new UMD slot. I quickly realized that I'd inserted it backwards, but as I tried to pull it out it got stuck. After a minute or two of careful prying and lifting, I was able to extract the disk...before noticing that I had bent a thin retaining leaf inside the UMD slot. Oops!

From now on, I'll always remember the right way to insert UMD discs, but I could see quite a few kids getting confused by this new loading system. And though the "damage" suffered to my PSP-2000 is minor, it's a small detail that could cause bigger problems in the wrong hands. Here's hoping it doesn't!

News Source: Gamepro

A demo PSP at the Leipzig GC was totally UMD-less. Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow was playable from the unit which was very light and a lot less noisy than a retail PSP but loading times were still quite lengthy. The respective PSP is speculated to be a development unit but it certainly seems to have borrowed an idea or two from the Slim & Lite.

Quote:
It’s something that gamers have been shouting out for ever since the PSP redesign rumour first shuffled into view. Now that we know for certain that the PSP slim and lite will retain the UMD drive (and let’s face it, it was always going to) we were somewhat baffled and a little amused by finding a collection of PSP’s in Sony’s Heavenly Sword booth at the Leipzig GC that were UMD-less.

That’s right, as we sat down to play Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow we found that the reassuring weight of the PSP we were holding was absent and after a quick look, discovered that the PSP was a handheld amputee.

It was certainly very light and a good deal less noisy but from what we could tell, no quicker in the loading stakes. Seems as though these PSPs were just for demo-ing purposes so don’t anyone go getting all excited. Still, it was interesting to see what could have been.

News Source: Pocketgamer

Want to take advantage of the brand new TV out feature on the PSP Slim & Lite and live in the UK? Tough, you won't be able to, at least not for a few weeks or perhaps even months it seems. A spokesperson from leading retailer GAME has confirmed that they will not be recieving the official TV cables on September 14th and that the ONLY color available in launch will be the piano black.

Quote:
Game retailers will not be receiving official TV cables for the new PSP when it launches in Britain on September 14. An official spokesman for national retail chain GAME told GamesRadar that the cable, which is needed to play PSP games on a home TV set, would not be available at launch and that it was unknown when official units would arrive. It was also revealed that there won't be any colour choices available at launch - it's black only for now, with Ceramic White (and presumably the promised Ice Silver version) to follow at an unspecified date.

It seems odd that Sony would release the new model of PSP in Blighty without letting gamers enjoy its best new feature from day one. It's worth noting that PS3 doesn't ship with an HDMI cable (unlike Xbox 360 Elite), but this isn't just a case of 'doesn't have one in the box'. Apparently they just won't be available from the get-go.

News Source: Gamesradar.com

The following video shows the complete opening of FF7 Crisis Core for the PSP, these are the cinematics you will see just before the main menu appears.

A member of the official Playstation forums has posted up screenshots of him playing Lair (PS3 title) on the PSP in the remote play mode. A number of gamers were skeptical but it seems to be indefinitely confirmed working now.

Quote:
This is awesome you can take you dragon anywhere! I was messing around with remote play and accidentally clicked on Lair, when that happened it started and then told me my connection timed out....I tried again just to see it again and guess what LAIR PLAYS ON THE PSP! Making it the first Blu-ray title to do so.

You use the nub to control the dragon and it looks very nice too. I haven't tried all the maneuvers with the dragon but I will keep everyone posted on what works and what is different.

News Source: Playstation.com

Gamespot has displayed the following chart which shows generally that the PSP slim loads up a range of games quite a bit quicker than the original Sony PSP.

Quote:
Finally, we got to the memory-load testing. You'll find the new "UMD Cache" option in the System Settings Menu. According to the scrolling description, enabling the UMD Cache will "reduce the frequency at which the system reads from the UMD." We enabled the UMD-caching feature and tested a few games to see if it had any affect on load times. UMD caching requires an initial memory load, so we also tested how fast the games could load up levels after we first started and exited a game to preload the data into system memory. We had time to test out only three games, but early results indicate that the additional system memory and UMD caching really do help speed up initial game launches, as well as subsequent level reloads.

News Source: Gamespot.com

The newest promotional trailer for the PSP game Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII complete with subs so you can understand.

Sony's widely quote European boss David Reeves has conceeded that the PSP needed more games at launch and that games are really an advantage that Nintendo have on the DS. Reeves commented that the PSP strategy is a bit like in a circus (he said it), you have to keep all the plates up and the next plate Sony is working on will be the games for the PSP.

Quote:
Sony’s European boss David Reeves said in a statement: “Honestly… we should have had more original PSP games. We took this decision maybe a year ago and said what we’ll do now is we’ll bring out more services because we know that the games are coming.”

Reeves added: “We now have to go back and think more about the games because if we lose that advantage - well it’s not really an advantage, it’s the advantage Nintendo have on DS. It’s like in the circus - you’ve got to keep all the plates up, you know? So the plate we’ll be working on now will be the games on PSP.”

News Source: Techwhack.com

Yet another Sony Ericsson PSP phone concept has creeped up onto the web, this one features a slick case with sharp corners which could prove to be very annoying during long periods of gameplay. However, it does follow the traditional design of the PSP with a central display screen and side buttons. It is unlikely that this concept will ever be made, but does anyone out there think that a PSP phone has the potential to be a big success?

Quote:
Sony Ericsson seems to have really stimulated some designers' creativity, as a lot of people are developing phones based on this company's device lines. An appealing PSP phone concept has just sprung over the internet, although there are high chances for the handset producer to ignore it just as it has done with all the others untill now.

Sony Ericsson had a PSP phone concept patented some while ago, which showed their interest in actually bringing out on the market such a device. Still, just a few days later, they changed their minds and said that the best thing for the model at that time would be that of concentrating its efforts towards strengthening its Walkman and Cyber-shot line of phones.

News Source: Softpedia.com

A recent petition set-up to encourage Capcom to bring over Resident Evil to the PSP has attracted over 11,000 signatures already. The creator of the petition claims that Capcom just have to look at the history of released Resident Evil games on the Playstation format to understand the success that a PSP version will have. So how about it, do you REALLY want Resi Evil on PSP?

Quote:
We, PSP ( Playstation Portable ) owners would like Capcom to release to our beloved handheld game console at least one of the games from there famous survivor/horror franchise : Resident Evil .

We are also aware of the fact, that there is already a PSP version of the first Resident Evil game on the PSN ( Playstation Network ) but because of the lack of PS3 systems we cannot purchase this game .

Seeing the history of Resident Evil games on Playstation consoles, we can guarantee you, that the game will be a success .

Hope that this and the abundance of signatures that will come is enough to finally take a step and make our dreams come true .

News Source: petitiononline.com