PSP going to get an email client (among other things)?
By Ryan Block 
posted Aug 11th 2005 10:55AM
posted Aug 11th 2005 10:55AM
So apparently Sony Computer Entertainment Software Platform Chief Izumi Kawanishi gave up the goods to Japanese
magazine Famitsu on where he wants to take the PSP's software in the future. What did the man have to say? Well, he'd
like to implement streaming video (not just directly downloadable content), implementation of DRM for more flexible
media playback, and even hinted at getting an email app in there, as well as video and voice messaging integration.
Voice and video is kind of a no-brainer (remember the
early PSP camera?) but email's going to be a bit more
difficult without a keyboard. Oh, yeah, they've got that
too. So when can we expect this, anyway, hmm Kawanishi?
[Via I4U]
That's pretty cool and all, but what are we getting a view of there on that screen?
"DRM for more flexible media playback."
The PSP IS limited in the formats it can currently play and how they are named and stored... BUT implying DRM provides more flexibility amuses me - DRM is restrictive (as in not flexible) by design. Not that I'm against DRM (I'm not against breaking it either), it seems like a neccessary evil that isn't going away.
I emailed the manufacturer to enquire when the keyboard would be released and they told me that they did not have a release date yet as the PSP is only scheduled for launch on the 1st September. I thought they may have brought it forward now that V2 came out with the browser functionality unless of course they have no links with Sony who could have foewarned them...
Why does that camera painfully remind me of the tiny craps for cameras that Sony used on their picturebooks?
You are a FOOL if you thought you were buying a portable gaming device. PSP is an appliance plain and simple, maybe even just a $250 remote control accessory for PS3. Now I’m not complaining since PS3 is on my short shopping list but come on Sony, can’t you GET SOME GAMES OUT ALREADY? Or at least push those lazy developers a bit?
"That's pretty cool and all, but what are we getting a view of there on that screen?"
Who really knows, I mean, there hasn't been a single game released for the PSP in a while... one that mattered anyway. A puzzle game (Smartbomb?) came out a while back but that's about it other than the launch lineup. Next game release is Death Jr. on the 16th, but after that nothing until Mid-September... and 90% of those September releases are World Series of Poker and other card-related games.
Talk about loss of momentum...
I think since the Nokia770 and the hacks that are innevitable with NokiaLinux, the PSP people are worried, and they should be :-P
It plays DOOM!
So, are they talking about working on any, you know, games?
How many people actually use this for the UMD's anyway? My primary use is for playing old NES games, reading Ebooks and watching movies when I travel. I own one game and hardly play it. Any additional function like an email client would be great.
The PSP sure looks pretty... especially viewing video, but I didn't enjoy playing games on it. Ergonomically, I had a hard time playing games - all sorts of crazy carpal tunnel contortions with Twisted Metal. Perhaps only teenagers have the mechanics down, I know I didn't care for it. So the lack of games and the increasing emphasis on multimedia doesn't bother me. Then again the Zen Vision is coming, so who needs a PSP anyway?
To Mashko, I bought it with the intent to play UMD games. Isn't that one of its main functions? Homebrew is fun but lost its cool factor on me a while ago. They should be pushing games and not useless internet apps people have on their phones and/or laptops. It is a PLAYstation Portable is it not?
It's been a while since I played an actual PSP game on my PSP. I don't mind though, because all the other functionalities have made it worth every single penny.
I'm still waiting for them to fix the horrible refresh on the screen. Yes, the resolution is nice, but it's like looking as a LCD monitor with a 25ms delay.
Everything looks great until it starts moving.
Sounds cool - but how about some *actual* games? I have plenty of internet surfing/email getting/video playing crap. I thought I bought a portable gaming device.
Touch Screen that emulates a QWERTY keyboard w/ built in camera...
GPS...
Flash Player 8 support for the browser...
More movies and downloadable games...
More supported file formats...
Downloadable Applications (e-mail, GPS, homebrew games,
I use my PSP on plane flights to watch movies and to play Lumines. Action games are hard to play w/ the PSP. Button combos and fast twitch hand/finger muscles lead to major cramps and carpal tunnel.
I'd love for more games to be RPG's, RTS's, and other non-traditional strategy games. This system is made for games that make you think, not act, unfortunately. But that isn't a bad thing unless all you have to choose from are action/adventure games.
Even with the camera I don't see myself playing Dance Dance Revolution for the PSP. Viewtiful Joe, and GT4, God of War, maybe, but definately not many fighting games.
I do see myself playing Magic:TCG, MageKnight, Freedom Force, Warcraft 3, the VS. CCG, traditional Card games, and Chess Master.
Would you guys shut up about new games already. It's summer, nothing comes out for anything during the summer.
Check out this article for a good perspective of where the PSP is today and how far it has fallen...
http://www.gametab.com/news/340205/
My PSP is collecting dust.
"Would you guys shut up about new games already. It's summer, nothing comes out for anything during the summer."
See here: http://www.gamespot.com/reviews.html
Looks like more comes out during summer than you think. Just not for PSP.
This is one of the two reasons I don't own a PSP, the other being price. (I don't own a DS either.) If you want a glorified, low-resolution portable DVD player, then that's fine, but I can buy one of those for $99 and I haven't done that either. This is a game player, not an "appliance", and if Sony wants it to succeed they're going to have to start treating it as such.
At least we'll be getting GTA in a little while.
However, in terms of games, my DS is looking niftier, what with Nintendogs, the new Mario, and the whispers of a new Zelda.
I FEEL BAD FOR THE LOSERS WHO BOUGHT NINTENDO DS.
One look at the features PSP has will esily cause them to do double takes when they try and figure out exactly what they paid $150 for.
One look at the features PSP has will esily cause them to do double takes when they try and figure out exactly what they paid $150 for
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The DS is outsellnig the PS2 in Japan. You are delusional.
Nintendo is rolling out the DS Online service in a matter of weeks, with Animal Crossing and Mario Kart being the first online enabled games.
Gee.. it sure would be cool to chat w people online through a DS, with... a touch screen for input..
The PS2 way outsells the Xbox in Japan, so why are we using them as a reference? :P
If you like PSP, buy PSP, if you like DS, buy DS, but dont buy one and tell all of the owners of the other that theyre dumbasses
as for me, i own both, and i havent picked up my DS in a LONG time, maybe once i get to that GPS deal :)
Wasn't the PSP supposed to be a Portable Gaming Device? Why not focus on games?
I don't care about video chatting, but if they made that camera able to turn the PSP into a full fledged 2-3 MegaPixel camera, I would buy it in an instant. It already views photos. Why not take them too?
Wasn't the PSP supposed to be a Portable Gaming Device? Why not focus on games?
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uhhh sony stated that psp is more then a gaming machine, its a multi media device too, you should do your research man, look up interviews about the psp before it came out, the dude said it would be more then just a gaming machine do some research seriously