PSP firmware 2.5 is out

Hot on the heels of the firmware 2.01 "upgrade" comes PSP firmware version 2.5. This is likely another Sony attempt at setting up a more stable firewall between hackers and their precious console, although one notable new feature in this upgrade is support for LocationFree TV playback. Peep the read link for the full rundown of the dealio on this upgrade, but be wary, homebrew lovers.

[Thanks, FlawlessLegacy and Dan]

[YoMaMa @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

go Sony...its ur birthday!!

[rammy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

not a big step up from 2.0

[zachary @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Why does my PSP have to be fully charged AND plugged in the wall to update? Wouldn't one or the other be sufficient?

[Darren Tilley @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

I disagree that this isn't an important release. The LocationFreeTV player could be a killer app, but only if they reduce the price of the base stations a little. With this player you can stream your home TV/DVDs across the internet and watch it anywhere you can get a broadband connection. It even lets you control your Set Top Box from the PSP. If you have a DVR, you will have timeshifted TV access on your PSP. If they can somehow reduce the base station down towards the $150 - $200 mark, then I think they might sell the concept to many more people.

[Badison @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Am i allowed to post relevant links? http://products.sel.sony.com/locationfreetv/owners/psp.html

[Daniel Spisak @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

They should really just start calling these updates "Brick Update Version X.X" since its really meant to brick the homebrew modding aspects of the device.

[Erik Cohen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

I have a LF base-station...if this truley gives the PSP LF capabilities, this update is HUGE. The $350 LF base-station is a good price, IMO...and works real well.

[Darren Tilley @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Erik Cohen: (#7)

I'd love to see some pictures of the PSP LocationFree TV player in action. I'm holding out on getting a Base Unit until I know for sure if the PS3 will feature one. I know it's a long shot, but it wouldn't be that far fetched.

[paralipsis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

I think I'll stick with my ability to run emulated versions of my legally purchased games. Thanks but no thanks Sony.

[Liam McNulty @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Plenty of pics here:

http://www.psp-vault.com/Article341.psp

[Erik Cohen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

For pics go to www.siliconpopculture.com/forums

There is a post on the update...I'll put up some pics in a bit.

Erik

[Will @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

How can Sony support all this media streaming, sharing, hippie business, and then go and make/back Bluray which is (AFAIK, IANAL) the arch nemisis of freedom of media. Crazy!

[Ghazi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

This is a kick ass feature if they it compat with other devices like the sling media slingbox OR reduce the price of the player pack to a reasonable $100 or something. However, i am hoping for an even betten thing:

PS3 will act like the base station for the psp!!!!! so you wont need a to buy the player pack, just buy the ps3. hmm now only if i could figure out how the ps3 will get video inputs :s

[Nick Cornaglia @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Okay what do we need, Standardization of Location-Free Services now?!

I have a SlingBox. Why can't I use this with my PSP!?!

Damn you sony and your proprietary services!

[Ed @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Wow, dat's good.

Got the speed, now I gotta put it in use....

My speed
Download Speed: 9116 kbps (1139.5 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 924 kbps (115.5 KB/sec transfer rate)

[strider_mt2k @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Wow that is so cool.
What a versatile device.

Games?

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

check ds-X2.com for an idea why Mario Kart is going to kick ass ...

Oh man.. those Online (global) features are friggin awesome.. it remembers your most recent opponents so you can play them wow..

[n8 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

I like the idea, but ultimately I don't think it's a big winner. It requires users to buy yet another piece of proprietary equipment. Not to mention the bandwidth issues - my cable modem barely does 300kbps on a good day. I'd be really bummed if I bought some fancy piece of equipment only to find that it didn't work on my so-called-high-speed internet.

[Bryce @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

I am only asking 1 thing, and I know I'm going to get pie in the face for this. If you are not going to comment on the update or if you run homebrew, then DON'T COMMENT! (for you #9)

I really think this actually has potential. I Sony drops the price of the Location Free player to $250, I'm in.

[Arizona Glover @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

WOW. If someone can hack this firmware maybe the next one will wash my car for me.

:)

[YoMaMa @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

I use the Locationfree device at work (the one on display) and it is really good....DVD picture quality and all. You can attach a DVR, DVD player,etc..

At (#15) the slingbox is not a Sony device....why in the world would they go randomly use a device that is not there and support it. Sony is a Business Corporation, not charity.

I think this is a good thing Sony is doing. If they didnt come out with anything for the PSP, people would act crazy and say "i spend 250 for a device that play game and as no extra features"

[Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

am I the only one who has issues with the upgrade? I have 2 PSPs at home: 1 still has the 1.00 firmware while I just upgraded the other 1 to 2.50

For some reason, after the upgrade, whenever I try to open "Music", the PSP will just hang, and no matter what keys you press (even the power button), it won't do anything. After about a minute the PSP will reboot by itself... At first I thought there is something wrong with the memory stick, but I tried the same memory stick with my 1.00 PSP and the songs can play without any problems.

Am I the only one who has this problem with the 2.50 upgrade? Hope someone out there can fix this problem for me...

[boynamedsue @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

20# heaven forbid we discuss a subject relevant to the update.

asshat.

[Peter Rojas @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Just a quick note:

Engadget links to the most direct source possible. In this case we are linking directly to the update.

[Filiberto Mongolito @ Dec 19th 2005 1:26AM]

Seriously though, where's the PSP port of VLC? So far PSPRadio solves half the A/V equation.