PSP getting maps of Japan

by Marc Perton, posted Feb 1st 2006 at 11:30AM

No, it isn't GPS on your PSP (if you want that, you'll have to roll your own). But if you live in Japan and want to use your PSP as a navigational aid, Sony is making it a little easier with a UMD-based mapping program that the company plans to release in April. The software is similar to most PC-based mapping programs, and allows users to store annotations on Memory Sticks and share info via WiFi. No word on whether Sony plans US or European versions, but that's fine with us; until it has GPS, we're not interested.

[Via I4U]

Filed under: Gaming

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

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mike @ Feb 1st 2006 11:50AM

In other news.. good luck finding a DS in Japan.. sold out.. again...

*rolls eyes

Neutral

Glancing Aft @ Feb 1st 2006 11:51AM

Is the GPS ever coming out for it? If so I'd probably pick up a PSP...

Neutral

Erik @ Feb 1st 2006 11:53AM

Not only does it need GPS but it needs turn by turn directions (audio + visual)...not like MS Streets and Trips for the PPC...where you can only do a route on your PC, how dumb.

Neutral

ax7 @ Feb 1st 2006 5:04PM

How dumb? How about learn how to read a map and follow directions, dummy

Neutral

Jamesology @ Feb 2nd 2006 1:14AM

LOL... DS sold out again.... what is the point of the having knowledge that DS has sold out? Seriously, why not actually spend all this time to play with your DS instead of showing your jealousy towards the PSP! I highly doubt you're from Japan or any other asian ethnic for that matter. It's always Japan, this and that.

Neutral

Rob @ Feb 2nd 2006 4:07PM

But why not just use the browser and google the directions?

If you're really lost you can probably find an open node.

If you're frequently lost and finding a node repeatedly gets inconvenient then you'd probably own a GPS nav by now.

Neutral

Max Hodges @ Feb 8th 2006 1:35AM

This would be good for someone in sales or a delivery driver who was on the road a lot, but those people typically have navi in their cars. GPS navi in cars here in Tokyo is nearly as common a feature as power windows.

>>6. But why not just use the browser and google the directions?

>>The PSP browser is slow and hotspots aren't nearly as common in Tokyo as in say NY or SanFran--and yes, I live in Tokyo.

>>If you're frequently lost and finding a node repeatedly gets inconvenient then you'd probably own a GPS nav by now.

The number of koban (police boxes) in Tokyo rival the number of hotspots. The police boxes are there for the explicit purpose of providing directions. I've been here 3+ years and never bought a map. Businesses in Tokyo commonly have a map on their web site.

I guess this might be useful for someone, provided that already lug there PSP with them everywhere they go. But you could probably get directions are the police box just as fast as you could boot the UMD and get your location entered.

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