PSP Firmware 2.7 released in Japan

So Sony launched their v2.70 firmware in Japan, and like we heard back in March, this version brings Flash capabilities to the browser in addition to a new RSS Channel function allowing you to save audio content to the MemoryStick. As a bit of surprise, Sony also threw in support for the AAC audio format playback -- hey, they did co-create it. We'll just have to hold tight for a US-bound release which should drop within the next few days, or weeks, or you know, whenever Sony feels like it.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: US release is up, here we go! Thanks to everyone who sent this in.

[Neil @ Apr 25th 2006 6:09AM]

The RSS channel is not new. It was included in the previous version of the firmware, 2.6.

[sebastien @ Apr 25th 2006 6:10AM]

I just checked with my psp and there is an update available !
I'm installing it now hope i dont regret it later

[sebastien @ Apr 25th 2006 6:14AM]

OK so new stuff
- you can save rss content to memory stick ! now i can dl my podcast and lay them when aeay form wifi
- you can now view flash content
- Rss settings in settings menue
- fwd and rev added to umd movies
- acc playback enabled
Not much but saving rss feeds is really cool !

[dave @ Apr 25th 2006 6:19AM]

havent we had aac playback for a while now???

http://www.bontragerphotography.com/psp/

[Serge @ Apr 25th 2006 6:28AM]

I think it's available everywhere already... Both my girlfriends Japanese as my US model, are downloading the update.

[darthbane2k @ Apr 25th 2006 6:44AM]

You people REALLY need PDAs...


LOL

[Adam @ Apr 25th 2006 7:46AM]

I will never, EVER, update from 1.5

[Tom @ Apr 25th 2006 8:04AM]

Yeh AAC playback has been posible since 2.6. I have 2.6 and use it to stream AAC songs to the PSP from itunes.

[Max @ Apr 25th 2006 8:05AM]

yeah, the US update is already available over network update. They haven't released it on the site yet, but if you use your PSP and go to Network Update, it's there.

[Semi @ Apr 25th 2006 8:22AM]

firmwarephobics and firmwarephillics

strange world that is playstation.

[Korey @ Apr 25th 2006 8:29AM]

ok boys and possibly girls if you havent figued this out there wil be 2 more updates over the summer to make for 3.0s fall release im excited i dont do that whole homebrew thing so this is chill and will this allow downloaded flash games cuz i love drag raver v3
hit me back

[Adam @ Apr 25th 2006 9:21AM]

so were can you get this update then???????

[TheVexedSoul @ Apr 25th 2006 9:31AM]

AAC playback works on my v2.01 PSP.

[Ben @ Apr 25th 2006 9:44AM]

Flash works?

Has anyone tried Pandora on their PSP yet?

[Jordan Campbell @ Apr 25th 2006 9:46AM]

did they update the security? or is it still at the 2.6 state? someone should try to run fanjit's eloader on it.

also- does this mean flash games work?

[chuckster @ Apr 25th 2006 10:02AM]

Agree with no.7.
I don't have to buy any more games plus the bonus of
having option of playing homebrew/old console games.
1.5 Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[phi @ Apr 25th 2006 10:03AM]

Can you view videos from video.google or youtube with the flash? Not that it matters, I'm not upgrading from v1.5 either.

[neps @ Apr 25th 2006 10:42AM]

17 - google video needs flash 7, youtube didn't work either.

[Korey @ Apr 25th 2006 10:55AM]

1 hour ago i have now updated lemme jus tell you unless your game needs 2.7 to run dont upgrade this blows the only keynote for this is were one step closer to firmware 3.0 the flash player is outdated and it has nothing new for the most part

[MarixD @ Apr 25th 2006 11:12AM]

I like the update.
I have wanted flash for along time.
I can't wait untill my download is done.
39%

[Neil Holder @ Apr 25th 2006 11:30AM]

Now the 2.7 firmware is out you can download a Demo for some crappy game called LocoRoco. See here...

http://pspupdates.qj.net/LocoRoco-demo-downloadable-now/pg/49/aid/28713

I'm hoping they update the Flash player in future updates - it currently uses FlashPlayer 6 (with limited functionality).

This may be a ploy by Sony to see if people find a way to hack 2.7 using the FlashPlayer so that they can find out how to prevent the hack in the next updates.

[Ajay @ Apr 25th 2006 11:44AM]

Sony also threw in support for the AAC audio format playback -- hey, they did co-create it.


Was Sony behind AAC?

[LA Dave @ Apr 25th 2006 11:57AM]

This update includes the following changes:

You can now play Macromedia Flash content under [Internet Browser]
*Note that you must adjust a setting to enable this feature. A connection to the Internet is required to adjust the setting.

[Connection Settings] has been added under [Settings] in [Internet Browser]

You can now save content added under [RSS Channel] on a Memory Stick.

[Automatic] has been added as an option under [Rate] in [LocationFree Player]

[UMB Video L/R Button] has been added under [Video Settings] in [Settings]
You can now disable the channel skip feature of the L/R buttons. (This applies to UMD VIDEO.)

A new file extention has been added to playable AAC formats.

[Simplied Chinese] and [Traditional Chinese] have been added as options under [System Language] in [Settings]>[System Settings].

[RSS Channel Settings] has been added under [Settings]

[Brewer @ Apr 25th 2006 1:04PM]

Sony has it up on their site now

http://www.us.playstation.com/psp.aspx?id=SoftwareUpdate

[Richard @ Apr 25th 2006 1:15PM]

Like the previous posters, why would I ever upgrade from 1.5?

If I want to use the web, I'll turn on my laptop.
If I want to view flash, I'll turn on my laptop.

If I want to play homebrew *cough*, I'll turn on my PSP.

[Jimmy @ Apr 25th 2006 2:03PM]

Flash, Loco Roco oh my,

This is really making me want to upgrade...must say no to the temptation [inner voice: but I'm tired of having to hack my way in just to play the latest games, come on u cheap bastard, upgrade!], no! just think of the homebrew! [IV: What? sonic lua underpants, besides the loaders what?] no I mean ... uh ... SNES emulator yeah! [IV: that slow crap, please! Think of the working PS1 Emulator] Damn I upgraded, noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

sike! long live v1.5, I'll just have to buy that sweet white PSP then.

[dave @ Apr 25th 2006 2:14PM]

can you still run apps throught the GTA save game hack, as you can with 2.6?

[Paul @ Apr 25th 2006 2:25PM]

Funny that PSP owners are more excited about being able to play web flash games than new or existing PSP games.

[carterman @ Apr 25th 2006 3:10PM]

This is well worth it for the Loco Roco demo alone.

[manuel @ Apr 25th 2006 4:06PM]

i down loaded it from the japanese site and installed it on mine with no problems

[Ian @ Apr 25th 2006 4:13PM]

Actually the US update came out at the same time the JPN update did.

[chuck @ Apr 25th 2006 4:14PM]

No.27, I think the reason why psp owner is excited to play web flash game is that psp games are too expensive and get boring to quick. Since they lost there chance of the great things that the 1.5 can do for them by upgrading to 2.0+, there nothing for them to look forward to except these silly updates.

Thats why 1.5 is still the best firmware to have.

[Joe Handzik @ Apr 25th 2006 5:15PM]

Sony already launched this on their US site...get with the times...

[Tom @ Apr 26th 2006 12:16AM]

I have two PSPs, one with 1.5 and used for homebrew, the other with 2.6, which is for getting all the latest updates. So for all you folks arguing with eachother, those of who are so very proud of yourselves for standing by your descision even though you have to give up the benefits enjoyed by those who made the other choice, all I have to say is: BOOYAH!

[2003raptor @ Apr 26th 2006 12:50AM]

1.5 Firmware forever baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jamesology @ Apr 26th 2006 12:52AM]

- #28

Obviously, we're excited about this b/c its a new option. It's pretty much like how you DS fanboys got excited about paying $30 for a new accessory just to get internet. Do you DS fanboy remember? The cartridge that you need to carry and pay for to get free wifi internet.

[GadgetGuru @ Apr 26th 2006 1:05AM]

Just tried 2.7 and flash does work but it seems to be incredibley slooooooooow.

[Ins @ Apr 26th 2006 3:25AM]

The other major addition to the console in this update is in the languages section, with users now able to select both Simplified and Traditional Chinese as the console's native language.

[phipscube @ Apr 26th 2006 4:52AM]

Flashing to 2.7 will stop any homebrew working what so ever (even the 2.6 GTA exploit doesnt work). So if you want to play Homebrew.. wait.

Please make an official homebrew connection Sony. Not everyone out there who hacks the PSP want to play copied UMD games. There are some really decent homebrew efforts out there not getting credit they deserve. Why not make an XBLA style channel where we can all play officially endorsed homebrew games?

There could be an upload section to Sony to evaluate and take out the best pickings. Then these could be placed on an official homebrew channel in the XMB for a small fee. This would give SUPER small software outfits to get something out there. Even bedroom coders have a chance! And us users get to see some really innovative and fun games.

This would make alot of people happy.

And to all you gits saying us PSP owners are sat waiting for updates as there is nothing else to look forward to... get a LIFE! Its wearing THIN!

I play Games (Original UMD and homebrew)
I listen to MP3's
I watch movies (only off mem stick to be honest, UMD movies are really nice but pointless)
I surf the net
I listen to podcasts
I read ebooks
I would LOVE to try location free TV!

Basically I use my PSP alot, moreso than any other device I own (Gadget, console, computer etc).

The fact that Sony are making more and more features available through updates is amazing. I love it.

But PLEASE make homebrew official. Its an untapped and much wanted market...

[c @ Apr 26th 2006 8:26AM]

i have used the version 2.7 and the flash is horrible is does not very well and takes forever to load. Also when ever i try to play something it says i ont have enogh memory does that mean the PSP needs more RAM or do i need a bigger stick!?!?!?!

[darter9000 @ Apr 26th 2006 3:09PM]

I really don't think it's too much for DS folks to be excited about browsing capabilities from a $30 addition... considering that they prolly have more money left after buying a DS as opposed to the PSP... but that's me as a money poor college student talking...

Why won't Sony ever allow homebrew games? Because they are out and out paranoid... they already had dealings with US consumers and courts for their tactics... they're even worse than Microsoft... and unless you foresee Microsoft allowing homebrew games on their systems... Sony is even less likely. If anyone, they are pretty much the cutting edge of copyright protection methods and tactics.

[Chris @ Apr 28th 2006 11:45AM]

Well, the things that were promised happened... Shame though. They blocked the GTA exploit so no one can use homebrew anymore! Since people are still sticking to Firmware 2.6 I reckon that they'll be made to upgrade to 2.7 sometime or other by making games 2.7 only compatibility like they did with the 2.0 update...

[zboruri @ Apr 30th 2006 3:59PM]

good price you have there...Vallentino...

[Simon @ May 3rd 2006 3:01PM]

The psp has an internal RAM maximum of around 1.5mb for viewing content, including the flash content you can access on websites. When flash files are published on websites they are tested on computers with a much larger RAM, so the chances are that most of the time its too large for the memory to handle. There isn't really a way to increase the memory allocated to the content but it is believed that it may slightly improve if the cache size is lowered in the browser settings.
Also with flash files, a downloaded file into cache may be small, but when it is played it expands in memory as opposed to video. This is because as opposed to video frames, flash files use sprites (graphical symbols that are re-used in different positions and sizes on the screen) which as they are re-used significantly reduces file size. However when these are run in memory, each re-used sprite must stay in memory untill the end of the file. This is why flash files that can be viewed on the psp are small and sometimes of poor quality. But on the plus side hopefully more ppl will start to release flash clips that are optimized for use within the browser...although i can't for the life of me find any of them yet fingers crossed there'll be waves of them soon!!!

I must say though i am impressed with all the upcoming and present features that are being released for the psp. Fair enough if you want the later content you have to upgrade from lower versions to get it, thus sacrificing on homebrew apps but after all, you have to spend so much time getting it to work that you might as well just use your computer with a few emulators and enjoy the psp as a seperate entertainment unit. I mean why get fustrated over trying to get the gta loader to work on firmware 2.6, just use the great features the device already gives you and enjoy yourself. You dont live forever so appreciate the things you have while you have them, a lot of people cant afford these luxuries.

Anyways back to streaming my laptop music to my psp. This feature is great i can listen to my entire collection anywhere in the flat!!
http://www.psp411.com/show/guide/44/0/Streaming_Music_From_Your_PC_To_Your_PSP.html

:)

[James Stone @ May 11th 2006 6:02PM]

Visit My PSP Pub games :)

Made for use with the Flash plug-in on 2.7

[James Stone @ May 11th 2006 6:03PM]

Here is the link...
http://my-sonypsp.blogspot.com/

[bob @ May 14th 2006 8:35PM]

you can get it at the playststion website although i wouidnt up grade it you can so much with out 2.7

[Chewy @ May 19th 2006 6:55AM]

where do i put the firmware file to upgrade my PSP(2.6ver)

[Sk8killer @ Jun 9th 2006 5:51AM]

Psp version 2.7 is awsome i can take my favorite flash games/videos from my favorite flash websites and put them on my psp i have like thirty flash games already...take a look at this site i put up all the flash games up for downloading my user name for that site is Sk8killer...alsoo maybe consider becoming a member of that site...its dedicated to giving you free psp flash game ( i put a couple videos up too like stick stair jump) PLLLLLEEEEEZZZZZEEEEEE visit that site it gonna be the new site for PSP with 2.7+ firmware

[happy 1.5user^^ @ Jul 4th 2006 2:31AM]

hi i will never upgrade my 1.5er psp...it cost me much time,but yesterday,i downgraded my 2.6er psp and i will NOT upgrade,not even for 100USD!!!!!!!