Justin Eaton

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Stories By Justin Eaton

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 48

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. I have the PSP-1000 and was looking at getting a new battery, and was wondering if the new batteries that Sony sells will work or do they only work for the PSP Slim and the Bright. If not, what are some other options for batteries?A. Hmm, you're in a rough position. The newer batteries are much easier to find in stores, but you're not going to benefit from the extra battery life. I would search for an original PSP-110 battery, if possible, otherwise any Sony battery will do the job. One of those extended battery kits would be nice, but those may prove difficult to track down too.Q. Do you ever think Sony will make a friends list on the XMB, that would be like the PS3, where you could chat, message, send invites, and more to your friends? Because to me that would bring up the PSP's online status, and they could even add trophies. What do think?A. Sounds like a great software update, maybe you should write a letter to Sony. It depends on which direction Sony takes the PSP, but something like this could certainly be integrated into the XMB, featuring PSN content. Heck, there's already an icon for the PlayStation Network on your PSP. Hopefully, it won't be long before new features are added.Q. Do you believe that better games with come out in 2009? Or will the "make games for the sake of making games" era continue?A. Next year is an excellent opportunity for the PSP to rebound, and it certainly can, as long as Sony backs it up with the support it needs. If Sony can advance the PSP as a portable gaming system, the developers will invest their time into creating better software. Only time will tell...

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 47

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. I've noticed that playing when PS1 games (on disc) over Remote Play, the game isn't displayed full screen. Are there any settings on the PS3 or PSP to solve this issue? A. If you go into Settings, Game Settings, PS / PS2 Upscaler, you can change your settings to full screen. However, PSone games do not support full screen, and doing so will distort the image to fill the screen.Q. What would you want in a PSP2, except an analog stick? A. Hmm. I'd say some serious internal flash memory (minimum 8GB), built-in GPS/camera, and perhaps some touch screen functionality. Some rumble support would be nice, if it didn't sacrifice battery life. The rest would be software; I'm looking at a better web browser (e.g. YouTube support), more PSN support, and some sort of 3rd party marketplace would be nice too (think Apple's App Store), for the homebrew community that Koller has repeatedly praised. And some ugraded graphics support. Oh, and two analog sticks.Q. Are they ever going to release a GPS plug in device for the PSP? I've been thinking about getting a GPS forever and it would be really convenient if I could use my PSP as my GPS device. A. Will they ever? Yes. Is it going to happen in the next couple days? Probably not. Just be patient, Sony will get it out eventually.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 46

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. Do you think that in a later firmware update that we will be able to play actual full length PS3 games on the PSP in Remote Play? Do you think that the PSP could display the game, the PS3 could process the game, and even use the DualShock 3 or SIXAXIS as the controller? Since they're trying to do something like this with Resistance Retribution, I thought that maybe they could do the same with a PS3 game. A. Sony can certainly expand Remote Play functionality through firmware updates, but it may have more to do with the PSP's currently capabilities, or rather limitations. Working with a limited 802.11b Wi-Fi connectivity, it may prove difficult for Sony to allow for full length PS3 titles, DualShock compatability, and a smooth game play experience. Still, the current Remote Play titles work very well, and Sony could certainly prove me wrong.Q. I want to know why the PSP-3000 cannot be hacked. I know already that there is something with the new CPU.Please explain more detailed. A. The PSP-3000 ships with a "TA-090" motherboard, which features improved security, and is therefore harder to crack. Those in the homebrew community believe there may be additional hardware patching for even more protection against hacking, but needless to say, none of that matters anymore.Q. Have you heard of any plans for a North American release the Europe/Japan released title called "Pilot Academy"? I have heard rumors that it might be released but nothing concrete. A. Unfortunately, there's been almost nothing in the way of release news for Pilot Academy. IGN and GameSpot both have their review dates listed as "TBA 2009," so the future is still a possibility. Without being too pessimistic, I think it's safe to say Pilot Academy doesn't have a huge priority in the not-so-full list of North America PSP releases.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 45

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. Will Sony fix the problem in PSP-3000 screen with a new revision of hardware?A. It's likely that some form of hardware revision will be required to fix the interlacing issues, as we discovered the scan lines are 100% related to the PSP-3000 screens. Sony hasn't addressed the issue yet. Q. Will the PSP ever support WPA2 wireless encryption? A. Currently, there is no hardware restriction in the PlayStation Portable that would prohibit the use of WPA2. Sony simply needs to add support in a future firmware upgrade.Q. Is Mega Man 9 in the PSP Store? A. Sadly, no. Mega Man 9 was released for the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 44

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. I see that Puzzle Quest has been put on the Playstation Store. The original UMD release had an issue where none of your traveling companions gave you any benefit. Have you heard if the bug has been fixed in this version, or is it a straight port from the UMD?A. No additional details have been released with the addition of Puzzle Quest to the PlayStation Store; This is a direct port of hte UMD game.Q. How do you take a screenshot with the PSP? I thought I read that feature was included in the 5.0 firmware update.A. This is available in only select PSP games. Games like Wipeout Pulse will allow you to take screenshots in a special "screenshot mode."Q. If you buy a PS1 game on the PS store (Ex.Crash Bandicoot: Warped), would you need a PS3 to put it on your PSP? A. While you can certainly use a PS3 to transfer content to your handheld, you can now download PlayStation Store content directly from your PSP (firmware 5.00+), or even the PC PlayStation Store.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 43

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. The PSP-3000 comes out in October - When do you think Sony will release some information about the PSP 2?A. We've got a while before we start hearing official information about a revamped PSP. Sony should remain focused on the PSP-3000 through much of 2009.Q. Will the PlayStation Portable ever rumble?A. Adding rumble to the Playstation Portable would require another hardware refresh, unless third party manufacturers were able to develop an add-on device. With the amount of time it took Sony to bring rumble to the SIXAXIS controllers, I'd say we've got a while before rumble makes it's way to the PSP.Q. Can you explain why MP4 videos play on the PSP, and why MKVs, DivX, Xvid or AVI are not supported besides not having the codec? Is there a hardware dependency that the PSP would require so the video does not play slow, lag or have a stuttering effect?A. The hardware isn't limited, Sony simply hasn't added support for the various codecs. It may be the system's limited memory (can it fit all the codecs on the 32MB relegated to firmware use?). Or, it may be licensing issues: Sony had to pay for DivX on PS3 -- will they want to do the same on PSP? The PSP is a powerful handheld. If these codecs are used, there's no reason you'd see lag or stuttering.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 42

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. I heard that Mega Man 9 isn't playable on the PSP. Why would it not be?A. Mega Man 9 was developed for PS3, Wii, and XBLA. I'm not sure that there are technical limitations in the game, I believe it's just a matter of which platforms they felt would benefit most. I would love to see Mega Man on the PSP, but that's up to the developers. Considering PSP's ability to play downloadable games, this seems like a no-brainer.Q. Do you think SCEI will release a "PSP-4000" model? If so, what do hope they will change?A. With the PSP-3000 just around the corner, I'd like to think we have some time before another model. With that said, I would like to see some internal flash memory.Q. With the PSP 3000 launching next month, do you think many retail outlets will clearance out their stocks of the PSP 2000s?A. We might see a few sales here and there, but they'll likely be online, or on an individual basis. Sony hasn't announced any plans to discount them before the PSP-3000 launch.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 41

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. Can the PSP-2000 be upgraded through firmware to display games over composite just like PSP-3000, or is that not possible?A. The PSP-2000 only supports gaming through progressive scan, which requires component or D-terminal cables. The PSP-3000 model does support 480i, but this functionality is limited to the model, not the software.Q. Can I ask whether or not you think that the PSP will finally support WPA2 encryption protocol in any near Firmware updated? It just annoys me how I cant connect to the WiFi at work due to the protocol not being supported! Although I do work in IT and could downgrade the security on the AP, but thats not really a good solution.A. Several friends of mine have asked that same question, wondering why Sony hasn't included WPA2 support. I'm unaware of any hardware restriction; I just don't think it's one of Sony's priorities right now.Q. I was wondering if there is any way to listen to music on your PSP while playing games?A. Aside from a few select titles (GTA: LCS, NBA Live 07), playing music during gameplay is not currently possible. In fact, Sony has just recently added this functionality to the PS3, so it may be more of a hardware restriction.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 40

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. Hi, I was wondering if it is possible to buy the white PSP-3000 from Japan and have it still work in English. The reason I am asking is because in North America there will only be 2 colors: black and silver, and when I get the new PSP-3000 I want mine to stand out and be one of the only people with a totally different color PSP than anyone else.A. While Sony does suggest installing the corresponding firmware with the same region the unit was purchased in, any firmware update can be installed on an imported PSP. Region locking shouldn't be an issue, when it comes to gaming, although some features are locked to certain regions (i.g. Skype, Go!Messenger, etc.).Q. I heard a keyboard would be coming to the PSP sometime next year. Any chance a firmware update would bring some form of a chatroom feature? A. It's definitely a possibility, but we won't hear anything about that until we get closer to the keyboard release.Q. I'd like to ask if you need a "MagicGate" Memory Stick to be able to use it on the PSP? I ask this because Memory Sticks are pretty expensive for bigger sizes and I found a Memory Stick adapter for microSD cards (which are cheaper than MSPD cards) and I would like to know if they would work on my PSP. They don't have the MagicGate logo on them, so that's why I would like to know. Also, do you think it will decrease the read/write speed of the PSP? A. A MagicGate Memory Stick is not required (though recommended) for the PSP, but adapters will vary. Do some research on the brand you're considering, and see if anyone has had trouble/success with the product. One note: downloads from the PS Store will not work on a Memory Stick without MagicGate protection.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 39

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. I found a comparison photo on GameSpot and I'm wondering if you know what the background image on both screens is from? Is it from a PSP game? It looks a bit like Little Big Planet to me... A. You're correct! The background image is indeed from LittleBigPlanet, which is coming to the Playstation 3 in October.Q. Will the new Logitech PlayGear Pocket Slim work with the 3000 Series?A. While the Logitech PlayGear Pocket Slim doesn't officially support the soon-to-be-released PSP-3000, based on it's physical size, we're assuming it will fit just the same.Q. Does the PSP have a wireless internet connection?A. Of course! The PSP has Wi-Fi (802.11b) connectivity, which allows you to surf the internet, play online, or even download content to your PSP's memory stick.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 38

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q. I work for a well-known store and everybody wants to know, what is the new PSP like? Does it play the same games? Does it have it's own memory card or a built-in one?A. The PSP Brite (PSP-3000) will be very similar in physical appearance and size, with some notable differences including a brighter, glare-resistant LCD screen, and a built-in microphone. It will still play your UMD games, and depending on the pack you purchase, may come with a 1GB or 4GB memory stick.Q. Will the PSP-3000 have support for Dualshock 3 controllers? A. Sony has not released any information regarding Dualshock compatibility with the PSP-3000, however we did discover this patent a while back, so it's certainly a [future] possibility.Q. Hey, I have a PSP-2000 and I don't have a HDTV. I was wondering if I could buy a Component AV cable and have it work for a normal TV until I get an HD one? I know it can't show games but does it still have the right plug-ins for a normal TV? A. As long as your TV supports the proper inputs (in this case, component), you shouldn't have trouble with video output. Chances are, if you don't have a HDTV, you don't have component inputs.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 37

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q: Do you know if, when connected to a standard definition TV (like an old Trinitron, to keep it in the family), will games still show up within a black letterbox frame? You know, on all four sides, not just top and bottom. I think standard def TV is 640x480, so that would mean the PSP's 480x272 resolution wouldn't fill it up, but a guy can dream can't he? A: Unfortunately, you will see those letterbox bars when playing through a TV that does not support the local resolution. There are some video settings you can play around with on your PSP, but generally the black bars will be present. Sorry!Q: Is there a way to download items from the PLAYSTATION Store over again? A: Once you've logged into the PC PLAYSTATION Store, you should see a link in the top-right corner that will allow you to "View downloads." From there you'll have access to any content you've already downloaded, and can therefore re-download anything lost.Q: How can I quickly turn off the PSPs screen, without shutting the whole thing off? A: While you can simply flick the power button up to put your unit to sleep, I believe you're looking to keep the handheld running, which can best be done by holding down the video button. It's the same button you'd use to adjust your brightness, near the "start" and "select" buttons. Additionally, holding down the music button will mute your PSP.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 36

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q: Have you heard anything about No Gravity lately? I heard August for Europe. Any news for a U.S. release? On his website its clear that he plans a release date for the United states eventually. A: Yes, according to the developer's site, the release is planned for "Summer 2008," which translates to an August release, pending some sort of delay. There's currently no date set for the United States.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 35

    It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." Q: I'm thinking about getting a PS3 and I heard that you can put a PS1 disc in the PS3, then use Remote Play to play the PS1 game on your PSP. Is this true? A: It sure is! Once you've paired your PSP and PS3, any PSone disc inserted into the PS3 can be played remotely on the handheld. This functionality was introduced with firmware 2.10 (PS3) and firmware 3.80 (PSP).Q: Any updates on the keyboard? I think this will be an awesome addition as long as the add is clean and acts as a screen cover when closed.A: We haven't heard much since the announcement back at CES, but we're confident Sony will release the peripheral sometime next year. As far as the design? Your guess is as good as mine.

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    PlayStation
    PlayStation By Justin Eaton

    Ask PSP Fanboy returns

    It took some time off, but fear not, Ask PSP Fanboy is here to stay. Got a question about Remote Play functionality? Looking to setup Skype so you can chat with your friends over Wi-Fi? Or perhaps you're split between two titles as your next gaming purchase? Look no further, as Ask PSP Fanboy aims to be your one-stop source for Playstation Portable answers.Throughout each week we'll be collecting your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." The first batch of responses will be posted next weekend. We look forward to reading your questions!

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