Psp2
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PSP2 concept is far cooler than the reality will ever be
Look at that floppy screen. We want it. This PSP2 concept is certainly very pretty, but don't get too excited. We'd be very surprised if this ever exists. We're not sure where the concept images come from, but we found them over at the technology site DVICE. Check out the fold-away screen and the (dual analogue, naturally) controls on the cylindrical body. We're not sure how practical it would be, but it certainly looks great. There are more images to see over at DVICE. PSP2 may or may not be in development but we'd put money on this not being the final design. The price alone would be incredibly prohibitive (though judging from the PS3, that wouldn't worry Sony). Still, we'd be willing to pay a considerable amount if it really could play Resident Evil 5, as the images suggest.
Joystiq answers questions about Sony's slimmer PSP
Those patiently awaiting the slimmer PSP, codenamed PSP-2000, will probably enjoy (or be exceedingly envious) of Joystiq's hands-on with the forthcoming device, but regardless of what emotions it evokes, we're givin' it to ya straight. Hordes of readers submitted questions about the impending PSP, and nothing provides the answers like a good bit of time handling the actual unit in question. So go on, tag the read link to catch an early glimpse of the PSP Lite, and who knows, maybe one or two of your own burning questions will be addressed, too.
New PSP coming in September
Sony took the wraps off of the device we all knew in our hearts was coming: A redesigned PSP. Though it was expected, it's probably a surprise to most how little has changed. The new model keeps the 4.3" LCD screen, and still has UMD. It is, however, 33% lighter and 19% slimmer. Also, the battery is more efficient and games load faster. It can also output a high quality video signal directly to TVs.The system will also come in two new colors which are also part of two new packs. First is the Ice Silver, part of the $199.99 Entertainment Pack that comes with a 1GB Memory Stick, Daxter, and the Family Guy Frickin' Sweet Collection on UMD. Also is a new, white Star Wars-themed PSP that will retail in October for $199.99 packed with Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron. These release plans are for North America, announcements for Japan and Europe are forthcoming.
Sony's new PSP is slimmer, includes video output
It's not quite the PSP 2 some might've hoped for, but Sony is giving its handheld console a serious refresh in the form of a slimmer, lighter and faster "updated" PSP. The new unit still includes the 4.3-inch LCD and UMD, but is 33 percent lighter, 19 percent slimmer, has sped up game load times and improved battery life. The only real "new" features is a video output capability to allow you to play your PSP games on a big screen TV. You can score one in September in the original Piano Black, a new Ice Silver color, and a Star Wars Battlefront special edition. The latter two PSPs come in $199 bundles with related games and a 1GB Memory Stick in the case of Ice Silver. More pics after the break.Update: Also worth noting is the fact that this new model "is equipped with enhanced feature to temporarily store game data from UMD, reducing load time during game play." No complaints about that!
PSP clockspeed upped to 333MHz after 3.50 firmware update
Sony has admitted that it sneakily upgraded the PSP's clockspeed to 333MHz (from 266MHz) in the version 3.50 firmware update that was released last month. This admission is confusing for a couple of reasons: for starters, Sony originally underclocked the PSP in order to increase the stated battery life of the console. Does that mean they'll be forced to decrease the stated battery life, so as to avoid false advertisement? It's also rather odd that developers are only now being granted access to the extra MHz oomph, prompting mutterings of a new PSP model which -- as one Joystiq commentator points out -- could take as long to appear as games that take full advantage of the 333MHz clockspeed. Or, maybe this upgrade simply enabled the PSP to cope with all that "remote play" malarkey that 3.50 enabled. That would be the logical assumption.[Via Joystiq]
Rumor: PSP redesign details "revealed"
Sony PSP redesign rumors are as old as ... well, probably the PSP itself. With Nintendo's redesigned DS Lite continuing to sell like DS Lites, a redesigned PSP just seemed like, well, an inevitability. Take a look at rumors past and you'll see a frothy and intoxicating mix of analyst speculation, fanboy quarterbacking, and inside sources, all met with Sony's swift (and deadly) denial: "We don't comment on rumors or speculation."So it goes with this latest occurence of PSP redesign rumors. Rival blogging faction, Kotaku, reports that mysterious (and no doubt disguised) inside sources have donned their trusty trenchcoats and fake mustaches to reveal that the redesigned PSP will, as expected, not be a new system, rather a redesign of the current hardware. That means slimmer gear, longer battery time, internal storage (8GB of flash ... where's the 60GB hard drive?), a faster UMD drive, redesigned buttons/D-pad, and a summer release date that will be revealed in a few short weeks at E3. We contacted Sony's Dave Karraker who, not surprisingly, told us, "We don't comment on rumors or speculation." Right you are. We'll add this one with the others then.
Why is the PSP not putting up a video fight?
Ugh, it's so irritating when analysts actually have a point. Take this Forrester Research analyst James McQuivey for example. He started seeing everybody downoading video to watch on their iPod (about 50 million TV shows have been sold through iTunes) and started wondering "Hey, doesn't Sony want a piece of this pie?" That was when Sony stopped making out with UMD (always just one "P" from "dump") long enough to insist that he was "cool," but "thanks anyway." Oh, and Betamax was left quietly weeping in her room, sniffling along with "Total Eclipse of the Heart."We've heard rumors of a PSP video download service before and nothing has come of them, but it seems like the pressure on Sony is continuing to grow. One anonymous studio exec is even quoted as saying that Hollywood is pulling for the PSP, in its own heartless way. "We keep hoping they pull themselves together," she says. "... With the PSP video, we're hoping they create a forward-thinking strategy and stick to it." So, Hollywood wants it, James McQuivey (who managed to be right without time travel, Billy) wants it, but do you want it? Perhaps a better question is, can Sony reposition PSP at this point in its life cycle? Or will the iPod's real fight have to come from PSP2?[via PSP Fanboy]
The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for the Most Anticipated Gadget of 2007
We're down to the last three, everybody -- the biggies. And sure, it may be 2007 now, but it's still entirely possible for you to cast your ballot for the Most Anticipated Gadget of 2007! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Wednesday, April 18th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Apple iPhone, Apple iPod (6g), Nokia N95, Optimus Maxiumus keyboard, PSP 2, SED HDTVs, and Vista / CableCARD PCs. %Poll-353%
PSP2 probably is or isn't coming -- maybe
Almost since its inception the PSP has been subject of relentless redesign rumors -- and why not? By most portable gaming device standards it's positively ginormous. Blame it on the UMD, that beautifully massive 4.3-inch screen, or its lack of internal memory, but a thinner, trimmed down PSP is just what the doctor ordered. And while Sony has repeatedly (and expectedly) denied the prospect of an overhaul, SCE UK managing director Ray Maguire recently stated that a "smaller, lighter" PSP was in the wings; of course, that was immediately rebuked by an SCE UK statement that "There are no immediate changes planned for PSP." Look, the PSP isn't going to be like this forever -- either they introduce a new model, or they redesign the current one, but pretending like neither is happening is just silly. We're on to your little game, Sony!
PSP2 definitely coming?
Kotaku seems to think so. In a news post today they stated that various third party highly placed sources definitively confirm that the PSP2 is on the way (though it won't look like this). Apparently, third party publishers want to have games ready for the PSP2's launch, but Sony hasn't yet given them the kind of info they need to start creating games. This isn't a strange practice as with any system, the first party companies get the dev kits and system specs first, but hopefully they don't wait too long to send out that info. The rumor is that clear info on the PSP2 will hit at this year's E3 with a possibility of the system launching as early as the end of this year. The system is said to have a beautiful screen (no change there), faster load times, better buttons, 8 gig internal flash, UMD support, and the possibility of a touch-screen and built-in camera. Kotaku didn't list their source specifically (why would they, no one wants to lose a job), but they were right about Sony's Home, so there's always a possibility this rumor will hold true as well. I personally think it's too early for a PSP2, but if it supports my old games I'd definitely upgrade.
Uh, not another bad PSP2 mock-up
When making a mock-up of a fake product, you should at least try to make it look better than its predecessor. This dual-screened PSP looks worse than either the DS Lite or PSP. It reeks of further unprofessionalism when you look closely at the logo: PS2P. Good job! (/end sarcasm)Sony has denied the existence of a redesigned PSP, most recently at GDC. However, that won't stop some people from trying to hoax others into thinking its true.[Via digg]
Not even a rumor: really bad PSP2 fake
Come one, come all ... let's look at the freakshow that is this PSP2 fake. If this were real, then we'd have to assume that Sony's fired all of their graphics designers because this is one of the worst Photoshop jobs I've seen. Heck, our own fan-created 'shop jobs were infinitely better than this. This horrifyingly uncomfortable-looking device is nicknamed the "Cobalt" and comes with these supposed specs:• All Metal & Ruggedized Rubber Build • 200% Brighter Screen • Dual Analog Controllers • Visual Battery Display • 8GB Flash Drive • Wifi (a,b,g) • Bluetooth V.2 (A2DP, AVRCP) • Firmware 4.07Whoever made this design has either: a) never used a PSP (firmware 4.07???) or b) plays his PSP upside-down. I'd make fun of it more ... but I'll leave that up to you guys.[Thanks, dondy! Via 1percent]
PSP2 "Cobalt" to feature dual analog, UMD, 8GB of flash? Don't count on it.
We're pretty sure PSP2 rumors won't die out until the last PSP fanboy utters his final gasp, "UMD rulez!" on his death bead, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun poking fun at them in the in-between time. From the outset, we're kind of liking the look here, and there seems to be plenty of room for that dual analog setup everyone's been clamoring for. Plus the metal and ruggedized rubber build seems likable enough. Unfortunately, the inclusion of UMD, Memory Stick and 8GB of flash seems pretty far fetched -- either Sony loses the UMD and goes for all-downloadable games, or it sticks with its tried and true method of milking consumers on Memory Stick purchases, it's hard to imagine an all-in approach. Other dubious specs include a "200% Brighter Screen," and the more likely a/b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0 and visual battery display. We're not banking on this one, and Sony's been pretty down on the topic in general, but hopefully these guys do actually pull something out before too terribly long.[Thanks, Dondy]
Speculation: Nvidia looking for eDRAM engineers; PSP2 on the horizon?
Sony and Nvidia have been friends for quite some time. While AMD provides the graphics technology behind the Xbox 360 and the Wii, the PLAYSTATION 3 is powered by Nvidia. Considering their partnership, Sony fanboys pay close attention to new moves that Nvidia makes. It appears that a recent job listing calls for a senior eDRAM design engineer, which is used extensively in video game consoles (including the PSP). The chances of a new eDRAM product to be used in a PC is slim, increasing the likelihood that a new video game product from Nvidia is nigh.Considering Nvidia's exclusive relationship with Sony, any new video game product coming from the studio will most likely be an extension of the PlayStation brand. Considering how the PLAYSTATION 3 just came out, it seems unlikely that they're actively designing the PS4. Is a redesigned PSP, or a successor to the PSP, in the works? ps3gamer14 from the 1UP boards makes a good argument for it, but until we get more concrete evidence, this is simply speculation, at best.
What if the next PSP doesn't support UMD?
Lately there have been rumblings that Sony will release another version of the PSP. Some say it may include a hard drive, an i-Tunes like downloadable games solution or even two analog sticks. These all sound like great additions to Sony's console if they're included, but if they do go all download with their next gen PSP what happens to UMD? I would personally prefer a downloadable solution as opposed to UMD (assuming the PSP gets a hard drive). Being able to download new PSP games from a PS3, computer or in store kiosk would not just add convenience, but would also reduce load times on the system. This would be important since one of the main gripes about the PSP is in fact the load times. Also, a gamer wouldn't have to swap a physical disc should they choose during their train ride to play a different game. The only issue with no UMD on the next PSP would only occur if there wasn't any kind of UMD slot on the system. For even if the PSP2 didn't manufacture new games on a UMD, Sony has a heritage in gaming when it comes to backwards compatibility. This would be even worse if Nintendo's next system played both DS and Gameboy games. It would have the potential to alienate the millions of current PSP owners and that's something Sony can not afford to have happen. Of course what should occur and what will occur can be very different things. Do you want the PSP2 to just use UMD again or would you like it to try either a cartridge or downloadable solution? Would you buy the next PSP if it didn't have a UMD slot at all?
Rumorang: PSP2 rocking 60GB hard drive
Thanks to the always reliable services of machine translation and Powerpoint slides, we're free to speculate on the possible inclusion of Samsung's new -- and, at 1.8", diminutive -- 60GB hard drive making its way into the PSP. Of course, we heard rumors of a 50GB PSP2 nearly two years ago, with rumors of mini PSPs, flash-based PSPs, touch-screen PSPs and, according to PlayStation Magazine, a Samsung flash-based PSP2 since then. Did Samsung let something slip in their slideshow? Perhaps that flash deal led to the creation of this new drive, engineered specifically for this application? There's an awful lot of smoke around this one ...[Via PSP Fanboy]
Sony not so hot for PSP redesign rumors
Just like plenty of other shady and shadier PSP 2 rumors, the PSP redesign story has been firmly shot down. For starters, Sony has come forward with the always popular cookie-cutter denial: "We currently have no plans to release another version of the PSP." Sounds similar to Nintendo's denial of a DS Lite, days before an official announcement, but we've got a sneaky suspicion Sony is serious about this one, especially with those GPS and EyeToy add-ons just around the corner. Apparently even the original PlayStation Magazine rumor was a bit shady, relying more on a fanboy wishlist than actual info, and the flash memory units were merely reported to have been obtained by Sony, nothing specific about them landing in a PSP. So, we're chalking this one up as a resounding defeat for the rumor-mill, but you know we've already got our ear to the ground for the next big PSP 2 story, we just hope it turns out to be a bit less sketchwardo than this one.[Via Joystiq]
Sony rep dismisses PSP redesign plans
There has been quite a bit of PSP redesign rumors flying around the last few weeks, but according to a Sony spokesperson, it's all for naught because there is no PSP redesign in the works."We currently have no plans to release another version of the PSP," the spokesperson said.Hoping to make us all feel better, the spokesperson did say to expect a big showing at the Tokyo Games Show. "The camera and GPS peripherals will be the main attraction, and a total of 16 titles will be showcased to demonstrate the strong line-up of software that will be released towards the year."Honestly, I really don't think the PSP needs a redesign all that much. I don't think the problem is with the hardware. If Sony put more effort into delivering useful firmware upgrades, original and captivating games and cheaper software, I think that would go further in generating more sales than a redesigned PSP.(Via GamesIndustry.biz)
Updated: New PSP design and features due for 2007?
According to PlayStation Magazine -- and we suppose they would know -- Sony has a PSP redesign in the works. It's not a PSP 2, the rumored device resides squarely in the realm of redesign, but the supposed 8GB flash drive from Samsung, built-in EyeToy and a thinner, lighter form factor would all be welcome improvements to the current PSP. Actually, all the specs match up nicely with the PSP 2 rumors we were hearing earlier this year, but supposedly Sony wants to go with the Apple model of iPod upgrades, and stick with the single PSP name. In recent interviews, Sony's SCEA president Kaz Hirai didn't directly discount the idea of a PSP redesign, but he didn't really give it a lot of weight either. We're willing to give this rumor a fair shake, but we'll have to wait for more info and a real pic to see if this thing can have DS lite-ish success at its purported March 2007 launch -- Sony sure could use a hit. UPDATE: Our original post was based on a fan-made PSP mockup from Joystiq's writeup that threw us off the trail, but now we've got a thumbnail of the magazine scan thanks to PSP Fanboy.[Via Joystiq]
Author claims 360 team working on portable Xbox
Here's a juicy morsel for you: in his new book, Xbox 360 Uncloaked, gaming industry author Dean Takahashi claims that half of Microsoft's original Xbox 360 development team began work on a portable console immediately after the home system launched, while the other half was tasked with driving down the 360's production costs. Takahashi goes on to say that the big M plans to follow Sony's lead and release the handheld Xbox halfway through the 360's life span, which would help offset hardware cycle costs and maintain buzz about the brand. The supposed Xbox2Go (that's what we'll call it for now, anyway) would likely be released into a competitive landscape filled with PSP2's and who knows what kind of crazy Nintendo portables, but Microsoft has certainly shown that it's in the videogame, uh, game, for the long haul, so we wouldn't be surprised to see them pump these kinds of resources into the project if it does in fact exist. Oh, and before you start commenting on the device's "design," please note that the above picture is simply an artist's conception created before any word of this got out.
