Security
- System software stability during use of some features has been improved.
Security
Over at the PlayStation.Blog, Eric Lempel has announced that PSP Firmware v5.03 is now available to download. The minor update "improves system software stability during use of some features." Other than that, there is nothing different in the new firmare update. However, it could also patch the recently discovered GripShift exploit so if you are using homebrew, you may want to hold off on upgrading your PSP for the time being.
The official changelog for the update states "a security patch was added to address security vulnerabilities in the system software."
If you are a fan of the PlayStation title Final Fantasy VII, you may be happy to know that a limited edition PlayStation 3 will be hitting Japan in April. The Final Fantasy VII model, dubbed ‘Cloud Black’, will retail for ¥49,980 (approx $550) and will come with a 160GB hard drive, Final Fantasy XIII demo and Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete. Currently, there are no plans for an oversea release so the US and Europe will need to wait. Square-Enix revealed the first image of the PS3 model, which we have included below.
This week’s PlayStation Store update is a large one for the US and quite a large one for Europe too. The new episode of Pulse is now available to download from the US store and well as two new downloadable games. Europe also has a new downloadable game available to purchase and two new playable demos. Both stores have various new content for Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Shaun White Snowboarding, and other games. Check out the complete list below.
European Additions:
US Additions:
If you have ever wanted to watch YouTube on your large TV screen, you will be happy to hear that YouTube for Television is now available on the PlayStation 3. Currently in beta, the TV website provides a streamlined interface that enables you to discover, watch and share YouTube videos on any TV screen through your PS3. How? Simply go to http://www.youtube.com/tv on your PS3 (this link will not work on a PC/Mac). The YouTube TV website uses a new interface to watch videos in full-screen, as well as using enlarged text and simplified navigation.
Video:
Sony is working with the YouTube team to make a more PlayStation-centric version of the YouTube TV Website page accessible from the lefthand menu bar (the YouTube button currently takes you to our branded channel on YouTube). So stay tuned for that and in the meantime grab a cold one and sit back to enjoy your favorite videos on the big screen!
[Via: PlayStation.Blog]
Over the last two years, the PlayStation Network has gained ground, and with the release of PlayStation Home and the US Video Store, thing will only get better. Sony has been impressed with the numbers and they were kind enough to share them with the world. According to the numbers released by Sony, over 17 million uses have registered to the PlayStation Network, and 3.4 million users are using PlayStation Home. Check out some other interesting stats below.
In a press release, Sony Computer Entertainment Asia has announced that there will be two new colors available for the third-generation PSP (PSP-3000). It’s not clear whether the new colors will be available outside of Asia, but one can only hope. The two new colors, Vibrant Blue and Vibrant Red, will be part of the ‘Carnival Colors’ series. Check out the images below.
The colors look very bright and eye-catching. The new colors will be available to purchase in Hong Kong from January 15th and in Taiwan from January 17th.
The first PlayStation Store update for 2009 is now live, though its quite a small one for both the European and US Stores. Europe has a new playable demo, a bunch of new game add-on content and some new videos. As for the US, Qore Episode 8 is now available for purchase and two new full games are out: Cuboid and Mahjong Tales. The US Store also has game add-on content for various titles. Check out the complete list below.
European Addtions:
US Additions:
EA has announced that it will be supporting PlayStation Home and will begin with the EA SPORTS Complex, which is currently in development. “We’re proud to support the PlayStation Home Beta with a very robust offering from EA SPORTS,” said Peter Moore, president of EA SPORTS. EA worked closely together with Sony Computer Entertainment to ensure that the EA SPORTS Complex space within PlayStation Home would be a compelling experience for all EA SPORTS fans, with a space designed for both casual and hardcore gamers. EA is also working with Sony Computer Entertainment on further label support of PlayStation Home Beta, and will announce plans in the near future.
Peter Moore, president of EA SPORTS:
“As part of our continued commitment to the connected experience and the digitization of our business, the EA SPORTS Complex is a rich new online environment that presents a compelling and immersive social gaming experience for the global sports audience.”
Video:
Your old PSP headphones can be used with the PSPgo, but any other accessory is not directly compatible with the PSPgo. The PSPgo Converter allows you to use accessories like the Go!Cam, GPS device and Talkman Mic with the PSPgo. The converter makes the PSPgo less portable and also makes it look uglier, but its the only way you can make use of your old stuff.