Sony has released a new version of the PSP Media Manager with bigger and better features. Version 2.0 now allows you to convert DVDs, Documents (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Text, HTML and more), and Internet Explorer Favourites to a PSP compatible format. But that’s not all, several other new features have also been added including support for additional formats and the ability to convert files even the PSP isn’t connected.

For a limited time only, exisiting owners can upgrade for only $9.95 by following this link, which is valid until October 31st. Normal retail price is $16.99. Here is a list of the changes:

• Prepare files for conversion even when your PSP system isn’t connected to your PC
• Transfer video from DVD home movies or DVD camcorders to your PSP system
• Transfer Internet Explorer favorites to your PSP system
• Transfer and view documents on your PSP system – supports Excel, Word, HTML, .txt, and more (files are converted to HTML which can be viewable via the Internet Browser).
• Support for additional formats – .m3u and .wpl playlists, ATRAC? audio files, and Windows Media Center .dvr-ms files

John Lamond Jnr, a Bangkok based independent movie producer has made a US$250,000 budget movie available as a free download in PSP format. The movie, “Killing Time 24/7” can be downloaded at www.killingtime-24-7.com, for free! Please note that the movie contains mature content and is aimed at those of you who are over 18 years of age.

The movie was shot over 9 days in Bangkok, Thailand. The movies is set to be released on DVD in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

[Via: PSP Vault]

Sony UK Boss Ray Maguire claims that the PSP UMD format is doing well, despite many retailers turning down the format due to low sales. Maguire claimes the company is “pretty pleased with UMD”. Many retailers claim that UMD sales are moderate, and only do well as part of cross-promotions.

Do you think the UMD format for movies is slowly dying? A survey we did over a year suggested that not many people bought UMDs since you could ‘rip’ movies onto a Memory Stick. What do you think?

[Via: EuroGamer]

Issue 16 of the XTREME PSP Magazine has just been released. This issue is packed with over 90 pages of great content including previews of Work Time Fun, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 and Ridge Racer 2, plus reviews of Gangs of London, Super Monkey Ball Adventure and more.

You will also find all the usual content including news, tips and cheats, wallpapers and a all new homebrew feature. Download a copy now (6.4MB).

Sony is already planning to release a Pink PSP soon in Europe, but now it will also be sold in Japan. Sony has also announced that Japan will also be getting a Silver PSP, making the PSP available in 4 colours. The Silver PSP is being shown off at the Tokyo Game Show 2006, along with other prototypes including Red, Blue, Yellow and Camo PSPs.

We have updated the site layout once again, and this time it’s much easier to navigate. As the layout is currently in BETA stage, you may encounter some errors here and there, but we are working on resolving any issues. If you do encounter any errors, use the Contact Form to let us know. We hope you enjoy the new layout and find it much easier to use than the previous one.

Sony has finally released some more photos of the upcoming Pink PSP. For those of you who are interested in getting yourselves or your girlfriends a Pink PSP, see the below photos to get a better idea of how it will look. Personally, I think the Pink PSP will suit the female gamers out there!

It seems like the UK will have to do a lot of waiting over the next few months, firstly with the delays in the launch of the PS3, and now, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is also being delayed to November 3rd 2006, originally slated for Mid October 2006. The US release date of October 17th remains untouched, for the time being.

The exact details of this delay have not been revealed, but it could relate to the financial troubles of Take Two Interactive, partner publisher of the GTA developer Rockstar.

It’s official. Firmware 2.81 was released by Sony today addressing security vulnerabilities in the system software as well as a few minor bug fixes. Not a big deal really, but as you all know, Sony will be pushing users to update to the latest version. The update is available via the Network Update feature or through the regional PSP sites.

Here is a summary of the bug fixes:

• Patch added to address security vulnerabilities in the system software.
• Memory Sticks with more than 4GB of free space are now readable.