Games Digest recently tested the PSP web browser to find out how compatible it was with popular Web 2.0 sites. The browser did fairly well in rendering many sites, such as amazon, Facebook, Flickr, Gmail, and Twitter. However, there were many other sites that experienced issues, some crippling enough to make the site unusable.

There are alternatives, though. My personal PSP browser is filled with bookmarks that point to mobile versions of sites. These versions are usually intended for cell phones, but their minimalistic design is guaranteed to work on PSP--and quickly, too. For example, loading the Mobile version of PSP Fanboy (m.pspfanboy.com) allows me to check for the latest updates on the site while I'm on the go. It may not have all the functions I want (such as comments), but it works really well on PSP.

We found some mobile versions of sites that Games Digest tested. While the PSP browser may not be able to handle all pages well, it's certainly a useful (and free) addition to the system that's easy to appreciate. It may take some work, but if there are problems with a site you like to visit, check to see if there's a Mobile version. See some examples, after the break.

Qaz from DCEmu (registration required) has released a pretty nice AIM/MSN/Yahoo client for the PSP. It's pretty easy to install and use ... so long as you're willing to struggle with the PSP's pathetic phone-like virtual keyboard. Too bad ZX81's newly released Virtual Keyboard isn't compatible: certainly, conversations would be far more manageable. Regardless, these are two appreciated apps that will certainly help a great number of people, especially because it doesn't involve homebrew. Simply download, extract, and access from the PSP's internet browser.

We all know the PlayStation 3 will have the same XMB as the PSP. However, there are some very pretty improvements. Phil Harrison demoed the console's photo ability and it is absolutely beautiful. Unlike the PSP, the PS3 can manipulate your photographs and make them appear as physical photos in a 3D environment. With upgradeable firmware, the PS3 will be able to have even more functionality as well.

The browser will also have multiple tabs, a la Firefox. The console will also support one universal login for online games (according to the 1UP Show). Hopefully, the improvements made to the XMB on the PlayStation 3 will find their way over to the PSP in a future firmware version.

PSP Vault has an impresive story detailing some of the potential hidden secrets of recently released firmware 2.80. Using their mad Japanese skillz, they took a look at Sony's PSP manuals for the firmware, which can be found here, here and here. The video standards have finally been revealed, and they show how Sony still refuses to make it easy on the end user.

So for H.264 videos, you're looking at support for files ending with a .MP4 or .M4V extension. They must be 768kbps or under, have a framerate of 30fps or under, and be Level 1.3 or under Baseline Profile, or Level 2.1 or under Main Profile (but CABAC only). The audio tracks of these videos must be in the AAC format, be 128kbps or under, be 48kHz or under, and be in stereo.

Uh... okay. Can't we just dump random files into our system without thinking about these technical specs? Another interesting discovery of the article shows how the recent firmware upgrade can allow for PSP-specific codes to be written into websites. For example, webpages can be created to offer downloads... but only for users of the most current firmware. Or, it could lead to some really exciting game and internet synergy. It appears that there's a lot hidden in the PSP; too bad Sony hasn't been upfront with all of it quite yet.