A late night update of the PlayStation.blog reveals that a new firmware update will hit PSP today. 3.93 will, as usual, expand support for PSN titles. However, it will also revamp the oft-forgotten internet radio feature of the handheld. According to the post, there are "20 new internet radio players to enjoy." Not only that, "the new players are organized into more specific styles of music so that PSP users can easily find what they are looking for and listen to their favorite genres." The current rendition of the radio is a bit disorganized -- anything will be undoubtedly be a step up.
PSP gains DVR and internet radio functionality in firmware 3.80

Internet radio will also be added in the next firmware upgrade. Exactly how the service will work is unclear at this time. [Update: Images have surfaced on Watch Impress' website.]
DVR is a huge feature that unfortunately isn't possible outside of Japan unless appropriate peripherals are released globally. However, internet radio is hopefully something all PSP users around the world will be able to take advantage of. Once again, PSP is expanding its capabilities, becoming more features-packed than anyone could've predicted.
[Via I4U]
PSP remote accessory includes FM radio support
Considering its budget price of $20, we have to admit we want to try this accessory. It's no more expensive than Sony's official remote, but comes with a lot more functionality.
[Via PSP GadgetZ]
All Games Interactive aftermath
I previously let everyone know that I'd be interviewed on All Games Interactive. Many thanks to anyone who listened. To those that had better things to do on a Friday night than listen to me talk about PSP, you can make up for that missed opportunity by checking out the show's archives. You can listen to the entirety of episode 251's six hour show, or if you specifically want to check out my portion of the show. You can download part B and my interview starts nine minutes and twelve seconds in. Scot and crew ask me about the failings of the PSP, the possibility of a God of War for PSP and how I landed a fiancee who is a hardcore gamer. I tried to keep the talk as interesting as possible and the professionalism of the AGI staff certainly helped me feel comfortable and have plenty to say.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Steven to appear on All Games Interactive
Today, I'll be interviewed on All Games Interactive about the PSP, this site and whatever other random topics arise. AGI is a live radio show, so anyone can listen by going to allgames.com and feel free to call in during the show or enter their live chat. Mayor Young has told me that I'll be on around 7:45PM ET/ 4:45PM PT though the show starts at 6:30PM ET/3:30PM PT, so feel free to listen in for the whole show. As a warning, All Games Interactive often uses potty language and has risque dialogue, so if you're still in training pants, you may not want to listen.Comprehensive guides for making your PSP a better MP3 player

There are many reasons why the iPod is so successful and popular. One of those reasons is simplicity: iTunes allows music listeners to sync the music on their computers and the music on their portables quite easily. The latest release, iTunes 7, allows album art and relevant track information to be downloaded automatically. Kingbee116 from the PlayStation forums has come up with a solution for PSP owners, using software called MediaMonkey. This iTunes-like program will allow your PSP to become a better MP3 player, and will ensure that your songs feature album art when they play back on your PSP. Get detailed, step by step instructions at the PlayStation forums.
Of course, the PSP has one feature that the iPod currently doesn't have: built-in wi-fi. Kingbee116 has yet another incredibly detailed guide which shows you how to make the most out of your PSP's RSS feature. With his tutorial, you'll be able to stream internet radio wherever you have a wi-fi connection. Certainly, his tutorial will go quite handily with our newly launched feature, RSS this!
[Thanks, Kingbee116!]
Channel 4 streams content to UK PSP owners

British commuters are getting access to a very cool new feature ... provided that they have PSPs. Channel 4, the edgiest television station in the UK, will offer streaming programming for PSP owners at one of 7,500 wi-fi locations owned by Cloud. Nathalie Schwarz, director of Channel 4 Radio, said: "Becoming the first broadcaster to make radio content available wirelessly on PSPs will help 4Radio connect with a young, mobile audience, making our programming easily available whenever and wherever they want."
It's expected that this service will expand to offer full television shows, such as the new Celebrity Big Brother (pictured above).
[Via Times Online]
Vice City Stories website wastes hours of my life

Not only did Rockstar release an awesomely sweet trailer for their upcoming Vice City Stories, they also updated the official website. The site includes aforementioned trailer, but in PSP format, tons of screenshots, wallpapers, and a sampling of the ever-popular (and always amazing) radio. Yes: I listened until the feed looped... twice. The trailer and the radio were enough to secure a pre-order from me. The game will release in October.
[Thanks, ZENegade!]











