Read E-mail on Your PSP

Following the introduction of a web browser, Sony is planning to expand the capabilities of the PSP even further.

When the PSP arrives in Europe next month, you'll be able to use it to play games, watch movies and listen to music. Sony recently released a system software update in Japan that adds a Web browser and lets you see and listen to new media types, and, according to an interview with top Sony designer Izumi Kawanishi in Japanese magazine Famitsu (via GameSpot), there could still be a lot more to come.

The new browser, available through the software update, opens up the Internet to PSP users. E-mail is, however, still largely a problem, with support for only some web-based services, but Kawanishi said that Sony is working on an e-mail program of its own.

Kawanishi said that the company is thinking about ways to move beyond basic e-mail too, possibly even to include video for communication between PSPs.

Getting more PSPs online will also, Kawanishi hopes, get more developers thinking about downloadable content. Already Wipeout Pure owners can download new tracks and other content, but this should become much more common if more people take to the Net.

The PSP's ability to get on the Internet also opens up the possibility of adding support for streaming media, meaning that you won't have to download video content to a memory card before watching but can just have it stream directly to your handheld.

While the PSPs that hit shelves across Europe on 1 September will probably not have the newest software installed, Sony will likely make this available soon after launch via either updates included with games or as a download from the Internet.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games