PSP Firmware Update 5.00 adds on-PSP PlayStation Store

PSP 2000 Console in Piano Black colorSony announced the PSP system software update 5.00 will be released today, October 15th, 2008. This latest firmware adds the integration of the PlayStation Store into the PSP system!

The PSP Firmware 5.00 update will add direct PlayStation Store access to the system, eliminating the need for PSP to be connected to a PC or PS3 to download content. PSP owners will be able to download games, demos, trailers, and other game-related content anytime and anywhere that their PSP is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. This functionality delivers on the portable promise of PSP, making the device even more compelling for gaming and entertainment on-the-go.

Additional enhancements delivered through PSP 5.00 will include:
* On-screen keyboard – A full-size, on-screen keyboard will be added to make text entry during Web browsing easier and more convenient.
* Sleep timer – During music playback, a sleep timer will enable users to shut off their PSP after a specified amount of time.
* Video-out – The PSP-2000’s video-out feature will be able to display PlayStation format software (classics titles) at the full-screen size of the TV that the PSP is connected to; the feature will also support interlace displays.

Grace Chen, Sony senior manager of the PlayStation Store, gives a video walkthrough of the PSP Store.