The Playstation Portable's software is starting to become like Windows when it comes to security updates, since every month or two, Sony releases a new version to cover one or more security updates. While Windows updates try to block worms and hackers from breaking in, the PSP software updates on the other hand prevents consumers from attempting to run unauthorised code on their handheld. However, in order to entice consumers to update, most of these updates include new features such as the web browser and AAC audio support in Version 2.00.
Since version 2.00, Sony's has released version 2.01 and just recently, version 2.5. Version 2.01 plugged the overflow attack exploit found in 2.00 which would have potentially allowed consumers to downgrade their OS to version 1.5. Version 2.5 also adds video DRM support for wireless TV via Sony's LocationFree Technology as well as copy-protected content stored on a Memory Stick. Other updates include fixing a few issues with its web browser and online clock synchronisation.
So far, version 2.5 is only available to customers in Japan and North America, as Sony expects to release this version to European consumers in the near future. One likely reason is that the firmware will also be region coded, such that copy-protected content can be made to only work with PSP's from certain countries or regions.
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Other features added to the console include support for watching video over wireless networks using Sony's LocationFree technology, some small updates and bug fixes for the web browser and the ability to set the time on the console directly from the internet. This new software release is by no means as dramatic an upgrade as version 2.00, which was launched around two months ago and added the ability to browse the web, set desktop wallpapers and share photographs wirelessly to the system. Some further details on the changes can be found here. |
As the change log for the new firmware covers locking content to certain regions or countries, it looks like Sony is keen on keeping region coding in place, at least for its PSP, although it is not clear if this could be applied to UMD discs also. Hopefully Sony will stay clear of region coding when it comes to its Blu-ray format.
It is quite interesting to see the amount of updates being made available for the PSP, especially since up until the first PSP update, a firmware / software update for a game console was unheard of or at least something that was not made available for the consumer to apply. Chances are that firmware updates will apply for upcoming game consoles also, such as a potential to render mod chips unusable and block other exploits hackers may find.
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Source: EuroGamer
