Sony has
just launched its first major firmware update for the PSP, bringing the version
from 1.5x to 2.0. This version patches several security vulnerabilities
such as those exploited
by hackers to enable them to launch software from a memory stick. In
an aim to encourage PSP owners to upgrade, this version adds a wireless web
browser, photo sharing, customisable backgrounds and AAC/MP4 audio file
support.
While Sony has released version 2.0 of its firmware
to the Japanese market a while back, they strongly advised against US customers from
using this version or face invalidating their warranty. However, both
versions offer the same features, with the exception that some sources suggest
that the US version has some further security improvements over the Japanese
version. When the PSP launches in Europe on September 1st, it will ship
with firmware version 2.0 as standard.
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Crucially, the update closes the loophole in earlier versions of the software which allowed users to copy pirated games to memory sticks and play them from there, as well as playing emulators and other homebrew applications. |
It seems that one of the main purposes in introducing all these extra
features to version 2.0 is to get PSP users to upgrade to prevent them from
being able to exploit the original hacks, such as potentially play downloaded
pirated games from a memory stick. It will be interesting to see if any
exploits will be found in this version.
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Source: GamesIndustry.biz
