PSP Firmware v4.00 Adds Easy Google Search
By Chris on Monday, June 16th, 2008 at 7:30 PM PST In Game Companies, Game Platforms, Gamer Life, Portable, Sony, Sony
Google search is not exactly what I’d have predicted if you asked me what a firmware update with a version number like “4.00″ would be focused on, but that’s probably why you didn’t ask me. Jerk.
Eric Lempel revealed the contents of the newest PSP firmware update on PlayStation.Blog today, saying it will be released “soon.” As of the time of this writing, the update isn’t available, so you’ll have to just keep checking.
As for the details of what’s actually included, the main feature is easy access to Google searches. You’ll find a new option available in the XMB and a history recall of the last 20 items you searched for. So in other words, you’re basically cutting out the need to go into the browser and select Google from your favorites, as well as adding a history of recent searches. That is downright mind-blowing.
Another new feature is the ability to increase or decrease the viewing speed on videos you watch, provided they’re stored on a Memory Stick and not a UMD. Simply press up or down on the d-pad and hilarity will ensue.
Needless to say, the commenters at PlayStation.Blog are pretty pissed off. Many are complaining that unnecessary features like this are being released while the long-awaited in-game XMB feature on PS3 is MIA. Others want to access the PlayStation Store directly from the PSP, DivX support, a better flash player, and so on. Honestly, aside from saying that the people working on PSP firmware and PS3 firmware are not one in the same (presumably), there’s really no good excuse for why Sony fans aren’t getting the features that they really want.
Thats funny, I could have sworn I read people complaing about the PSP ’s browser not being very good and this surely improves it no?
There is one certainty in life. No matter what a PlayStation update brings there will always be some whiny ungrateful bitches complaining its not exactly what they wanted while completely ignoring the fact that the updates are bringing regular free improvements to their hardware that Sony are under no obligation to keep doing.
How would what is essentially a shortcut improve the browser?
would rather they did something about hotmail. havnt been able to access my emails from my PSP in ages.
You know its funny but there have been a whole lot more firmware updates that have been made to both my PSP and my PS3 than I have had firmware updates through Xbox Live…..
I guess the old adage that says if it isn’t broken don’t fix it applies here huh?
Go Marlins!!!!
ManOfTeal – That’s because of Microsoft’s terrible, terrible policy of only releasing two updates a year — the spring and fall dashboard updates. And to make matters worse, they aren’t even doing a spring update this year.
As he said there is no good reason why Sony cannot give us the features we want. Stop focusing on the PSP and start giving us the next Ps3 update with the features required. Sony might have more updates than microsoft but that is because the xbox already has all the features we all are so desperate to have, just give us the in game menu that should have been out when metal gear was released and stop fooling around with features people dont even want!!!
I hope this is a sign that SONY have finally realised the importance of a “competent” browser for the PSP/PS3.
In this internet age to have a browser with a totally outdated flash player and incomplete web 2.0 functionality is ridiculous.
Let’s hope SONY dedicate a firmware update to bringing the PS3 browser into the 21st century.
First of all The 4.0 Firmware is practically useless. Yes it has a new search item. WOOHOO!
ANYway….Flash….Cmon PLEASE!!!! WE are Begging…PSP is still a viable option so to Luke Davis, be reasonable just cause you want an update badly doesnt mean to discontinue the development and upgrades neccesary for a still functional and very useful and fun portable version of the Playstation.
Anyway the only thing I am really hoping is that it fixed whatever was wrong to disuade Dark Alex from making a custom Firmware for the 3.95 version. Praying he and his team are still working on version 4.0 M33 as previously discussed in other forums. If so THANK YOU, we Love your stuff. Keep up the great work.
Sony thank you for the minor, when will we have a Major update?