PSP and Web Browsing

Hearing the recent news that the next update is containing a web browser I began to think of all the potential. At a minimum, if it will allow you to view HTML files that opens up the possibility of using it to view e-books in that format, if it will let you load local files.

Their are several wiki and pda like functionality web pages that can be run locally, again something I think would be great, if not their are many websites that offer pda like functionality via the web. Still would like the ability to save on the PSP those sites for review. Save for example my calendar page daily and then review it.

I can see a need for the ability to auto sync information daily to the PSP, at home before you get out in case you cannot get wifi access at work or while traveling. It might also be possible from the demo shown to use the web to transfer information wirelessly between your home system. Though I think this is a major kludge, I really hope a simple utility comes out allowing you to browse your network for files and move them back and forth.

PSP needs to evolve into a lifestyle device, where they become essential. In many ways that is what the IPod has done, become incorporated and essential to many peoples lifestyle. With the wide ranging abilities of the PSP it can do so much more.

If I was a developer I would be working on creating a UMD with extensive PDA features (all data saved on the memory stick), a simple content browser for moving content back and forth using the wifi connection, and a basic ebook reader.

If funds were substantial, I would be creating a .PDF viewer, which I have stated before is the killer app for a portable. With the widescreen, snappy processor I think the PSP could create a PDF viewing system as easy and convenient as the PC with out the bulk.

PSP Game Idea

This is not a new idea, but if updated and used on the PSP I think they would have a potential hit. An updated version of the Tomagachi or digital pet. These were to a certain extent forerunners to games like the Sims. Updated and adjusted for the average age of the typical PSP users (I would say mid to late teens and above). Lots of customizable options. Could also incorporate into security system/screen saver.

Others ideas is a plethora of potential pets, forget all the cutesy ones what about a pet Griffin, or a shambling zombie mumbling brains...brains....lol.

Do like the idea of evolving and growing the pet, not really a fan of having it die from inattention, would make more sense if it would just get cranky when you don't pay attention.

With the power of the PSP could even evolve to something of a digital assistant. I don't see why they could not become a part of a reminder system, alarms, even use AI techniques to enhance their usefulness.
Again just a thought.

PSP New 2.0 Update Soon

A number of sites are reporting that PSP is getting a new update. 2.0 which will include what I think is the holy grail for PSP users, a built in web browser.

Concerns I have, and I hope they are addressed, are bookmarks...why, because without a keyboard and because of the really lousy PSP way of entering text, book marks are going to be crucial to making it a pleasant experience. I also hope they have a homepage feature.

If it does not allow bookmarks, then the ability to set a home page or even better to have a html. file as a home page on the PSP itself, would allow users to have a page of links to key sites to make browsing much easier.

My second concern is the buffering the PSP does on pictures. One of the reasons I purchased the PSP was to view comics. The problem I have found and verified with several others is that after viewing a number of oversized scanned pages, the PSP, which initially views the page blurred and clears it up as you move about it, at some point after viewing a number of pages, does not clear up. Having to exit the picture viewer all the way and then go back in to continue reading is distracting from the immersion factor. (Sidenote: the PSP needs to organize pages using standard ordering rather than creation date, which has forced me to resave many of my scans again just to get them to display in proper order on the PSP, arghhhh)

Finally I think and have stated before that an integrated PDF viewer, or even more importantly an ebook reader would open up the PSP to an even wider audience. They need to think complete media entertainment machine. (If they don't release one, would love for a developer to come up with a UMD version).

I still dream that at some point we will be able to purchase UMD burners, not to copy software, but to put pictures, video, music (and in the future PDF and ebook) content on.

I know that many homebrew apps will be killed by the update. It seems that Sony should acknowledge the need for some kind of cheap, multi-game setups. Or a developer. I do not see any reason why someone could not develop a UMD based app, that plays older games from the same disk only limiting it to being used for what is paid for only. At the capacity of UMD's you could fit substantial amounts of older ROMS on a single disk.

Think about old software catalogs that could be updated/converted and played on the PSP (it would be nice to see the games not just ported over, but not reworked, but maybe re-optimzed to work better on the PSP. I really don't think that this would hurt new game sales. And if the original license holders would accept modest fees, it would be a way for everyone to make money with a modest investment as the homebrew community has already done a lot of the work...