Report: GPS Add-On, Email Service For PSP In 2006

An article in the March edition of video game magazine PSM has suggested that the previously unveiled GPS (global positioning system) peripheral for Sony's PlayStation portable will be released this year, following an early showing for a prototype of the device at E3 2004. The add-on attaches to the USB 2.0 port of the console and uses a UMD containing navigation software and street data. Updated street data will apparently be available to buy on additional UMDs, although no suggestion is made that data can also be downloaded directly to the console. In addition PSM's report, credited to 'sources familiar with the PSP's U.S. product management' suggested that a forthcoming firmware update for the PSP, available either as a download or included on new UMDs, will include an integrated e-mail client named Sony Mail, following the recent integration of a web browser onto the PSP's operating system. The client will apparently use the unique ID number assigned to each PSP to eliminate the possibility of any confusing server setup. The program will not therefore require users to access a website, but will instead allow them to choose a unique username to associate with their PSP’s ID number. Sony has not officially commented on this report, leaving it currently unconfirmed, but PSM's report jibes with the company's wish to continue to devote significant time to the PSP’s other features, as well as its use as a video game handheld.