PSP Firmware 4.0 Brings Google and More

So this might not be all the facts and features of the PSP 4.0 update when it comes out and so far from Sony, its been dubbed under “Soon” but it looks like the PSP is taking one more step towards web efficiency as there will be a Google Search built directly into the PSP’s XMB, allowing you to just search for content while the Google algorithms take care of the keywords. Your search history will also be up to 20 previous sites to help speed up your access to older content. Of course a required Wi-Fi connection will be needed for all web related things. Also being introduced is the capability to slow down or speed up videos stored on your Memory Stick by just tapping up or down on the D-Pad. Built in Google search works for us as its the best out there anyways. But more so, this really shows the ever growing power of the PSP and flexible this platform has grown to be. Now if Sony would just market the damn thing more and better. Plus, this shouldn’t hopefully be too far off for the PS3 then right?

Edit: Ive read an interesting response to the fact the yes, currently the PSP does indeed have a web browser and all a user has to do is to prompt open the browser and hit their bookmarks to launch Google. So although this function isn’t new to the PSP (in terms of using Google), I believe it takes the systems capability one step further to the casual. With a built in Google Icon, it gives way to the user to skip out on a few steps and just get them to search and I believe this will gain both the attention of developers and the user community towards the web function capability of the PSP and help promote its web capabilities. Plus if nothing more, its just faster.

[Via PlayStation Blog]