PSP to gain Internet radio, photo feeds, TV guide

The PlayStation Portable will soon get a firmware update that adds some heavily requested features for its built-in Wi-Fi connection, according to an update from Sony. Version 3.80 will be the first to allow tuning Internet radio and should support live streams in the same formats as the player can handle offline, including MP3-based Shoutcast streams. The PSP will now also pick up photocasts through RSS feeds and supports OPML, allowing users to import lists with multiple feeds, such as from a dedicated RSS reader on a PC.

Video also receives an upgrade, Sony says. For downloaded clips, users can scan videos by individual scenes rather than a timeline. Japanese now also have the option of using the PSP as a DVR: on newer, slim PSP models with the optional 1Seg digital TV tuner, locals have access to an electronic program guide to both find what they want to watch live and to schedule recordings in advance. With the new software, the PSP is smart enough to go to sleep mode after recording is done, according to the company.

The update is due to launch on December 18th for both first- and second-generation PSPs in Sony's home country. An English-language update with additions and fixes that are not region-specific should be available shortly afterwards. [via Impress]