The advent of PSP firmware 2.82 also brought about two new PSP Game demos: LocoRoco Halloween and MotoGP. These demos can be acquired officially via PlayStation-Underground (only LocoRoco Halloween for US users) and yourpsp.com. Alternatively, these demos are also available for forum members within our download section. Note: A simple free forum registration is required to download the file - Register for free to participate in the #1 discussion board for ATRAC based device.

Instructions:
LocoRoco Halloween
–> Create a new folder - [UCES00304-Halloween] - within PSP>GAME and copy the LocoRoco Halloween Demo file (EBOOT.PBP, 8,228 KB) into the newly created folder accordingly.

MotoGP
–> Create a new folder - [UCES00373] - within PSP>GAME and copy the MotoGP Demo file (EBOOT.PBP, 8,082 KB) into the newly created folder accordingly.

Enjoy!

UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE:
PSP Firmware 2.82: Japanese | US | European | Chinese
An update to the PSP® system software was made available on October 26, 2006. If you update your PSP® system, the system software will be version 2.82. The new firmware however only includes the following changes: “Revisions to strengthen security have been added.”

Sony Japan announced last week of a price reduction to its flash based Network Walkman E005/E003/E002 series. The new revised retail price will be as follows:

* WALKMAN E005 Series
NW-E005/S [SonyStyle Japan Limited Edition] (2GB) – 15,000 yen or approx. USD$126 (1,800 yen price reduction)
NW-E005   (2GB) – 15,800 yen or approx. USD$133 (2,000 yen price reduction)
* WALKMAN E003 Series
NW-E003   (1GB) – 11,800 yen or approx. USD$99 (1,000 yen price reduction)
* WALKMAN E002 Series
NW-E002   (512MB) – 8,980 yen or approx. USD$76 (1,000 yen price reduction)

Sony Computer Entertainment America’s senior vice president of marketing, Peter Dille had confirmed during a one-on-one interview with GameDaily BIZ that the much anticipated PSP emulation scheme is still on the table and PSP users will not need a PS3 to download PSOne games onto the PSP.

The following is an excerpt from GameDaily BIZ’s “SCEA Details Launch Window Titles, Online & Peripherals” article which highlights the aforementioned news.

[UPDATE 4] Following today’s Sony event GameDaily BIZ tracked down SCEA senior vice president of marketing Peter Dille to talk about some of today’s announcements.
…..
BIZ: I know you guys have previously talked about a PSP emulation service where PS1 titles would be downloaded directly to the PSP (for example, if someone didn’t own a PS3). This new PS3 download service of PS1 titles, which involves transferring to the PSP, is not going to replace the previous PSP emulation plan is it?

PD: You are correct. We’ll still have that. We have the PSP downloads site now, and you’re right; these PS1 games will be available either from the PSP downloads site directly, so you don’t need a PS3 to get them or if you do happen to be one of the lucky guys that gets a PS3, you can download the games to your PS3 hard drive and then slide it over to your PSP. Both services will be up and running.
….

(via GameDaily BIZ)

The much anticipated Ridge Racer 2’s PSP demo is now available for download from Ridge Racer 2’s European website. The new demo will require PSP firmware version 2.81. If you do not have firmware version 2.81, a hex-edited version for use with PSP firmware version 2.80 is available at PSP Fanboy.

For your convenience, the demo can be acquired accordingly within our download section of the forum. Note: A simple free forum registration is required to download the file - Register for free to participate in the #1 discussion board for ATRAC based device.

Instructions: Create a new folder - [UCES00422] - within PSP>GAME and copy the Ridge Racer 2 Demo file (EBOOT.PBP, 6,542 KB) into the newly created folder accordingly. Note: The official demo will require the new PSP firmware version 2.81.

Enjoy!

Sony Corp. slashed its full-year profit forecast 38% in the wake of continuing battery and game-player woes, calling into question the success of turnaround efforts at the electronics icon.

Sony said it will take a 51 billion yen ($428.9 million) charge to cover the costs of a battery recall affecting more than nine million laptop and notebook computers. The previous company estimate of expenses for replacing the lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and catch fire in some cases, was no more than $255 million.

The company also raised estimated losses stemming from its much-delayed next-generation PlayStation 3 line of videogame machines, saying the new console will reduce operating profit by $788 million for the year ending March 31. Slated to hit stores next month in Japan and the U.S. but delayed until next year in Europe, PS3 has been by slowed by production problems for a high-definition-videodisc player that is part of the game console.

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We initally reported on the discovery of this beautiful bluetooth bookshelf (see if you can say that three times fast) through some FCC filings back in mid-July. It appears Sony has lifted the veil and is ready to start talking details. There is no word on North American availability, but it is likely that this will be available in the usual retail channels before Christmas. We are very pleased to see Sony aggressively move forward towards bluetooth compatibility between seemingly all audio devices that they offer.

Sony has announced the launch of the industry’s first micro system which offers high quality sound and instant playback taken directly from your portable audio player, mobile phone or personal computer at a click of a button. As the first micro system to feature Bluetooth technology, the Sony CMT-U1BT wirelessly receives music from the other Bluetooth-enabled devices in your home to offer no-fuss access to your catalogue of favourite artists and music. Up until now, music lovers wishing to share tracks from an MP3 player, mobile phone or personal computer had to trouble themselves sharing headphones, compromise sound quality with small speakers or use a messy cable to link with a stereo system. The inclusion of wireless connectivity is thanks to the latest version of Bluetooth known as “A2DP” (Which stands for Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). Put simply, it allows Bluetooth to wirelessly stream music in high quality stereo rather than just transmitting hands free voice or data files. It means that music from your other devices can be played on the HiFi seamlessly on demand whenever and you are at home.

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