Introducing the Sony PSP Go: Seems Sony realized that the UMD format was effectively dead; the latest planned incarnation of the Sony PSP only accepts media through Memory Stick Micro cards and wireless downloads (via the PlayStation Network). Bad news for current UMD and normal-sized Memory Stick users.

All Images Courtesy SCEA

Yet the focus on digital delivery means that Sony was reportedly thoughtful enough to equip the PSP Go with 16GB of onboard memory. The new slide-down form factor may be something new for longtime PSP users. That’s because controlling the portable console requires the hands to be closer together—and below the Go’s 3.8″ screen. Compare that to the thumbs-on-the-side configuration that has defined every PSP model until now. Read more

Sony’s new Alpha DSLR-A230, A330 and A380. But for those who are fans of the maker’s cameras, here are the useful facts (courtesy of Crave):

*add about 1.8 ounces for battery and card

Most interesting about all three new models though is its support for SDHC cards, on top of typical support for Sony’s own Memory Sticks. Here’s to hoping the same happens to some future version of the PSP.

All three cameras will become available for pre-order “this week” from sony.com, for a sometime July release.

So, despite the best efforts of Sony to protect the PSP platform from those evil hackers and homebrewers, Team Typhoon has conquered!

Courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment America

Typhoon’s hack takes advantage of a tiff exploit; viewing a carefully crafted image with the PSP-3000’s built-in viewer reboots the portable and makes it load the HEN environment. This, in the words of Boing Boing, opens the PSP-3000 up to “homebrew, customization and piracy.” Here’s the full declaratory message from Typhoon:

This is a demo of the 5.03 firmware running the tiff exploit and booting into a HEN environment on a PSP 2003 (3000 Support also) on 5.03 Official Firmware. This proves that the code survives a reboot and the system software and MAC address can be changed. This is something that only can be done with a kernel exploit. A video launching homebrew will be posted later.

Credits: Homebrew Enabler - (Davee) Team Typhoon
5.03 Tiff Exploit - MaTiAz
Video - Granite
The Community - All your support.

What demo you ask? Here (Typhoon’s currently working on packaging the exploit for the public, by the way):

All I can say is: Wow! Wasn’t it awesome how the background music cut in at just the right time? Thoughts on what this means for Sony are of course welcome below. Me? I’m still happy with my PSP-2000, thank you very much.

Husbands, boyfriends, and sons, lend me your ears! Sony’s got a couple of promos for Mother’s Day:

• A Sony Cybershot S980BDL/P + a Pink and Black Camera Case for $150 - The CyberShot is a 12.1 Megapixel camera, features a washed metal finish, and of course, comes in pink. A 2GB Memory Stick Duo is part of the package.
• Select VAIO CS notebooks + Dooney & Bourke tote bag = $150 in savings - Or basically, you get the bag (which costs $150) for free. This promo is somewhat limited though, since it only applies to “pre-built” CS notebooks. At least you’re not limited to pink, as you can choose from the CS’ five different colors. Here are supported models: VGN-CS290JEC, VGN-CS290JEQ, VGN-CS290JER, VGN-CS290JEP, VGN-CS290JEW.

Any gadget-related mother’s day promos out there you’d like to share? Leave a comment please. Thanks to Popgadget for the tip.

(image screenshot of VAIO CS promo)

The internet is currently buzzing over what David Perry, the chief creative officer of Acclaim, surmised in a conversation with kotaku.com yesterday: “I spoke to a developer who is working on it right now. I know this developer is already working on it, so that means they have a prototype. That would sound like a fall release to me.”

Other juicy tidbits: the PSP 2 will be entirely digital, meaning all content will be stored on-board. If true, then the UMD format is now scheduled for obsolescence. Just rumors for now, so stay tuned for updates. Maybe it’s time to start budgeting for a new console purchase.

Thanks Gearlog!

Someone’s head might be rolling over at the PlayStation 3’s manufacturer. Apparently to build more interest in the gaming console (which has fare relatively poorly against the Xbox 360 and Wii), someone sent Joystiq an email declaring that the PS3 provides better value for money, while the Xbox 360 and Wii of course, do not:

The informercial-esque message — titled “Keeping Entertainment Simple” — made our day with colorful accusations, including one that the Xbox 360 “requires … multiple upgrades and additional external devices, putting a burden on the wallet and adds clutter to the entertainment center.” That clutter would be the Wireless Network Adapter, which snaps onto the back of the 360, we suppose. So cluttery!

Judging from the reaction of the staff of Joystiq—a widely read gaming blog—it’s obvious that Sony’s PR blast did more harm than good. In any case, if cash wasn’t a consideration, but you had to choose only one gaming console to use for the next year or so, which one would you choose?

(image from Joystiq)

Though the brand of the affected Lithium-Ion batteries are Sony, affected customers include owners of HP, Toshiba, and Dell computers. The models listed below may use the affected batteries, which were manufactured in Japan.

If you happen to be an owner of any of the following:

• HP Pavilion: dv1000, dv8000 and zd8000
• Compaq Presario: v2000 and v2400
• HP Compaq: nc6110, nc6120, nc6140, nc6220, nc6230, nx4800, nx4820, nx6110, nx6120, nx9600
• Toshiba Satellite: A70/A75, P30/P5, M30X/M35X, M50/M55
• Toshiba Tecra: A3, A5, S2
• Dell Latitude: 110L
• Dell Inspiron: 1100, 1150, 5100, 5150, 5160

Read the full “voluntary recall” press release now. If you need more reason, here’s the incident/injury report summary: “There have been 19 reports of the batteries overheating, including 17 reports of flames/fire (10 resulting in minor property damage). Two consumers experienced minor burns.”

Sony’s VAIO TT is a recently released line of 11-inch laptops, as successors to the TZ line. Not netbooks mind you, as this new model, starting at $2,000, really does feature full functionality in a portable package. Read more

Looks like Sony’s got a big problem on their hands, but at least their doing something about it. Some VAIO laptops in the VGN-TZ may be suffering from wiring problems that lead to overheating. This has led to at least 15 reported complaints, and at least one case of a user getting burnt. On top of that, it’s probable that Sony isn’t pleased how Apple once again steals the limelight, with Yahoo Tech explaining that “The TZ is the super-miniature laptop to which Steve Jobs famously compared the MacBook Air”. Way to be sensitive Yahoo!

The recall announcement is pretty straightforward, requesting that VGN-TZ owners have their units inspected (and repaired if needed) as soon as possible. They promise to pay for everything of course, and even to go wherever you are when practical. For more details visit Sony’s eSupport page. (tech.yahoo.com)

Quick! Sears is offering the “Sony 46 in. Class LCD Full HD (1080p) Television, BRAVIA” (which apparently really costs $3299) for $1999, exclusive of tax. This deal apparently lasts for a days for so, if not today only.

Quite a markdown, but it’s a good bet not anyone can just drop $2000 on a TV. If any of you can afford to do so though, let us know? It’s been a while since we freeloaded, and we’re willing to bring our XBox over for some gaming. (fatwallet.com)