New Firmware Brings Flash 9 to PS3, Wireless Store to PSP

In a post yesterday on the Official Playstation Blog, we got the bullet points on the new firmware updates coming up for the PS3 and PSP. Both are major upgrades and bring some very significant new functionality to Sony's two consoles. A new entry today confirms reports that the forthcoming PS3 firmware will bring Flash 9 support to the console's internet browser. Here's the details:

• Support for the Official PS3 Bluetooth Headset
• Enhanced Interface for Trophy level and comparison
• Offline status and last-logon info for friends
• Enhanced video playback. Create scene search thumbnails to browse through videos and optionally play all videos in the XMB in sequence.
• Power Save setting to turn off PS3 and wireless controllers after a period of inactivity or once a background download or install completes.
• In-game screenshots
• Flash 9 support in the Internet Browser
  

On the mobile side, the PSP gains the ability to access the Playstation Store over WiFi. Users will be able to browse, purchase, and download content directly to their PSP without tethering their console to a PC. Additional new features include:

• A full screen keyboard option for text entry
• Sleep Timer during music playback
• Redesigned XMB background
  

Check out the Official Playstation Blog for a video demo showing off the PSP wirelessly accessing the PS Store. PS3 firmware v2.50 and PSP firmware v5.00 both go live tomorrow, Wed Oct 15th.

Link Resistance 2 and Resistance: Retribution With PSP Plus

We got a fresh look at the forthcoming PSP title Resistance: Retribution this week at TGS. SCEA’s Bend Studio co-director John Garvin has a new post up at the official Playstation Blog detailing some of the unique ways this game will be interoperable with the hotly anticipated Resistance 2.

Garvin details how by connecting a PSP running R:R to your PS3 (running R2) via USB allows players to unlock "Infected mode" in Retrubution. In this new mode, protagnist Grayson is infected with a new mutated form of the Chimera virus allowing him to regenerate and breathe underwater. He also gains access to the new HE .44 Magnum from R2.

Infected mode will open up a new class of Intel hidden throughout the levels, that will now be accessible thanks to Gryason's newfound abilities. Collecting all the new Intel will unlock another Resistance 2 weapon: Plasma Grenades.

But for the coup de grace, Garvin details how players can utilize the new PSP Plus function. While the PSP is connected to the Playstation 3, players can use a Dualshock 3 controller while playing Resistance: Retribution. The difficulty level increases and aim-assist is turned off, giving players a whole new way to experience the portable title.

Resistance: Retribution is slated for Spring 2009, while Insomniac Game's Resistance 2 will hit shelves Nov 4, 2008 in North America and the 21st in Europe.

Epic Judgment: Sony has been trying for a while to find a compelling way to link PS3 games to PSP counter-part titles. While the unlocking and sharing of weapons between R2 and R:R is a step in the right direction., requiring gamers to tether a portable console in order to use the Dualshock 3 only highlights how much Sony should have built in DS technology/dual analog control into the PSP to begin with.