Even before it has been released anywhere outside of there are plenty of rumours about Sony's intentions for the PSP. Speculation has peaked after the appearance of an apparently official test update file, which originated from a domain owned by themselves. Although attempting to install the file on a reportedly corrupts the system, investigations by unnamed sources has revealed some interesting insights into Sony's possible plans for their handheld gaming device.

Now before I go on, I must emphasis the less than cast-iron certainty over the veracity of this file and the claims about its content. However, those interested in the PSP will hopefully be able to treat the news with the correct does of scepticism so I'll plough on.

This update updates the code that runs the PSP's basic system, adding a raft of new features which would seem to indicate that Sony has far grander designs for the machine than as a simple handheld entertainment device. According to reports, the new features include such a wide range of applications as e-mail, web browsing, voice comms, scheduling and a text-to-speech program as well as a utility that allows for the downloading and organising of using Sony's own Sonicwave software. On top of that there are three titles which may be new games.

And again, while this may be nothing more than an elaborate fake or the leaked conjecture of some hopeful Sony employees, if this update file is genuine it contains some solid clues about Sony's future direction with the PSP. It also seems to indicate that Sony didn't add all those ports and connectivity options to the PSP on a whim. With the addition of a mini keyboard via the USB port the PSP could be easily transformed into the kind of convergent device that is the holy grail for many consumer IT giants. Not only does this hint at the PSP being able to function as a PDA and an MP3 player but it also dangles the prospect of online gaming in front of eager gamer's eyes.

Time will tell if this is all fantasy, yet it makes perfect sense for Sony to be seriously exploring such ideas. And as the that makes up the PSP is well suited to take on such an expansion of roles I'd be surprised if 2005 doesn't turn out to be a time of great interest in the PSP.

By Sam Gibson