Firmware 2.0 for US PSPs delayed

[Christopher]

From Gamespot:

With PSP owners complaining about the dearth of games available for the multimedia handheld, many have been using the portable for things other than gaming. The months of June, July, and August yielded only five new games for the handheld, making the PSP's other functions (MP3 player, movie player, digital photo viewer) more essential.

Sony is making North American PSPs even more practical with the release of the PSP Firmware 2.0. However, gamers eager to hold a weekend PSP-Web-browsing party got some bad news today. A Sony spokesperson has confirmed that the North American edition of Firmware 2.0 won't be available until August 15. The company originally pegged today as the release date for the upgrade. A Japanese version was released last month.

The update's most significant addition is the Web browser application, which lets PSP owners tap into free wireless hot spots to surf the Internet. Other features include "enhanced video and audio playback, photo sharing options, broader network connectivity, and a customizable interface to suit each user's personal style."

I wonder what's holding them back, perhaps they haven't finalized the portal sites?

[Christopher]

Still no firmware upgrade - Sony, what are you doing?

Anyone have some conjecture as to why it may be delayed?

[number9]

Well, I know the browser doesn't like /. ... maybe they're ironing out small bugs?

[Christopher]

UPDATE: The PSP Firmware 2.0 Upgrade for the North American market will be available during the week of August 22nd.

[pata2001]

My guess is they're trying to tighten the firmware further. Homebrewers were screwed by post 1.50 firmwares, but I've seen people posting potential workarounds with the Japanese 2.0 firmware. Maybe Sony USA saw this, and causes the delay.

Or, maybe they are just trying to improve the browser and wifi part (support/presets for local US hotspots?)

[number9]

Well, I grabbed the US 2.0 today, and Sony boned us...

If I use the web update (when you have the 2.0 JPN installed), it says you're already up to date.

If I use the USB update, it tells me the data on the card is corrupted (I even redownloaded the file, and copied it over 3 times).

So...

Thanks Sony! Would it have been so difficult to name it 2.01 and save us some headaches?

Also, on /., people are saying the JPN firmware was updated today, but kept the same number as before (2.0)...and the CRC is slightly different than the US release.

Why has something that should be so easy become so difficult?

grrrrr....

At least I should have Namco Museum tonight...

[Christopher]

It has been released! I shall close this thread.