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On [[October 3]], [[2005]], firmware '''version 2.01''' was released. This upgrade fixed the image overload buffer problem that allowed the PSP to be "downgraded" via a homebrew hack. After the 2.01 frimware version SONY was released the new 2.50 was also released, speculation states 2.50 was launched to attract users to upgrade: blocking any possible means of homebrew. It also included the LocationFree Player [http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP.aspx?id=softwareupdate/PSP_250_update.htm#LocationFree]. If owners own a LocationFree Base Station at home, they can play streaming movies, over the Internet, from anywhere in the world, on their PSP. Also added were the Korean character set, the ability to play copyrighted movies, form history on the web browser, and time and date syncronisation via the internet.
===Wireless networking===
[[Wi-Fi]]([[IEEE 802.11]]b) support allows the PSP to connect to wireless networks, other PSP units for multiplayer gaming, the Internet, and Sony's upcoming [[PlayStation 3]]. As the PS3 has only recently been unveiled, details on link-up features are slim, however [[Hideo Kojima]] has discussed the possibility of a link-up between ''[[Metal Gear Solid 4]]'' and ''[[Metal Gear Ac!d 2]]''. Use of wireless network features increases the power consumption and lowers the battery life of the system.
A version 2.0 firmware update was released on July 27, 2005 for Japanese PSPs, and August 24, 2005 for North American PSPs. The update included a [[web browser]] and support for connecting to networks with [[Wi-Fi Protected Access]] (WPA) encryption.
====Gamesharing====
The PSP allows one user to share their game with a third party, usually - but not necessarily - as a precursor to multiplayer gaming. A self-contained version of the game being shared is sent to the remote PSP over the wireless network, whereupon it boots and runs as though loaded from a UMD disc. Such 'Gameshare versions' of software usually have their featureset reduced and are intended, for example, to allow the multiplayer aspects of the software to be used while holding back singleplayer or bonus functionality. First party European titles ''[[Fired Up]]'' and ''[[Wipeout Pure]]'' both shipped with Gamesharing features; subsequent titles have followed suit.
====Ad-hoc networks====
Ad-hoc wireless networking allows for up to 16 PSPs within range of each other to communicate directly, typically for multiplayer gaming. The launch titles ''[[Ridge Racer]]'' and ''[[Lumines]]'', for example, support this. One unit can act as the host for a game, which is available to other PSP units within that systems range, and appears in a list when the [[Client (computing)|client]] PSP searches for available [[host]]s. Hosting a game in this manner increases power consumption and reduces battery life slighty. With the update of 2.0 or higher the PSP can use the Ad-Hoc technology to send pictures from one PSP to the other.
====Infrastructure networks====
{{main|List of PlayStation Portable Wi-Fi games}}
The PSP's main menu allows the user to configure the system for use across the [[Internet]] via a wireless connection, known as [[infrastructure]] mode. The PSP's menu can recognize protected and non-protected wireless networks within its range, and attempt to request a firmware update from Sony's servers.
A handful of titles, including three [[United States|U.S.]] launch games (Including the multi-million selling game, SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals) and an as-of-yet untitled [[MMORPG]], have been announced which use this wireless network functionality. [[Packet tunneling]] systems are in development by third-parties which allow any Wi-fi game to operate across the Internet (see [[#External links|External links]]).
Use of infrastructure networks in PSP software began with a small number of titles at the US launch, supporting online play. [[South Korea|South Korean]] PSPs will ship with software providing web browsing and multimedia streaming features, but only through company-owned Wi-Fi hotspots, and with a monthly fee[http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/28/news_6121153.html].
====Infrared====
The PSP also features an infrared comm port located on the top left of the device. There are currently no known (non-homebrew) games utilizing it.
==Design and specifications==
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