PSP Firmware Update Not GPS Libraries, Sort of…

Yesterday, PSP3D had a story speculating that supposedly the next firmware update for the PSP was going to include GPS libraries to be used in an upcoming GPS add-on. It seems PSP-Vault has shed some light on the subject and found out that the video that PSP3D featured was actually a UMD map of Japan called “Minna no Chizu”.

The UMD map doesn’t use any GPS positioning software, but allows the user to manually find his or her way around. The update was not was not to support GPS mapping, but GPS programming for use of an adapter to come later. PSP-Vault figured this out by noting the company ‘Zenrin’ was in one of the last frames of the video and did some research. They found that Zenrin was helping Sony create a map of Japan and in the form of this UMD. The UMD map is set to be released on April 20th in Japan, that’s what the date meant at the end of the video.

First we have subway train routes on our iPods, now we get to have country wide maps on our PSPs. It’s a nice thought and should come in handy for people that travel and can’t afford an expensive GPS. Controlling the map manually can be a pain, but it’s still better than flipping through a 300 page book to find the road you are currently on.

Yesterday, PSP3D had a story speculating that supposedly the next firmware update for the PSP was going to include GPS libraries to be used in an upcoming GPS add-on. It seems PSP-Vault has shed some light on the subject and found out that the video that PSP3D featured was actually a UMD map of Japan called “Minna no Chizu”.

The UMD map doesn’t use any GPS positioning software, but allows the user to manually find his or her way around. The update was not was not to support GPS mapping, but GPS programming for use of an adapter to come later. PSP-Vault figured this out by noting the company ‘Zenrin’ was in one of the last frames of the video and did some research. They found that Zenrin was helping Sony create a map of Japan and in the form of this UMD. The UMD map is set to be released on April 20th in Japan, that’s what the date meant at the end of the video.

First we have subway train routes on our iPods, now we get to have country wide maps on our PSPs. It’s a nice thought and should come in handy for people that travel and can’t afford an expensive GPS. Controlling the map manually can be a pain, but it’s still better than flipping through a 300 page book to find the road you are currently on.