Well it is really simple. ehem. Well kind of.
Firmware is just a technical term for the PSP updates service. Every now and then Sony releases a firmware update to upgrade security (explain in a sec) and features.
Later versions of firmware allow you to:
• Use a Flash player in the web browser
• Use visual backgrounds while playing music
• More rewinding/fast forwarding features in video playing
• Use RSS Channels (confusing stuff, i dont understand it)
• Connect the PSP to a PS3
• Adds features to connect to the PSP Camera
.. and just other general features.
Any other main features anyone wishes to contribute, comment them in below.
However, the advantage of having an earlier version of firmware is basically, this feature known as HOMEBREW. (Sony releases security to fend off homebrew users, some of it can be illegal, same as music downloading really).
Homebrew is most easily described as being a whole lot of custom applications and even custom made games. That's when the PSP can get really confusing.
To use Homebrew, you must either purchase a PSP with an early version of firmware. Or Downgrade your PSP from it's current firmware. The highest firmware that can be Downgraded right now is, 3.03. After Downgrading, you will then have to upgrade to "Custom Firmware" to use Homebrew at its greatest.
I recommend you don't bother with that, unless you are willing to put in some good hours to make sure you understand all of the side effects/consequences.
The main thing to worry about with homebrew, is a problem known in slang as 'BRICKING'. What is it? Just means a scripting error that creates a temporary/permanent loss of functionality, most of the time related to the modification of the flash memory. Can also come from a virus of some kind, that will make your PSP unusable, and worthless. Playing around with the PSP's Flash can be done by eg. Downgrading.
When on 'Custom Firmware' you can sometimes repair a "Bricked" PSP
Hope this has helped anyone and everyone, need any more help understanding, comment down the bottom, and i'm sure someone will reply within a short space of time
IAC
27/03/2007
10
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