With handheld gaming devices being all the rage these days, thanks to PC manufacturers getting into the form-factor; the conditions seem ripe for a new PlayStation handheld generation. Rumors of Sony working on a new gaming handheld first surfaced in February 2024 from a Moore's Law is Dead report, and now other leakers are resonating the theory. This is a fully fledged handheld console that runs games locally, unlike the PlayStation Portal, which was a cloud gaming endpoint device.

The PlayStation 4 debuted a decade ago, with SoC hardware specs that can easily be match by current-generation AMD Ryzen Z1 APUs, in handheld console power footprints; and the leakers tend to agree—the new handheld console will be able to play all the games from the PlayStation 4 library, besides its own unique crop of games that take advantage of certain handheld human interface features, such as a touchscreen, accelerometer, and gyro.

AMD EPYC class of enterprise processors has gotten infected by as many as 22 different security vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities range anywhere from medium to high severity, affecting all three generations of AMD EPYC processors. This includes AMD Naples, Rome, and Milan generations, where almost all three are concerned with the whole 22 exploits. There are a few exceptions, and you can find that on AMD's website. However, not all seems to be bad. AMD says that "During security reviews in collaboration with Google, Microsoft, and Oracle, potential vulnerabilities in the AMD Platform Security Processor (PSP), AMD System Management Unit (SMU), AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV) and other platform components were discovered and have been mitigated in AMD EPYC AGESA PI packages."

AMD has already shipped new mitigations in the form of AGESA updates, and users should not fear if they keep their firmware up to date. If you or your organization is running on AMD EPYC processors, you should update the firmware to avoid any exploits from happening. The latest updates in question are NaplesPI-SP3_1.0.0.G, RomePI-SP3_1.0.0.C, and MilanPI-SP3_1.0.0.4 AGESA versions, which fix all of 22 security holes.

Sony had previously announced plans to shut down the PlayStation digital store for PS3 and PS Vita devices later this year but after the public backlash they have decided to reverse this decision and now plan to keep the store open on these devices for the "foreseeable future". Sony stated that their decision to shut down the store was a mistake and that they were inspired by the passionate gamers who wanted the store to remain live. This move will help to preserve the digital-only games released on the platforms. Sony still intends to retire PSP commerce functionality on July 2nd as planned, the full announcement can be found below.

According to the latest information coming from The Gamer, Sony is in the process of permanently closing the PlayStation Store support for its older consoles. That includes the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation Portable. According to the source, "PSP's and PS3's [PSN] stores are to be closed on July 2, while the PS Vita store will stay open until August 27. After those dates, you will no longer be able to purchase digital copies of games or DLC for any of the Sony consoles mentioned above". This is marking an end of an era, as those are the consoles that sold in millions and are very well known in the gaming community.

The official announcement is expected to follow after this, however, we still don't know when Sony will address this officially. It shows that the company is now focusing on more modern consoles and that the 9-year-old PS Vita, 13-year-old PS3, and 16-year-old PSP are considered legacy now. The remaining consoles are the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, and the latest PlayStation 5, which are all going to be supported by the PlayStation Store for a while.

Yesterday, we had a very productive phone call with CTS-Labs, the firm behind the "AMD Flaws" critical security vulnerabilities exposé of the "Zen" microarchitecture. Our questions focus on the practicality of exploiting these vulnerabilities, and should provide more insight to the skepticism centered on needing admin privileges, flashing BIOS ROMs, and other localized hacks that would render any machine, not just "Zen" powered, vulnerable. Feel free to follow up with questions in the comments section, if we can help explain something.

Since the launch of AMD Ryzen, a small piece of hardware that handles basic memory initialization as well as many security functions has been the center of some controversy. Called the Platform Security Processor (the "PSP" for short) it is essentially an arm core with complete access to the entire system. Its actions can be considered "above root" level and are for the most part invisible to the OS. It is similar in this regard to Intel's Management Engine, but is in some ways even more powerful.

Why is this a bad thing? Well, let's play a theoretical. What happens if a bug is discovered in the PSP, and malware takes control of it? How would you remove it (Answer: you couldn't). How would you know you needed to remove it? (answer, unless it made itself obvious, you also wouldn't). This scenario is obviously not a good one, and is a concern for many who asked AMD to open-source the PSPs code for general community auditing.

PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) hits shelves this month and GameStop (NYSE: GME) is giving consumers a first glimpse at the highly anticipated new handheld system. More than 3,300 U.S. GameStop stores now have playable demo units that provide a first-hand look at PS Vita's exciting new technology. In addition to the five-inch OLED multi-touch screen, front and rear touch pads, dual analog sticks, dual cameras and six-axis motion sensing system, players can experience a variety of games, including:

Cooler Master released the USNA95, which stands for universal slim notebook adapter 95W. This is a compact notebook power brick that comes with a wide range of compatibility to most notebooks in the market, packing 9 manufacturer-specific DC connectors. The unit measures 104 x 62 x 17 mm. Apart from running/charging notebooks, USNA95 can also power USB-charged devices such as PMPs, mobile phones, and Sony PSP. Functionality aside, the USNA95 bagged this year's iF product design award. Backed by a 3-year warranty, Cooler Master's USNA95 will be available soon for around 65 EUR.

Sony has now made its PlayStation Portable console more colerfull than ever, by adding four new colors. The lovely PSP-3000 is now available in "carnival" Blue, Red, Yellow and Green colors. All models are expected to ship sometime in March and sell as starter kit for ¥19,800 (about $223), or with a 4GB Memory Stick and a 2200mAh battery for ¥24,800 (about $279). Sony is also going to release special PSP cases that match your PSP's desired color.

As part of its frequent updates, Sony announced today that new firmware versions for its PLAYSTATION3 and PSP (PlayStation Portable) consoles will very soon be available to their owners. Let's start with the v5.00 update for PSP. In this version, you'll notice the addition of the PlayStation Network icon on the XMB. You can now sign up for PlayStation Network, manage your account and access PlayStation Store directly from your PSP - meaning you can download games, demos and trailers directly to your PSP while you are on-the-go. Update v5.00 also adds a sleep timer option that can be used while you are playing music on your PSP. In addition, v5.00 adds a full screen keyboard option for text entry and redesigned background of the XMB. You'll be able to find all of the information on Firmware v5.00 here once it goes live. The PLAYSTATION3 firmware version 2.50 includes a ton of new enhancements. To see each one of them, you'll need to go past the "Read full story" marker.

The Leipzig Games Convention has become a playground for one more announcement that's worth knowing. This time Sony is officially updating its game console line-up with the introduction of PlayStation Portable 3000. As the name suggests this is the third update for PSP and it comes to bring a built-in mic for VoIP calls and a new LCD that improves both the color range as well as the contrast over the original version of the 4.3-inch display. The home button of the PSP 3000 has also been redesigned. It is now called "PS Button" and has the PlayStation logo on it, instead of just the "Home" sign used in previous two versions, otherwise it has the same function. Other than that the console looks just like the older PSP 2000. First PSP 3000s should start shipping on October 15th for 199 Euros ($294) and be sold as bundles that will either include a game like FIFA 09 or the Go! communications pack.

Sony has updated the firmware on its handheld PSP console to version 3.93, which can be downloaded by going to the Settings menu on the device and selecting Network Update. The changes in this version include expanded support for PlayStation Network titles and the introduction of 20 new players to the Internet Radio feature.

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan today announced that it would release Cradle (PSP-S360）for the new slim and light PSP (PSP-2000) in Japan on April 24th, 2008 at a recommended retail price of 4,800 yen ($46). A set of Cradle & D Terminal AV Cable (PSPJ-15013) will also become available at a recommended retail price of 6,500 yen ($62). Cradle plays the role of a docking station that allow users to enjoy various entertainment content such as movies, videos and pictures on their TV sets. There's also a card type remote control included in the bundle with some basic functions. For more information please go here.

Sony has announced that Japanese PSP users will be able to use Skype services from March 18th. The software will be included in the next system update scheduled for this month, with Sony releasing official microphones to coincide with the communications service. Skype was originally due for Japanese release in January, but was delayed as Sony hardware failed to meet Skype specification. Sony Japan has also unveiled a new limited edition PSP bundle for the local market. The PSP Matte Bronze Value Pack will go on sale April 24th, priced JPY 23,800 (USD $227), and will come with the handheld, a pouch, hand strap, cloth, 32MB Memory Stick Duo and D Terminal AV cable. In addition, SCEJ will also release an official PSP Cradle & D Terminal AV Cable for the PSP Slim & Lite, also due for release April 24th.

In June, a new PSP Entertainment Pack will also be hitting stores, featuring the famous face of the Ghost of Sparta - Kratos. Available for $199.99 (MSRP), you'll get:

• Limited-edition "Deep Red" PSP with Kratos silkscreened on the back
• God of War: Chains of Olympus game
• Superbad on UMD video
• Voucher to download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops from PLAYSTATION Store.

A 12 year old who had just finished his first period classes got a nasty surprise. His PlayStation Portable, which was off and in his pocket, got "intensely hot", and caught fire. The boy's jeans quickly followed suit, causing quite the stir in the classroom. According to local emergency services, the fire originated from the device's battery compartment. The exact cause as to how or why the battery got so hot remains unknown at this point. The teacher was able to remove the PSP from the boy's pocket before it caused any serious injury. The boy was rushed to a hospital, was treated for second-degree burns, and was back at school in time for recess. Ironically, the game that was loaded at the time of the immolation was "Burn Out Legends".

Industry giant Electronic Arts is predicting much greater success for Sony's PS3 console over the next year, following disappointing sales in 2007. Last year the PS3 lagged well behind the Wii and Xbox 360 in terms of sales, with the Wii coming out significantly ahead of both. However, EA is predicting that the coming year will see Nintendo sell between 12m and 14m Wii consoles, Sony between 9.5m and 11.5m PS3s and Microsoft just 6m to 8m Xbox 360s. The PS2 is still expected to sell in its millions, with estimated figures of 3.9m to 4.9m units. Meanwhile EA reckons the DS will continue to dominate the handheld market by selling 14m to 16m units, with the PSP struggling to compete on 6m to 8m. That said, Xbox 360 sales figures can be expected to drop gradually, as the market is likely to become saturated sooner given its much earlier release date.

Fanboy reports that the PSP 3.90 firmware update is now available. The new firmware available only through Network Update will bring Skype for all PSP-2000 models. Here are the official details:

• Support for PLAYSTATION Network titles has been expanded.
• Skype has been added as a feature under Network. (Only for PSP-2000 series)

Skype requires a PSP headset in order to work properly.

After making such a fuss, Sony has just delayed Skype on PSP service in Japan. Originally the Skype PSP service was scheduled for January 24th. The cause for this move seems to be Sony's two microphone products - the single pack PSPJ-15010 and twin pack PSPJ-15011 - which "did not meet the Skype specifications" and thus failed the certification process. A new release date will be announced later.

It looks like Sony has truly admitted defeat with UMD movies following plans to allow the PS3 to transfer Blu-ray movies onto PSP memory sticks. Rather than re-encoding the HD content for the PSP's resolution, Sony plans to have Blu-ray disks which feature a PSP-specific version of the movie on the same disk as the main feature, allowing the PSP to simply copy it from the disk directly to the memory stick. The one downside of this would be that Blu-ray films which have already been sold will probably not be compatible with this feature. President of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, David Bishop, said:

This way, you can have a portable copy you can take with you. There was always the promise of greater interactivity. You'll see that coming in the new year.

Earlier this week, Sony's Consumer Electronics Show site slipped news that Skype VoIP functionality for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) will soon be added. Japan's Nikkei Net news service is reporting today that Skype functionality will be added to the PSP as early as this month. Skype's Internet phone technology will be limited to owners of the PSP Slim only. Those who own the redesigned handheld will be able to download Skype software directly onto their PSPs and then use a specially designed microphone to communicate. The Skype service will be free for PSP-to-PSP and PSP-to-PC calls. PSP Slim owners will also be able to sign up for a dedicated phone number, which Nikkei is reporting will run for 2,250 yen (about $20.70) for three months of usage. Expect more information on the service next week during the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Skype, a program that allows you to talk to people for free via the internet, is headed for the PSP, Sony has revealed.

Call friends, talk trash to fellow gamers or catch up with acquaintances via Skype for PSP system,

Sony states on its official site for the upcoming CES show. Expect more detailed information soon after the CES 2008 grand opening next Monday.

Firmware Update v2.10 for Sony PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) is now live. This new system update enhances media playback on the PLAYSTATION 3 by introducing the much-requested video playback format update: DivX and VC-1 (WMV) videos are now playable in the Video section of the XMB. This update also brings the PS3's Blu-ray drive up to Profile 1.1. "Picture in Picture" and other enhancements become available on Profile 1.1 compatible Blu-ray discs. A voice changer feature is added, enabling you to change the tone of your voice during voice or video chat. Sony also released PSP firmware v3.80. PSP owners will be able to access thousands of stations in a wide range of diverse genres with the addition of Internet Radio in firmware update 3.80.

Nintendo managed the most successful sales figures in the USA for November, a month which saw console sales rocket thanks to Black Friday and the holiday season. Top of the pile was the Nintendo DS, which shipped 1.53 million units, followed by the Wii on 981,000 units. Microsoft's Xbox 360 came a reasonably close third, selling 770,000 units. Meanwhile Sony's three consoles came last despite improved sales, with 567,000 PSPs, 496,000 PS2 consoles and 466,000 PS3s being sold.

According to Sony Japan a new Play Station Portable (PSP) firmware 3.80 will be accessible for download on December 18th. Quick translation of the text leads to the following updates:

• You can now schedule 1Seg TV tuner to record your favorite show at a certain time (similar to Tivo). This feature will only work on the new slim (PSP-2000).
• PSP will now support streaming audio through the internet connection.
• PlayStation Spot is now also available at BB Mobile Point (only in Japan).
• You can now do a scene-search in video (search for beginning of each scene or clip). This is under the video feature.
• RSS will now support opml file. You can subscribe to multiple channels which is saved in opml file. And now, RSS will also support picture (photo).