PlayStation details PSP firmware v5.50

It’s not available yet, but Sony’s Eric Lempel, the Director of PSN Operations, detailed the key new features coming up in v5.50 for the PSP. The Information Board that scrolls up top on the PS3 XMB will now be ported to the PSP where I, for one, will continue to ignore it. This firmware update isn’t all that exciting, but v5.50 will allow you to partition your memory card a bit differently. Hit the jump to find out what it is and what else you can expect.

* Memory Stick improvements – You’ll be able to create and access sub-folders on your Memory Stick PRO Duo for music, videos and photos. Separately, the available space required to download a file from PlayStation Store to your Memory Stick has been reduced significantly.
* Internet search for games directly from the XMB – You’ll be able to easily search the Internet for information about your PSP games. Select the icon for the game, hit the Triangle button, and then select [Internet Search] from the options menu to get search results based on the game title. This feature was added to PS3 with the recent 2.70 update.
* Trend Micro trial – PSP’s Internet browser is a great tool for checking out your favorite Web sites on the go, and we’re teaming up with the Internet security experts at Trend Micro to make the Web browsing experience safer and more secure. With the 5.50 update, you’ll have the option to access a free trial of two Trend Micro services:

Trend Micro Web Security uses Web reputation technology to block PSP owners from accidentally visiting a Web site that may contain malicious content designed to steal personal information and confidential data.
Trend Micro Kids’ Safety uses URL filtering technology to prevent children from accessing Web sites that feature inappropriate content.

via PS Blog