Hackers crack the PlayStation Portable... But Sony may have the last laugh

Last week I wrote an article about the PSP, hoping to have it published in NOW Magazine.

Although NOW accepts amateur submissions, I never heard back from them so I decided to just post it here.

My cousin tells me that freelance writers (and especially amateur ones!) occupy the lowest space on the totem pole. To succeed, he says, one must constantly call and remind editors of one's existence.

But really, I just like writing stuff in my spare time - I figure that someone either wants it or they don't... There shouldn't be a big production over it.

Anyway, click below to view the article.

Last March, Sony released its first portable gaming device into a market traditionally owned by Nintendo. The exciting games and stunning widescreen LCD have attracted millions of consumers to purchase the versatile devices.

However, as originally shipped, the PSP may have been a little too versatile.

In mid-June, hackers created an exploit that allows any PSP owner to run unauthorized programs. Copied from the web and stored on a memory stick, these programs range from simple amateur games and utilities to full-blown copyright infringement.

Sony isn’t taking these developments lying down though – In what appears to be a carefully considered move, Sony is soon to release an update to the PSP operating system. Unlike the two minor revisions before it, version 2.0 does more than fix holes; it adds compelling new features like a web browser and television content.

Since new games will likely require the 2.0 upgrade, amateur software enthusiasts and lawbreakers will have a decision to make: Should they keep their units as-is and miss out on new features, or update and lose the ability to run unauthorized code?

Sony does have a third option for those reluctant to choose... Buy another PSP!