Tune in Tokyo, tune in Tokyo.

No, seriousely you can really tune in Tokyo! If you're on of us cool Sony PSP owners you must go and download the latest update (version 3.80) for your handheld. Now normally I'm down on PSP updates. Mostly because the "new" features are either crap or just another chance for Sony to patch holes in the PSP's operating system that allow us to tweak capabilities or play pirated contect. But...this update however gives us what I think is the first useful function.

By downloading and installing PSP Update 3.80 you will now get an Internet radio application powered by Shoutcast.
This internet radio allows you to have access to a myriad on internet radio content that ranges fromm Bassa Nova (who new that was anything other than a preprogrammed button on old keyboards?) to contemporary U.S. and European pop to Christian (they play PSPs too) to talk radio to (my favorite) JPOP or Japanese pop music streaming right out of downtown Tokyo.

Yes, you do have to have an internet connection in order to enjoy this feature. But most of us either have wireless LANs set up in our homes/apartments/dorms already or know where to pirate a connections from a neighbor or local wi-fi spot so it should't be a problem.

Rarely do I think that Sony, in its Borg-like idea of the world, does a good thing for its users but the PSP is fianlly shaping up to be a true hand held gaming/multimedia/internet device. Try it for yourself and happy listening.

Itte kimasu, Dutch