PSX owners stuck with old features
Japanese owners of Sony's multimedia PSX device will not be able to upgrade its features to those of two new models due out before the end of the year.
Sony is planning to introduce two new models of its hybrid PlayStation 2/multimedia device, the PSX, in Japan this December, but according to company reps this time the new functionality will not be made available to existing users via firmware upgrade.
The new models (the 250GB DESR-7500 and 160GB DESR-5500) will include new features like DVD+R recording, and an application that records any TV programmes in line with keywords supplied by the end user, and aims to improve TV recording and media playback in general.
Sony says the new features won't be made available to early adopters of the PSX because "inside, it'll be a different product." Speaking to ITmedia, a Sony rep admitted: "We don't have any plans to release a [firmware] upgrade for the older models."
PSX has recently enjoyed a sales boost in Japan following a price cut, having previously failed to capture the imaginations of consumers. The unit, which has been on sale for around a year, plays PS2 games, DVDs and records television amongst its many multimedia functions.
Earlier this year Sony revealed that it planned to release the PSX in Europe by the end of 2004, but the platform holder has yet to announce any concrete details.