[masterchan777]

PSVita firmware will be updated to version 1.6 on Wednesday February 8th . This update will include:

1- A new Map app, maps can be viewed with satellite imagery turned on and off. and users can also search for walking and driving directions, and view information about current location, and send points and locations to friends via group messenger App.

2- An updated Photo app adding the ability to take videos.

3- The Home button will now flash blue when the console is connected to power and when wake up from standby mode and blinks for a few seconds when going into sleep mode.

Sony is also planning to release a Mac OS version of its Content Management Assistant.











Source : http://www.eurogamer...japan-this-week

Edited by masterchan777, 06 February 2012 - 10:56 AM.

[Valwin]

Quote

Sony has a substantial update for PlayStation Vita planned right before the system’s Western launch. On February 8, firmware version 1.60 will be released, which adds a video recording function to the camera app.

Quote

Vita will also get a new map app that lets users map directions and see where they are in the world using the system’s GPS sensor. The map app can show satellite images and has a bookmark feature to save locations. Sony also changed the Home button so it glows blue when your system is plugged into an outlet.

Source

[rehevkor]

I don'd understand why they stagger the releases of features like this.. didn't the 3DS do similar?

[keran22]

Sounds like they're really trying to make the device more attractive by adding smartphone-esque utilities. Obviously, i'm all for more features on a device, it can only help it sell better - but I wonder if a GPS is totally necessary? I'm unsure if there's anyone who'll use the GPS on this device that doesn't have a similarly capable smartphone already. What they need to do is introduce some utilities that can only work with multiple touchpads, or other unique Vita hardware features.

I don't think that this game console is going to do very well with the non-gamer market that Nintendo so successfully tapped into with their DS. So with that in mind, i'd rather that Sony keep the development focussed on things that will make it a more attractive games console than smartphone.

[chris888222]

Quite glad for video recording.

But I find GPS kinda unnecessary... I mean you have smartphones/true GPSes for that!

[chartube12]

chris888222, on 06 February 2012 - 12:42 PM, said:

Quite glad for video recording.

But I find GPS kinda unnecessary... I mean you have phones and GPS devices for that!

Fixed that for you. Phones have had full GPS before smart phones took off.

[Guild McCommunist]

keran22, on 06 February 2012 - 12:05 PM, said:

Sounds like they're really trying to make the device more attractive by adding smartphone-esque utilities. Obviously, i'm all for more features on a device, it can only help it sell better - but I wonder if a GPS is totally necessary? I'm unsure if there's anyone who'll use the GPS on this device that doesn't have a similarly capable smartphone already. What they need to do is introduce some utilities that can only work with multiple touchpads, or other unique Vita hardware features.

I don't think that this game console is going to do very well with the non-gamer market that Nintendo so successfully tapped into with their DS. So with that in mind, i'd rather that Sony keep the development focussed on things that will make it a more attractive games console than smartphone.

It's aiming for more of a core market/tech savvy market and not really the "non-gamers" that Nintendo sold their stuff to. It has some casual appeal but it definitely aims for the more "core" audience.

Also the GPS is only on 3G models and it could probably be used for social functions and hell, maybe even some games.

[chris888222]

Guild McCommunist, on 06 February 2012 - 01:15 PM, said:

keran22, on 06 February 2012 - 12:05 PM, said:

Sounds like they're really trying to make the device more attractive by adding smartphone-esque utilities. Obviously, i'm all for more features on a device, it can only help it sell better - but I wonder if a GPS is totally necessary? I'm unsure if there's anyone who'll use the GPS on this device that doesn't have a similarly capable smartphone already. What they need to do is introduce some utilities that can only work with multiple touchpads, or other unique Vita hardware features.

I don't think that this game console is going to do very well with the non-gamer market that Nintendo so successfully tapped into with their DS. So with that in mind, i'd rather that Sony keep the development focussed on things that will make it a more attractive games console than smartphone.

It's aiming for more of a core market/tech savvy market and not really the "non-gamers" that Nintendo sold their stuff to. It has some casual appeal but it definitely aims for the more "core" audience.

Also the GPS is only on 3G models and it could probably be used for social functions and hell, maybe even some games.

I'll really hate Sony if they made it compulsory for some of their awesome franchises.

---

Posts merged

chartube12, on 06 February 2012 - 01:11 PM, said:

chris888222, on 06 February 2012 - 12:42 PM, said:

Quite glad for video recording.

But I find GPS kinda unnecessary... I mean you have phones and GPS devices for that!

Fixed that for you. Phones have had full GPS before smart phones took off.

I see. Well... I hardly use GPS on mobile phones anyway.

[Guild McCommunist]

chris888222, on 06 February 2012 - 01:25 PM, said:

I'll really hate Sony if they made it compulsory for some of their awesome franchises.

I doubt it'll be a necessary feature since it's only on the 3G models, it'll probably just be additional features.

[Jamstruth]

rehevkor, on 06 February 2012 - 12:04 PM, said:

I don'd understand why they stagger the releases of features like this.. didn't the 3DS do similar?

Basically they rush the hardware out the door with basic functionality. Since the hardware takes a while to be finalised software lags behind and Sony wants a return on the R&D ASAP. The most recent, stable version of the firmware will be the release version then any other planned features will be released as developed. At least that's my theory.

[masterchan777]

http://gbatemp.net/t...48#entry4094748

posted about two hours earlier ...

Reason for edit: Threads merged. ~VA

[RockmanForte]

This is useless since many smartphones already have those. Silly Sony.

[dilav]

keran22, on 06 February 2012 - 12:05 PM, said:

Sounds like they're really trying to make the device more attractive by adding smartphone-esque utilities. Obviously, i'm all for more features on a device, it can only help it sell better - but I wonder if a GPS is totally necessary? I'm unsure if there's anyone who'll use the GPS on this device that doesn't have a similarly capable smartphone already. What they need to do is introduce some utilities that can only work with multiple touchpads, or other unique Vita hardware features.

The GPS may of not been necessary, I believe it was only included in the 3G model. I'm questioning why there is a 3G model, that seems unnecessary, although I do not know what it may be like in other parts of the world. The idea of adding GPS to the 3G model was a smart idea as it gave one of a few feature/reason (that I'm aware of) to own a 3G model.

I do see some usefulnes of a GPS Vita. Some people do talk and text message in while driving, which isn't a good thing. But it would be much easier to use than to toggle between apps. And 5" screen is bigger than most cellphone screen that I've seen people use. But tablets have been very popular, most has GPS, along with built in to cars, and many who absolutely need GPS would already have one.

Edited by dilav, 06 February 2012 - 02:28 PM.

[Qtis]

So let me get this straight. New features = not needed? Imagine all the rage if the device had GPS and there was no Navigation services available.. Bah. This is all about a possibility to have something. Sure you can have GPS on your mobile phone, but then again there were navigation devices before mobile phones had GPS. So adding GPS on a smartphone was a bad move because there was something already available doing the same thing? /trolling

Good to see new features. Now if only Sony and Nintendo made their online networks add some homebrew possibilities..

[junn]

Firmware update 1.60 is now available.
Content Manager Assistant for the pc has an update too.
the new map app is kinda slow.