A little over a year ago before the PSP was launched in the US, an incomplete “experimental” firmware version was leaked onto the web. It was non-functional but seemed to have a lot of intended features included such as a web browser, email client, and word processor. It took a long time for the web browser to surface, but according to a sneak peak of the March issue of Playstation Magazine (thanks to PSp2gamers) an email client will be included in an upcoming firmware update. 

“PSM has learned from sources familiar with the PSP’s U.S. product management that one new firmware-enabled update will be called Sony Mail. The built-in email program will use the unique ID number assigned to each PSP at manufacture to eliminate a potentially confusing server setup. The program won’t require users to access a web site, but will let them choose a unique user name to associate with their PSP’s ID.

“Further down the line, but still slated for this year, Sony will release its GPS (global positioning system) add-on for PSP that was first shown at E3 2004. The yet-to-be-priced package will include the actual GPS peripheral, which connects to the top of the PSP via the USB 2.0 port, and a UMD containing navigation software and street data. Regular updates to the street data will be rolled out on subsequent UMD’s for an additional price.”