Next Generation has posted an interview between ITMedia and Izumi Kawanishi, a head PSP platform developer. Here is their interview:

He told ITMedia, "Before the launch of the PSP, we already had a comprehensive direction for networking features for the portable. We decided to give it two modes. One is called 'Infrastructure', mainly for internet browsing and the second is 'Ad-Hoc' for networking VS play.

"Of course we knew that Infrastructure mode would have applications in gaming as well but we wanted to give the PSP full Internet browsing capacity, like on any PC. But our main problem was that home pages are designed for computers. This means they are very difficult to display on mobile devices with much smaller screens. We wanted these home pages to be correctly displayed on the PSP screen so users could comfortably browse the Internet. To be honest we were very anxious on that particular aspect. We had many users asking for internet browsing capacity on PSP. So with the update to firmware version 2.0, we decided to give it to them."

Izumi explained why the company decided against including Flash support with this update. "We are still working on this. We have not ruled out Flash compatibility for the PSP. Our position concerning the Internet on our portable is open. The only limits are about memory requirements and performance losses. We want users to be comfortable.

He explained the decision to choose Access? NetFront browser as a base for PSP?s browser? "Access NetFront has such experience on mobile phones that we felt it was the right choice. However, this is really a browser in the very basic meaning of the word. Today browsers are featuring tons of optional functions. Our browser is a basic HTML browser, nothing more."

The web browser is based on a Tab system. "The Tab function is not much used even on PC. Often when you click on a link, a new window appears and often you need to open a large number of these windows before accessing the content you are seeking for. This could not be done on the PSP for obvious reasons. Now, concerning this Tab function, because of memory limitation, you are limited to three Tabs.

Beside HTML browsing, there are future plans for ftp or advanced email functions as well. "The email function is included but our main concern is how easy you can input your text. There are many ways of communications nowadays associated to the web. You have Text and HTML based e-mails, newsgroups, blogs, etc? We are searching for the right method to enjoy them. In PSP?s case, it is not only about texts but also videos and music. So emails are only one way of communication on PSP."

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