PSP 3.30 update includes free HotSpot access

In its quest for constant improvement, Sony has issued the latest firmware update for the PlayStation Portable. The 3.30 update makes a series of minor tweaks to the handheld, including expanded support for PlayStation Network games. It will also let users play back videos stored on their PSPs at full 720x480 resolution, versus the prior scaled-down 320x240 resolution.

The 3.30 update will also let PSP owners access T-Mobile HotSpots all over the country for free for six months. Normally the 7,000-plus wireless Internet hubs, most commonly found in Borders and Starbucks, charge a onetime $9.99 fee for 24 hours of use. T-Mobile also offers a variety of monthly subscription packages at flat rates.

To take advantage of the promotion, PSP owners must log into a T-Mobile HotSpot by March 28, 2008. Once the six months expire, those gamers can buy a discounted subscription from T-Mobile, although the rate had not been announced as of press time.