PSP to get mouse, keyboard, GPS, Flash

Following his statements on future PSP expansion earlier this month, Sony Computer Entertainment platform development chief Izumi Kawanishi has revealed more possible PSP plans to Japanese technology Web site ITmedia.

While last time it was Web-based game content, downloadable movies, and e-mail support, Kawanishi is now discussing Macromedia Flash and Javascript support for the PSP's web browser. More interestingly, however, is his comments on upcoming USB peripherals, including a mouse, keyboard and GPS unit.

"Sony's developers are considering adding Macromedia Flash support for PSP's Web browser in the future, as well as expanding Javascript functions. Kawanishi explained they need to determine Flash's performances on the PSP before coming to a conclusion. Kawanishi said that his team basically has an open stance toward network-related functions, and Flash playback was not intentionally ignored. On the other hand, Kawanishi explained that security issues prompted the team to leave out some Javascript support, such as allowing scripts to access the UMD."

"Kawanishi also revealed that Sony is already planning a number of USB peripherals for the PSP, and some should be announced in the near future. He commented that a keyboard and mouse are possibilities, as they will facilitate browsing the Web. The Global Positioning System device shown during last year's E3 is another possible peripheral, as it could be used with both the Web browser and PSP games."