Sony PSP is going hit the stores this week, and as Russell says it is one of the most eagerly awaited platforms on the market, something that could actually turn Sony’s fortunes around. I think so too. (There is a great story on PSP in Business 2.0.) Sajeeth Cherian, the wunderkid behind BitTorrent for dummies software, Videora, has come up with a unique new application, PSP Video 9. It will take any video and turn into a format that PSP can read. So now you can download videos using Videora, and then convert them to PSP friendly format within a few seconds. Thats right! Videora will seek out the video you want using RSS, download it to your PC using BitTorrent and PSP Video 9 will take this video, convert it to the PSP video format and copy it to your docked PSP, all while you are asleep. He calls this PSP casting. “When combined with another application, Videora + PSP Video 9 form the first PSPcasting solution, allowing you to download, convert and copy video to your PSP, automatically using BitTorrent and RSS technology,” he says. Podcasting, so 2004! But more seriously, this could really help PSP lovers get more value out of their devices. Imagine watching Alias whole riding the subway to work!
Friggin cool!
I know. Now if Videora Labs works on a Mac version of their software.
This will be interesting. Sony has made it quite clear that they intend to follow their existing “closed” media transport methods. (Sony has a bad habit of pushing proprietary media standards that are incompatible with pre-existing market standards.) If products like Videora can actually bypass Sony’s preferred method of video delivery (UMD), this will make the devices substantially more valuable, but will seriously diminish the value of the UMD. What will Sony do? Attempt to sue Videora (even though they would have little or no case) or silently embrase this development at the expense of their content and UMD business divisions. Hmmm.
Alex thanks for that quick lesson but they cannot really do much with this – they will release software updates and try and shut down these software products, but even iPod has not been able to do that. innovative programmers can always find a way. i hope they let the innovation thrive.
I agree, Om. I just find it interesting that companies like Sony never learn from their mistakes. If they would decide to just go with the flow and allow consumers to use their product in new and innovative ways, they would stand to benefit from a legion of highly committed evangelists. The number one complaint I hear about the PSP is that it sucks as a video and audio platform, largely because it’s so difficult to get these files onto the device. If consumers can fix these problems post-production, Sony benefits substantially with no additional capex. Sony’s slavish desire to control distribution is short-sighted, at best.
Predictions on increased demand for the first batch of production units if word gets around about Videora? Sony has a history of console hardware upgrades with successive batches to keep up with mods (though they’ve always been bypassed with chips). But doing a bit of soldering work on a Playstation console is entirely different from working on tiny embedded electronics. I don’t see Sony changing their stance for the PSP – just look at how long it’s taken for the company to move away from ATRAC in their audio devices.
I never believed Sony would generate much revenue in the sales of UMDs (titles limited to Sony catalog, value of UMD vs DVD) but Videora could make PSP the de facto portable media player.
It’s interesting that every major review I’ve read of the PSP knocks the media features, including the lack of software to load content on to a PSP. On the other hand, I’m sure Om is right that they will fight tooth and nail to keep products like PSP Video 9 from working with the PSP.
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I found out a vast majority of news but no actual help! I severely need assistance with the whole Bitorrent Controling and actually connecting.(I’ve been trying for months now! Reluctantly said, mind you. ) But thanks for the info. God Bless.