ESRB reveals revolutionary "beats" project for PSP

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 5th 2007 at 5:30PM }

One of our readers, Y.M., has unearthed an incredible discovery. The ESRB lists a mysterious new product for PSP, simply titled beats. According to our reader, Sony Computer Entertainment of Europe trademarked the title back in January, with a truly ambitious description. We're still looking for the original source, but we've seen this description on NeoGAF as well:

"Providing access to gaming, digital music and/or video web sites; providing wireless transmission of music, video and games, via the Internet and via communications networks; uploading and downloading of music, video and games, via the Internet and via communications networks; providing on-line bulletin boards for the transmission of messages among computer users concerning games, music and videos; distribution of computer software relating to music, video and games over local or global communications networks; communication services in the form of matching users for the transfer of music and video recordings via communication networks; information, advisory and consultancy services relating to all the aforesaid."

Y.M. has intelligently put two and two together: Sony said they were looking into expanding the capabilties of PSP to target the teen market. Certainly, a wireless music and video sharing service would out-do everything Zune tried to. The evidence is pointing to a truly revolutionary service for PSP--beats can become the PSP equivalent of PS3's Home.

Tags: beats, esrb, music, psp, rumor, video, y.m.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Apr 5th 2007 6:05PM

wow! this sounds (like you said) revolutionary. but will it work on the PSP? and why would it have to be rated by the ESRB? will they sell it as a UMD or in firmware update? it looks more like a UMD for now, which may not be Sony's most successful route for now.

Joel @ Apr 5th 2007 6:26PM

you're right. However, it might be impossible for it to be in a fw update scince (I imagine) it would tak way too much flash 0/1 memory. Plus, ESRB has to rate any product relating online stuff in a game/system.

I hope that it is on a fw update, but it's nearly impossible UNLESS they open a path to the memory stick, and if that happens, "hello exploits!!"

Colin @ Apr 5th 2007 8:29PM

I haven't been able to confirm that trademark at the USPTO ... anyone have any luck? The NeoGaf entry doesn't list the URL where they found that logo.

Anyone remember that 60gb PSP rumour?

Maybe they come out with two SKU - the rumoured 8GB and a more media intensive 60GB (a'la Apple and Creative)?