OFFICIAL: Sony prepping PSP-3000 with built-in mic

[xtop]

There may not have been any word of a new PSP out of E3 as some had suspected, but it looks Sony may have a bit of a late surprise for us, at least if these tantalizing pics from PSPChina are to be believed. Apparently, this new PSP-3000 model remains mostly unchanged from the current PSP-2000, with the notable addition of a built-in microphone and a somewhat less notable PlayStation button in place of the usual Home button. As you can see in the picture after the break, the signature steel ring on the back of the PSP also appears to have been trimmed a bit (there's a pic of the inside of the case as well, for the curious). Not exactly the DS Lite sort of upgrade that'd make everyone ditch their old PSPs to be sure but, as we've seen with the PSP-2000, it would be about par for the course for Sony.

pics in the link

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/22/s...-built-in-mic/

UPDATE:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/14/u...ed-by-the-fcc/

We expect a lot when Sony makes a full point update from the PSP-2001. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case as we thumb through the FCC filing for Sony's newest PSP. Then again, it's being pretty tight-lipped with most of the juicy docs well hidden in support of Sony's request for confidentiality. We can tell you that the FCC's tests were all focused on the 2.4GHz spectrum for the PSP-3001's stated use of 802.11b WiFi (nothing new there) -- no GPS, no 802.11 Draft-n, no Bluetooth. In fact, the schematic used to demonstrate the FCC ID placement looks identical to the existing PSP slim -- no evidence of that rumored mic or redesigned Home button. Guess we'll have to wait for this one to walk through the system a bit. Nevertheless, fanboys rejoice, PSP-3001 is real and this close to a formal announcement. See the label placement pic after the break.