Sony have outlined new software and hardware features that it plans to add to its PSP platform.  The first update will come during this spring when a software update will adds support for Macromedia Flash, audio podcasts and a camera and GPS unit. The camera and GPS unit themselves will be launched in September and October. respectively, but by adding the software support earlier developers will be able to write software to make use of the new hardware, said Kutaragi. The second software update due this year will be in the "summer" and will add video podcast support and expand the video profile for the UMD (Universal Media Disc) removable media that the PSP uses. A final software update, due in the "winter," will add the ability to boot games from Memory Stick media and VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) telephony. The former will enable software companies to offer games that can be downloaded across the network and then run from the Memory Stick, Kutaragi said. The latter will work with the camera module and enable the PSP to be used as a VOIP handset or a video conferencing tool. The PSP includes a Wi-Fi adaptor for network access. Sony also announced plans to sell a cheaper version of the PSP in Europe and the US. In Japan the handheld gaming device has been available in two versions, a basic and value pack, since launch, but in other markets only the more expensive value pack has been available. The value pack includes extras such as a Memory Stick memory card. The basic model will be available in Europe from March 22 and will cost √¢‚Äö¬¨199 ($240) and in the US from late March and will cost $199, said Kutaragi. [eDigit]