Sony has already declared that it plans to make 2009 the year of the PlayStation Portable. This means that the company is set to offer more support to the handheld, which has yet to realize its full potential.

Sony has announced that it plans to release a whole lot of videogames for the PSP and that it is also working with third parties to bring more titles to it.

And in preparation for the flood of videogames and players, Sony has unveiled the release of a new firmware version for the device. The 5.50 version upgrade is now live and offers interesting features for the handheld.

The most important aspect might be that a user can now go to the PlayStation Network and see the latest content, from movie trailers to new videogame releases, without the need to use an account. This makes it easier for people to see what Sony has to offer and will probably generate new sales for the device.

There are also other additions coming with firmware 5.50. The Information Board element of the PSN service can now be seen live on the XrossMediaBar. This requires a continuous Wi-Fi connection and allows the user to see the all the latest additions to the PSN and the announcements from Sony.

Aside from the fresh firmware for the PlayStation Portable Sony is announcing that, in the United Kingdom and in the Republic of Ireland, it has partnered up with GO!VIEW to offer a video on demand service. All those interested and owning a PSP can go to the official site and receive a free subscription for a month to the Entertainment, Sports and Comedy pack. There are also two new bundles that include a voucher, offering another two months of free access.