New software promises PDA and office applications for handheld - but not yet A software update for the PlayStation Portable which leaked onto the internet over the weekend is genuine, according to Sony, but installing it will stop the console from working and may damage the hardware.

The file, which appears to have been made public on one of Sony's websites by accident, was rapidly dissected by enthusiasts and was found to include references to a wide range of new applications for the handheld console.

Among the software which the file was configured to install were internet applications such as a web browser and email client, tools including a text to speech utility and a calculator, and a word processor and spreadsheet.

However, none of the software referenced was actually included in the installer - but the references tend to imply that Sony is indeed planning on adding significant amounts of non-games functionality to the PSP, which can already play music, movies and photo slideshows, in the future.

Sony has now confirmed that the installer is real, but has strongly advised users not to attempt to apply it, as it will "cause the PSP hardware to stop operating," according to a spokesperson.

The company has said that it will repair PSPs which are damaged by users attempting to apply the rogue installer - but that it will bill the users for the cost of the repair.