Eurogamer has uncovered that the PSP-3000, scheduled for release next week, comes with PSP Firmware 4.20 preloaded... for reference, the latest officially released Sony PSP Firmware is currently v4.05.
In addition, the updated system software revision includes a "USB Auto-Connect" option that automatically begins charging the PSP within the XMB when a USB cable is inserted.
To quote: Elsewhere, our side-by-side comparison of the current PSP/PSP-2000 firmware, 4.05, and the new 4.20 firmware on the PSP-3000 reveals a "USB Auto-Connect" option, which promises to automatically switch the handheld to USB mode when a cable is connected.
It will do this from anywhere on the XMB, but it won't interrupt gameplay. Nor does the PSP charge from USB during gameplay, although - as of the original Slim & Lite revision - it will do so while in USB mode. More PlayStation 3 News...