PS Vita losing functionality with cancellation of YouTube, Near and Maps

Sony has decided to remove functionality from the PlayStation Vita with an upcoming software 'update' that will remove the Near, YouTube and Maps functionality from the portable gaming device. Sony has not explained why it is removing these features which further limit what the device can do outside of playing games. The PS Vita's predecessor, the PlayStation Portable, was noted for various features that enabled it to go online, access online radio stations, RSS feeds, and even read eBooks. The Vita had a lot of that functionality removed and it seems that Sony is set on limiting connectivity and functionality even further.