Hacking the PSP Blog

PSP Third in Growth, First in Gaming Quality

Jason Anderson, an analyst for the International Development Group, made some good points earlier this week at the MI6 Game Marketing Conference regarding marketing growth in various gaming platforms, including the PSP. Anderson's presentation, which was covered by Gamasutra, noted that for the handheld gaming industry in 2006 PSP ownership would be at around 8.7 million, followed by growth in 2007 to 14.4 million and in 2008 to 17.6 million. These numbers project a growth curve which puts the PSP in consistent third place behind Nintendo's GBA and DS. In terms of game quality however, IDG analysis found the PSP at the top of the list.

Source: PSPworld

DANGER! Crappy beta "downgrader" *WILL* BRICK YOUR PSP!

Update from Auri: Apparently there is a new, working downgrader now. I'll test it Saturday and make it available if it works. I wouldn't download anything for a few days, though, just to make sure... Apparently TA-082 PSPs are NOT compatible with the new, apparently working, downgrader.

This is the problem I keep talking about folks - developers releasing code that doesn't work, and then saying "hey, you shouldn't have downloaded it 'cause it's a test version." Well, guess what, if it doesn't work - DON'T RELEASE IT!

REMEMBER FOLKS - Only download tried and true, TESTED downgraders. Don't download and run an exploit the same day if you're unsure... give it a few days, make sure it's legit before putting your $200+ investment at the mercy of someone's code. I will only post downgraders that work on my site. If you find something flaky, let me know!!! I have lots of PSPs here, so if I brick one I don't care, but you'd probably be ticked if you only have one!

Take a look at the video here at PSPUpdates.

Be prepared to cry.

Best,

-Auri

Hacking the PSP author on WishTV 8!

I was on WishTV Channel 8 today with *** Wolfsie discussing my book, Hacking the PSP, and explaining to their audience what the PSP does! Check it out at the link below:

http://wishtv.com/Global/Video/WorldnowASX.asp?os=&vt=v&clipid=853603

You can find more info on my book at www.hackingpsp.com, or get it on Amazon here. You can also find it in pretty much any major bookstore, like Barnes & Noble, Borders, and even Fry's.
-Auri

7,000 Emulated PSOne Titles on PSP By 2007?

Up to 7,000 PSOne games emulated on the PSP by the end of 2007. That's what Sony is promising.

There's no release date or further details (like, HELLO! Pricing?), but Sony did confirm for the UK PSP Magazine that Tomb Raider, Symphony of the Night, Final Fantasy VII and VIII and Silent Hill.

That's a pretty exciting attempt to shore up the PSP's games line-up, although we're curious if these emulated versions will nix attempts to release Tomb Raider and Silent Hill remakes. But 7,000 games? Yes, they used the dreaded qualifier 'up to' but that's a bold claim that can only be good for those of us who haven't yet flushed our PSPs down the toilet. Crecente, I'm looking at you.

Florian Eckhardt
June 29, 2006

Source: Kotaku

PSP Camera Revealed

The Japanese-language site ITmedia recently visited what appears to be a boutique PSP store decked out to promote LocoRoco. Besides an impressive collection of yellow-blob plushies, they snapped a nice shot of a PSP add-on Eye-Toy camera on display. Translation revealed speculation that the camera will be officially shown at the Tokyo Game Show this coming September. Sony representatives were unable to confirm this to be true when contacted today.

The camera itself certainly looks snappy in shining metal, and if the imprint on the base is to be believed, sports a decent 1.3 Mega Pixel resolution. We're hoping the big white plastic base is there for display purposes only, and from the looks of the hole cut for the camera, it probably is. Sony is a believer in Eye-Toy related games thanks to the success of the web-cam attachment on the PlayStation 2 and has already shown Eye-Toy applications on the PlayStation 3.

Beyond the traditional Eye-Toy games that put a player on-screen, the addition of a camera to an intrinsically mobile device like the PSP opens a wide range of possibilities. Games could challenge players to find specific real-world objects or landscapes and physical motion could potentially be tracked via camera movement. Coupled with the forthcoming GPS and mapping programs currently in development (confirmed by Sony representatives today), the PSP could become a geocacher's dream machine. The PSP's WiFi capabilities also allow for the possibility of mobile video-chat, and possible video transmissions to the PlayStation 3.



itmedia.co.jp

Gerry Block
June 29, 2006

Source: IGN

Sony Memory stick PRO duo reaches 4GB

Sony has upped the ante on the amount of memory you can carry around with your PlayStation Portable. The 4GB Memory stick PRO duo (MSX-M4GS) for PSP will be available this August in Japan, and will follow in North American shortly thereafter.

The 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo sells right now for $119, we can expect a price of around $249 for the 4GB model.



Fabrizio Pilato
June 29, 2006

Source: Mobile Mag

Podcast of Hacking the PSP Interview Now Available!

I was interviewed for about an hour last night by Alfred Poor on WBAI Radio 99.5 New York. It was a lot of fun, and there were a number of phone calls from PSP users, so it was great answering their questions and getting more people excited about the PSP. You listen to the interview, which can be downloaded to your PSP or iPod or portable music player or computer or whatever <grin> at the following link:

http://www.pcradioshow2.org/

BTW: Listen in the beginning to where they're asking for people's favorite software app... I was on hold waiting to be interviewed when I was put on-air live, as though I was one of the folks who called in for the favorite software question. You can hear how surprised I was, since I wasn't expecting to be on-air yet! <grin>

Enjoy!

-Auri

Free Downloadable Content From SanDisk Coming Soon?

PSPUpdates posted an interesting rumor about possible free downloads from SanDisk for the PSP. From the news post:

"Here's a screenshot of the SanDisk site sent to us by Joey C. (thanks!). Now if our comprehension skills are not failing us, this image can only mean one thing: the next months will see the availability of PSP games and demos straight from SanDisk. Now we don't know about you guys, but we think this is actually good news for all PSP lovers because it spells free content - which we have all been rooting for with all these hype about homebrew games. We'll keep you posted for any updates on this. In the meantime, let us know what you think about this "free downloadable content" possibility that lays before us all."

Auri Rahimzadeh, Author of Hacking the PSP, on New York Radio WBAI Tonight!

I'll be on "The Personal Computer Radio Show" with Alfred Poor on WBAI 99.5 FM in New York City, which is broadcast throughout the Tri-State region. Tune in at 8pm through 9pm. I'll also be taking listener calls.

At about 8:30 you can call in and join the discussion at 212.209.2900.

You can listen to the show live at the following link:

http://www.pcradioshow.org/listen.htm

You can get more info on the show at the following link:

http://www.pcradioshow.org/

Proof of Concept: 2.5 and 2.6 now able to run like they have firmware 1.5

ak03 from our forums has posted the Proof of Concept by hitchhikr for accessing "Kernel Mode" on 2.50 and 2.60 PSPs. This is great news, as it would enable users of 2.50 and 2.60 PSPs to run the same homebrew 1.50 users enjoy. While 2.00 and 2.01 users couldn't use the code (which still requires Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories to run), that's not a big deal since they could upgrade to 2.60 and get all those features AND homebrew. Sweet!

Fanjita and Ditlew, the team that brought you eLoader, is working with hitchhikr to bring the capability to eLoader. Knowing Fanjita and Ditlew, there will ultimately be an installer to make it a simple point-and-click installation process.

You can download the proof of concept code here. This link is NOT a new eLoader, so use at your own risk!

Congrats everyone and great work!

Undiluted Platinum Modchip Arrives Today!

Today I received the Undiluted Platinum PSP modchip that I pre-ordered from ModChipStore.com. I'm looking forward to a chance to install it and give this much-hyped product a test run. I also have a pre-modded PSP unit on the way to give that try. Check out a couple pictures of the Undiluted Platinum packaging and contents below.

Note: I wish they had included the install sheets in the package... Some detailed instructions beyond three pages would be helpful.

Sega Going Retro With The PSP

Gaming blog Joystiq has the goods on an upcoming PSP title this Novemeber which will bring back fond memories to older Sega Genesis gamers. Genesis Collection, according to Joystiq, will include 28 games, with memorable titles such Sonic The Hedgehog, Shinobi II, Virtua Fighter 2, and Ecco the Dolphin being included. Sega told Joystiq the titles "would be direct representations of the originals". Cool and also very amazing how technology has changed to the point where you can jam so many old school games onto one disc.

Source: PSPworld & Joystiq

Off Topic: Ted Price Briefs Louisiana On Game Law

Ted Price, President of Insomniac Games, best known for the Ratchet & Clank series, has filed a legal brief in support of the Entertainment Software Association's (ESA) lawsuit to overturn Louisiana's new videogame law on constitutional grounds.

As reported last week, Judge James Brady temporarily blocked implementation of the law which seeks to criminalize the sale of violent video games to minors. Price has submitted an impassioned, 21-page document arguing that games are as much a means of expression as books, movies and music.

Among his criticisms is the ambiguous language used by the law to describe violence in games. An excerpt from the brief reads: "...'violence' is an incredibly broad term... Does the 'violence' referenced in the Act include... a boxing game, a football game, a World War II game, a game featuring contact between cartoon characters...? Game creators (are) given the impossible task of guessing the intent of the Act's creators."

He adds that the law's explanation as to what is harmful to minors, that which is "patently offensive to prevailing standards," is quite subjective. For instance, one criteria the law looks for is whether or not a game "appeals to a minor's morbid interest in violence."

Price notes the Ratchet and Clank series, rated T for teen, as an example of a game that might be unduly criminalized under the new law.

"From my perspective as a game designer, with this Act in place I would feel very uncomfortable about including even cartoon violence in our games… The main characters in Ratchet and Clank are not human and resemble cartoon characters. These characters 'kill' each other, are 'killed' by the main character and occasionally 'dismembered' in comedic ways. Even though…I may think that the cartoon violence in this game does not 'appeal to a minor's morbid interest in violence,' a retailer fearing possible fines, imprisonment and/or hard labor for interpreting the content differently than a 'trier of fact' may refuse to sell this game to minors. As a result this Act could have an adverse effect on our business and severely constrain our designers' artistic freedom and ability to express themselves in our games."

The ESA's lawsuit against Louisiana is scheduled to resume this Friday.

Daemon Hatfield
June 26, 2006

Source: IGN

Undiluted Platinum Chips Have Arrived!

The very first batch of Undiluted Platinum PSP Mod Chips have arrived at ModChipStore.com and are being shipped on a first come first serve basis. The current stock is already completely sold out to pre-orders, and they won't have any more available until their second shipment comes in, most likely at the end of this week, so it won't be long! For the lucky readers out there who pre-ordered their chips early, then you will have a tracking number by 8PM EST.

If you aren't sure if your PSP is compatible with the Undiluted Platinum chip, be sure to check out our easy-to-follow guide. Depending on whether or not your PSP is compatible, there are several purchasing options you should consider.

• Buy the modchip and do-it-yourself (or have a friend help out)
• Have it professionally installed by ModChipStore.com
• Buy a pre-modified Black PSP with Undiluted Platinum already installed

Source: PSPUpdates

Off Topic: Sony: We Expect to Sell 100 Million PS3s

At an annual shareholders meeting in Tokyo, Sony Chief Executive Sir Howard Stringer reiterated his commitment to turning the company's fortunes around and he assured investors that Sony is on track to hit its target of doubling its operating profit margin by the next business year.

"As of the year ending March 31, 2006, we are on target with all the tracking plans," Stringer stated. "If we deviate at all, we will make changes necessary to achieve those targets, recognizing there is a dynamic and competitive environment out there in which we operate."

"Now in its 60th year, Sony has entered a period of re-emergence," proclaimed Stringer.

Read more here...

Source: GameDaily.biz

Top 17 Dumbest Things to Do to Your PSP

PSP Nation has posted a "Top 17 Stupidest Things to Do to Your PSP" list that ranges from updating your firmware to 2.70 to tossing it out of a window. Some of them seem like common sense but a I got a laugh out of it.

17) Swimming With Your PSP - “I was laying on a floation device playing socom when i dropped it in the water.”

16) Cleaning My PSP with Windex - “I still can’t get over it. Damn I miss my original PSP.”

15) Update to 2.70 - “Even though I didn’t have any games that required 2.70.”

14) Getting Mad and Slamming My Hand Down on a Desk - “Nicked my psp it did a few small rotations and landed softly i thought it was ok… the screen was never the same after that.”

13) Leaving It On the Couch - “Went to go see a fight and i fell onto a concret floor.it was okay but still.....”

12) Punching the Screen - “i got so angry w/ my psp cause i kept losing in a reace in NFS: Rivals i punched the screen as hard as i could and it smashed the screen then i got glass in my knuckles so i had to got the the ER. it wasnt the happiest days of my life.... and for my psp? i threw it out and bought a new one.”

11) Taking the Faceplate Off - “I was trying to take my faceplate off and the screw under the warranty tag wouldnt come loose. So i pulle dit and it broke through the back. I was pissed.”

10) Running It Over To Test a Case - “i was testing how much pressure PGP can hold, so i drove my car over it.  what happened to my psp? u figure it out.”

9) Riding a Bike With It - “I was riding on my bike and it well in the sewer!...now i dont even know where it is!but i got 2 more psp’s...but that one had a customs Silver and clear bottons.”

8) Let an Even Younger Kid Hold It - “the stupidest thing i hyave ever done with it was let a 12 year old hold cause he dropped after about 10 seconds.”

7) Leave it Unattended - “the stupidest thing i ever did was leave it at home one day. half a year of carefully protecting it from scratches and i came home to find it thrashed, scratched, and the umd door slight loose. i basically stopped protecting it bcause at that point it looked like **beep**. kicked my lil sis out of my room and put a lock on it. never trust ur siblings to go into ur room when ur not there.”

6) Letting Your Brother Take It to The Can - “My brother dropped my original psp in a toilet on the third day we had it.”

5) Tossing it Out a Window - “I tossed my psp from the 2nd story out my window to my friend.  its ok I just realized what I was doing a split second after I did it.  It wasent in a case.”

4) Rebooting Your PC While It’s Plugged - “Rebooted my pc while copying a file. Deleted all the data on my 1gig.”

3) Messing With the Wireless Settings - “I put the settings back to its old settings but until now, the PSP cannot recognize what type of security that my wirless has. SO no internet for me...”

2) Throwing It At Pets - “threw it accross the room at my cat who waschewing on a cord, it was in a pgp so it came out purfect.”

1) Riding a Merry-Go-Round With It - “my psp was by itself on the other side. It went flying then some retarded kid kicked it and it went underneath and got all messed up and when I pulled it out it was in a few pieces.”

Bonus: Tease Your Dad With It - “Intimidate my dad to throw my psp on the floor as hard as he could because he sdaid he would because of my behavior.”

Source: ThePSPNation.com

Off Topic: Circuit City Games for $8.96 - July 4th Sale

Thanks to Josh for the link to this post... source is Girl Gamers:

Earlier I listed a bunch of DS games that were listed on sale for $8.96. Turns out that sale has been expanded to several other consoles too.

Info taken from the CheapAssGamer.com forums. Here is the original thread (you need to register for a free CAG account to view it).

(Hmm, anyone wanna start a absentee-CC trading thread?)

-----

I am proud to announce that FINAL COMPLETE FULL list of the Circuit City $8.96 sale.
A few things to read before I present the goods.

A) Not everything is coming up in the system as of yet at $8.96. Therefore be patient as technically this sale does not start until the July 4th week.

B) This is YMMV on what stores will have in stock. (i.e., not all stores will have these games in stock)

C) I don't expect stores to be getting restocks at all on these titles once they are gone.

D) To other sites I ask that you PLEASE credit CAG for the info.

NEWS UPDATE #1 (6/24/2006)
Many stores [according to reports] are now putting the games aside for the July 4th week. Therefore I would recommend if your store does that to be prepared to be there July 2nd which is when I'm assuming the true official start of this sale is.

Anyways... onto the goods.......

PSP

Darkstalkers
Exit
FIFA Soccer
Gretzky NHL
NBA Street Showdown
Need For Speed Underground Rivals
Spiderman 2
Tiger Woods PGA
Tony Hawk Underground 2 Remix
World Soccer Tour

XBox

Area 51
Black Hawk Down
Blitz: The League
Burnout Revenge
Cabelas Outdoor Adventure
Castlevania: Curse Of Darkness
Chaos Theory
Chicken Little
College Hoops 2K6
Combat Elite
Conflict: Global Terror
DDR Ultramix 2
DOA Ultimate Collection
Dragonball Z Sagas
Driver Parallel Lines
EA Sports Fight Night Round 2
Far Cry Instincts
FIFA Soccer 2005
FIFA Street
FIFA Street 2
Flatout
From Russia With Love
Full Throttle
Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows
Ghost Recon
Godzilla: Save The Earth
GTA: San Andreas
Gun
Half Life 2
Halo Triple Pack
Incredible Hulk
Indigo Prophecy
Karaoke Revolution Bundle
Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes
Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King
Madden NFL 2005
Mark Ecko's Getting Up
Matrix Path Of Neo
Mercenaries
Metal Slug 4 & 5
Midnight Club 3 Dub Edition (Non-Player Choice)
Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks
Moto GP Ultimate Racing
MX vs ATV Unleashed (Players Choice)
Nascar 2005: Chase For The Cup
NBA 2K6
NBA Live 2005
NBA Street 3
NCAA March Madness 2005
Need For Speed Underground (Players Choice)
Shrek Superslam
Sid Meier's Pirates
Sims 2
Spiderman The Movie
Splinter Cell (Players Choice)
Spongebob: Lights Camera Pants
SSX On Tour
Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic II: Sith Lords
Terminator The Redemption
Test Drive: Eve Of Destruction
The Incredibles: Rise Of The Underminer
Tiger Woods 2005
Time Splitters
Tony Hawk Underground
True Crime New York City
Warriors
WWE Wrestlecrap 21

Nintendo Gamecube

Batman Begins
Chaos Theory
Dragonball Z Sagas
EA Sports Fight Night Round 2
Fantastic Four
Great Juju Challenge
Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire
James Bond: From Russia With Love
NBA Street 3
Scooby Doo: Unmasked
Seaworld

Nintendo DS

Advance Wars
Asphault GT (DS) - $5.96
ATV Quad Frenzy
Burnout Legends
Dig Dug: Digging Strike
Dragonball Z Supersonic Warriors 2
FIFA Soccer 2006
Finding Nemo
Goldeneye Rouge Agent
Great Juju Challenge
Gulty Gears Dust Strike
Incredibles Rise Of The Underminer
King Kong
Lunar Dragon Song
Madden 2005
Madden 2006
Meteos
Metroid Prime Pinball
Monster Truck
Need For Speed Underground 2
Pac N Roll
Pac Pix
Pokemon Dash
Polarium
Scooby Doo Unmasked
Spongebob Yellow Avenger
Spyro Shadow Legacy
Star Wars Episode 3 Revenge Of The Sith
Texas Hold Em
Tiger Woods 2005
Trace Memory
Ultimate Spiderman
Urbz: Sims In The City

Gameboy Advance

Backyard Baseball 2006
Backyard Basketball
Backyard Skateboarding
Barbie Let's Ride
Barbie Pegasus
Bratz: Rock Angelz
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
DBZ GT: Transformation
DBZ: Supersonic Warriors
Disney's Cinderella
Donkey Kong Country 2
Donkey Kong King Of Swing
Dr. Mario Puzzle League
Drill Dozer
Driver 3
Dynasty Warriors Advance
Ed, Edd N Eddy
Fantastic Four
FIFA Soccer 2006
Final Fantasy Dawn Of Souls (1/2)
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy IV - YMMV as this apparently was a goofup.
Finding Nemo/Monsters Inc 2 in 1
Goku 1 & 2 Compilation (Legacy of Goku)
Grand Theft Auto
Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire
Harvest Moon: More Friends Of Mineral Town
Hello Kitty
Hot Wheels Dual Pack
Incredibles
Incredibles Rise Of The Underminer
Kim Possible 3
Kirby And The Amazing Mirror
Legend Of Zelda Classics Series
Legend Of Zelda: Link To The Past/Pitfall combo pack
Lizzie McGuire 3
Madden 2006
Mario Golf: Advance Tours
Mario Kart Super Circuit
Mario Party Advance
Mario Pinball Land
Mario VS Donkey Kong
Metroid Classics Series
Metroid Zero Mission
Monster Truck
Ms. Pacman
Need For Speed Most Wanted
Nightmare Before Christmas
Pac Man Pinball
Pandora Tommorow
Pokemon Pinball
Pokemon Ruby
Pokemon Sapphire
Polar Express
Power Rangers Dual Pack
Reshef Of Destruction
Scooby Doo Unmasked
Seaworld
Shrek Superslam
Sigma Star Saga
Sims 2
Sonic Battle
Spongeball Squarepants: Battle Of Bikini Buldge
Spongebob Dual Pack
Spongebob Squarepants Bikini Bottoms & Breakin Da Rules Dual Pack
Spyro Superpack
Star Wars Attack Of The Clones
Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World
Sword Of Mana
Tales Of Phantasia
That's (Not) So Raven... (only because Scotty Flamingo would debate that)
Tony Hawk American Sk8land
Tony Hawks Underground/Kelly Slater Surfer 2 in 1
Trollz: Hair Affair
Ultimate Enemy
Wario Ware Microgames (aka the first one)
World Championship Poker
Yoshi Topsy Turvy
Yu-Gi-oh! 7 Trials Of Glory

PS2

187 Ride Or Die
Area 51
Backyard Basketball
Backyard Football
Batman Begins
BIA: Earned In Blood
Black Hawk Down
Blitz The League
Bode Miller Skiing
Cabelas Outdoor Adventure
Chaos Theory
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
Combat Elite
Conflict Global Terror
Conflict Vietnam
Curse Of Darkness
Def Jam Fight For NY
Dragonball Z Sagas
Driver Parallel Lines
Dynasty Warriors 5 XL
EA Sports Fight Night Round 2
Eye Toy
Eye Toy Antigravity
Fantastic Four
FIFA Soccer 2005
FIFA Street
Flatout
Ford Mustang
Ford Racing 3
Friends Trivia
Frogger: Ancient Shadow
Full Spectrum Warrior
Full Throttle
Gauntlet Seven Sorrows
Ghost Recon 2
Great Juju Challenge
Gun
Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire
Haunting Ground
Incredible Hulk
Incredibles Rise Of The Underminer
Indigo Prophecy
James Bond: From Russia With Love
Karaoke Revolution Volume 3
Legends Of Wrestling
Madden 2005
Mark Ecko's Getting Up (both regular and LE)
Matrix Path Of Neo
MGS 3: Snake Eater
Midnight Club 3 Dub Edition (Non-Players Choice)
MLB 2005
MLB 2K5
MLB 2K5 World Series Edition
Monster Hunter
NASCAR 2005: Chase The Cup
NBA Live 2005
NBA Street 3
NCAA March Madness 2005
NFL Street 2
NHL 2K6
NHRA Championship Drag Racing
Nicktoons Unite
Nightmare Before Christmas
Racing Italiono
Radiata Stories
Rainbow Six Lockdown
Resident Evil Outbreak 2
Rugby 2006
Scooby Doo Unmasked
Seaworld
Silver Buckle Stables
SSX On Tour
State Of Emergency 2
Super Monkey Ball DX
Tenkaichi
Terminator The Redemption
Test Drive: Eve Of Destruction
Tiger Woods 2005
Time Crisis: Crisis Zone
Time Splitters
Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Collector's Edition
Torino 2006
True Crime New York City
TY 3
Ultimate Spiderman
Urbz: Sims In The City
Warriors
We Love Katamari
Wild Arms 4
World Championship Poker 2
World Poker Tour
World Series Of Poker
World Soccer Winning Eleven 8 International
World Tour Soccer 2006
Xenosaga 2

Hacking the PSP Review on Consumer Electronics Net

John Virata gives my book, Hacking the PSP, 5 out of 5 stars in his review on Consumer Electronics Net. For the full text of the review click here.

"Sony's PlayStation Portable is like a mini entertainment PC. Not only can you watch movies either via UMD disc or downloaded and converted with the proper video decoder, you can also listen to music, cruise the Internet and a whole host of other things.

Users of the PSP have gotten more out of the device as people devise hacks to improve the PSP's functionality. Auri Rahimzadeh's Hacking the PSP ($24.99, Wiley Publishing), is a 316 page PSP hacker's bible detailing some interesting PSP hacks, as well as a full overview of the PSP based on an illustrated teardown. Chapter titles include such topics as taking apart your PSP, The Web on your PSP, image and photo hacks, to Running Linux and Windows on the PSP, reverting from a 2.0 PSP to a 1.5PSP, to getting more power, programming the PSP, and running home brew applications..."

Source: Consumer Electronics Net

Sony Hinting At Features For PSP 2

One of our forum users, ak03, posted about an email he received requesting him to take a survery that hinted at some potential features for the next PSP.

Check out the thread on my forums.

"Well recently i got a Email from Playstation asking me to take a survey. After a few pages i saw a page asking what would make the psp better. It seems that they want feedback about possible new features.  Now after thinking about it, this looks more like a plan for PSP 2 rather than a update."

Video of Undiluted Platinum Mod-board and Epsilon BIOS running homebrew and more on firmware 2.71

Zeus contacted me today regarding a new video on You Tube (and Digged on digg.com) of the upcoming Undiluted Platinum modchip (well, it's really a mod-board) and the Epsilon BIOS running ISOs (priated games, booooooo) and homebrew (yeah!) on firmware 2.71. Well, if Sony won't let us do it, we'll just have to change their hardware, eh?

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9lUs3I5WDM&eurl=

And don't forget to Digg it!
Digg Here: http://digg.com/gaming/PSP_Completely_Hacked_Epsilon_BIOS_Video

Undiluted Platinum: Install Diagrams and Compatibility Update

This just in hot off the presses from the dudes and dudettes behind the eagerly anticipated first PSP modchip, "Undiluted Platinum." Finally we have some concrete information on where the chip stands as far as PSP compatibility goes.

"The U.P. team have released the first set of installation diagrams for their upcoming modchip.The diagrams show installation position of the FPC cables , traces which require soldering of wire to and usage procedure of the installation aids. The first release is for Motherboard TA-079, with TA-080 and TA-081 to follow tomorrow. TA-082 is not supported, however, they seem to be limited to Asia and have 2.6 or above firmwares. We believe that overall numbers of TA-082 as a proportion compared with TA-079, TA-080 and TA-081, should be quite limited."

If that all sounds and looks like Sanskrit to you, fear not, we're here to transambulate the kooky techspeak for ya. Apparently 0okm was right when he stated that PSP's with TA-082 motherboards wouldn't be able to benefit from the sweet chip's modular magic, but don't panic, here's the skinny:

The chip will work with all PSP's that contain motherboards with model numbers TA-079, TA-080 and TA-081.

Check out the install diagrams.

Source: PSPUpdates

Off Topic: Scarves for Tech Addicts

Wanna be mistaken for a mugger or an extraterrestrial while playing your PSP, answering a text message, or working on your PC? Well, if that floats your boat, then this piece of clothing genius from Joe Malia ought to do the trick. What happens when a proportion of the people using a new technology see it to be so enticing that they are willing to sacrifice every other aspect of their lives in order to engage with it? They wear this and they don't care what other people think!

  

Read the rest here...

Source: PSPUpdates

Homebrew PSP modchips

Recently you have been hearing about work being done on getting out an easy to install modchip, that would allow you to run multiple firmware versions on the same PSP, and probably do many more things. Such modchip has yet to be released though, and PSP fanboys are growing anxious. As a solution to this problem, they made their own! Here we have four successful attempts to run multiple firmware versions on the same PSP. Now they aren't as pretty as the modchip that will be eventually released, but these bad boys still work, and also gave a sense of accomplishment.

Designed by 0okm



Designed by ryoko_no_usagi



Designed by BOOSTER and friends



Designed by Nem


Source: PSPUpdates

Sandisk Rapid GX Increases PSP Data Transfer Rate

While the PSP’s loading of UMD may be unmercifully slow, Sandisk is trying to improve Memory Stick Duo transfer with its Rapid GX Memory Stick Pro Duo. The Rapid GX includes Sandisk’s MicroMate high-speed card reader, which—surprise!—increases transfer speeds to and from the PSP by as many as three times. That’s almost five times as fast! Look for the Rapid GX sometime in July.

While you’re at it, be sure to look for the increased storage capacity Memory Stick Duos that Sandisk is also launching. A 4GB Duo will set you back about $200. Still no word on the Rapid GX’s price, however.

Nicholas DeLeon
June 23, 2006

Source: Gizmodo

Undiluted Platinum PSP Modchip Flashing Application

We have received word from the Undiluted Platinum Team that they have released their PSP modchip flashing application. This tool will allow you to reflash the Undiluted Platinum onboard NAND. Once reflashed you can reboot your PSP and it will automatically boot your new firmware. Hold down the L Trigger, click your heels together twice and you will be whisked back to Kansas and your original PSP firmware. The application installation is very simple and from the GUI you can tell that reflashing your chip will be a snap.

The ability to have the features of more then one firmware was recently discovered by some PSP gamers with 1.5's with DevHook. However with the Undiluted Platinum and PSP modchip flashing application everyone can enjoy all the features Sony provides with their PSP handheld as well homebrew and switch between the two with ease. A very clean application that provides PSP gamers a simple way to enjoy both worlds.

They have delayed the release of their new diagrams until tomorrow in order to complete and release the flashing application.



Download the application here.

Source: PSPUpdates

Undiluted Platinum: Compatibility Check made Easy!

Since it became officially known that some of the more recent versions of PSP hardware will not be compatible with the initial releases of Undiluted Platinum, many PSP owners have been wondering if they should be cracking open their precious handheld to check out what hardware they have. Well wonder no more!

The makers of Undiluted Platinum have just sent us a little bit of info which makes it easy to determine whether you have an unsupported TA-082 motherboard inside your PSP. Simply open your UMD drive and take a close look at the area indicated in the picture to the right. If it says "IC1003" in there, you have one of the dreaded TA-082 PSP's and will have to sit out on this round of modchips.

I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I could have sworn I just hear the sound of thousands of UMD drives being opened in unison.

Now that you know whether or not the modchip will work work for you, be sure to take another look at the several options for purchasing a modchip - and be warned, installing this chip on your own is going to be mighty difficult and possibly damaging to your PSP if you don't have advanced soldering skills!




Source: PSPUpdates

TiVo Now on PSP

Note From Auri: Prior to purchasing TiVo Plus, make sure you read the "Known Issues" of the software. For example, it apparently will prevent Windows Mobile Media Centers from working with your PC after installation. It also warns against illegally distributing shows and informs you it signs each movie with a signature that can be traced back to your copy of TiVo Plus. You can still get the TiVo-To-Go software as part of the free TiVo Desktop for Windows (sorry, Mac users, TiVo hasn't shown you any love lately)... then you can convert the video using PSPVideo9. Note that TiVo Desktop requires that you have a "compatible" MPEG-2 decoder on your system. This is a silly requirement because what they really mean is you have to buy nVidia's codec just to play the audio part of any video you download... nVidia has a 30-day trial version on their site though...

TiVo announced a very special update for owners and subscribers. This desktop update is so special it's going to cost you $25. What's so special about it? Well, the upgrade to version 2.3 allows users to convert shows on their TiVo directly into iPod, PSP, and Treo formats without the need for a third-party (and free) program such as Videora.

This update also features "TiVoToGo" which schedules transfers from your TiVo to a PC, so last night's Deadwood episode will be ready to accompany you on your commute in the morning.

Katheen Sanders
June 21, 2006

Source: IGN

Planet PSP named, dated

Planet PSP, a software package for Sony's portable based on the Lonely Planet travel guides, has been renamed Passport To... and will be released on September 15th.

The new title reflects the fact that it's a range of releases for cities including London, Rome, Prague, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam (wot no Enfield?), and each will be stocked with tips on things to do and see that you can read off your PSP.

During E3, Sony announced that the guides tell you about the best restaurants and clubs among other things, with maps, videos, "audio walks" (i.e. listen while you walk), lots of photographs, and itineraries - your own, and pre-planned ones for the lazy traveller.
Advertisement

We're also told to expect downloadable updates to keep the guides up to date with new information, which is something the books - hugely popular as it stands - certainly can't do.

Tom Bramwell
June 21, 2006

Source: EuroGamer

ASA dismisses complaints against PSP ad campaign

The Advertising Standards Authority has decided not to take any action against Sony for producing a series of poster ads for the PSP which received 45 complaints.

Some complainants argued that the poster with the tagline "Strong language and scenes of a sexual nature here" was offensive and unsuitable for children, and objected to the fact that some posters appeared near schools and churches.

Others said that the line "Your girlfriend's white bits here" encouraged the objectification of women, and one complainant claimed that the poster could encourage younger PSP owners to take and store indecent photos of other children.

One complainant suggested the "Take a running jump" tagline was irresponsible as it could encourage people to jump near traffic, and another found "Saucy emails won't get you fired here" to be offensive.

In its defence, as detailed on the ASA website, ad agency TBWA/London said that each poster was designed to inform consumers about the PSP's multimedia functions.

TBWA argued that the ads were intended to be humourous and irreverent rather than offensive, adding that each poster featured "deliberately chosen language that maintained levels of taste and decency in all cases."

The ASA agreed that the ads did not contain any explicit language or images likely to cause widespread offence or harm to children. It was also noted that Sony took immediate action to remove the "Take a running jump" poster from tram and train stations after staff expressed safety concerns, and that the poster was unlikely to persuade people to jump near traffic.

Ellie Gibson
June 21, 2006

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Fanjita constructs FAQ on PSP v2.70 Firmware

The recent release of PSP Firmware v2.70 has made people wonder about the possible effect this new software could have on the future of Homebrew.

To clear up some of those questions, Fanjita evaluated the new firmware and constructed a quick FAQ:

• Homebrew does not work on v2.7. The GTA exploit is thoroughly patched, and the TIFF exploit is still patched [Confirmed by QJ.NET already]. 
• It's unknown when homebrew will be available on v2.7. A whole new exploit needs to be developed.
  
• In Fanjita's opinion (shared with EdisonCarter) there is no future for the GTA exploit on v2.7.
• LocoRoco is an encrypted, signed EBOOT. The only way to run homebrew in the same way is to get Sony's encryption key and sign the homebrew. This is impossible.
• There could possibly be an exploit to be found in all the new function, e.g. flash player, AAC support, etc. Fanjita and his team are not currently working on one.
• There might be an exploit to be found in another game. Fanjita and his team are not currently working on one.
• There's no truth in the rumour that v2.7 has made Fanjita and his team angry, and that they are going to work on an ISO loader as revenge.
• The LocoRoco demo REQUIRES v2.70, even if you hack the PARAM.SFO in the EBOOT. 
  

Following this, he drawn the conclusion that the firmware upgrade brings little benefits (therefore, it is not worth upgrading) due to slow support in regards to Macromedia Flash files and the possibility that we might not see v2.70 compatible homebrew for at least the next few months.

Resources: fanjita

Source: PSPBrew

Want to be a PSP developer?

PSPUpdates has posted an interesting article about getting started with PSP development. It talks about the different tehniques for developing homebrew applications for the PSP and some of the pros and cons of each. If you're interested in getting into homebrew development then give this article a look-see.

Note: My book, Hacking the PSP, also has PSP programming tutorials. :) -Auri

Source: PSPUpdates

DEC PMP MVX430 != PSP

No UMD here, friends, just good old intellectual piracy. The DEC PMP MVX430 has 256MB of memory, an SD card slot, video and image recording, four hours of audio recording, and it can display video, images, and play games. I’m wondering if DEC noticed that the buttons look a little familiar and if this will ever hit the States. No price, but I think that’s the least of our worries. – John Biggs



Source: Gizmodo

2 GB Memory Stick Pro Duos - $59 after $10 rebate at Fry's!

I came across this deal at Fry's today. Talk about a deal day - my book for $9.99 and MSPDs for $59 (well, after the $10 rebate). That's awesome!

I think the deal runs through Saturday... Look for the Sandisk Memory Stick Pro Duos... The PLU (item #) at Fry's is 4840420.

See photo below (sorry for the cell phone cam photo):

Hacking the PSP book on sale at Fry's - $9.99!!!

Fry's Electronics is running a special on my book again. You can have Hacking the PSP for only $9.99 through Saturday I believe...

Enjoy!

-Auri

Delays and hefty costs disrupt game industry

The video game industry has been taking a beating. While air has seeped steadily from the stock market, it has poured from the four major publicly-traded game publishers in the United States. Since May 1, they have lost a collective $6 billion in market capitalization, a drop of about 25 percent, steeper than declines of 8.3 percent for the Nasdaq and 4.2 percent for the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index. The sharp decline reflects a realization among investors that the game industry will recover more slowly than expected from the transition to a new generation of consoles, the Xbox 360 from Microsoft, the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii. Furthermore, analysts said, the game publishing industry is being disrupted by the growing cost of development, as well as by uncertainty amid the growing popularity of online game play. "There are more industry concerns than ever, and that's what you're seeing in the stock prices," said Justin Post, an industry analyst with Merrill Lynch. And yet, underscoring the complexities of assessing the industry, Post has a buy rating on shares of two of the major publishers, Electronic Arts and Activision. Like many stock analysts, he argues that given long-term trends, the game business is destined to boom, and that the only question is when.

Read the rest of the article...

Matt Richtel
June 19, 2006

Source: New York Times, International Herald Tribune

$25 off Sandisk Gaming 512MB Memory Stick Pro Duo!

Sandisk are running a promotion in which you could get $25 off a Sandisk Gaming 512Mb Memory Stick Pro Duo fit for your PSP or other gadgets which use the miniature memory stick format. All you have to do is print off the coupon from the Sandisk website and take it into any GameStop, Best Buy or Circuit City store or buy online to receive your $25 discount.

Using this offer you could get a Sandisk Gaming 512Mb stick for just $19.99. If you are going to buy online, our tip would be to get your 512Mb Sandisk Gaming stick from Best Buy, who seem to have added the discount already on their website. The memory stick is listed for $19.99 through the Best Buy website, but only comes in as $17.99 when you add it to your shopping cart due to a sale.

A 512MB Sandisk Gaming Memory stick for just $17.99 including delivery? Sounds like a great deal to me! And remember, although this is a 'Gaming' version, it still works in other devices such as digital cameras etc. The 'Gaming' part just means you get a brightly-colored memory stick. If you wish the print off the voucher, click the above thumbnail to open the full sized image then right click > Save Image As. Then print the image file.

Link: [Sandisk Promotional page and voucher]
Link: [Best Buy - Sandisk Gaming 512Mb Memory Stick Pro Duo]

Source: PSPUpdates

Kojima Productions Posts E3 Game Daily Mag Spoof

Kojima Productions, creator of the Metal Gear Series, have posted its 58 page spoof of the E3 Game Daily magazine, handed out during the E3 2006 conference. The "M4 Show Maybe?" newsletter mag was handed out during Konami's E3 Press Conference. See bits on Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3), Metal Gear Portable Ops (PSP), Metal Gear Digital Graphic Novel (PSP), Lunar Knights (DS), Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS 2, with Mulitplayer Maps), a "Jump-in" ad from Xbox 360 for Mr. Kojima, interviews with Hideo Kojima, references to Joy Division/New Order and more!

Click here to flip through the "M4 Show Maybe?" Newsletter.
(Click on pages for enlarged image to read text.)

Source: Gaming Bits

Off Topic: DS Lite is a hit in the US, but is Nintendo getting any new customers?

It's clear already that Nintendo will most likely have a hit on their hands with the DS Lite. No big surprise there—the original DS sold very well, and the DS Lite is so popular in Japan it's almost uncanny. Right now Japanese stores are selling US units, and ironically have instructions on how to change the language back to Japanese. Didn't I just have that issue when I imported my system? 

It doesn't matter; the point is the DS Lite is hot. 135,000 units have been sold in the US in just two days, and that's not bad for a remake of a portable system. It's more proof that we're willing to pay for incremental improvements to our portable electronics. At this point I'm starting to feel like an Apple fan I buy so many Nintendo handhelds. 

I think the question we have to ask is the following: will the DS Lite actually expand Nintendo's market penetration when it comes to portable systems? The real story isn't how good the DS Lite is doing, the big unknown quantity is how many DS Lites sold are going to people who didn't own a DS, and how many people are trading in their old DS fats to upgrade into the Lite? While this means more DS systems in total are out in the wild, has the number of consumers buying games increased?

Just in case you want a fun history lesson you can check out our review of the first DS unit, along with the now-hilarious comments, and of course the much more recent DS Lite review. 

Source: Opposable Thumbs

So, Sudoku isn't Japanese?

Reading an article in theSun yesterday gives me the impression that sudoku's Swedish, American, New Zealand, British and Japanese promoters have all a claim in its birth and popularity that stretch across two centuries. And it was a computer software that propelled it to stardom today!



I first saw the sudoku craze in London last year – from airport lounge to bookshops and newspaper pages that syndicate crossword puzzles – thinking that it has spread from Japan to England. Wrong. From the write-up I now realise that, last year, sudoku became a regular feature in a newspaper in New York, and that completes sudoku's westward travel around the world, from 1979 to 2005, starting from America to Japan, and then from Japan to England.

Read the full article here.

Capcom Sends Customer Barbeque Utensils!

A customer recently wrote in to Capcom customer service with some gripes about their recent PSP release of Monster Hunter Freedom. The next week he received a barbeque utensil kit from them.

Read the whole article here...

No PSP 2, but a "PSP FIX?"

We reported earlier about a rumor that Sony is hinting a PSP2 with Sony allegedly emailing survey forms that seek feedback about how the PSP could be better. That's not the only "hint" that the Sony people are giving; apparently, there was a PSP focus group in New York wherein the guys over at Sony distributed preliminary questions that focuses on the PSP's functions and how the gamers used 'em.

If you're already rejoicing that indeed a PSP2 is on the way, well hold your horses. A PSP2 is still far from the horizon, instead a "PSP Fix" may be the reason for all those hints. Also, it seems that this PSP Fix will include an " "iTunes-like" downloadable content, e GPS functions, maps, and PDA life software apps."

As for the downloadable content factor, those who participated in the focus groups were asked to rank 7-1 "content like You Tube/User Videos, Music Videos, Full Length Movies, 30 Minutes TV shows, 60 Minutes TV Shows, HBO Programs and such, like The Sopranos." Will these be any indication of the features included in the fix? Your guess is as good as ours.

There was also a lot of talk about software emulation (for PS1 and homebrew) but the Sony rep was allegedly uninterested, or maybe he just didn't know what to say. What do you think about this rumored "PSP Fix"? Is it good or bad news? Tell us through your comments.

Source: PSPUpdates

10th Anniversary edition of Tomb Raider on the way...really!

Eidos Interactive have today confirmed that they will be bringing a 10th Anniversary edition of the legendary Tomb Raider series to the PSP, PC and PS2. Tomb Raider fans should be pleased to hear that despite the confusion, the special Anniversary edition is currently being developed by Crystal Dynamics, the same people that brought us Tomb Raider: Legend.

Earlier this week we reported that Tomb Raider 10th Anniversary edition was cancelled by developers Core Design. After the game was dropped, Eidos Interactive gave the job of producing a remake of Tomb Raider 1 and 2 to the ever-dependable Crystal Dynamics, with the reassurance being the quality of the latest Lara Croft offering, Tomb Raider: Legend.

“Our ‘10th Anniversary Edition’ of Tomb Raider, is a one-off title to celebrate both Lara and Tomb Raider, it will appeal not only to the loyal fans of the Tomb Raider series but will also attract a totally new audience.” Said Larry Sparks, Head of Brands Management at Eidos Interactive. Hopefully this game will be as big of a hit as Tomb Raider: Legend was for the PS2 and Xbox, which topped the gaming charts for a number of weeks after it's launch April.

Expectations are high for Tomb Raider, and hopefully the PSP version of Tomb Raider: Legend will turn out to be a cracker when it hits the PSP's screen on June 21st. This considered, with the time Crystal Dynamics have had to fine-tune the system used in Tomb Raider: Legend, the 10th Anniversary edition should even better. For 10 years running its seems that gaming fans cant get away from Lara Croft, who has now become one of the legendary characters of gaming by her own right.

Source: PSPUpdates

Off Topic: Xbox 360 well below PSP, DS sales

Xbox 360 sales continue to be well below hot handhelds like Nintendo DS and PSP in Japan.

The Xbox successor sold only 1,100 units from June 5 to June 11 in sales data published by Media Create Co. on Friday.

The Xbox 360 has seen weekly sales of around 1,000 units per week on low consumer interest and lack of attractive software.

By comparison, the Nintendo DS sold 132,027 units and PSP sold 21,656 units in the same period.

In the six months since the 360 dropped to Japan retail, it has failed to make a dent in the video game market among consumers.

The Xbox 360 continues to see brisk sales in the U.S. and Europe where action, first-person, and sports titles are more popular.

The last high-profile release for Xbox 360 in Japan, Ninety-Nine Nights, debuted at #11 and quickly fell the top 50 software sales.

Source: Punch Jump

Off Topic: The iPod Toilet Paper Roll

It gives a completely new meaning to the phrase 'rock 'n' roll'. For boffins have invented a cutting-edge gadget combining a portable music player and a toilet paper dispenser.

The state-of-the-art device - called an iCarta - makes it easier for people to listen to beats while using the bathroom.

It is designed, according to the US manufacturers, to "enhance your experience in the smallest room".

The gadget, which costs around $99, or £54, merges an iPod docking station with a loo roll dispenser.

After music lovers have downloaded songs from the internet on their iPod, they can place it in a socket in the top of the dispenser.

Read the full article here.

(so what if all of your music is crap?)

On Screen, With Music, Sony Will Test Sales in Kiosks

So what will it be — a candy bar or a digital camera? With the installation of new souped-up automated kiosks in three shopping malls this week, Sony hopes to make the purchase of many of its electronics products as easy as buying a piece of chocolate.

The first locations — in malls in Atlanta; Boulder, Colo.; and Santa Rosa, Calif. — are part of a bigger test by Sony to increase sales by melding the simplicity of online buying with the immediate gratification of a store purchase.

But please, do not call these new devices vending machines. "This is automated retail; we call them robotic stores," said Gower Smith, founder and chief executive of Zoom Systems, the San Francisco company supplying the technology.

Eric Taub
June 12, 2006

Source: New York Times

Energizer Announces Energi-To-Go PSP Portable Power Packs

Energizer has just informed us all that they have officially announced their new line of battery packs specifically made for those on the go, dubbed "Energi-To-Go", and have tailored the new portable power units specifically for the PSP. These new packs will go on sale in September '06 at a MSRP of $29.99.

I find it pretty cool that Energizer, a highly reputable battery manufacturing company, actually spends time to recognize the PSP as a device which has a large enough market for them to pour R&D money into. The power pack will contain a smart connection tip specific to the PSP, as well as a reusable charger, which should work seamlessly with the PSP. Can't wait to see some pictures on this!

Source: PSP3D

Game Hearing Gets Nasty

At yesterday's hearing entitled Violent and Explicit Video Games: Informing Parents and Protecting Children, members of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection took turns taking jabs at the videogame industry, the ESRB, and even the FTC.

Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Stearns (R-FL) began by recognizing the creativity, fun and educational value of games. The sweet talk ended there, however, as it seems Stearns is still not over the whole Hot Coffee incident. Rockstar Games and the FTC recently reached a settlement on the issue, but that wasn't good enough for the Chairman. He called on the FTC to submit a full report to Congress on the settlement.

Other Subcommittee members aired grievances with the FTC as well. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX), who claims to be a Civilization IV fan, said the organization has been "tardy" in reporting to Congress, adding: "I am fed up with games like Grand Theft Auto being marketed under false pretenses."

Read more on this here...

Daemon Hatfield
June 15, 2006

Source: IGN

FindC v1.1 Released, Find Coordinates on the PSP

PSPXavier has released a new version of his Lua application that helps homebrew software developers better understand the coordinates on the PSP. This should definitely cut down on the design and development time of homebrew software.

For more information about the release, check it out in my downloads section.

Description Source: PSPUpdates

Make your own PSP Themes with ThemePSP!

Legendary PSP developer SodR, who brought us homebrew applications like Pimp my PSP and PSP Automatic Homebrew Installer has created a theme installer for the PSP, enabling ordinary Joe Bloggs with no PSP coding expericence to customize his PSP! All you have to do is create a theme using SodR's easy to follow instructions in the ThemePSP creator pack, Install all the correct files in the correct place, then choose a theme to install using the actualy PSP program, ThemePSP.

Functions of ThemePSP:

* Can flash: Bootsound, Custom menu names, backgrounds, WavyLines effect and custom font to the flash.
* User-friendly interface
* Nice progress bar while flashing (easy to understand how much has been flashed and how much there is left)
* Music while flashing! (just like pimp my psp and gta style psp)
* Easy to create your own themes
* The Theme doesn't need to flash everything. Eg. you can create a theme that only flashes a custom BG and font without problems.
* Comes bundled with the 'Pimp my PSP' theme, the 'GTA style PSP' theme (by kozine) and the 'original Sony XMB' Theme

As with all programs that write to flash memory, be careful with this program! Although it has been tested and no bricks have occoured you can never be sure. SodR cannot be held responsilbe for any damage to your PSP, use at your own risk and take heed the "Don't turn off your PSP" warning whilst the program is writing to flash memory!

Check it out in the download section:
ThemePSP v1.0
ThemePSP Creator Pack

Source: PSPUpdates

The Missing Sync now available for PSP

Mark/Space has released The Missing Sync for Sony PSP which lets you synchronize files, contacts, calendar information, iTunes playlists, and more between your PSP and Mac. It looks like it'll also convert your videos for playback on the PSP. This $29.95 application runs natively on both Intel and PowerPC-based Macs. For more on the features that come with this utility check out the article in Macworld or the vendor's website.

QJ.NET and Lik-Sang Kick Off Summer Homebrew Competition

PSP gamers are eager and always on the lookout for new and exciting PSP homebrew applications and games. With the summer upon us, teachers are packing up their bags and calling it quits for a few months while the younger folks have all too much time on their hands. Now is the perfect time to be digging into your pockets (and under the couch) to find that last 37 cents in order to pick up the latest PSP title. But wait, you go to the store and find there are only 6 UMD releases coming out this summer. D'oh!

But don't start considering which boyscout or brownies troop that you are going to join just yet boys and girls. We have been plotting in the QJ Gaming room over the past few months, listening to your ideas and feedback. Our answer is to team up with Lik-Sang in order to create the best PSP Homebrew Contest yet! We know how much you love the PSP, (can we blame you?) but with the lack of game releases on the PSP this summer things may get tense at times. So instead of sitting on your back porch, roasting ants crossing the "Grand Canyon" on the cement, we are offering up hot prizes and the chance for some of that sex and drug ridden fame that rockstars mutter about in their latest song on the radio.

Read more about the competition and prizes here!

Source: PSPUpdates

Dark Karnage Shell v1.5 Released!

Lil13lazin, Sharko, Kid101skater, and Homer, from our forums, have just released the latest version of Dark Karnage Shell, v1.5. The most exciting thing about this homebrew release is that you can use it instead of eLoader, to load homebrew EBOOTs, which is a first in the world of homebrew shells.



Thanks to Sharko & Kid101skater, they now have their own customized version of the eLoader embedded into the shell (using the old GTA savegame method to load eLoader). Now it takes up to a second to load a piece of homebrew on the eLoader, which is a significant improvement over running eLoader regularly. Keep up the progress on DK Shell, it's looking great, and functioning just as awesome too!

Features/fixes in v1.5 include:
- Custom GTA: LCS savegame.
- Improved and optimized "DarkLoader" (eLoader) embedded into the shell.


Check it out in my downloads section!

Source: PSP3D

PSP Redesign Rumours: Sleeker, Folding Screen, Soon

The awkward lapdog that is the Internet rumour constantly humps the many legs of gaming and often takes grip well enough to remain latched on. Sometimes it's rumours you understand, not... Well it was a rubbish analogy anyway. What we mean to say is that a lot of what is rumoured is based in fact - guess work and the obvious at worst.

This being the case, it's interesting to note that a rumour that is starting to flare, not for the first time, sees Sony Computer Entertainment working on an imminent redesign of the PSP, a machine that debuted back in December of 2004.

Read more here...

Source: Spong

OK Signs Game Bill into Law

Oklahoma governor Brad Henry has signed video game legislation HB3004 into law, making the state the eighth jurisdiction to attempt such regulation.

The legislation restricts the exposure of violent video games to children by retailers or anyone else. In an official press release the governor said: "The violence in videogames has grown to epic proportions."

"Some video games glorify violence to a degree seldom seen in even the bloodiest movies. While parents have the ultimate responsibility for what their children do and see, this legislation is another tool to ensure that our young people are not saturated in violence. This gives parents the power to more closely regulate which games their children play."

Read more here...

Daemon Hatfield
June 12, 2006

Source: IGN

Sony Patents New Tech - Material That Can Change Shape

You might be enjoying an "electrorheological fluid device" with your PS4. As complicated as that sounds, the concept is fairly simple - it's an material which is thin and flat enough to be rolled or folded, but can become rigid by running a small electrical current through it.

Sony has filed a patent for the technology which it cites could have applications for gaming. Imagine a future iteration of the PSP which could essentially be rolled up like a scroll and put in your pocket, or a controller that has areas which change shape and consistency based on in-game actions.

One potential scenario cited in the application:

"The electrorheological fluid device can be applied to, for example, part of a controller of a home-use game machine as another example of the electronic apparatus of the present invention. A user touches a control section of the controller by fingers, and the feeling of touch is controlled by the electrorheological fluid device. For example, if a game player is defeated in a fighting game, the electrorheological fluid device is controlled to become soft in order to improve the realistic sensations in the game."

Of course, this technology can also be used in a wide range of other devices and has far-reaching implications for portability and "4D" gameplay (in entertainment terms, tactile engagement with the fictional world). The implementation is far off, but it bodes well for exciting new possibilities beyond the traditional controller.

You can check out the patent here.

Cavin Smith
June 12, 2006

Source: PSX Extreme

PSP gets streaming Internet radio via TVersity Media Server

TVersity Inc. has released version 0.9.6 (beta) of their self-titled utility which features support for streaming Internet radio to the PSP, cell phones, and PDAs. TVersity says that it makes all necessasy media and protocol conversions on the fly thus making playback possible on any device. The application uses the RSS reader to stream media to your PSP.

Check it out in my downloads section (NOTE: This is BETA software, which is not complete. Use at your own risk.)

Source: PRNewswire

New Version of PSP Video 9 On the Way, Plus a New Name - Videora IC2!

I'm not sure about you, but no matter how many PSP video converters I've used, I can't seem to find one that's just right for me. PSP Video 9 is probably the most popular conversion tool besides homebrew solutions such as the PMP Mod. It has a great interface, is easy to use, and has great customization. The problem is, it's a bit hit and miss.

Some videos I converted with version 1.74, currently the latest release, just wouldn't play on my PSP for no apparent reason, while others would. I wouldn't mind too much, but the last PSP Video 9 release was v1.74 in October last year. Well, the PSP Video 9 team have posted some news about an upcoming PSP Video 9 release. PSP Video 9 is not dead! Here's what they said:

"Unsatisfied with the current state of PSP Video 9, over the last couple months we have been slowly rewriting the application to make it more extensible and easier to maintain. Today we have come to the point where we are able to release something that is usable.

Until this new version is ready for general consumption, we will be referring to it as Videora IC2. This is alpha software and is intended for computer enthusiasts who wish to help us fix bugs. We DO NOT recommend using this version for your daily conversion needs as it has not been tested as thoroughly as 1.74 and has fewer features like no language support and no installer."

This is great news for PSP video conversion, and hopefully PSP Video 9 will become a much more stable program for everyday use. Despite the above warning for the PSP Video 9 development team, if you would still like to beta test the new version of PSP Video 9 (now referred to as "Videora IC2"), please tell us how it goes.

You can download the beta here. (note that Betas are NOT finished products and are prone to bugs... use at your own risk!)

Source: PSPUpdates

Undiluted Platinum - Preorders, Pro-Installs, Solder Info, and more on the way!

According to a friend of QJ, Undiluted Platinum (the world's first PSP modchip) could be here very soon, so its time to start thinking about placing your Pre-Orders! For those still in the dark, Undiluted Platinum was announced to a skeptical audience on May 26th, boasting features such as: bringing a bricked PSP back to life, open source development, button-press firmware selection, along with many more features.

Accompanying the good news of a near shipping date, joins the news of the soldering involved. Don't expect to install this without some work, as there will be "23-24 wires to install."  If you wish to do this install yourself, be sure you have (or know someone that has) advanced soldering experience. If you're a soldering pro, expect the project to take a good 45-60 minutes. With how small the space to work inside of the PSP is, it will likely be very tricky fitting that many wires inside of such a cramped area.

Word is starting to gather about various international stores where you can purchase Undiluted Platinum, but we're glad to bring you news of the first and only North American outlet for UP, ModChipStore, will not only be shipping Undiluted Platinum from the U.S., but will be offering several professionally installed packages:

• Buy the modchip and do-it-yourself (or have a friend help out)
• Have it professionally installed by ModChipStore.com
• Buy a pre-modified PSP with Undiluted Platinum

Although initial supplies may be limited, ModChipStore will be frequently restocked as the need arises. Additionally, they will begin shipping Undiluted Platinum the same day they receive their first batch. If you want to send in your PSP for a professional install and be first in line, they are already accepting shipments. While you're there, you might want to see what other PSP accessories you might need in anticipation of Undiluted Platinum - their prices for 1GB and 2GB Pro Duo memory sticks ain't too shabby, especially if they'll be shipping you Undiluted Platinum anyways!

Whatever you choose, please be aware that there is a chance of breaking your PSP in some fashion any time you open it up. Add a soldering iron, wires, and your open PSP, the chance that something could go wrong is very high. For your PSP's sake, it is best to have someone else install the Undiluted Platinum if you have limited or no soldering experience. We at QJ.net (and HackingPSP.com -Auri) take no responsibility for any damage done to your PSP while trying to install this modchip.

Source: PSPUpdates

Monthly US Sales (May) - PSP Outsells GBA and DS!

The numbers are in for May and some unthinkable things have happened. What are they? See if you can guess by the numbers before I explain!

PS2 - 231,616
360 - 220,877
PSP - 159,659
GBA - 152,023
NDS - 145,930
GCN - 33,040
XBX - 26,353

Yes, you see that correctly. The PlayStation Portable outsold the Game Boy Advance. This has been the first time that either the PSP or DS outsold the GBA. Maybe America is starting to move on? Then again, maybe if they keep buying GBAs, Nintendo will get a clue and localize Mother 3. The numbers also show that there are 145,930 people who were too impatient to wait for a DS Lite, which launches on June 11th. After it launches, expect the DS to push ahead of both the PSP and GBA for a good little while. It's been shown in almost all the DS game commercials, including New Super Mario Bros. The GameCube beat the Xbox this month, but that's not saying much as both systems are essentially dead. The PS2 shows it has a lot of legs left by beating out the Xbox 360, which was actually in supply for the entire month of May. Like the PSX, the PS2 will likely outsell the PS3 this holiday season.

Now, how did the software fare?

01. (NDS, Nintendo) New Super Mario Bros. - 275 692 [NEW]
02. (PS2, Square-Enix) Kingdom Hearts 2 - 168 944 [1,318,967]
03. (NDS, Nintendo) Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day - 109 432 [199,749]
04. (PS2, Sony) God of War - 106 707 [1,144,513]
05. (360, UbiSoft) Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter - 84 431 [702,484]
06. (360, Take Two) Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - 83 507 [611,246]
07. (PS2, Sony) MLB 06: The Show - 81 895 [409,745]
08. (PS2, RedOctane) Guitar Hero - 67 871 [???]
09. (PS2, Take Two) GTA San Andreas - 64 520 [6,402,804]
10. (PS2, Square-Enix) Kingdom Hearts - 60 236 [2,742,017]

As you can see, even though the GBA and PSP outsold it, the DS still sold more software. The PS2 and Xbox 360 dominated the rest of the spots. Expect another burst of sales for New Super Mario Bros. when the DS Lite hits next month.Whether or not Brain Age has the same success it did in Japan remains to be seen. It's off to a better start than it was in Japan, but it received a marketing push and we don't have the books that Japan does so it might be different. Great to see games like Guitar Hero selling though.

For those wondering, Japanese Weekly Sales will now be posted monthly instead of weekly. Last week's top three consoles were the DS Lite (135,614), PSP (24,595), and PS2 (18,513). The best selling game was New Super Mario Bros. which sold 334,208 copies bringing it to a total of 1,233,726 in just two weeks while proving the Japanese do buy more than just Brain Training games.

Source: PSPUpdates

PSP Game Heist at Blockbuster (not BlockBUSTED, yet...)

Thursday night around 8:30 in the evening, a true gaming addict walked into a Blockbuster Video store in Myrtle Beach, Florida and managed to make off with sixty (!) PlayStation Portable games.  According to the  police report, the thief used his pants to aid in the theft.

A Blockbuster employee told police she observed a man selecting PlayStation Portable games and shoving them in his pants. "The guy's pants were bulging out because he had so many games," she said. The employee asked the man to stop as he left the store, but he fled in a silver Mercury LeSabre with a rental car tag.

The 60 games that were stolen had a value of $1,800, the report said. The store employee, who requested anonymity, did not speculate as to what the man in question would do with all of the games stolen.

Source: PSPUpdates

Neat Idea: All-in-one PSP charger, battery and cradle

Source: Hexus.net

Amacrox, the guys who specialize in handy add on bits such as replacement laptop power supplies, card readers and mice have come up with a very handy bit of kit for all you mobile gamers.

The all-in-one PSP battery, cradle and charger does exactly what it’s name suggests…. It’s a cradle to hold your PSP while its charging up, and then you have the option to either take just the PSP with you, or unplug the cradle, fold the stand away and use it as an extended battery.

The 4400 mAh Li-polymer battery is claimed to more than triple the playing time of the PSP, meaning you can now watch more than 1 UMD movie and not have to worry about not having enough power left for a bit of GTA afterwards.

The slim design of the all-in-one PSP charger means it adds a bit of thickness to the PSP but doesn’t make it overly bulky. Weight is still evenly balanced out too, the PSP is just as comfy as ever to hold.

Call of Duty 3 for PSP

It seems that the Activision creation, Call of Duty 3, will also be offered for the PSP. We are actually caught off guard with this new development since we thought that CoD3 will only be offerred for the next-gen consoles, the Xbox360, the Wii and the PS3. Now it seems that a PSP version is on the way.

Slated to be released on Fall 2006, it is being offered at $49.99. Call of Duty 3 enables its future users to get closer than ever to the fury of combat as an Allied soldier in World War II’s most harrowing military operation, the Normandy Breakout Campaign.

Melee combat and destructible cover bring you face-to-face with German forces. Multiple attack routes mean you decide whether to flank your enemy or hit him head on. Varied terrain, next-gen graphics and sound, and a dramatic story deliver Call of Duty’s signature cinematic intensity.

This is great and all but there is one thing that bother us and that is the control...How you would aim with a dumb thumb analog on a tiny screen? This may be crazy but unpredictable...and most of the time, the combination of that two results to something good. Well, let's just wait and see about that.

Source: PSPUpdates

USB ISO Loader Released for Sony's PSP

According to a post on PSP-Spot, a user named Dark_AleX has released a tool for Sony's PSP that allows the hand-held device to load and play ISO files mounted on a desktop computer. The tool allows users to connect their PSPs via a USB cable and mount .iso files.  The PSP-Spot forum administrator claims the following:

- A bug originally from the UMDEMULATOR core has been found. UMDEMULATOR didn't handle the case where the string pointed by the parameter file (sceIoOpen, sceIoOpenAsync), or dev (sceIoDevctl) was not aligned to 4 bytes, causing an exception when that happened. That caused incompatibility with some games (Coded Arms, Mahjong Fight and maybe others), and some homebrews (FileAssistant++, Irshell and maybe others). Fixed. People, try again all the games that worked with Fastloader and not with UMDEmu to see if they work now. Thanks a lot to the person who discovered the bug, well done!!

Previously, users had to load a game ISO onto a Memory Stick and use a utility to custom load the file. Now with the tool called DAX ZISO, the Memory Stick limitation is removed. DailyTech previously reported that Sony had attempted to patch the firmware on its PSP to avoid further cracking by the community but the new firmware again ended up being cracked in a short period of time.

While the PSP is enjoying support by the user community -- although in a manner frowned upon by Sony -- the actual UMD disc format developed by Sony is suffering in terms of industry support and sales.

Download HERE

Source: Daily Tech

Off Topic: Detox Clinic Opening for Video Game Addicts!

An addiction center is opening Europe's first detox clinic for game addicts, offering in-house treatment for people who can't leave their joysticks alone.

Video games may look innocent, but they can be as addictive as gambling or drugs _ and just as hard to kick, says Keith Bakker, director of Amsterdam-based Smith & Jones Addiction Consultants.

Bakker already has treated 20 video game addicts, aged 13 to 30, since January. Some show withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking and sweating, when they look at a computer.

His detox program begins in July. It will run four to eight weeks, including discussions with therapists and efforts to build patients' interests in alternative activities.

"We have kids who don't know how to communicate with people face-to- face because they've spent the last three years talking to somebody in Korea through a computer," Bakker said. "Their social network has completely disappeared."

Read the entire article here.

Have a 2.70 PSP? Looking for Flash games? Check this site out!

DAB-Hacker sent me a link to his new web site with a TON of PSP Flash games today! For those of you with 2.70 or higher this will be a dream come true! Keep in mind that if you want to continue running homebrew, do NOT upgrade to 2.70 or higher.

http://www.pspjunk.tk/

Enjoy!

-Auri

TODAY: Auri @ Great Bear Coffee Shop in Los Gatos, CA

Hacking the PSP author Auri Rahimzadeh will be at the Great Bear coffee shop in downtown Los Gatos, California today 8am-4pm. Look for him in the back with the "Geek" shirt on. Los Gatos is in Northern California, near San Jose. The Great Bear is at 19 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030.

Sonic Rivals: Speedy Characters

The gaming press last saw Sonic Rivals at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, held in Los Angeles. The brief demo on display did a great job of showing gamers what they could expect from the final product. And for those who don't know, the game combines platforming and speed to form a competitive race title.

You can choose from a roster of familiar characters, including Knuckles, Shadow, and of course, Sonic. Rivals plays a lot like the classic 16-bit titles that shipped for the Sega Genesis. And that's by no means a bad thing. In fact, it's a safe bet fans wouldn't have it any other way.

Read more...

Juan Castro
June 6, 2006

Source: IGN

Midway Announces Myst For PSP

London - June 08th , 2006 - Midway Games Ltd., a subsidiary of Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), today announced a European publishing agreement (excluding South Africa, Australia and New Zealand) for Myst&trade; on PSP, the latest version of the epic adventure from Cyan Worlds. Over a decade since PC adventurers first sampled the delights of Myst&rsquo;s emotive and visual feasts, the new handheld development will engage the player like never before and literally take them to another world.

There are no instructions and the player begins a voyage of exploration without encountering a single living soul. Alone on a mysterious island, you set out to explore its grandeur and mystery. Here a chilling tale of intrigue and injustice, defying all boundaries of space and time, is being told. Quickly, though, it becomes clear every action can somehow help unfortunate individuals trapped somewhere in a parallel dimension. The Myst adventure is like no other, tantalizing with its unique combination of lavish environments, puzzles, mazes, and a sizzling underlying drama which steadily unfolds to reward the player further still. More details about the game and release information will be made available shortly.

Read the rest of the press release here...

Source: GamesIndustry.biz & Midway Games

Datel announces PSP extras

Peripherals manufacturer Datel has announced a series of new products for owners of Sony's PlayStation Portable console. The issue of greater storage is top of the list for the 4GB hard drive for the PSP Solus Pack, which includes enough space for around eight full-length movies or about 1,000 songs.

The Pack also ships with the MAX Media Manager, which allows users to convert different kinds of video into a PSP-compatible format. Among the formats the Media Manager will convert are AVI, MPG/MPEG, VOB (DVD), WMV, MOV, MPE, 3GP, and MP4. It will be available this week in the UK for £129 and in the US for $149.

Read more here...

Phil Elliot
Gamespot UK

Source: Gamespot News

PSP Core System $179 + $1.40 shipping @ Overstock.com

Overstock.com has PSP Core Systems for $179 ($198.98 - 10% off = $179.09) plus $1.40 shipping from now until June 15 at 11:59pm.

Check it out here.

PSPNation takes over Subway

While its weekly event for the folks of thepspnation.com to roam the streets of New York City en masse with PSPs in hand, this weeks had to be one of the more interesting meetups. The folks of the community get together at a predertimined place in NYC every week, but this weeks was quoted to be "he most bizarre idea ever for a videogame meetup."

About a dozen or more people met up in the NYC subway system to hold a PSP wifi get together. From Lumines, to Hot Shots Golf, to Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, to even the recently released Monster Hunter: Freedom, tournaments were held and competitions raged on late into the night. If you own a PSP, live in NYC, and want to get together with a couple of other PSP nuts, head on over to thepspnation.com to find out when their next meetup will be.




June 7, 2006

Source: GameSHOUT

Update on Auri in Los Gatos...

Ok, since this isn't an official shindig, I don't have signs all over the place. I'll be in the back at the coffee bar area on my Ferrari laptop. I'll have a copy of my book at my PSP with me (no way!), so just come on by. Oh yeah, I'll most likely be wearing my Geek shirt :)

Just a reminder as to what I'm talking about: I'll be at the Great Bear in Los Gatos, California.

The address is 19 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030.

Thanks again!

Best,

-Auri

Cars Rolls Out

Okay. If in real life your car begins speaking, especially in a really animated way from its front hood, please -- seek help. The problem is beyond the scope of IGN or any gaming publication really, though we do wish you the best.

That said, everyone loves a talking car! To celebrate, THQ today unleashes Cars, a tie-in game invasion based on Disney/Pixar's latest feature film. The game puts players among the movie's characters and environments, offering more than 30 races and mini-games and more than 10 (maybe 11?) playable characters.

David Adams
June 6, 2006

Read more here...

Source: IGN

PSP Device Hook Sample Launcher v0.41

This surfaced yesterday from BOOSTER; I finally got around to giving it a test run and it works quite well! For those wishing to boot 2.50 required UMDs/ISOs on firmware 1.50, your wish has been granted - Device Hook Sample Launcher v0.41 fully supports 2.50 emulation, as well as 2.0!

The package includes everything required to get started - including the DevHook firmware (FW) installer and FW files.

Download Device Hook Launcher v0.41

Source: PSP Hacks

Press Release: Get the new Samsung P300 with Dialaphone and get a free Sony PSP

/24-7PressRelease/ - EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, June 04, 2006 - On the Dialaphone website (http://www.dialaphone.co.uk ) purchase the new Samsung P300 - the new phone that's' that's the size of a credit card! This tiny phone comes complete with an MP3 player, Bluetooth and a camera with a whopping 80Mb of memory. This phone also includes a WAP 2.0 browser with email functionality, and features a great voice memo function.

The new Samsung P300 (http://www.dialaphone.co.uk/phone/Samsung%20P300/ ) is available with a lot of Dialaphone plans, including a free Sony PSP. The PSP (PlayStation Portable) is Sony's handheld version of the Playstation. The PSP plays music and videos, as well as being one of the hottest handheld consoles on the market. The Sony PSP - Samsung P300 mobile phone deal comes with 200 free any network anytime minutes per month, and 100 free texts per month, and with an offer of half price contract for six months this is a deal not to be sneezed at.

Read the full press release here.

Lua Player v0.20 Released

A new version of the Lua Player is available for users of PSP Firmware 1.0 and 1.50. Those running 2.0 or later are recommended to use the 1.0 binary; however, if you experience odd behaviour, fall back to an older version (v0.16). v0.20 packs a lot of additions and changes - refer to the included ‘Changes.txt’ for details. Download Lua Player v0.20: 1.0 Binary 1.50 Binary Lua Source Code

Here are the download links:

1.0 Binary
1.50 Binary
Lua Source Code

Source: PSPHacks

Epsilon BIOS Custom Flash Replacement for PSP

A talented team have been hard at work on a custom flash Replacement for the PSP, which will not only allow you to use homebrew files and run unsigned code on the PSP but will also allow you to enjoy the quality features built into all Sony PSP firmware revisions, right up there to the current v2.71 firmware! The team behind the Epsilon BIOS have completed cracked the encryption methods and developed the OS hacks to run unsigned code and even in kernel mode. The team have been unable to release this previously due to the lack of a modchip for the PSP, but with the much talked about Undiluted Platinum PSP mod just around the corner, a dream can now become a viable reality! The Epsilon BIOS will be released soon. 

    Epsilon BIOS Team Statement:

    Epsilon BIOS is a custom flash "replacement" for the Sony PSP which unleashes the full potential of your handheld, allowing you to both use homebrew software and run UMD ISO games from your Memory stick on the latest firmware releases while also enjoying the impressive features built into the operating system such as RSS feeds, WMA support etc. Currently the 2.71 firmware release is supported - thats right, this means we have cracked the new encryption methods and developed the operating system hacks necessary to allow unsigned code to run, even in kernel mode.

    We have been developing Epsilon BIOS for quite some time, but due to the fact that it requires a dual-flash system (one flash is used to bootstrap our code, the other stores the normal PSP firmware) we have been unable to release it - until now, with the appearance of the Undiluted Platinum modchip. Previously we had been using our own custom hardware for development, however about a week ago we received Undiuluted Platinum prototypes and have since modified our code to work with their hardware - its working great, despite a few bugs which we need to iron out before the release. For those who are wondering, yes, you will need an Undiluted Platinum installed in your PSP to take advantage of this.

    As mentioned above, using Epsilon BIOS its possible to launch homebrew software from the memory stick, kernel mode access is also available for software which requires this. Both 1.0 and 1.5 style EBOOTs are supported. UMD ISO loading is almost transparent, simply copy your ISO files into a directory on your memory stick and they will appear under "Game -> Memory Stick" in the operating system menu alongside your homebrew applications. Simply launch them from here, no need to use a seperate ISO loader application. Furthermore, since the games are actually running on 2.x firmware you dont need to worry about strange loading methods or patching the ISO files - they will simply work, in their original state. We have also developed our own compressed ISO format and will be distributing a packing tool.

    We will be releasing a video over the next few days showing Epsilon BIOS in action - keep an eye out for this! As for the actual release, this depends on how soon we can resolve the remaining issues but we hope to have it out within 1-2 weeks.

Source: PSPCave via PSPHacks:

Hacking PSP Author Auri Rahimzadeh in Los Gatos, CA this week! Get your PSP questions answered!

Well, I'm taking a vacation this week in Northern California, in the Los Gatos area. Do you have my book? Do you have PSP questions? Well, come by and ask! I'm going to hang out at the Great Bear / Los Osos coffee shop in downtown Los Gatos (19 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030) all day (8am - 4pm) Thursday, June 8. Of course, I'll take a break for lunch, but I'll probably eat right in the area. Send me an email at www.hackingpsp.com using the contact form if you want to make sure I'm there to meet you at a certain time!

Looking forward to meeting readers and PSP users!

Thanks again!

Best,

-Auri

Nokia turns cellphones into webservers

Nokia has ported the Apache webserver to Symbian, in order to enable mobile phones to serve content on the World Wide Web. Many mobile phones today have more processing power than early Internet servers, suggesting that "there really is no reason anymore why webservers could not reside on mobile phones," according to the company. The technique could also be used on Linux mobile phones.

Read more about this here...

Source: LinuxDevices.com

Mega Man back for more action in PSP format

Few game characters have seen as much action as Mega Man. He's destroyed tons of evil robots, stolen their signature weapons and used them to save the world ... again, and again, and again.

And then, in the incarnation of Mega Man X, he did it some more -- but with more angst and cooler armor.

But now game maker Capcom takes the character back to his roots, in two PlayStation Portable updates of the first games in the two main Mega Man series.

Read more here...

Source: Daily Breeze

New PSP firmware introduces LocationFree TV

Sony has introduced new firmware for the PlayStation Portable, adding the facility to download demos straight to Memory Stick, and a TV service button to the system menu - tying in with today's UK launch of LocationFree TV.

LFTV enables you to pipe video content from your home, over the internet, to portable devices like laptops and the PSP. You'll need a LocationFree Basestation to do this (the one on Sony's site today retails for GBP 350), and around 300Kbps upstream on your broadband connection.

Using Sony's So-net download service, you'll be able to access a mixture of free and paid-for video content. The firmware also corrects a problem with video output from LFTV.

Sony has also today launched a second downloadable demo for the PSP in Japan, following on from the success of the Loco Roco demo last month; users can log into the firm's Japanese site for Kazuo and download a trial version of that - although bear in mind it's just the Japanese version of Sumo Digital's Go! Sudoku title.


Rob Fahey
June 2, 2006

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

The PSP Podcast does it weekly

Naturally, anyone wishing to keep an eye on the PSP scene would come to Pocket Gamer.

But what of those who only have ears? Well, a new show dedicated entirely to Sony's handheld could be just the ticket.

The PSP Show is the latest podcast from The Podcast Network, which claims to be the world's first commercial network for podcasting.

More here...

Source: Pocket Gamer

Nintendo DS Lite winning out PSP, Xbox 360 sales (yeah, but all it does is play games!)

The Nintendo DS Lite pounded rival hardware offerings in Japan last week on the strength of New Super Mario Bros.

Media Create Co. reported Friday that the DS Lite sold 285,025 units from May 22 to 28 to soar past every other handheld and console on the market.

By comparison, Sony's PSP sold 27,227 units and Microsoft's Xbox 360 sold 1,242 units in the same period.

The Nintendo DS Lite has been the best-selling hardware offering week after week in Japan on the strength of franchise titles and Touch Generations casual games like Brain Training and English Training.

Nintendo will drop the DS Lite to U.S. retail on June 11.


Punch Jump Crew
June 2, 2006

Source: Punch Jump

Get the new Samsung P300 with Dialaphone and get a free Sony PSP

On the Dialaphone website purchase the new Samsung P300 - the new phone that’s' that's the size of a credit card! This tiny phone comes complete with an MP3 player, Bluetooth and a camera with a whopping 80Mb of memory. This phone also includes a WAP 2.0 browser with email functionality, and features a great voice memo function.

More here...

Source: SourceWire

Sony Releases PSP Firmware 2.71

WARNING: Firmware 2.70 and 2.71 block the ability to run homebrew! If you want to run homebrew, DO NOT UPGRADE!

Sony released Firmware 2.71 for the Sony PSP in Japan today.

The new PSP firmware allows you to download game demos directly from the PSP web browser onto the memory stick. Currently available are the LocoRoco demo and a demo of Kazou (Sudoku game).

Other improvements related to the Location Free player support.

You can download the new Japanese firmware 2.71 on this page. Note that this is a Japanese update, and its effects on non-Japanese PSPs are unknown.

Sony released the 2.70 Firmware update on April 25th and tried to motivated us to update with a downloadable demo game of LocoRoco.

Source: I4U News

Nyko PSP Power Tuner

Unlike yesterday’s craptastic PSP accessory, the Power Tuner from Nyko may be a bit more useful. The Power Tuner can do everything you would ever want for your PSP in a vehicle. It acts as an FM transmitter over a choice of three different frequencies—so everyone in the car can enjoy a movie on the 4-inch screen. It also includes a 4-foot cable and can also charge the PSP through the cigarette lighter or power port. It is available now for 20 bones.

 – Travis Hudson

Source: Gizmodo

Sony Japan Begins Downloadable PSP Demos

Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has begun digital distribution of demos for two titles on PSP, LocoRoco and Kazuo. Gamers in the territory can download the demos either via a PC or directly through the web browser of the PSP itself, though an update to firmware version 2.71 (which has been released in Japan and Europe today) is required to do the latter.

Players can go to the download sections of the official websites of either LocoRoco or Kazuo and follow the instructions from there. There are warnings that the demos are for Japanese PSPs only and that Sony cannot guarantee that systems from outside of Japan won't be negatively affected by playing the demo, so be warned if you are tempted.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe are yet to confirm any demos for European PSPs at this time, but hopefully an announcement will be made shortly.

John Wilcox
June 1, 2006

Source: TVG

Superdock: Park your iPod, PSP, phone all in one place

Now here's something that plays few favorites. With this docking station from iDea, you can recharge a whole host of your electronic devices all in the same place. They don't fight each other for power; rather, they co-exist in a harmonious, continuous power-up cycle mode.

The ports are more numerous than you usually get in a docking station. You can park an iPod, a PSP, another MP3 player, and a mobile phone, all on this one docking station. Did I mention it's wireless as well?

You can also get video and audio receivers, so that you can use the staion not only as a power charger but also as a signal transmitter. Park your video iPod and watch the latest episode of your favorite TV show on a a bigger screen. Listen to your favorite digital tunes on your home stereo. You probably can't hook up the PSP to a larger screen, but that's not the point of PSP, anyway.

Check out the product page.

Source: Mobile Magazine

PSP facing more Connect-ion woes?

In January, Sony announced that its long-suffering Connect digital music service would be completely revamped with new functionality, including the ability to download movies, video, and games to the PSP. March was pegged as the date of the re-launch, but the month came and went without word of any new functionality.

Eventually that plan was scrapped, as a Sony representative told GameSpot sister site mp3.com that no major re-launch was planned, with the company instead opting to make incremental improvements.

Now more questions about the Connect service have arisen. According to a report on GameSpot sister site News.com, Sony Corporation of America chief technology officer and Connect advocate Phil Wiser is on his way out of the company, effective Friday. Wiser will reportedly be replaced by Sony senior vice president Steve Bernstein. The article also details a frequently contentious relationship between Sony and Kinoma, an external media company whose chief executive had been put in charge of the Connect project.

It's unclear what impact this will have on the system's planned addition of support for the PSP. A Sony representative declined to speak with News.com for that story, while GameSpot's own attempt to get clarification on the status of Connect's planned PSP support has not yet been answered.

Brendan Sinclair, Gamespot
May 31, 2006

Source: Gamespot