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