Monday, April 10, 2006 - Posts

How To: 20GB External Storage for PSP

Check out this interesting how-to on using an external hard drive enclosure with built-in WiFi connection to add more storage space to your PSP (well, sorta).

Note that ADS sells an enclosure that I cover in my book, Hacking the PSP, that enables you to access your files via your PSP's web browser. It's only $99 and may be easier if you just want to access your files, such as your music, video, and more from your PSP without any firmware modifications.

-Auri


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AFKIM v2 Released - "[A]way [F]rom [K]eyboard" PSP Instant Messenger

Danzel has finally released the 2nd version of his AFKIM (Away From Keyboard Instant Messenger). AFKIM is an instant messenger for almost all the major IM protocols, including AIM, ICQ, MSN, Google Talk and Yahoo! Recently, Danzel has won the NeoFlash Spring Coding Competition with this homebrew. Cheers to Danzel!

As we reported before, Danzel has been working on a new OSK (on-screen keyboard). Now this OSK has got the name "Danzeff", and tends to help you with a better input experience than the original p_sprint OSK. However, you can still switch back to the old one if you really want to. Here are more details of this version:

    * New Graphics, complete new style :)
    * New keyboard (Danzeff, see Danzeff.txt for usage information)
    * You can rename contacts.
    * Less crashes! (maybe! lol)
    * Works on the new eloader!
    * Contact list scrolls automatically.
    * New msg popup.
    * When logging into wifi/bitlbee there is more feedback

How to use the Danzeff OSK

The Danzeff keyboard is an OSK, mainly controlled by the analog stick.

Use the analog stick to select which square to chose from, and then press the button (X O [] /) in the direction of the letter you want to input.

To switch into numbers mode Tap the L Shoulder.
To get capital Letters hold the R shoulder while in letters input.
To get a complete set of extra characters, hold down R shoulder while in numbers mode.

Other special keys:
Digital down -> enter
Digital up -> delete
Digital left -> move left
Digital right -> move right
Select -> menu in AFKIM
Start -> switch from chat to contacts list in AFKIM

Download for 1.50 PSPs here.
Download for 2.00 and 1.00 PSPs here. (this doesn't work with PSP firmware 2.01 or above yet)

Source: PSPUpdates


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Real V.S. Fake - Inside The Memory Sticks

PCPOP has run a detailed comparison on genuine memory sticks and fake ones. Here is a summary of the article:


  • The exterior of the genuine memory stick is abrasive, while the fake one feels slick.
    The back of the genuine memory stick has some information sculpted by laser beam, not printed.
  • The volume of genuine memory sticks is 480MB, while the fake on has only 468MB.
  • Sony customer service center cannot tell if your memory stick is genuine or fake.

Left = Real; Right = Fake
  • The genuine memory stick is hard to open up, while the fake one cracks up easily because it's not even glued well.
    The genuine memory stick uses a Samsung flash memory chip, while the fake one uses an unknown chip (in fact with the text burnished away from the chips), which is inferior.

Genuine Sony Memory Stick Pro DUO 1GB

The most ironical thing happened to the author of this article, was that the lady in the Sony CS center replied him "Your (fake) memory stick is genuine, maybe you need to switch to another card reader." after he asked about his (fake) card not recognized by his computer. So, can we assume that even Sony cannot tell if the memory stick is real or fake? Sigh...

Source: PSPUpdates

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Sony's new HDD/DVD recorders can record directly to your PSP!

Sony's new HDD/DVD recorders pack three powerful new functionalities.

These babies can record three high-definition programs at the same, they can record directly to PSP (except for the RDZ-87), and they can stream video to other devices in your home as well.

The models are the RDZ-D97A, the RDZ-77A, and the RDZ-87. The storage capabilities run from 250GB to 500GB.

The hi-def is Japan's 1080i Hi-Vision, of course, and the initial release is only in Japan, on May 19. But it's probably only a matter of time until you can get these everywhere.

The image “http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/7316_large.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Source: MobileMag
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REVIEW: James Bond 007: From Russia With Love

Featured review by Matt Swider, contributing editor

Presentation: B
Gameplay: B-
Overall: B-

When it comes to international espionage, no one does it better than James Bond, and when it comes to James Bond, no one did it better than Sean Connery. With that in mind, Electronic Arts takes us back in time by releasing From Russia With Love, starring the original 007. Based on the 1963 film of the same name, the PSP game captures the classic Bond just like the console versions did late last year. The port to the handheld isn't perfect, and the console versions weren't without problems to begin with, but James Bond's first outing on the system is at least worthy to check out if you consider yourself a 007 diehard and are more mobile than Bond himself.

Fans of the From Russia With Love movie may find it slightly disappointing that some of the story was altered for the game. However, they can take comfort in knowing that the basic plot is still intact and that the presentation is just as classy as their favorite Mi6 agent. The well-produced cutscenes in between the movie-based and original levels set up the plot involving a beautiful Russian double agent and her possession of the Lektor, a Soviet decoding device she's willing to exchange for a chance to meet Bond. Of course, with traps and old enemies waiting in the wings, the drama doesn't stop there, and neither do the women or dry martinis.

Read the entire review here.


Source: Underground Online
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World Poker Tour for the PSP Goes Gold

World Poker Tour has gone gold and will be available for the PSP later this month. The game will feature the virtual equivalents of real pros with terrible nicknames such as Antonio "the Magician" Esfandiari, Erick Lindgren, Evelyn Ng, Lyle Berman, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi and Phil "Unabomber" Laak. You'll also be able to create and edit your own characters.

It seems that the developers were listening to peoples' complaints and they're promising a completely revamped artificial intelligence system with 1,200 different characters, all with their own unique playing styles and behaviors. PSP-exclusive features include unlockable custom clothes and invitational events, 4,000 variations of poker, and you can even go online with your PSP and play PS2 players.

World Poker Tour for the PSP is rated T for teen and will be available at the MSRP of $29.99 on April 18, 2006.

(just a note: "Gold" means a software title has passed quality assurance and is ready to be manufactured and distributed -Auri)

Source: PSXextreme
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PSP goes retro with Capcom Classics Reloaded

Most kids growing up in the 80s and early 90s probably would have spent a pretty penny at the local arcade, dropping countless quarters on those coin-op cabinets in a heartbeat, drawn in by the intense action, captivated by the challenging gameplay. You can now relive your youth wherever you go, because "Street Fighter 2", "Knights of the Round" and several other timeless titles are hitting your PSP via Capcom Classics Reloaded.

They're saying that there will be over 15 "arcade perfect classics on a single UMD" to be found here, with titles ranging from "Commando" and "Ghouls n' Ghosts" to "Eco Fighter" and "King of Dragons." Best of all, you can challenge (or team up with) your friends in all of these games, thanks to the multiplayer capabilities via wireless ad hoc mode.

Expected to ship in Q4 2006, Capcom Classics Reloaded has yet to receive a definite MSRP, though if previous compilations are any indication, don't be surprised to find a $40-ish price tag attached.

The image “http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/7320_large.gif” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Source: MobileMag
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GUN Showdown On The PSP This Fall

Handheld gamers will be fully loaded this fall when Activision releases GUN Showdown for the PSP system. Gun is a very popular game on other gaming platforms. Developed by Rebellion Studios and Neversoft Entertainment, GUN Showdown puts players in the role of Colton White, a vengeful gunslinger making his way through the untamed West of the late-1800s where the lines between good and evil are blurred and greed, lust and brutality were a way of life. The game will feature all of the action contained in the console versions, as well as all-new side missions, quick-play modes, multiplayer modes and gameplay features that are unique to the PSP system. GUN Showdown has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Source: The Adrenaline Vault

http://www.gamefly.com.edgesuite.net/images/games/p/117080p.jpg


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Homebrew: New PSP Homebrew Releases for April 10, 2006

Firmware Hacks and Launchers
No KXPloit Patcher - No more need for KXPloit if you have a 1.50 PSP after running this app! Sweet!

Games
ChocoboDen Mod for SMM - Final Fantasy ChocoboDen mod for the popular Super Mario Bros. clone.
Halo SMM v3 Mod - Halo mod for the popular Super Mario Bros. clone.
South Park SMM v3 Mod - South Park mod for the popular Super Mario Bros. clone.
PSPMaze v0.92 - A long-overdue but exciting update to the PSP RPG game.
PSPaintball Beta - Paintball game. Need I say more?

Applications
AFKIM Instant Messenger Application v2.0 - w00t! AIM and more for your PSP! Two versions: for 1.5 PSPs, for 1.00 and 2.00 PSPs
Bookr v0.70 - Read PDFs, text files, and basic HTML files on your PSP!
PSPFTPD v0.3.3 - Updated version of the popular PSP FTP client.
PSP Radio v0.38.091 Pre-Release Installer Version - Windows Installer version automatically installs the right version of the PSP Radio PSP Shoutcast client on your PSP!
Webnab 0.4a2 - PSP News RSS Reader - very cool, and includes a link to HackingPSP's RSS feed!

Emulators
TI-92 Calculator v1.0.6 - Need I describe it more? :)

PSP Magazines
Akihabara News Volume 23 - The latest news from Japan's tech supermarket.

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