Hacking the PSP Blog

ARComics to release graphic novels (a.k.a. comic books) on the PSP

I found this post on Handheld Learning today... -Auri

A press release came through to me regarding work by ARComics who have spotted a market opportunity to exploit the Sony PSP's Flash capability via it's Internet browser to deliver interactive graphic novels:


Could this be another novel (no pun intended ) way of encouraging reading via handheld technology?

GTA Vice City Stories out for pre-order

(Note: eLoader is probably NOT going to work with this new version of GTA -Auri)

 The next installment in Rockstar Games's Grand Theft Auto series, Vice City Stories is out now for pre-order. Similar to its PSP predecessor, Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories will most likely be a continuation, or a different viewpoint, of the plot which it is based off of, that of Vice City

Although not much information has been released yet, we do know that the game will be debuted on the PlayStation Portable, and will most likely move onto the PS2 and other consoles, as Liberty City Stories is currently doing.

So, for those interested, the starting price for pre-orders from US retailers is $49.99 and £39.99 from UK retailers. The game will ship on October 17 in the US and 20 October in the UK.

United States retailers

Rockstar Warehouse
EB Games
Gamestop

United Kingdom retailers

GAME

Related sites

Official Website
ViceCityStories.com - Fansite

Source: Newsvine

The Complete PSP Homebrew Database Released! (thanks Fanjita!)

Fanjita has just released the beta of an all-new, complete, and up to date homebrew database system, with internal download links, at his new website, PSP-Homebrew.eu. This site is/will soon be a free and public database of all of the PSP homebrew, not limited to eLoader compatible homebrew, but every, single, released piece of homebrew in the PSP's history.

Check it out here!

Gamers rejoice: Two new handhelds on their way? (another Microsoft, and even APPLE handheld story!)

Supposedly, two more handhelds are on their way to the gaming industry.

They aren't the Gizmondo, Tapwave, or some super-high tech cellphone. Apparently, Microsoft and Apple are making handhelds.

A handheld gaming system is a small unit that plays video games. For example, the old GameBoy that played the classic Tetris game.

Over the years, many companies have attempted to compete with Nintendo's GameBoys, such as Sega Game Gear, Turbo Express, Atari Lynx and so on.

Since then, Nintendo has pretty much dominated the handheld gaming industry with the GameBoy, GameBoy Color, GameBoy Advance, GameBoy Advance SP, and the current Nintendo DS. Sony joined back in 2005 with the unit known as the PlayStation Portable.

Now there's speculation Apple and Microsoft will be joining in.

PORTABLE GAMING ON RISE

The latest known name for Apple's handheld will be the gPod, which looks quite like the PlayStation Portable -- except without the joystick. It'll have all the same media players as the PSP including pictures, music, videos and a probable browser.

The various iPod models have been dominating the media player industry and now there's already an iPod Video out and all it needs is a game player.

Portable gaming is on the rise -- so why not try to join in?

When Microsoft decided to join the gaming industry, everything changed.

At the time, it was only Sony PlayStation and Nintendo GameCube. Then Microsoft joined in with the unit known as the Xbox, which has now advanced to the Xbox 360.

Time passed and the Nintendo DS (Dual Screen) and the PlayStation Portable have been competing. The consoles are set, and Microsoft has yet to attempt to join in with the handheld industry -- until now.

There is no known release information about it yet, but it's obvious they'll be joining in soon. There's talk the Microsoft's handheld may be called the "Xplayer" and there are no known images of it, either.

With one company dominating the media industry and the other one having everything but a handheld in their product line, a venture into handhelds seems obvious.

Ryan Inman
May 30, 2006

Source: Newsvine

Microsoft Likely to Enter Portable Gaming Market in Late 2007-Early 2008, Says The Diffusion Group

New research from The Diffusion Group suggests that Microsoft will likely leverage its Xbox franchise to enter the portable game console (PGC) market in late 2007 or early 2008. "Microsoft has been waiting on the sidelines until its gaming console and software business reached sustainability, all the while watching closely how Nintendo and consumers in general would respond to Sony's PSP," said Thomas Wolf, a portable media analyst at TDG.

Read the full article here...

Sam Goody web site discount code

Came across these today on TechBargains.com for those of you who shop SamGoody:



Free shipping $25+ now added
samgoody.com has a new coupon Codes:
15% off $25 Code: 05SAVE15 Exp 5/30
20% off $50 Code: 05SAVE20
25% off $100 Code: 05SAVE25

offer excludes Electronics Advantage, Used, Digital Downloads, and Gift Cards.

Nyko Releases PSP Car Adapter - FM Audio Transmitter + Charging Dock

The new Power Tuner for PSP broadcasts a Sony PlayStation Portable's audio over a FM car radio while at the same time charging the device.

Nyko Technologies, a maker of iPod and PSP accessories, today unveiled a new adapter for charging a PSP while at the same time broadcasting its audio over a car stereo. The new Power Tuner for PSP looks to be priced at $19.99 and available now.

The Power Tuner for PSP, said Nyko, operates both as a charger and an audio transmitter for Sony’s handheld gaming device. Drivers plug the Power Tuner into a car’s lighter or power port and then into a PSP to give it power. The unit also uses one of three selectable FM frequencies to transmit the PSP’s audio through a car radio to the vehicle’s speakers. It comes with a four foot cable for easier placement of the PSP within the vehicle.

"The Power Tuner enhances user experience by offering multiple features at a great price," said Susan Corben, vice president of marketing, Nyko Technologies, in a statement. "We've created the perfect travel companion for PSP owners on long road trips."

Source: Nino Marchetti and Digital Trends News

Griffin Releases a PSP Strap for Car Seats - The Road Dock

From Gizmodo (btw: I discussed how to do something similar to this in my book Geek My Ride a couple years ago :))

Griffin has released the RoadDock PSP accessory. It is a strap that wraps around car seat headrest and holds the PSP—yep, that’s it. What the hell? A $30 strap? We usually have nothing but love for Griffin, but this is just lame. You may be better off just duct-taping the PSP to the car seat. Should be available in June.

Click here for the product page.

Lumines II - Trailer from E3

E3 has been over for a while now, but lots of screens and trailers used there are finally being put online officially by publishers. Lumines II is an example - here, you can check out the nifty trailer for Q Entertainment's sequel to one of the best puzzle games ever.

To be released in fall this year, and this time published by Buena Vista Games, Lumines II features the same, highly addicting puzzle system as it's predecessor - where you must combine block pieces to form bigger squares of the same color - but adds a licensed soundtrack with tracks from today's cutting-edge musicians, new battle modes and also all new backgrounds, including 3D ones and the ability to play streamed video in it!

Download the video here.