Hacking the PSP Blog

Three hacker teams unlock the PSP

Computer hackers have scored a victory in their battle against Sony and the way the company controls its PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld games console.

Sony sells its PSP with built-in software, known as firmware, which controls how the console operates.

The firmware locks many of the PSP's capabilities, preventing enthusiasts from writing their own programs, known as homebrew, and running them on the machine.

It also disables its ability to play some films which are not bought on special Sony PSP disks.

But last month three hacker teams - Noobz, Team C+D, and a group led by PSP hacker Dark Alex - co-ordinating their efforts over the internet, found a flaw in the most recently released version of the firmware - version 3.03.

Unlocking PSPs

Using this flaw they devised a way to unlock all PSPs, regardless of their age or the firmware running on it.

This development has been a cause for celebration in the PSP homebrew community, but caused alarm at Sony because unlocked PSPs can be used to play pirated PSP games.

"The problem experienced here is not with homebrew applications, but with hackers who pirate commercial titles," a Sony spokesperson said.

"Piracy is illegal and we strongly oppose any acts which either aide or profit from it."

But the hackers say piracy is not what motivates their teams to unlock the PSP.

"My aim is to enable as many people as possible to run homebrew programs," said Fanjita, a member of the Noobz team.

He added: "Everyone has the right to do what they want with their own hardware. Piracy does upset me, and because what we are doing opens the way to piracy it's harder to justify it morally.

"But our stance on piracy is clear, and we hope to be role models. Sony have never been in touch with me, so I am confident that what we are doing is legal."

Read the full article here...

Paul Rubens
February 26, 2007

Source: BBC News

Get Off the Bus!

The battle to keep violent games kept out of public view has moved to Denver. Yesterday, the Parents Television Council and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood is asking the Regional Transportation District to discontinue advertising of games rated Mature and Adults Only.

Last year, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories was advertised on a number of RTD trains. Though the RTD is not currently housing ads for any M-rated games, its policy allows for future advertising on its buses and trains.

"Our public transportation network serves more than half the residents of Colorado and is doing them a disservice with its tacit approval for the dangerous content in the Mature-rated video games that are advertised throughout the system," said PTC Denver Chapter Director George Robison in a recent RTD board meeting. "I'm here today to remind Chairman Chris Martinez and the board that they have a responsibility to act in the best interest of those who voted you into these important positions. You can take a step towards being a better steward of the public good today by no longer accepting advertising from violent video games that can have long-term harmful effects on the youth in our community,"

"It is unconscionable that RTD would accept advertisements for a game like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories," said CCFC member Peter Simonson. "In Vice City Stories, players are rewarded for killing innocent bystanders, law enforcement officers and rival gang members, as they attempt to set up illicit businesses, such as drug dealing and prostitution rings, and commit armed robbery. As a father and a Denver-area resident, I want to know that my children can ride public trains and buses without being subjected to ads that promote violence and lawlessness."

In November 2006, the CCFC convinced the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to refuse future advertising for M-rated titles. With the ESA recently teaming up with Senators Joe Lieberman and Hillary Clinton, this issue could soon broaden to a larger public policy. The government imposes limitations on public advertisements for alcohol and sexually-explicit content. Videogames could follow.

Supporters of the videogame industry's right to advertise M-rated games in public spaces have cited the acceptance of R-rated movie trailers and posters.

The RTD has not yet made a decision on this issue. It is unknown when a decision will be made.

Hilary Goldstein
February 22, 2007

Source: IGN

Devhook v0.52.0100 Released!

After almost two months since the release of the last version of DevHook, Booster version for us. While there aren't any earth shattering new features, the key difference in this version is firmware 3.11 support. The only actual difference in the installation files is an added "311" folder inside the "dh" folder.

This update will not work without a previous version of DevHook already installed. Assuming that you already have an earlier version on your Memory Stick, all you'll need to do with this is extract the contents of MS_ROOT/dh into your already existing "dh" folder. After that place a dump of firmware 3.11 into the appropriate folder inside the "dh" folder.

Download DevHook v0.52.0100

Via PSPUpdates

How-to guide: Making 32-bit custom XMB icons

While there are several custom-made XMB icons out there to go with the RCO editors in circulation, a lot of us just prefer our very own personalized sets. Now, in case you're among those folks but find yourselves short in the skills department, homebrew developer RaiderX is coming in with help.

He has just set up a 32-bit icon tutorial at the boards, which should provide basic steps for beginners on how to make their own custom XMB icons via their PC to the PSP. But before you visit the tutorial, make sure to have these ready:

• Photoshop (For editing)
• Image icon (What you're planning to use for your XMB)
• Hex editing skills (Or, if you prefer an easier way...)
• RCO editor (Zinga's homebrew is recommended)

Who says the veteran programmers don't look out for the new guys? For beginners with an inkling for some XMB icon pimpin' to go with their mondo custom waves, on to the (QJ) discussion boards!

Read 32-bit custom XMB Icon Tutorial

Source: PSPUpdates

SanDisk 4GB MS PRO Duo $59.99 @ Fry's

Right now Fry's has the 4GB SanDisk Memory Stick PRO Duo on sale for $79.99 with a $20 rebate, bringing the final price to $59.99. Head over to Frys.com to check out this deal for yourself.

Via PSPUpdates