Hacking the PSP Blog

Off Topic: Developers see possibilities in iPhone apps

Users eager to get their hands on an iPhone may have June 29 circled on their calendars to mark the mobile device’s announced ship date. But for software developers, the most significant date in the build-up to the iPhone’s release was easily May 30. That’s the day Apple CEO Steve Jobs took the stage at the D: All Things Digital Conference near San Diego and announced that his company is working to make its eagerly anticipated mobile phone open to outside developers, reversing months of skeptical statements about third-party involvement.

For software makers, the latest pronouncement by Jobs, though lacking specifics, couldn’t be more welcome. It indicates that they’ll have a chance to create versions of their apps—or come up with entirely new programs—that will run on what potentially could be the most popular mobile device since Apple’s iPod.

“Overall, I think this is a great decision on Apple’s part,” Austin Sarner, the developer of AppZapper and Disco said. “Apple really excels at creating a solid foundation for a community of users and developers, and the iPhone seems no different.”

Read the full article here...

Jim Dalrymple
June 4, 2007

Source: Macworld

PSP needs a AAA title, says Sony

PSP sales are declining faster than Sony had anticipated which is being put down to the overwhelming success of the DS and the lack of a defining title on the console.

Sony expected to sell 12 million units financial year starting April 2006. These estimates have now been dropped to nine million.

Software is considered a big part of the problem with the handheld. "Clearly on the software side, any real killer title will galvanize the sales," re-assures Robert Wiesenthal, chief financial officer of Sony Corporation of America.

But he goes on to admit: "there have been a number of titles that have been terrific, but not the one title that defines the product."

Hiroshi Kamide, director of the research department at KBC Securities Japan, also cites software as the key problem for Sony. "If you look at the availability of software, there are a lot of games for the PSP but are not particularly successful ... You don't see any million-seller games for the PSP but you do hear about them for the Nintendo DS.

"The big problem is that while it's a wonderful-looking machine with a great display, the games are not so different from those you play at home on the PlayStation 2. Most of the software is knock-offs of PlayStation 2 titles and that won't do Sony any favours," he concludes.

Mike Jackson
June 4, 2007

Source: Digital Arts Online via CVG

PSP-Devolution Now Available

The PSP-Devolution mod-chip is now available through several online resellers for about $75 plus shipping. As for the installation, it does appear to be a little easier than the Undiluted Platinum - but not much. Installing the PSP-Devolution involves taking apart your PSP and will void your warranty and any choice to do so is at your own risk. Below are some links to stores that have the PSP-Devolution up for sale. Note that there are 2 versions: one for TA-079 - 081, and one for TA-082 - 086. You can view the installation instructions here.

PSP-Devolution Official Site

Some resellers offering the PSP-Devolution:

• http://www.mod-chip.com/
• http://www.foundmy.com/oscom/index.php
• http://www.modchipcentral.com/catalog/
• http://www.xbox-modchips.com/
• http://www.hardstore.com/
• http://www.futura-online.com/e-tienda/catalog/index.php
• http://mod-center.com/tomachip/

Via DCEmu

N+ Level Design Contest

In conjunction with the announcement of ninja puzzler N+ for the DS and PSP in addition to Xbox Live, Metanet is giving you a chance to get a head start on the community content creation with SUBLIME, the Submit Unique and Brilliant Levels in to Metanet Event!

Using tools found at their website, you can create and submit level designs for all three versions of the game. You could win N+ swag for simply entering, and the best designs could be feature in the respective retail releases, garnering you a design credit as well as a free copy of the game.

You've got until June 18th to get your submissions into the event and earn your place in ninja history.

SUBLIME - Submit Unique and Brilliant Levels in to Metanet Event

Michael Fahey
June 4, 2007

Source: Kotaku