Hacking the PSP Blog

Video Output Coming to the PSP?

Just like the Skype references found in the decrypted FW 3.10 were followed a few months later by a VoIP functionality annoucement for the PSP, Sony could be adding video output features to their handheld after homebrew developer undertaxx discovered a reference to 'tex_videoout" in "impose_plugin.rco" in the new FW 3.50, along with it's even more convincing icon graphic. This is just speculation at this point but check out the image below to see for yourself.




Source PSP-Generation via PSPUpdates

SCEE: No Dutch PSP Recall

For the past couple days some rumors have been flying around about Sony recalling PSP units in the Netherlands due to piracy fears as a result of custom firmware and that all recalled units would be replaced with "unflashable" ones. It all started with a MaxConsole post quoting an email from a so-called "reputable dutch distributor." Here is said quote:

Retailers gave PSP's back to Sony because Sony asked for this and it's because of Custom Firmware they are scared of, so they recalled the PSP from retailers.

Yes , exactly **** they have a lot of shop in Netherlands. We are doing business now for x years with them. The people working there (we know them very well by now) said: "all PSP stock returned to a big warehouse of them and Sony is going to replace it with a new version Possible new unflashable version.

Due to glaring grammatical errors and a lack of any real information in this email, I chose not to perpetuate the rumor. Well now it seems that my hunch was correct and this really is just another rumor. According to an email received by PSPUpdates, who posted the story yesterday, from SCEE, no such recall has occurred or will occur. PSPUpdates offered this quote from SCEE Director of Corporate Communications, Nick Sharples:

Following the recent price cut of PSP, sales have increased dramatically and retail stocks are temporarily low, which is why some of your readers may be finding it difficult to source a PSP at the moment. There is nothing wrong with the PSP, in the Netherlands or anywhere else...

So there you have it. No PSP problems and no recall, period.

Via MaxConsole and PSPUpdates

Rumor: PSP Slim Details Revealed

From Kotaku:

Back in March, we brought word of a new and improved PlayStation Portable. But what good are the rumblings of new hardware without some of the details? Today, thanks to several sources close to Sony, we bring you that nitty gritty as the redesigned Playstation Portable nears completion.

Keep in mind this isn't Playstation Portable 2, but rather a redesign of the original, so it will be sporting the same internal hardware. But that's about the only thing that hasn't changed. The new Playstation Portable will have a much slimmer design, thanks mostly to a new LED screen that will deliver an ultra-crisp image but take up far less space. That LED also helps pump up the battery life of this sexy new model, which can last as much as four times longer than the original PSP. While the new PSP still makes use of the UMD drive, it will be a faster version and to help speed up loadtimes and gameplay, the portable will come packed with 8GBs of internal flash memory. Finally, the PSP's much maligned buttons have been revamped and the D-Pad has gotten a major overhaul, giving portable gamers something more like a Playstation 3 D-pad to play with.

The company is still trying to decide whether or not they want to include a built-in camera, as they weigh whether the cost of adding the device will be worth the benefit to gamers. Our money is on no camera because of the competitive price issues. Those of you holding out for a touchscreen are, unfortunately, going to have to wait, though word has it that it will most like make an appearance in Sony's next portable gaming device. While the new PSP will remain black, Sony is still trying to decide whether it will have a glossy or matte finish.

The final price for this new PSP hasn't been set, but Sony is hoping to sell it for under $170 or so. Manufacturing should commence in the upcoming weeks, and the product is going to be officially unveiled at this year's E3. The sale date being tossed around is August, but don't be surprised if it's pushed back to September. What's this reworked PSP called? It doesn't have a name as of yet, but may we suggest "PSP Slim"?

Sony Computer Entertainment of America declined to comment on "rumor or speculation."

Brian Ashcraft
June 8, 2007