Hacking the PSP Blog

SONY Slim & Lite Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII for $319

SuccessHK have the SONY Slim & Lite Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII - Ice Silver Bundle Pack in stock at a very nice $319 ($80 cheaper than most other stores)



Product Features

More lighter and slimer
Adopt the lastest LED backlight technology
New UMD drive
Including PSP Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core

What's inside the box

PSP Slim & Lite Jap Ver. - Ice Silver (x1)
110-240V AC Adaptor (x1)
Rechargeable Battery (x1)
Instructions (x1)
Final Fantasy VII Strap (x1)
Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core Jap Ver. (x1)

Buy SONY Slim & Lite Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII - Ice Silver Bundle Pack

Source: PSP News

Secrets of PSP Firmware 3.71

Freeplay one of the PSP Scenes best for hacking has decided to share all his investigations into the new PSP firmware 3.71, heres the full details:

Well, like I did way back with 2.80/2.81 and 3.30, I've dug through all the module files in firmware 3.71 to see what I could find.

Here's what I've found hidden in 3.71 so far. Take away from this whatever you want; hopefully it'll stir up some speculation and get people interested.

* An official screenshot plugin, which saves either JPEG or PNG images to ms0:/PSP/SCREENSHOT, named *_####.JPG or *_####.PNG
* Hints at an official web-based content service, possibly for buying music/videos
* An Xbox Live style network gaming service, including the browser useragent strings related to it (PS3Community-agent/1.0.0 and PSP NP/1.0), using an XML-based method of communicating with the central server

* When you stop viewing an image and return to the list, the image fades out instead of disappearing.

* Custom themes are saved to flash1:/vsh/theme/custom_theme.dat . The 3.71 fw comes with the 'cookies' theme preinstalled, saved as flash0:/vsh/resource/custom_theme.dat .

* The web browser reports the PSP's version as 3.70.

* Registering your PSP with a LocationFree base station makes a file called ms0:/MSSONY/LF/REGISTER/REGISTME.ERD (??? not confirmed, just a guess).

* The HTTP user agent for the LocationFree connection is "LFX HTTP Tunnel Client 1; model=LF-PSP, modeltype=6, generation=3, support=1/2/3, codec=0/2".

* The exact Flash version is "Shockwave Flash 6.0 r72".

* Licenses for DRM-enabled video will be stored as "/PSP/LICENSE/*.PNL", and the video *might* be stored as "ms0:/MPE_ROOT/100AEV01/*.MLV".

* There's a reference to "ms0:/MP_ROOT/105ANV01/MAQ00991.MP4' for ... some ... reason.

* The following game IDs listed in umdcache.prx, for whatever reason:
** UCAS-40025 (Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex - Territory of Hunter [Asia])
** UCES-00152 (Go! Sudoku [Europe])
** UCJS-10001 (Mina no Golf Portable [Japan])
** UCJS-10036 (Kazuo, a.k.a. Go! Sudoku [Japan])
** ULAS-42067 (Unknown [Asia])
** ULAS-42096 (UEFA Champions League 2006-2007 [Asia])
** ULES-00147 (Madden NFL '06 [Europe])
** ULES-00468 (Every Extend Extra [Europe])
** ULES-00599 (Star Wars - Lethal Alliance [Europe])
** ULES-00647 (Capcom Puzzle World [Europe])
** ULES-00699 (UEFA Champions League 2006-2007 [Europe])
** ULJM-05087 (Untold Legends: Brotherhood of the Blade [Japan])
** ULJM-05170 (Legend of Heroes, a.k.a. Eiyuu Densetsu - Sora no Kiseki FC [Japan])
** ULJM-05185 (Akudaikan Manyuuki [Japan])
** ULJM-05254 (Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, 10th anniversary bundle version [Japan])
** ULJM-05275 (Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, solo version [Japan])
** ULJS-00060 (Daito Giken Koushiki Pachi-Slot Simulator Yoshimune Portable [Japan])
** ULJS-00113 (Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Portable Tsuusin Taisen Hajimemasita [Japan])
** ULKS-46015 (Untold Legends - Brotherhood of the Blade [Korea])
** ULKS-46076 (Unknown [Korea])
** ULKS-46116 (DJ Max Portable 2 [Korea])
** ULUS-10024 (Madden NFL '06 [USA])
** ULUS-10095 (Go! Sudoku [USA])
** ULUS-10147 (Every Extend Extra [USA])
** ULUS-10184 (Coded Arms - Contagion [USA])
** ULUS-10217 (Capcom Puzzle World [USA])
** ULUS-10221 (UEFA Champions League 2006-2007 [USA])

* audio.prx refers to ULJS-00019 (School Rumble: Nesan Jiken Desu [Japan]) for... some reason
* isofs.prx refers to:
** ULES-00123 (Rengoku - The Tower of Purgatory [Europe])
** ULJM-05006 (Rengoku - The Tower of Purgatory [Japan])
** ULJM-05063 (SSX On Tour [Japan])
** ULJM-05127 (Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Portable [Japan])
** ULUS-10013 (Rengoku - The Tower of Purgatory [USA])
** ULUS-10042 (SSX On Tour [USA])


* utility.prx pays special attention to all the different regional versions of Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection. It's been suggested that this is because of the way the game uses PSP-specific savedata.
* it also pays attention to:
** ULES00016 (Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower [Europe])
** ULJM05005 (Vampire Chronicle: The Chaos Tower [Japan])
** ULJM05026 (Star Soldier [Japan)
** ULUS10005 (Darkstalkers Chronicle: The Chaos Tower [USA])
** ULUS10021 (Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition [USA])

* Some interesting registry entries:
** /CONFIG/NETWORK/GO_MESSENGER

* References to files that don't exist, either because they're not made yet or because they're for the devkit only:
** flash0:/kd/npdrm_tool.prx
** flash0:/kd/usbserial.prx
** flash0:/kd/usbgps_serial.prx

* lfatfs.prx refers to flashfat4, flashfat5, lflash0:0,4 and lflash0:0,5. These devices don't exist on the slim; at least, I couldn't assign them as devices myself. Attempting to do so returns error 0x8001000D.

* loadexec_02g.prx refers to a new execution mode - 'umdemu', to go along with game, vsh, and updater.

* mpegbase_260.prx refers to ULJS00006 (Soukyuu no Fafner [Japan])

* np_auth.prx refers to all sorts of weird stuff, like:
** the words "Lediatio Lunto Ritna"
** something called X-I-5, with a version of 2.1, which appears to be related to submitting 'tickets' to https://auth.??.ac.playstation.ne t/nav/auth; probably related to logging onto the network play service

* the pops plugin uses a PS1 BIOS called 'System ROM Version 4.5 05/25/00 J', which is apparently the same as the 3.70 one (as indicated by the partial SVN path 'branches/pops-370/src(r5808)' in pops.prx)

* both umdman.prx and umdcache.prx contain the entire UMD_DATA.BIN file from ULJS-00001 (Ridge Racers [Japan])

* content_browser.prx appears to be some sort of convoluted multifunction plugin... I've found references to widgets/MusicAlarmTime.cpp which implies some sort of musical alarm clock, but also to what appears to be a music player (maybe) including a list of compatible formats:
** msgmusic_info_codec_atrac 3
** msgmusic_info_codec_wav_l inearpcm
** msgmusic_info_codec_1.4m
** msgmusic_info_codec_mp3
** msgmusic_info_codec_aac
** msgmusic_info_codec_wma
** msgmusic_info_codec_unkno wn
** msgmusic_info_codec_atrac 3plus
** msgmusic_info_codec_5.1ch
** msgmusic_info_codec_3m
** msgmusic_info_codec_4.6m
** msgmusic_info_codec_wav_a dpcm

* references to /PSP/APP, which is also created when you run the 1SEG player (downloadable apps, anyone?)

* references to /MSSSJ/GUIDE and /MSSSJ/PE ... whatever they are

* as before, references to /PSP/MINIGAME

* new registry categories:
** /CONFIG/NP, containing keys named account_id, login_id, and password
** /NETWORK/GO_MESSENGER ... containing unknown keys

There's probably a lot more that I've overlooked, but this is the stuff that caught my attention.

and also this:

More diggings, this time into the RCO files!

game_plugin.rco:
The application software and all related data will be deleted from the
Memory Stick™.
Are you sure you want to continue?

msvideo_main_plugin.rco:
Progressive Download
maybe like how you can play a video on Xbox Live while it's downloading?

The download could not be completed.
You must save a valid user key before downloading.
see, DRM!

This content cannot be accessed on your account.

To use this content, you must activate the system.

This video is protected.
Are you sure you want to delete the video?

The effective period of the user key has elapsed.
%1

The effective period has not started. Progressive download is not available.
The system will download without playback.

This video includes copyright protection.
Are you sure you want to delete it?

This video is set with a password. You cannot do progressive download.
The video will download without playing.

The copyright protection information is invalid.

This content has a time limit.
Go to [Settings] > [Date & Time Settings] > [Date and Time], and select [Set via Internet] to set the date and time.

The content has expired and is no longer available.

This video cannot be played.
The region code is not correct.

music_browser_plugin.rco:
This track cannot be played.
The service registration is invalid.

Delete failed.
The copyright protection information is invalid.

This track cannot be played.
The copyright protection information is invalid.

This track cannot be played.
The number of plays is restricted.

npsignin_plugin.rco [NEW]:
Sign in to PLAYSTATION®Network.

The connection with PLAYSTATION®Network timed out.

PLAYSTATION®Network is closed.

Use of PLAYSTATION®Network has been suspended.
Try to sign in again later.

PLAYSTATION®Network is busy.
Try to sign in again later.

You cannot use PLAYSTATION®Network with this account.

Use of PLAYSTATION®Network is suspended for this account.

An error has occurred. You have been signed out of PLAYSTATION®Network.

premo_plugin.rco:
<contains an image of a SixAxis controller>

To continue use of PLAYSTATION®Network, you must sign in again on the PS3™ system.

screenshot_plugin.rco [NEW]:
<msg_screenshot and msg_savescreenshot_conf are just "Pending".>

topmenu_icon.rco:
<CONTAINS A SKYPE ICON - tex_fcs_skype>

Source: Freeplay and PSP News

Free PSP *and* PS3 with any Sony HDTV Purchase

(well, there's plenty of margin in those TVs... -Auri)

Apparently, Sony is offering a pretty sweet deal overseas, in Sweden at the very least. Anyone who purchases a full-HD TV from Sony, will get either a free Playstation 3 unit or a 200EU rebate on the TV. On top of that, with every HD Ready TV purchased, buyers will receive a free Sony PSP. NO word on if this deal is coming to the US, or what model PS3 or PSP is being given away. This should boost the PS3 numbers a ton, though. Click the link for the original advertisment image. Comment and let us know if there is more to translate!

Update: The ad says the deal runs from October 1 to November 31, 2007, so start saving up!

Check it out here...

Source: Gamer Reports

Team AOP announced New Custom Firmware

Team AOP is currently developing a new custom firmware that will gain it’s new features by asking the users what features they want. Team AOP is PSPCrazy’s new official homebrew team, and it seems that they will release the custom firmware within the next week. Check back for more information.

What makes Team AOP unique?
We are trying to be unique by created a custom XMB that would be installed while flashing the 3.52 AoP Firmware. Also we are trying to incorporate the ideas of fellow PSP users’ ideas to create useful application to add to our firmware to make it stand out. Right now, we are trying to finish the flasher and the rest is just beta testing.

Description:
We are a new development team trying to improve the PSP Homebrew Scene. We are trying to be out there and make PSP using easier and a lot more fun. The sexy XMB is designed to be a signature of team AOP and are still trying to incorporate it into our firmware. Release is going be to be very soon as soon as we get everything figured out and finished. The password protection will be easy to use and of course, will load before the XMB to ensure you that your little siblings won’t play your games or look at some videos.

Features:
Comes with a sleek XMB
Password protection on startup
Includes all features in previous OE and M33 Firmwares
New Recovery Menu
Use XMBs , gameboots, fonts, etc. without flashing (memory stick required)
And more to come!

-Team AoP-

If you have any suggestions please visit here: http://teamaop.freeforums.org/index.php

For all we know this could be here say.. so i wouldnt take these words but with a grain of salt, but I know we would all be glad to see some more choices to pick from

Source: PSP News

First Pics Of Simpsons, Spider-Man PSPs

Back at Leipzig, SCEE announced that to coincide with the PSP Slim's launch in Europe they'd be releasing two limited edition variants of the handheld. One, a Simpsons PSP, would be yellow and come bundled with the new Simpsons PSP game. The other, a Spider-Man bundle, would include both Spider-Man 2 (the PSP game) and Spider-Man 3 (on Blu-Ray). Anyways, at launch there were no pictures of either model. Here, then, are the first pictures of both.


Source: Kotaku