Hacking the PSP Blog

PSP Headset with Remote Control Launches for Skype Calls

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the availability of the new Headset with Remote Control for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, giving users a seamless solution for placing free calls over the Internet via Skype£. The new headset offers excellent stereo sound, an adjustable microphone, and a lightweight, comfortable design with soft ear cushions - all at an affordable price ($29.99 MSRP).
 
Earlier this year, the slimmer and lighter PSP-2000 opened up its capabilities as a social communications device and made Skype available to PSP users through a simple firmware update (ver. 3.90 or later). Skype enables PSP owners to make free calls over the Internet to anyone using Skype on a PSP, PC, or Skype-enabled phone, anywhere in the world. Skype on PSP system also allows users to call and receive calls from any landline or mobile phone with the purchase of Skype credit. PSP owners previously used two existing accessories, the PSP Headset and the PSP-2000 Headphones with Remote Control, to take advantage of Skype. Now with the addition of this new Skype headset kit, it's easier than ever for PSP owners to keep in touch with friends and family or contact fellow gamers to talk trash before inviting them to an online multiplayer game.
 
How to get Skype on PSP

1. Ensure that your PSP-2000 is running system software 3.90 or later. To download and install the latest system software, check out the instructions at http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP/About/SystemUpdate.
2. Connect the PSP system to the Internet at a Wi-Fi hotspot*.
3. Attach the headset to the remote control, and then connect the peripheral to the PSP.
4. Insert a Memory Stick Duo into the PSP to save the Skype software.
5. Access the Skype/Sign In icon within the Network category of the XMB menu. First-time Skype users need to create a free account, while existing Skype users can simply enter their username/password.
6. To make a call, either access the Contacts icon and click on a name or scroll to the Dial icon.

Source: Sony PR

New PS3 Hack from a PSP Team?

kid101skater let me know last night his team's working on "Project E". I'm not quite sure what it is, either, and I'd like to know how it enables things beyond running Linux on the PS3. Should be interesting!

Check out the info here.

(sorry it's been a week or two folks, I'm super busy at work!)

LuaPlayer GM v3.0 Released

Homemister has released a new version of LuaPlayer HM, bringing the application to version 3.0. The application has a couple of neat changes, though perhaps the most notable of them is the change that allows you to play all the sound files from old luaplayers.

Here's the current list of features in LuaPlayer HM v3.0:

    * Fixed old sound files from other Luaplayers now able to be played.
    * Can Run Eboot.pbp files now from lua code.
    * Mount and unmount flash and UMD's.
    * Free up unused memory.
    * Show what LuaPlayerHM version it is.
    * Put Limit on cpu speed set to 10mhz - 333 mhz.
    * Slim and Phat Enabled.
    * New Functions and ability to play new audio files

Installation procedures can be found in the readme included in the download. If you want to know more about LuaPlayer HM v3.0, or simply want to send HomeMister some much-needed feedback, feel free to join our forums and drop him a line via the link below.

Download Here

Source: PSPUpdates

Gamestop Weekly Deal: Super Smash Bros. Brawl trade-in, Patapon and more

The holidays may have ended (or may not yet have arrived, depending on how you look at it) but the gameplaying still continues. With that in mind, Gamestop is upholding its tradition of holding weekly deals, with the week of March 3 to 17, 2008 seeing some new games in the lineup.

Some of the deals that Gamestop is offering for the said week include:

• Super Smash Bros. Brawl - US$ 49.99 (or US$ 9.99 if you trade-in two select Nintendo Wii games towards the reservation or purchase of this title)
• Super Smash Bros. Brawl Strategy Guide - US$ 19.99, get 10% if you purchase it with the game
• Patapon -  US$ 19.99
• Army of Two - US$ 59.99
• NBA Ballers: The Chosen One - get an NBA licensed ball bag with a reservation of the game

As with all deals, Gamestop's offerings are available only while supplies last, so if you're interested in any of the products mentioned above, or if you'd like to check out the store's other wares, feel free to click on the source link below.

Source: Gamestop via PSPUpdates

Sony tests digital copies on DVD releases, puts time-limited play

It seems that Sony is stepping up on its efforts against piracy, as well as push sales of its in-house movies. This is through embedding digital copies of its movies on DVD with a digital copy ready to be watched on your PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, and even on your PS3.

This means that when you buy one of Sony's movies on DVD, that DVD will have a digital copy for you to take with you and watch on your other Sony gadgets, not just at your home player.

Where does the anti-piracy angle come in? It comes in the form of the digital copy having a shelf life. Buyers will have to register their purchased movie online first before being able to use the digital copy. Once registered, Sony will keep track of just how many days has passed since the registration. If the digital copy times out, then it's rendered unplayable.

That's all well and good, but how can one transfer content from the purchased DVD to the PlayStation 3 and/or PlayStation Portable? Simple - one only has to insert the DVD into their computer, let it bake for a little while, and then transfer the file onto a memory stick. From there, it's just a matter of sticking that memory stick either onto the PS3 or the PSP for on-the-go or console playback. Simple, easy and convenient.

And even though Sony is still in the experimental phase with the whole digital copy thing, they're pretty happy with the results. Resident Evil: Extinction, a recent Sony movie that also offered digital copies, generated 30,000 copy transfers. Not bad at all!

So, if you're thinking about buying DVDs, you might want to consider one of Sony's. After all, having the ability to watch it anywhere you go is a great plus.

Source: Videobusiness via PSPUpdates

Update Toolbox v1.0 - Easy Custom Firmware Updates and More

For the Sony PlayStation Portable homebrew novice, there's definitely a lot to learn even before installing the simplest homebrew game onto your PSP, even a lot more to install major homebrew such as custom firmware (i.e., CFW 3.80 M33). Sony PlayStation Portable homebrew developer Luv knows this and has made a homebrew just for this cause: the Update Toolbox, an application that streamlines and newbie-proofs the installation process.

So, just what does Update Toolbox do? It pretty much automates major homebrew installation processes and works with the homebrew that could potentially brick your PSP if you do your installation wrong. It copies firmware installers into the right place, checks if the firmware file is in the root before copying - that sort. A lot off your shoulders, yes?

Note that there are a few bugs with Update Toolbox, one of the major ones being that it will not start in CFW 3.71 M33. Not to worry, though, as Luv is definitely on the case in this one. In any case, enjoy, and be sure to check the readme file before doing anything!

Download Here

Source: PSP Updates

Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick on takeover deal, company consolidation

After Take-Two Interactive rejected Electronic Arts' US$ 2 billion dollar takeover bid, there have been quite a number of speculations regarding the decision. Strauss Zelnick, the executive chairman of TT Interactive recently gave a simple answer on why they didn't take the offer: the shareholders.

When asked by The Hollywood Reporter, Zelnick pointed out that they are here for the shareholders. EA gave a specific offer, and they rejected it. However, this doesn't meant that Take-Two's chairman doesn't see the value of consolidation in the gaming industry. In fact, he even expects it:

I think we can expect consolidation. I'd rather not speculate on the nature of value creation. It has a lot to do with the capabilities of individuals and the goals of employees. This is not just a math lesson, this is a creative enterprise.

Still, Zelnick posed a few important questions that he feels have to be answered before a company even decides to consolidate. In the same statement, he reiterated the need to take care of the stakeholders of the company:

Does consolidation create better games for consumers? Does it create better careers for the creatives? Those questions are just as important. If all stakeholders aren't taken care of, then none of the stakeholders will benefit.

At this point, many are probably wondering what's next for the company. Well, to answer your question, we'd like to leave you with some final words from Zelnick.

We've been at Take-Two only for 10 months and are really proud of the progress we've made. And we think this company has a really bright future as an independent company. In the absence of an opportunity that our shareholders value more than this approach, that's our business model.


Source: PSP Updates via Hollywood Reporter

Go! Cam and Skype combatibility set-ups revealed

If you've ever wanted to use your shiny new Go!Cam Sony PlayStation Portable accessory in conjunction with Skype, then here's we've got some very good news. The little camera that could is in fact compatible with the online voice-chat program, you just need the proper setup for it.

But what, pray tell, is the proper setup for Go!Cam-on-Skype hotness? A direct response from Sony reveals just what you should have in order for the pairing to work like peanut butter and jelly. Here are the set-ups you could use:

OPTION ONE

    * PSP Slim & Lite
    * Headset & Remote Control
    * Memory Stick
    * Wi-Fi Connection

OPTION TWO

    * PSP Slim & Lite
    * Go!Cam & Headphones
    * Memory Stick
    * Wi-Fi Connection

Well, that settles it, then. What's the most important thing (besides Wi-Fi and having Go!Cam at the first place, of course) are the headphones. Without them, you're pretty much stuck - so be sure to have one if you plan on using Go!Cam with Skype.

Image courtesy of ThreeSpeech blog.

Source: PSP Updates

Sony to Unleash Kratos in Limited-Edition God of War PSP Entertainment Pack

According to Sony PR... (this seems like a pretty cool PSP):

Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the God of War(R) PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) Entertainment Pack, a limited-edition offering that celebrates the debut of the best-selling God of War franchise on PSP. This special bundle will feature a limited-edition "Deep Red" PSP with the God of War himself, Kratos, silkscreened on the back of the unit; the highly anticipated God of War(R): Chains of Olympus game; the hit comedy movie from Columbia Pictures, Superbad, on UMD(TM) (Universal Media Disc); and a PLAYSTATION(R)Network voucher to download Syphon Filter(R): Combat Ops from PLAYSTATION(R)Store for free*. "God of War is one of the biggest PlayStation franchises, and with its portable premiere on PSP just around the corner, we wanted to offer something special that would appeal to both loyal God of War fans and
non-owners who want to enjoy PSP's multi-functionality," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "This bundle delivers great value, starting with the 'Deep Red' PSP -- one of the most highly sought-after colors based on our consumer research -- and the Kratos silkscreen. We're also showcasing the diverse entertainment experience PSP offers, centered on a UMD game in God of War: Chains of Olympus that's every bit as impressive as its console sequels, a free download of the award-winning Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, and a box office hit movie in
Superbad."

The standalone version of God of War: Chains of Olympus launches on March 4.  The God of War PSP Entertainment Pack will be available for
$199.99 (MSRP) in June 2008 and includes the following components:

"Deep Red" PSP system with an image of Kratos silkscreened on the back of the unit - this is the only time that this special PSP color will be offered in North America.
God of War: Chains of Olympus - Developed as a joint collaboration by Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios (WWS) Santa Monica Studios and the team that created Daxter(TM), Ready At Dawn(R) Studios, is a must-have for PSP owners, and retailer pre-order sales have been very strong.  Developed from the outset as an original story, God of War: Chains of Olympus takes place before the events of the original God
of War, delivering yet another adventure in the dark and brutal world of Greek Mythology that fans of the franchise have come to know and
love.
Superbad UMD video - This 2007 box-office comedy hit from Columbia Pictures is a gut-busting coming-of-age comedy for a new
generation.
Syphon Filter: Combat Ops voucher - Download the PLAYSTATION Network exclusive title, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, to
your Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) for free* with the included voucher.
Developed by SCE's WWS Bend Studios, this latest edition of the critically acclaimed stealth action franchise was named the 2007 PSP
Multiplayer Game of the Year by IGN.com.  The title is currently available for $9.99 on PLAYSTATION Store
(http://store.playstation.com).

Momentum for the PSP platform has soared since the fall 2007 launch of the slimmer and lighter PSP system and the introduction of new colors in the
Daxter and Star Wars Battlefront(R) PSP Entertainment Packs.  Over the holiday season, more than 1.4 million PSP systems were sold in North
America, demonstrating strong consumer interest in limited-edition bundles that combine new colors and exciting content or accessories. The God of War Entertainment Pack will build on this trend, and SCEA will support the bundle with an integrated marketing campaign that ties into the God of War:
Chains of Olympus software campaign. Dedicated print, online, and direct marketing, as well as public relations support and targeted promotional
opportunities, will drive the God of War Entertainment Pack campaign. SCEA will continue to offer the PSP Core Pack.

About God of War

SCE's WWS Santa Monica Studios introduced the original God of War in 2005, earning more than a dozen "Game of the Year Awards." March 2007 saw the release of God of War II, the second chapter in this odyssey that went
onto receive critical acclaim and sell more than one million copies in the first three months.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated the God of War PSP Entertainment Pack an "M" for "Mature 17+." For more information visit:  http://www.esrb.org.

RSPsar Dumper v3.1 - critical bug fix

A new build is out for Red_Squirrel's RSPsar Dumper. Only one update in this release: version 3.1 fixes a critical bug from the previous version that can return a corrupted prx. Check out the full article for the changelog to RSPsar Dumper v3.1.

Download: RSPsar Dumper v3.1

Source: PSP Updates

Custom Firmware Extender 2.0 - now supports CFW 3.90 M33, 1.50, 3.40 TM

Users of homebrew developer Cpasjuste's Custom Firmware Extender should better get ready to update their Sony PlayStation Portables. The latest version of this application (check out the previous version here) now supports CFW 3.90 M33, 1.50, and 3.40 time machine.

Another nice touch included in this update is that users of this custom firmware extender can reboot one time machine firmware to another instantaneously. For more information about the fixes in this version, just check out the changelog:

    * Removed usb/wifi ISO streaming for multiples reason, principaly it was not the goal of cfe at the beginning. There is now "USB ISO Loader" by psp.padawan that will do the job well.  You should soon be able to grab it from http://www.mydedibox.fr/~psppadawan/
    * 390m33-2 and 150_340TM custom firmware now supported (cfe should now work on any firmware), note that on the 150_340 time machine firmware, the ftpd server will not work, and remotejoy under ISO/HOMEBREWS won't work too for now. All other functions should work well.
    * Time Machine compatibility : You can now reboot "on the fly" from one time machine firmware to another, just edit the cfe.config file under "ms0:/seplugins/cfe/"  to choose which firmware you will reboot to by pressing a combo button. Format is the same as the original time machine configuration file. Default configuration is NOTE+LEFT => reboot to 150_340 firmware, NOTE+RIGHT => normal reboot (NAND).
    * Remotejoy fixed to work on both slim and phat psp, without savegame bugs, so it should now be completely usable for gaming and recording.
    * Tested on 390m33-2 and 150_340TM firmware on SLIM and PHAT psp.
    * And more, can't remember all the work i have done on this :)

Just like the usual, reading the readme file is important before even thinking about installing this application or updating your custom firmware extender. You know what to do, just grab the program from the download link below. Enjoy!

Warning: Modifying your firmware always carries the risk of irreparably breaking your PSP. Use this mod at your own risk!

Download: Custom Firmware Extender 2.0

Source: PSP Updates

Update: Dark AleX releases Time Machine v0.1: load previous FW, CFW from memstick

Heads up, Dark AleX's Time Machine is now out! If you remember we first heard word of this homebrew back in January when it was demonstrated to install 1.50 kernel on the PSP Slim, then again earlier this month, when it installed firmware 2.70 also on the Slim.

Here's what this baby can do, straight from the readme:

The Timemachine is a program to load previous firmwares and custom firmwares from memory stick using pandora. Like devhook, but working throgh pandora and custom ipl's, it would work even if the flash and nand ipl of the machine is destroyed.

The timemachine is useful to run software that is not supported anymore, and also as a way of booting psp's even if the internal firmware is destroyed. It can also be useful for developers to test their homebrew in different firmwares.

Users are advised to take a look at the readme for more info on the homebrew program According to the readme, Time Machine v0.1 works with the following firmwares:

• Original 1.50 (can only be loaded on the phat)
• 1.50 with some 3.40 hw modules. Can be loaded on both, phat and slim.
• 3.40 OE (can only be loaded on phat)
• 3.60 M33 (can only be loaded on slim)

>> Download here

Source: PSP Updates

Dark AleX's Time Machine: install 1.50 kernel on your PSP Slim

PSP Updates Reports:

Sony PlayStation Portable homebrew developer Dark AleX has certainly contributed a lot to the handheld homebrew scene, and his latest project is certainly looking to be quite the contribution indeed. Introducing the Time Machine, a handy app that installs the 1.50 kernel onto your PSP Slim. Yes, that's what it does, and there's a video to prove it, too!

Of course, installing the 1.50 kernel onto your PSP Slim may not be the only thing it does, as Mathieulh has revealed that Time Machine is still a work in progress, and is not yet the final product. We're certainly curious ourselves as to what else Time Machine can do, but until we get more info about it, we'll just have to let this video of it in action tide us over. Enjoy!

Thanks to Exter for the tip!

Check out the YouTube video here...

Sony Releases PSP Firmware 3.90 - SKYPE Support is Here!

Note that if you have a homebrew capable PSP, this official upgrade will (for the time being) eliminate your ability to run homebrew, so beware!

And as they promised at CES... the Skype client is included in this release. I haven't seen the microphone accessory in stores around me yet, but I'm sure it's coming... Some readers have asked me if the update only applies to the Slim - that does not appear to be the case.

Here's the official info from Sony's site:

The PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system software update may include security patches, new or revised settings and features and other items, which will change your current operating system. We encourage you to check this page from time to time for software updates and to always maintain your system to use the latest version of the system software.

An update to the PSP® system software was made available on January 30, 2008. If you update your PSP® system, the system software will be version 3.90.

View Update History

Notices

• This update is for customers who own PSP® systems with model numbers PSP-1001 and PSP-2001, sold in North America. DO NOT update your PSP® system through this Web site if you purchased your system outside North America. There is no guarantee of proper operation with models sold outside North America.
• Do not perform updates using any data other than the official update data provided by Sony Computer Entertainment over a network or on disc media, and do not perform updates by methods other than those described in the product documentation or in this site. If an update is performed using data from another source, by another method, or with a PSP® system that has been altered or modified in any way, the PSP® system may not operate properly and may not be able to install the official update data. Any of these actions may void the PSP® system warranty and affect your ability to obtain warranty services and repair services from Sony Computer Entertainment.
• For customers using PSP® system software version 2.80 or earlier:
  PSP® systems with system software version 2.80 or earlier do not correctly recognize high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™ with more than 4 GB of free (recordable) memory space. For further details, select here.
• The system software included within this product is subject to a limited license from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Refer to http://www.scei.co.jp/psp-eula for further details.
• If your PSP® system software version is 3.90 (or later), you do not need to perform this update. To check the version of your system software, go to (Settings) > [System Settings] > [System Information]. The information is shown in the [System Software] field.
• Depending on the software title, you may not be able to play without first updating the system software.
• This system software update includes all features contained in previous versions.
• To connect to the Internet using your system, you must be within range of a wireless access point (or hotspot) that allows connections to the Internet.
• Depending on your PSP® system software version, the screen images and icons appearing on this Web site may differ from the actual product.
• Some of the features and functions described in this Web site are applicable only to PSP-2000 series systems, as indicated by the icon.

The PSP® system software version 3.90 update includes the following:

Network

Skype

(Skype™) has been added as a feature under [Network]. > See details.

 

Other new or revised features in version 3.90:

Game

• Support for PLAYSTATION®Network titles has been expanded.
  

You can update your system software by any of the following methods:

• Update using a PC »
  Download the update data to a PC, and then save on Memory Stick Duo™ media. Start the saved update data on your PSP® system to perform the update. Select the link above for update instructions.
  
• Network Update »
  Use the PSP® system's Network Update feature to perform the update. Select the link above for update instructions. Refer also to the instructions for the PSP® system.
  
• Update using a UMD™ »
  Use the update data included on a UMD™ to perform the update. Select the link above for update instructions.
  *As of January 30, 2008, this method is only available for updates up to version 3.80.

For customers using PSP® system software version 1.52 or earlier

When updating PSP® system software version 1.52 or earlier, you may not be able to perform a network update using the wireless LAN feature of the PSP® system.

In this case, use one of the following methods to update the system software.

• Update using a PC
• Update using a UMD™

Use a UMD™ containing version 2.00 (or higher) update data to update the system, and then perform a Network Update to obtain the latest version of the system software.

Off Topic: LOLCats Programming Language

I kid you not... for those of you who know much about LOLCats, like "I Ate Your Internets"... you'll definitely get a kick out of this one!

Yes, it's a REAL programming language. Hahaha.

http://www.hanselman.com/blog/TheWeeklySourceCode11LOLCodeDLREdition.aspx

Enjoy!

-Auri