PSP Hacks · Hacks, Cracks, Mods, Homebrew, Utilities

Here are some worthwhile updates while I was MIA for most of the weekend: ZX-81’s AFKIM (Away From the Keyboard Instant Messenger) v3.3.4 and custom firmware 3.93 Update #2. The latest CFW update removes Hellcat’s “Savegame Deemer;” that is now distributed separately.

AFKIM 3.3.4 changes:

• Fix issue with ICQ / AOL account icon / login stuff (due to bitlbee server changes)
• Fix IR keyboard issue with fw >= 3.80 for FAT PSP (thanks to Angelo)
• Fix online status issue

CFW 3.93 Update #2:

• Select button probelm on Sony Keyboard has been solved.
• HellCat’s save game deemer has been deleted.

Savegame Deemer:

This is a small CFW plugin that will make the PSP to save any savedata in unencrypted form as well as the usual way.

The unencrypted savedata can then be directly edited with whatever tools you use for tasks like that (mostly a hexeditor, I’d guess ;-) ) and on the next load those (edited) unencrypted data is loaded and off you go :-)

Download:
AFKIM v3.3.4 (fw 1.50)
AFKIM v3.3.4 (cfw 3.xx)
AFKIM source code

CFW 3.93 Update #2
Savegame Deemer

- source: ZX-81’s web site & pspgen.com

For some reason or other Sony has yet to incorporate a simple means of playing your own tunes while in game — both on the PSP and PS3. But, thanks to the Homebrew Gods, this is possible after all — on 3.90+!

Cpasjuste has recently ported the Music PRX plugin to custom firmware 3.90 M33. Enjoy your own mp3s and atrac3 files straight from your memory stick’s MUSIC directory. Cpasjuste also notes, “this has been tested on a 3.90 M33-3 slim PSP, WITHOUT the fatmsmod patch applied.”

If you’re running an older custom firmware, use this version.

Download: Music PRX for 3.90 M33

- source: qj

A new custom firmware has sprung up over the weekend… It doesn’t pack any catchy name, and the developer [apparently] wishes to remain anonymous; despite that, PSP Custom Firmware 3.93 is fully functional and works quite well. Evidently it’s based off the work of Dark_AleX and Team M33.

PSP Custom Firmware 3.93:

• Uses the 3.93 kernel
• Implemented all the original custom firmware features.
• Ability to use the normal recovery inside the XMB by pressing the HOME button:
  • When in the recovery, the system is suspended, and you can change all options directly.
  • All options work immediately, there is no need to reboot (even the Slim’s USB charging option)
  • Ability to make a Pandora battery from the recovery, read and restore the EEPROM, etc. Providing that the motherboard supports it.
  • Ability to hide the MAC address in System Information, if you do so, the MAC will show visually as all 0’s.
  • Ability to save the savegames in normal format, rather then encrypted (only functions in March33 and Sony NP9960 mode).
• The native 3.93 pops isn’t as good as the previous pops; therefore I hope the popsloader will get updated to support 3.93.

1.50 Kernel Add On:

• Install kernel 1.50 on a PSP Fat. To use the 1.50 kernel for an application, you’ll absolutely need to put the kernel to 1.50, even if the application is in the GAME150 directory. If you change the kernel in VSH Recovery, you’ll still need a reboot.
• The new recovery has this two asked features:
  • Suspend device
  • Shutdown device

Whether or not you should upgrade — that’s your discretion. I’d only recommend ensuring you have a means of recovery if something unforeseen happens; i.e.) a pandora’s battery.

!WARNING! Press “X” when the official updater finishes; if not, you will have a brick.

Download:
PSP CFW 3.93
CFW 3.93 — 1.50 Kernel Add On

- source: pspgen.com

Update: So soon, its already happened… Grab 3.95 via Network Update or by following the download link below.

I see a new firmware arising, I see Sony on the way…

Straight from Eric Lempel, Director of PlayStation Network Operations —

PSP Firmware 3.95:

• While playing PSone games on your PSP, you can now customize how the buttons are assigned by going to [Controller Settings] > [Assign Buttons] and select [Custom].
• You can now quit Remote Play and choose to turn off your PS3 or leave it on after quitting. This is useful if you are performing a download and want to quit Remote Play, but still want your download to continue on the PS3. Select [Quit and Turn Off the PS3 System] or [Quit Without Turning Off the PS3 System] from [Quit Remote Play] when you press the HOME button on the PSP system.

Download: PSP 3.95 FW Update

- source: blog.us.playstation.com

Roll out the red carpet; Dark_AleX back in the spotlight with two PSP updates… We got custom firmware 3.90 M33-3 and Despertar del Cementerio version 5 — the universal unbricker.

If you’re already running 3.90 M33, feel free to update via M33’s network update function.

CFW 3.90 M33-3 Update:

• March33 noumd driver compatibiilty has increased to support games like Coded Arms, Patapon, Harvest Moon Innocent Life and probably others affected by same errors.

Despertar del Cementerio v5 changes:

• Now installs 3.90 M33-3 instead of 3.80 M33-5
• Integration with timemachine in case it is installed.

Download:
Custom Firmware 3.90 M33
Custom Firmware 3.90 M33-3 Update
Despertar del Cementerio v5

- source: dark-alex.org

The ‘brew known as Project4 just received one hell of an update… Serving as a complete XMB replacement; Open Beta 4 adds more functionality, eliminates many bugs likely experienced in past versions, and features a new super speedy installer—less than 20 seconds now.

Auraomega isn’t clownin’ around. She’s a big one…

• Added a “faded” look to menus.
• Flash3 mounting in read/write mode.
• Added disc0:/ mounting in read mode.
• Split the fonts allowing for separate main fonts and clock fonts.
• Fix background loading some files, this will be used in the next version more.
• Changed the way the album art is displayed, when a song is played with “Album.jpg” the image is placed in the centre of the screen with a black background surrounding it.
• Icons now have a transition effect instead of just appearing they now slide from each other, this can be turned off for a speedup or just to fit more with the theme.
• Added the ability to change CPU and bus speeds via the config, the default is 222 and 111, these can be lowered for normal use if the transition effect on icons is switched off.
• BSoD errors can be bypassed by pressing the 2 shoulder buttons and square, although users do so at their own risk, most of the time errors just stop functions working, but they could lead to some serious errors, use with caution.
• Removed sysDump for this version.
• Added an errorLog dump which dumps the information that appears when a BSoD occurs which means you can post errors even if you don’t have a computer around at the time.
• Added an alternative load menu which can load files in different ways. Current options are:
  • Extension Mode
  • Hex
  • Delete
  • Rename
  • Create Directory
  • Copy File
  • Paste
• Utilized the PSPs OSK.
• Icons can be linked to both folders and files for even faster use of Project4
• Date now added to the “Extended Menu”, along with current folder location.
• A “Message Box” has been added to tell you what mode you are in, and when you have changed modes.
• Extended the filebrowsers file list to now show up to 10 pages, instead of the old 4. If anyone finds this value to low let me know so I can increase it further.
• Volume checking (thanks to sakya for helping with the kernel exports).
• Volume bar.
• Image viewer movement smoother as now uses both frame buffers and culling. This removes a lot of graphical glitches.
• “Extended Menu” now has the ability to change what loading mode ISOs work in, meaning you can load video and music ISOs (this is untested as I do not have any video or music UMDs, feedback on this would be helpful).
• Added a screensaver functions.
• System idle time can be changed for the screensaver, anything 0 or less will disable the screensaver completely.
• Sped up the change from the image viewer to the filebrowser / main menu.

And of course, plenty of bug fixes. Please see Project4’s readme for everything of the utmost importance; it’s encouraged you read that over before installing/using. Enjoy!

Download: Project4 Open Beta 4

- source: darkmessiah.byethost13.com
- Donate to Auraomega

Team C+D shocked the PSP world when they released the first tools to ultimately revive or downgrade any PSP. While many similar Pandora software solutions have been developed; Quake of SubZero DeZigns takes us back to where it all started—wrapping a GUI around Team C+D’s command line utilities.

Download:
Pandora CMD
Firmware Updates (1.50, 3.71, 3.80)
Pandora CMD Torrent (includes source, fw updates, etc…)

- source: trading-post.sytes.net

Sony PSP firmware 3.93 is now available via Network Update, and of course, we got it below for ya too. The update seemingly isn’t much; quoting John Koller –

…users of the PSP Internet Radio feature will find 20 new internet radio players to enjoy. The new players are organized into more specific styles of music so that PSP users can easily find what they are looking for and listen to their favorite genres.

And the usual — expanded support for PLAYSTATION Network titles.

Download: Sony PSP 3.93 FW Update

Remember this? Nearly 3 years in the making, Tom Porter shares his 2005 PSP Predictions VS. Today — the PSP in 2008.

“The PSP is one of the most creative and powerful gaming handhelds ever devised. At its inception in 2005, many people speculated how far the PSP would go. Graphics out of the box were superior to anything the Nintendo DS could muster. It could also by default, play music, watch movies and look at pictures on the go, anytime, anywhere. Still, for some people this wasn’t enough, and imaginations set to work devising the future of the PlayStation Portable machine. This article compares the hope for the future with modern day reality for the functionality of the PSP, and its subsequent accessories.

Sony PSP WebCam (70% Reality Rating in 2005)
The Portable Sony Console has seen the release of a 1.2 Megapixel camera, along with software to edit movies and photos on the go. Unfortunately, the device was sold only in Japan to date, and the software is in Japanese. However, all PSP regions have access to the basic functions of photo and video taking. There were rumors floating around that the PSP camera would be released in other locations in late 2008/early 2009.

Sony PSP Direct Data Exchange: (75% Reality Rating in 2005)
The PSP came built in with a meager Game Sharing feature, which worked only with very few select titles. PSP Gamers hoped that in the future that Sony would introduce some sort of wireless transfer capability of music, photos and game saves over IR or WIFI. Although this is not a reality with Official Firmwares, Custom Firmware applications such as IR shell and a few independent programs allowed this. Since this primarily is a homebrew type community, we can say this has been fulfilled.

Sony PSP TV (50% Reality Rating in 2005)
With the introduction of cell phones capable of watching television around the same time as the PSP launch, there was been much speculation that the PSP may one day be able to watch TV. Again, your wish is Sony’s command, that is if you live in the pampered land of Japan. Sony recently released a 1-Seg type USB accessory that can in fact watch a special type of TV signal being broadcast in the homeland of Sony. The bad news however is that if imported to the United States or other locations, this device will be little more than a paperweight, as it does not pick up standard analog or digital signals.

Sony PSP Keyboard: (90% Reality Rating in 2005)
The lack of a USB keyboard for the PSP has been a major disappointment for many fans. To be quite honest, the reality of this back in 2005 was almost assured, as Sony itself touted around a mini-thumb pad, and almost was released. Many people speculated the PSP’s USB mode was incapable for such a device. This is not true, as all was needed being a few minor tweaks to the firmware for it to function properly. Again, the homebrew scene stepped up to the plate, introducing some custom firmware modules activating the IR port to communicate with Palm Pilot type external keyboards. Although possible on the older PSP systems, the lack of an IR port on the newer slim models render the keyboard nonfunctional. We cant honestly say there is a universal keyboard, Sony or otherwise as of yet.

Sony PSP Universal Remote Control: (50% Reality Rating in 2005)
The newer slim playstation portable no longer has an IR port, which many remote controlled devices require to operate. Despite this, several Remote Control programs have been written for the older PSP units, and can control virtually any device. Although not official Sony software, these modules work very well, and ironically enough even works with the Xbox.

Sony PSP TV-Out: (30% Reality Rating in 2005)
Back in the days of the older PSP models, there were a few creative solutions for a person displaying his/her portable system on a television. The two most conventional ways (if you would call them that) was to have a large box on the outside of the screen, projecting it into a mini optical scanner. The other way was to manual open and modify the system. Sony released the PSP 2000 series, which had TV out capability built in. Some criticism for only allowing Progressive TV output for gaming was heard, but quickly died down. A much neater solution than the old PSP, that’s for sure.

Sony PSP Hard-Drive: (80% Reality Rating in 2005)
Max Media helped us out with this unusual device. Adding almost double the weight to the system, and a big bulky battery pack, this almost forgotten accessory was the forefront of ultimate storage…back in 2006. Containing 4 GB of space, it was slower than conventional memory cards and sucked battery juice faster than a Game Gear. Today in 2008, there are bigger memory cards available cheaper than this hard-drive accessory.

Sony PSP VOIP Telephony: (40% Reality Rating in 2005)
Last but not least, the PSP Telephone. Recently, Sony teamed up with Skype to give gamers the ability to talk to one another. Not something the telephone companies have been doing successfully for the past 100 years mind you, but just another novel way of communicating via the Internet. The limitations are pretty big, need to be in a WIFI spot, have an Microphone accessory, requires the Slim PSP model… but reality non-the less. This feature will in the future hopefully become more user friendly.

And there we have it folks. These were major predictions for the PSP, and most of them discussed came true. The PSP certainly has come a long way. For sure, the PSP will still have more innovative features on the drawing board…both from Sony and homebrew programmers. We come a long way baby.”

No doubt.

Just when you thought Auraomega was gone; *snap, crackle, pop* — Project4 is back on! The project aiming to serve as a complete XMB replacement is back on track after a devastating loss of source code.

Contrary to a “PSP shell” which runs on top of the XMB, Project4 installs and operates directly from flash memory — replacing the XMB entirely.

Unlike open beta 1 & 2, this installation differs… Please see the always important README.TXT before continuing.

What’s new since Open Beta 2?

• Added a boot sound with option to turn on/off.
• Added an optional filebrowser background, perfect for people who find their normal background doesn’t go well in the filebrowser or gets in the way.
• Added a clock with configurable options
• Changed the code to load the EBOOT menu when entering a folder with an EBOOT.PBP inside, only applies if using the “Request” option.
• Allowed the icons to be varying sizes, giving the ability to customize the menu even more than before. Icon sizes are determined during bootup, so no editing in the config required.
• Moved the selected icon to the centre, instead of the first.
• When playing music, album art can be showed as long as Folder.jpg is present in the directory.
• Added M3U playlist support, which works in all directories above or below unlike previous versions.
• Added the “Low Key Music Player” which is like a very basic version of LightMP3 installed in the flash, when booting up the PSP if you press the left shoulder button it is loaded, and plays music in the file ms0:/PSP/MUSIC/LKMP.m3u. The clock speed is drastically reduced, making this a good option for those who use their PSPs as their main mp3 player.
• Added some notes saying how to save, and how to temp save the config.
• Changed the about screen to make it appear neater, and compacted the lists.
• Centralized the menus (mount, request, extended) which looks neater, also changed the colour scheme for them.
• Updated the default config written to comply with the updated code.
• Added a [#] to each of the options that do not yet work, these are mounting of flash3, XMB loading, and resetting the PSP.
• Added a device mounter that can mount: Flash0:/ (read mode only), Flash1:/, Flash2:/, Disc0:/ (untested but should work), Host0:/ (assuming RemoteJoy or other plugins are loaded
• A couple bug fixes…

Download: Project4 Open Beta 3

- source: darkmessiah.byethost13.com