Sony’s revamped beauty, the soon to be released PSP-3000, packs a new set of configurable options in the firmware. Yup, we have it verbatim — over at IGN, via Famitsu.com — they’ve detailed the discovered changes. But first — the visual comparison…

(click to enlarge)

The PSP-3000 has a setting for “Color Space” under the system settings section of the XMB. This can be switched between Wide and Normal. Wide exploits the full color depth of the revised hardware, while Normal returns you back to PSP-2000 level color.

The 3000 firmware has an option for Automatic USB Connection. When this is switched on, the PSP switches to USB mode automatically when a USB device is connected.

Finally, the 3000 firmware offers a noise reduction feature for video out. This is used to cut the noise when outputting the PSP’s video signal to a television.

And while we’re on the subject of firmware changes; Sony Japan announced come fall we’ll be able to download games/demos, amongst other goodies, direct from the PSN store. That means no need for a PC or PS3. This update will be available for all PSP models.

Now return to the premiere of 90210.

- source: ign

…And its got the built-in mic and the PS button.

Quoting John Koller –

• The LCD screen will have a wider color gamut and higher contrast ratio to deliver deeper, more vibrant colors, as well as anti-reflection technology so you can see the screen more clearly when playing outdoors. As you all know, the PSP’s screen is a key strength of the hardware, and this update adds an absolutely dazzling LCD screen to the handheld.
• A built-in microphone allows for Skype calls and multi-player gaming communication directly from the hardware - eliminating the need for attaching a separate headset.

- source: blog.us.playstation.com

Throw your Slim in the garbage, looks like the rumoured PSP-3000 has some truth behind it after all…

While most FCC details remain confidential, Engadget shares their investigative insight on what’s what — “…the FCC’s tests were all focused on the 2.4GHz spectrum for the PSP-3001’s stated use of 802.11b WiFi (nothing new there) — no GPS, no 802.11 Draft-n, no Bluetooth.”

Sony is likely to formalize an announcement soon; perhaps we’ll know more at that time. Stay tuned.

- source: engadget

A new PlayStation Portable could be in the works… That’s according to PSP China where the following images have surfaced:

The rumoured PSP-3000 model is said to sport a built-in microphone, updated buttons, a few cosmetic changes, and possibly cell phone support.

Realer than real-deal Holyfield? Well, no official word from Sony, and we at PSP-Hacks are a little skeptic concerning the authenticity of these photos. For the moment, this should be treated as pure speculation.

- source: kotaku

This was just brought to my attention — Silverspring’s Utopia project. Mathieulh recently had the opportunity to talk with Silverspring and share some of the nitty-gritty…

The Utopia project is an open source lightweight kernel for the PSP. It will be optimized/dedicated for custom firmware and homebrew development. The kernel is planned to occupy a little more than 1MB of RAM with a 2MB maximum. Everything will be fully documented with the necessary tool base for debugging, development, etc… For both developers and homebrew users.

The Utopia kernel is not based on Linux, FreeBSD, or any other open source project (unlike uClinux for example). Utopia is based on the reverse engineering of the 3.71 IPL. Once completed and stable the Utopia kernel will be implemented as a new operative mode in future custom firmwares.

What Utopia won’t do/won’t feature:

• It’s not meant to run Sony’s code; current homebrew or games won’t run on it
• It will not feature UMD drive support of any kind
• It will not feature any kind of DRM functionality
• It will most likely not feature any kirk engine support
• WLAN is planned, but not a priority at this point
• No VSH or graphic interface of any kind is to be included or officially supported by the Utopia project. Utopia is ONLY the kernel; if you want to code your own shell on top of it, you may do so.

‘Tis very cool. Perhaps Utopia will open the door to a whole new world of homebrew. Stay tuned.

- source: lan

Crack a Beck’s, it’s celebration time. Sony has officially released PSP firmware 4.00.

4.00 features:

• [Internet Search] has been added as a feature under [Network]
• You can now change viewing speed during video playback by pressing the UP/DOWN buttons. Use this feature if you want to watch a video quickly, or if you want to slow down playback and listen to the dialogue carefully.

Download: PSP 4.00 Firmware Update

Eric Lempel, PlayStation Network Operations Director, shared the news today that PSP firmware 4.00 is nearing release. Here’s what he had to say –

…v4.00, will be released soon, adding Google Internet search directly to the XMB (XrossMediaBar) interface.

This new upgrade replicates the Google Internet search experience, delivering the same search results that you’d get at www.google.com. And with a search history recall of 20 items, Web searches couldn’t be easier.

After you download and install the firmware on your PSP, click on the XMB’s Network icon and then the new Internet Search icon. Enter your keywords and then let Google’s algorithms do the work. You’ll need to be connected to the Internet via a wireless access point or Wi-Fi hotspot. Googling something on the go has never been more convenient on your PSP.

Another new feature delivered through the 4.00 update is the ability to change viewing speed during playback of videos stored on your Memory Stick PRO Duo, so you can speed through or slow down what you’re watching. To do this simply press the up or down directional buttons while playing a video.

Uh… That’s it? Sounds pretty weak. Agreed?

- source: blog.us.playstation.com

Well fine then, be that way. Over to the right you’ll see a select box, you may switch between our old and new look using that. The second level (non-wordpress) pages will follow suit, soon…

Do a “hard” refresh if the change doesn’t take effect immediately — hold shift and click refresh/reload in your browser.

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

While we’re at the common standstill, which seemingly occurs every couple of weeks, I’ll share a little PSP Hacks Homebrew Idol update with y’all… The deadline was April 30th; however, as MK2k says, “good software takes time.” So in effort to meet the needs of developers, we’ll extend the contest further… Currently we have two entries — Pirata Nervo’s NervOS and MK2k’s Chipmunk Physics port / demonstration.

If you have the skills to code and you wanna clock some extra dough, see here for complete contest details. The new deadline… Ah, well… Another month — May 31st… How’s that sound?