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

Compelling news over at MTV regarding PSP upgrades, new features, etc… But not only that, the mention of Dark_AleX has stirred up some interesting conversation — check it out…

With all these initiatives under way, it would seem Sony could benefit from all programmers with top PSP skills. Earlier this year the world’s top PSP hacker, a gamer known as Dark_Alex who had repeatedly cracked the PSP firmware despite repeated upgrades, announced he was leaving the PSP scene. Had Sony shut him down? Or had Sony hired him? “Neither,” Koller said. “I think he’s taking a hiatus.” Does Sony hire any of the PSP hackers? ” It’s not even a hiring thing. They come in and actively talk to us.”

Fascinating… What are your thoughts? Discuss below.

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Thanks for the tip Philly

Just saw this on IGN; one of the more interesting topics concerning the PlayStation Portable… Kaz Hirai has announced a new re-designed PSP available in September –

11:48: Kaz announces new PSP. 19% slimmer, 33% lighter, battery life longer, and expanded video capabilities. Available in September.

11:49: Hirai pulls up video of Spider-Man 2 on his PSP, presses a button, and the video suddenly appears on giant screen behind him. Part of the “display” function. Says that you can do the same thing with games, photos, and whatever else is on your PSP. New PSP will also allow you access PS3 and PC hard drives from anywhere in the world thanks to new connectivity options.

Intriguing! Will it prove more secure?!

- source: ign

Here is something a lot of us have been anticipating — voice & video calls via the PSP hand held over a wireless Internet connection. Unfortunately the initial launch of the service will only be available for UK residents.

Using a soon-to be-released camera and microphone, gamers will be able to call other PSP owners and some BT phones.

The software has been developed by BT and will eventually allow PSP users to call PCs, fixed lines and mobiles.

Initially the service will only be available in the UK and will only work on home or BT wireless hotspots.

Currently, there are around 2,000 of these situated in airports, railway stations, hotels and fast food restaurants.

Some day it’ll make its way to North America, I’m sure… I hope…

- source: news.bbc.co.uk

Thanks for the news tip, Dan.

Update:

Game

• Support for PLAYSTATION®Network titles has been expanded.
• [Reset Game] has been added as an option to the menu for PLAYSTATION®Network titles

Beware firmware flashing fiends… The official 3.11 firmware update is now available via Network Update. Supposedly it focuses on fixing compatibility issues for certain PlayStation Network titles.

If you wish to check it out, download it here.

Updating to 3.11 will render your PSP incompatible with homebrew.

And, so you know, Team C+D’s decrypter for 3.10 works on 3.11, too.

Thanks for the heads up Sanchez.

Update — Firmware 3.10 English changes:

Game

• Support for PLAYSTATION®Network titles has been expanded.

Network

• You can now play MPEG-4 AVC format video files under [LocationFree™ Player].
  * A LocationFree™ Base Station (a Sony product sold separately) with model number LF-B20 or LF-B10 is required.
  * For details on the LocationFree™ Player, visit http://www.sony.net/Products/LocationFree/psp/.
• [Conserve Memory] has been added as an option in [View Settings] under [Internet Browser].

Settings

• [Dynamic Normalizer] has been added as a feature under [Sound Settings].

Update: The official (real) 3.10 firmware update is now available for everyone via “Network Update” on your hand held. You may also fetch it below, from us, PSP Hacks!

WARNING: if you upgrade you will render your PSP homebrew-less! No homebrew, no custom firmware, no DevHook, no nothing!

After the complete devastation Sony experienced yesterday; they’re back on track and quick to release firmware 3.10 for Korean PSPs. I’d imagine the rest of us will be seeing it shortly. It’s also safe to say they’ve probably patched the recent exploits (see here too) which led to the 3.03 downgrader we saw ~ 24 hours ago (two posts down). Here’s a rough and dirty translation from Google:

PSP Firmware 3.10 (Korean):

GAME:

• It enjoyed PLAYSTATION�Network tie frames and the function for was strengthened.

NETWORK:

• From [LocationFree™ Player] it will be able to remake the video file of MPEG-4 AVC formats and LocationFree™ base stations where model life is LF-PK20 (Japan) or LF-B20 and LF-B10 (the United States) (Sony product) it is this necessity.
• The fact which is detailed against LocationFree™ Player http://www.sony.net/Products/LocationFree/psp/ To refer.
• [the Internet browser] [indication set] [memory economies] this it was added.

SETTINGS:

• In [sound set] [Dynamic Normalizer] functions were added.

Thanks for the emails, everyone. Lets see what happens next. ;)

Download: PSP 3.10 System Software Update

- source: playstation.co.kr