psp-firmware
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PSP firmware 3.90 says 'Hello'
It may not herald the arrival of the mythical PlayStation Phone just yet, but the latest PSP firmware update brings the next best thing. Firmware version 3.90 is now available for download (access it through the XMB's "Network Update" option) and enables previously detailed Skype functionality for Slim PSPs. Before you start prank calling Cristian Cardona though, keep in mind that portable blabbering requires a PSP headset with remote control. [Via PSP Fanboy]
Sony updates PSP to firmware 3.73, identical to 3.72
Experience the same old experience by launching PSP's Network Update today! To call the latest PSP mutation an update is certainly an overstatement. Firmware 3.73 is so completely similar to 3.72 that Sony couldn't muster a single new feature worth listing in its description of the upgrade. Even the hacks haven't turned up anything more than a few 'byte differences' in the lflash_fatfmt file (don't ask, we don't know). At least it still plays games.Update: Sony tells us the "operation of the UMD drive has been improved to address cases in which the UMD drive occasionally suspends and fails to reload data."[Image credit: Diane Arbus]
PSP gets firmware 3.70
Welcome, new PSP-2000 owners to the wonderful world of PSP firmware upgrades. For the uninitiated, these are incremental improvements to the PSP's brain that are supposedly to make the system better, but really just make life more difficult for hackers trying to put homebrew software on their systems. The improvements for 3.70 include: You can now set custom themes in [Theme Settings] under [Settings]. Support has been added for assigning buttons in [Remote Play]. A scene search feature has been added under [Video]. Sequential playback is now supported under [Video]. Simultaneous playback of content under [Music] and [Photo] is now supported. ...Huh, well, those actually aren't bad, especially now that we can listen to "Friends Forever" while we watch the slideshow that consists of only this picture. Commencing download!
Downloadable PSP games in the works?
It looks like (legally) downloadable PSP games could maybe, possibly be getting ever so slightly closer to reality, as a Sony-made ISO loader has reportedly been discovered in the latest firmware update for the handheld. The current speculation is that the loader, discovered by the prolific Dark_Alex, gives the handheld the ability to load encrypted ISO images off a memory stick, not just the demos and PS1 games the handheld's currently capable of playing. That would, of course, open up the possibility of Sony selling games sans-UMD, which has long been near the top of the wishlist for PSP owners and would-be PSP owners alike. Then again, it could be something entirely less exciting, so we'll just have to wait for Sony to play its hand.[Via Joystiq]
PSP firmware cracked wide open by Grand Theft Auto ... again
An old skeleton from the PSP closet has come back to haunt Sony as their 2.81 lockdown has come to an end thanks to the ongoing efforts of the PSP homebrew community. Famed PSP hacker Fanjita has taught an old crack a new trick as the Grand Theft Auto saved game exploit has once again brought Sony's PSP security measures to its knees, enabling any and all firmware versions to run homebrew applications.That's odd. We thought they squashed that bug a long time ago. According to Fanjita, Sony didn't quite bring their A-game when it came to stopping their unruly fan base. It's not all sunshine and unicorns for those itching to tear apart the coding that holds their PSP together. The brave will need an original copy of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (later copies were updated to prevent this trick from resurfacing) and nerves of steel. An "easy mode" downgrader isn't available yet, but the wait should give you enough time to scrounge up a stack of PS One games to stick in there.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]
PSP v3.0 available now, makes friends with PS3
Our PSP-obsessed friends at PSP Fanboy spend their nights alone, checking the PSP's Network Update functionality constantly, hoping for some new firmware code to drop. Their eyes glaze over and the process becomes a primal ritual, their calloused thumbs repeating the strokes from memory. Last night, like last month, their efforts were rewarded by more than a simple security patch, but a full-blown dot-oh release: 3.0. Included in this milestone update are: PLAYSTATION Network titles are now supported under [Game]. [Remote Play] has been added as a feature under [Network]. [Online Instruction Manuals] has been added as a feature under [Network]. Timed recording has been added as a feature under [RSS Channel]. A visual player has been added as a feature under [Music] (see PSP Fanboy's video). 3-speed fast forward and fast reverse has been added as a feature under [Music]. [Camera] has been added as a feature under [Photo]. [UMD Auto-Start] has been added as a feature in [System Settings] under [Settings]. The PSP Fanboys have also uploaded the EBOOT installer so, in case you don't have Wi-Fi for your PSP, hit them up for the file. We're updating right now (au revoir homebrew capable PSP, we hardly knew ye we knew ye very well) and we'll let you know how the anticipated -- albeit slightly delayed -- PS3 interaction works.
Firmware 2.81 now available via network update [update 1]
Sony has released its expected 2.81 firmware via network update and on its Japanese PSP Web site. The biggest change in the firmware is the the 4GB Memory Stick limit is lifted.Other additions have been translated by DCEmu member b8a: A fix for corrupted protection management data in ATRAC files that were protected in SonicStage and saved to Memory Stick Pro Duo. A fix for files formatted with a PSP or Memory Stick formatter that are recognized as unformatted media on a Memory Stick Pro Duo when connecting the PSP to a PC with USB cable More than likely, this new firmware is Sony attempt at combatting the new libtiff exploit that allowed for downgrading 2.71 PSPs, but we'll know for sure once a few people who are much more smart than me start picking through the update.I'm downloading the update now and will let you know how it goes.(Thanks Craig)[Update 1: After updating, the following text is displayed: "Revisions to strengthen security have been added."]
Video offers preview of what future may hold for PSP
In this video from computerwiz, he compiles official and what are most likely mock images of features that we may be see for the PSP in the near future. He offers several images of what may be in store for firmware 3.0, which in his dream world includes support for an HDD in excess of 14GB, Sony Mail, a Sony Organiser, Sony Paint and Sony Music Store downloads. The video goes on to show more stills of the PSP PS1 emulator, the PSP camera and the PSP GPS peripheral. If Sony can come through with half of the things this guy has thought of for firmware 3.0, I'll retract every bad thing I've ever said to the PSP. I'll have it in writing and send an official apology letter to Sony. C'mon, Sony, stop pussyfooting around with the PSP and do something that will blow us away. Please.
Firmware 2.80 now available via Network Update [update 1]
Sony has released its new PSP firmware 2.80 update today. You can download it using the Network Update feature in your PSP.When updating, the firmware reads it contains the following features: You can now download video and image content under [RSS Channel]; You can now register devices via a wireless LAN access point under [LocationFree Player]; You can now play AAC files with file extension .3gp under [Music]; and You can now play content saved in "Music," "Picture" and "Video" folders on a Memory Stick. (Apparently, this means you don't have to rename video files, and you can play them without using special folders.) Sony recently announced its plans for the new upgrade at Comic-Con. It will be interesting to see in the coming days whether Sony has addressed any of the recent breakthroughs in the homebrew scene.[update 1: Fixed a misspelled word and hopefully clarified the post a bit.][Thanks Chris]
