homebrew
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Linux on the DS: Now with Wi-Fi support
In the universal quest to get the Linux operating system running on every conceivable item ever (including, but not limited to, the Xbox, the iPod and several vacuum cleaners), the clever guys working on the DSLinux project have spent quite a bit of time with Nintendo's premier handheld device. But why port the penguin-powered software to the DS in the first place? Their website has a pretty good answer."You can use DSLinux as a filemanager, edit and save text files with vi, play simple text-based games, and play mp3 files." And that's only the beginning. Most recently, PepsiMan (one of the project members) revealed on his blog that rudimentary Wi-Fi support had been added to DSLinux, thus opening the door for wireless networking and web browsing sometime in the future. It's a very interesting endeavor, to say the least, and if you find that your curiosity has been piqued, be sure to follow the link and learn more.[via Digg]
DS as a remote computer desktop
Wow, the homebrew community is steamrolling their way through DS features this month. In fact, they've already examined said steamroller, disassembled it and converted into a much a more useful helicopter that drops Wi-Fi enabled cinder blocks on targets selected from your DS screen. Probably.So, we've seen the wardriving and the wireless games controllers, but how about the remote desktop viewers? Using the PointyRemote homebrew application, you can view your computer's desktop on your DS screen and, of course, operate your programs with the touch screen and the stylus. Essentially, your DS will display whatever's on your computer monitor at the time and it will allow you to click on icons, enter text and even zoom in on parts of the screen. We rather like the idea of playing some music on your PC, sitting back on the couch and adjusting the volume or skipping through tracks using our trusty portable. Note that the link takes you to some jargon-heavy pages, so if you're unfamiliar with homebrew in general, we've got just the place to get you started. Next, could somebody from the homebrew community get started on a DS that controls minds? That would be great, thanks.[Thanks Nushio!]
DS as a virtual, wireless controller
The guys and girls entrenched in the homebrew scene continue to impress us, a fact that we assure you has nothing to do with their ability to make our precious DS babies explode from a mere keystroke on their computers. They're really very good. Take, for example, this latest DS application, DS2Key. Upon loading it on your DS and your computer, it turns your portable wonder into a Wi-Fi controller. It's like a folding little Wavebird expressly designed for your emulated SNES games (of which you own the originals, by the way). Though this application only uses the buttons on the DS, we may see something that uses the touch-screen further down the line. Using the DS as a universal remote control unit for your various pieces of equipment sounds like a great idea, with each one getting its own little virtual touch-screen interface. Want to turn down the air conditioner a notch? Just spin the 2D temperature knob with your stylus. How about turning on the room's light? Just slide your stylus over the virtual switch. Somebody should totally pay us for these ideas.[Thanks YaW!]
Homebrew how-to hub
There are plenty of gamers out there who have taken an interest in the homebrew scene but, due to the high level of technical knowledge required, have found that diving into the world of custom games and DS modifications is often impeded by a fibreglass sheet covering the pool. Thankfully, there are altruistic people out there that are quite willing to shun social interaction in favor of creating epic tutorials aimed at assisting complete and generally unappreciative strangers.While this set of tutorials is far from encompassing everything homebrew has to offer, it does provide a fairly good jump-off point (see how I got back to the diving metaphor there?) and provides plenty of links to other helpful sites. You'll learn all about tricking your DS into downloading your custom code (via the DS Download Play option) and may eventually reach the point where you can emulate a version of Space Invaders, that epic saga of aliens being undone by their predictable patterns. Let us know how it goes![Via Tech stuff for the slacker]
Python wraps around the DS
Okay, here's one for the techies among us. Wait, is that an acceptable and entirely politically correct term to use? Techies? I hope I'm not offending anybody, since I'm honestly not implying that your skull is filled with microchips and compressed binary libraries. Not that there's anything wrong with having your head filled with that kind of stuff. Please don't haxx0r me.So, here's one for the technologically enthused among us: Python, that programming language of yore, can now be executed on the DS, thanks to some pioneering folks in the homebrew scene. What does that mean to you? Well, if you're an expert code wrangler, it means you can create some interesting new applications for the DS. If not, it means you can wait for someone to create interesting new applications, download them and show no appreciation whatsoever as you repeatedly complain about some new application you downloaded for your DS. It's a win-win situation!Warning: The link leads to a page rife with technical jargon, hooplah, buzzwords, microcosms and several lines of code. Proceed at your own risk.[Via gbadev]
Homebrew RTS hits DS
For those of you into the homebrew scene - and don't think we haven't seen you mulling about in those suspicious trenchcoats - here's an intriguing little RTS that an armchair dictator developed as a proof-of-concept. It clearly has a long way to go before competing with the likes of StarCraft, but at least it has the control method down. By tapping on an unsuspecting worker unit or dragging a box around a group of them, you can order them to perform menial and unfulfilling tasks that serve no reason other than to expand your empire of evil and oppression. If anything, this should get you excited for the forthcoming Age of Empires DS game. If, however, you don't consider yourself a slave to capitalism (and good for you, by the way), it should get you excited about all the possibilities that can be found in the world of homebrew. This game isn't the only one that shows just how well the DS can handle real-time strategy games and first-person shooters, games that were mostly constricted to the PC until now. Now if only someone would conjure up a decent online instant messenger...[Thanks xfiles fan]
Homebrew WADs and mods
With the advent of DOOM being ported to the PSP, homebrew hackers have been busy at work tricking out mods for the popular shooter. One such gamer at DCEmu has managed to fix up Counter-Strike and Quake 1 that runs from the original doom2.wad file. There are all sorts of mod files cropping up for the PSP, but make sure you know how to get them running before diving into it. Check the thread for some great images and information. [Thanks, Wraggster]
HomebrewPSP Converter Update
Last week, I mentioned the HomebrewPSP Converter from the same people that make iPSP, and commented on how I thought they would soon have an update that would allow users of PSPs running v1.5 firmware to run homebrew apps and emulators without having to swap memory sticks.
