PSP News, Hacks, & Secrets
This section is basically talks about the events of the PSP. Official news from Sony, homebrew hacks, & system secrets. There are no download links of homebrew software here.
Official Sony News
Sony Japan releases what appeared to be an update, but was actually a beta/in-the-works firmware. PSP owners that installed it suffered from hardware problems. Sony admits that it came from their official servers, but didn't know how the beta got into the server. The beta had a word processor, web browser, & calculator. They was more programs, but I don't remember them from the top of my head. Sony Japan release a file fix for PSP owners that installed the beta to recover the system.
Sony releases a version 1.50 firmware update for Japanese PSP owners. This update contained a sleep mode, more language displays for the Home screen, and security hole fixes to prevent use of homebrew software. This was release the day before the North American PSP was launched. The North American versions came with the 1.50 firmware installed
Sony releases firmware version 1.51 for all PSP owners. This update mainly patches security holes in the PSP software. A very minor update.
Sony releases firmware version 1.52 for all PSP owners. This update again patches more security holes. This time, the update allows UMD music to be played in the Music section. This update was pretty useless for North American users as no UMD music discs had been released. At the time of writing this, there is still no UMD music available. However, Japanese UMD music is available. I'm not sure if Japanese UMD music is playable on North American PSPs.
Sony launches a Korean PSP for the Korean market. It included basically everything that is found in all Value Packs hardware packages. What differs the Korean PSP from the others is an extra UMD that has network software. This software, from what I know, does not contain an internet browser. The disc is design to allow advance online game playing for the PSP.
In July, Sony Japan releases firmware version 2.00. This is a major & long awaited update for the system. It contains a web browser, photo wallpaper, more readable picture file types, ATRAC3 files to be read on Memory Stick Duo Pros, extra movie functions for both movie files & UMD videos, & security hole patches. Because of Sony America's delay of releasing version 2.00 for the North American PSP, these owners quickly downloaded the Japanese update for their systems. There has been no reports that the Japanese update will cause hardware or software problems to the North American PSPs. Some people proclaim that the Japanese & North American updates are written in the same codes. Sony has stated that the Japanese update does not void your warranty, but if something goes wrong due to the update, they will not be responsible.
In October, Sony released firmware version 2.01. This firmware only patches security holes in the PSP software. Not a necessary update.
In mid-October, Sony released firmware version 2.50. This firmware has a Location-Free Player that allows you to watch TV shows on your PSP. However, you need the base station hardware to get the program to work & the base cost more than the system from what I heard. Also in the firmware are minor web browser features, enhanced network configurations, & the usual security hole patches.
Sony has announced that they will release a PSP Giga Pack in November. It will be released in North America with a retail price of US$299 (CDN $349). I believe it will be released in Europe in the same month as well. It will contain the everything that the Value Pack has except it will have a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo instead of 32MB, USB cable, & a stand. The sampler disc will not be included. The system comes as version 2.00.
At the last week of November, Sony released firmware version 2.6. This firmware has the ability to read RSS feeds in the web browser & can play wma file formats. Also, in the firmware are the usual security hole patches.
Around mid to late March 2006, Sony announced that in their upcoming version 3.0 firmware upgrade will contain GPS support. However, PSP owners won't be able to use it without the GPS hardware that will be available sometime in October 2006. The GPS add-on hardware is optional & needs to be purchased separately.
Around mid to late March 2006, Sony announced that they will release a PS1 emulator for the PSP. How this emulator works is unknown at this point. It's schedule to be released sometime in 2006.
On April 24, Sony released firmware version 2.7. This firmware has flash support for it web browser. However, due to the memory cache size that the PSP has, the flash support doesn't run well with large flash-based application & games. Plus, it fixes the GTA exploit that allowed homebrew programs to be run on a 2.6 PSP. Also on that day, Sony Japan released the 1st downloadable PSP game on it's site. It is a demo for LocoRoco. Some homebrewers believe that this PSP game demo runs on the PS1 emulator that Sony is working on.
On May 31, Sony released firmware version 2.71. This firmware basically allows game demos to be download directly into the PSP with a memory stick directly from the PSP's own browser. Also, it improves video output when using the Location Free Player. Also, it includes security fixes.
Around late July, Sony released firmware version 2.80. This firmware provides more support for video & music files such as AC3. It also has download support for RSS channels. It also allows you to register the PSP's LocationFree Playver via wireless LAN. Also, it includes security fixes.
Around mid-October, Sony released firmware version 2.82. This firmware contains the usually security fixes, flash supprt for the web browser, more video player functions, new ACC file support, more RSS support features, Chinese language support, & correct video output for the LocationFree Player.
Around the end of November, Sony releases 3.00 firmware. This firmware contains a lot of features used with the PS3. They include the network Remote Play where you get to display whatever is on your PS3's home screen to your PSP from a remote location. You can do all the multimedia stuff from your PSP directly. Another feature is the camera found in the Photo section. I assume there will be an add-on camera hardware for the PSP. Also included is a feature to turn off the auto load when UMD is in the system when you turn on the PSP. The biggest news in the update is the PS1 emulator. However, you need a PS3 to download the games to do this. Of course, the usually security fixes are also here. Because of a leak in the firmware found by homebrewers, Sony quickly released 3.01 to fix this hole.
On mid-December, Sony Japan released 3 limited edition colours of the PSP: pink, blue, & sliver. They are sold like the PSP core packages with a 32MB Memory Stick Duo Pro.
Around March, Sony released firmware version 3.3. Nothing new really as it has some improvements on the RSS feed, web browser, music & video playback. It also has a visual music player now. PS1 games from the Playstation store that is only accessible from the PS3 are playable with the PSP's PS1 emulator. Of course, the usual security patches & fixes are applied as well.
Around May, Sony released firmware version 3.4. Nothing new as it has improvements to the media playback & PS1 emulator. Of course, the usual security patches & fixes are applied as well.
Around June, Sony released firmware version 3.5. It finally unlocks the PSP's true CPU potential to run at 333MhZ. However, this only works for games that require version 3.5. Anything below will not make any improvements. Of course, the usual security patches & fixes are applied as well.
After the Lumines exploit bug, Sony immediately released firmware version 3.51 to patch this.
In E3 2007, Sony announces that a slimmer & lighter PSP will hit the shelves on September 2007. The new PSP will have improved battery life & display quality. Plus, it can be hooked up to a TV to play games & movies on a larger screen. The price for this PSP was announced at $169.99.
Sony releases firmware version 3.71 in September 2007. It's the same as 3.70 where it contains updates to match what the PSP slim has to the original PSPs such as additional themes, Playstation network supports such as the PS1 games, & improved RSS feeds. The 0.01 upgrade is to improve security hacks.
Sony releases firmware version 3.72 in October 2007. Same as 3.70 & 3.71 with slight improvements again, particularly the themes & icon customization. Again, improved security hacks have been added.
Sony releases firmware version 3.80 in December. Slight improvements again with one new visual for the music player. Again, improved security hacks added.
In January 2008, Sony announces that the PSP will be able to use Skype for VOIP. The program is available separately as a download & will become available at the end of January. The microphone used will be the same one as the Talkman software. Sony mentions that the program is available only for the slim versions. They proclaim that the original PSPs can't seem to handle the program. Homebrewers say otherwise as there have been homebrew programs that manage to run custom VOIP type programs on the original PSPs. Also announced were PSP getting the GPS device & camera available in North America. A keyboard is also in the works as well.
At the end of January, Sony releases firmware 3.90 that only has the Skype VOIP software only. This firmware only benefits PSP slim users as the original PSP can't use this program. But to use Skype, you will need the original PSP headset control & a microphone to get it to work.
In the mid-March 2008, Sony releases firmware 3.93. This firmware not only adds more security patches, but it expands the Playstation store gaming library to the PSP. Also, it adds more internet radio channels.
At the end of March, Sony Japan will release Skype VOIP of the PSP. The delay of the release in Japan is due to the current microphone in the market not meeting regulation standards. Sony Japan will have a new microphone out to support Skype.
In May 2008, Sony releases firmware version 3.95. This expands the Playstation network library.
In June 2008, Sony released firmware version 4.00. This firmware adds Google to the XMB as well as allowing fast forward & reverse playback on video files. Also, it expands the Playstation network game library.
In a short time in June 2008 after the release of firmware 4.00, Sony releases firmware version 4.01. This just fixes some minor bugs from the previous version.
In July 2008, Sony releases firmware version 4.05. The only new addition is more visual patterns for the music mode.
In October 2008, Sony releases PSP-3000 model. It's the same as a slim with improved screen & a built-in microphone for gameplay & Skype.
In mid-October 2008 Sony releases firmware version 5.00. It is released around the same time as the PSP-3000 which has version 4.50. Version 5.00 not only has some slight video & music playback improvements, but it now allows users to access the Playstation Network directly. With the account management feature, PSP users can now download & make purchases.
Very shortly after the release of firmware version 5.00. Sony releases version 5.01. This minor update is used to fixed the Playstation Network problem & the "not enough space" problem with 8GB & 16GB Memory Stick Pros when there is actually space.
Homebrew Hacks
In Japan, a SNES emulator was released for version 1.0 PSPs. Only Japanese PSPs had version 1.0 systems.
From Europe, an emulator program was release for version 1.50 PSPs. The emulator program allow emulation programs to be run. They include NES, SNES, Neo-Geo, & MD/Genesis. In order to run the emulators, it involved memory stick swapping. One memory stick contained the emulator boot up while the other stick had the emulator program & ROMs. People have stated that it is risky & may contain your PSP Memory Stick Duo reader to stop working & loss of data on your Memory Stick Duos if you don't do it right. So far, I haven't seen anyone reporting their sticks or system having problems. I have read the instructions on how to do it, but I personally will not use it. The emulator will only work for version 1.50 or lower PSPs.
A program was released that allows you to change the Home background screen with pics. This involves memory stick swapping. However, the pic doesn't not stay on your screen permanently. This only works for version 1.50 or lower PSPs.
A program was released to allow you to use your PSP as a remote control for Sony Wega TVs & reset your PS2 system. Personally, I think the PS2 part is useless. The remote control function is somewhat ok. This only works for version 1.50 or lower PSPs.
A calculator program was released & only works for version 1.50 or lower PSPs.
PSPPersonalize is a program that acts like an operating system for your PSP. It provides links to IM programs, a web browser, mini games, wallpaper feature, & more. It works on version 2.00 at the moment & has been going through revisions since 1.50 I believe.
A downgrade program was successfully made to allow PSP owners to downgrade their 2.00 versions to 1.50. The purpose of this is basically to allow you to play emulators on 1.50 again.
After weeks of being able to rip PSP games into ISO formats, homebrewers have finally discover how to run these ISOs into the PSP system in October. Using an emulation program that runs from a memory stick, players can play these ISO games directly from their memory sticks. However, some of the ISOs are incomplete rips that don't work well. These include missing sounds & game freezing. The emulator only works with version 1.50.
With new PSP games requiring certain firmware versions to run them, homebrewers have made a program which allows you to bypass the game's firmware check. Some games released between mid-October 2005 to December 2005 require your PSP to be version 2.00, causing some owners to upgrade their systems & lose the ability to play games from emulation. This bypass program only works with version 2.00.
At the last week of January, an EBOOT Loader had been released. It works on versions 2.01, 2.50, & 2.60. However they are separate programs. Plus, a copy of GTA is required to run them.
Around early to mid February, a 3.1 firmware version is found around the net. Many questioned about this firmware & it's not from Sony. The firmware is not different from 2.6, but it can be upgrade from it despite the fact the CRC mash are the same with one another.
Around October, a new group of homebrewers called SE-C were working on their own version of 2.71 firmware. Apparently, it can use all the functions of the official 3.00 firmware due to a hole it has. This was discovered when 3.00 was released & the custom firmware managed to do the same things as 3.00 by accident. In response to this, Sony immediately released 3.01 to fix this up.
Around June, homebrewers found a bug in the PSP game Lumines. This bug causes an exploit in firmware version 3.5. At the time, the use for the bug is unknown on how to run homebrew on it. In response to this, Sony immediately released 3.51 to fix this up.
Around July, famous homebrewer named Dark Alex leaves the homebrewing scene. According to him, he left to prevent Sony on suing him since the company got very strict on modifications for the PS3. However, he/she would constantly appear anyways for later custom firmwares.
Around August, a huge team of homebrewers & hackers developed Pandora's Battery. This program is used mainly to unbrick PSPs that's caused from improper installation of custom firmwares. It was designed to be released at the same time as the PSP slim, but it was leak on the net as some people were charging people to unbrick PSPs. As a result, it was released earlier than scheduled.
After the release of firmware 5.00, hackers were able to make a custom version within 48 hours.
System Secrets
There are some games that allows game sharing with one game disc. Basically, you & friend play off one game disc. It involves disc swapping. The only game I know that can do this is Twisted Metal.
Wipeout Pure & Tenchu has a "hidden" web browser that you can use. The browser is restricted & incomplete. It doesn't function well, meaning it can't access some sites. This isn't meant to be used as a browser actually. Bleach 2: Heat the Soul has this browser as well as all other games with Download functions.
Grand Thief Auto Liberty Stories has a major flaw that helped create the development of 2.01, 2.5, & 2.6 EBOOT Loaders.
During the middle to late May, a group has announced that they have made a modchip for the PSP. The modchip allows users to switch between version 1.5 to 2.7 on their PSPs to allow homebrew programs & play games meeting firmware requirements. It also unbricks your PSP. Preorders were taken after it was announced.
Lumines had a bug that caused the firmware 3.5 to be hack for homebrew. The value of the game immediately went up when news of this was announced even though it is an old & hard to get game at the time.
Last updated on October 28, 2008
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