Two years ago Dark_AleX entered the scene with DAX Dumper… An app likely to cause some controversy even though backing up legitimately owned UMDs to your memory stick is preferred amongst many — faster load times, ease of portability, the list goes on… So it’s arguable — right or wrong — it’s all in how you use it. PhonicUK keeps the fire burning with UMDumper v0.3.0D.

To honour PhonicUK’s request, we won’t be distributing/hosting UMDumper. Instead, follow the more link for additional details (features, changes) and the download.

(more…)

Amiga advocate and respected PSPUAE beta tester, Raventyr, just sent word concerning the team’s latest release — the Ubiquitous Amiga Emulator version 0.72.

Released by FOL and Chilly Willy; PSPUAE 0.72 aims to gain extra speed while correcting a few audio-related issues. And of course 0.72 packs other bug fixes as well.

PSPUAE 0.72 changes:

• Dumped all sound bar stereo, in an attempt to gain speed
• Corrected Makefile error, which lost us some speed
• Add CYCLE_UNIT as option, setting is either 512 (Normal) or 256 (Turbo)
• Add Chipset CYCLE_UNIT as a hidden auto switch option, that switches with CPU CYCLE_UNIT option
• Fixed screen going off center when switching off auto zoom and when selecting 4:3
• Add lock for new CPU option, stops accidentally pressing option and invoking a hard reset
• Add config option checking to check cycle_unit, screen position, cpu lock and sound delay for old config files
• Add SOUND_DELAY option, this allows us to switch between 1 and 9 ms. (9 ms does speed things up, but causes sound to breakup a little)
• Add Hard Reset to Main Menu
• Add Hard Reset when PSPUAE hits “Fetch Error” (stops fetch crash/loop if Cycles set wrong after loading config)
• Altered Cycle Turbo, CPU Chipset timing to higher value (only when using Turbo Cycles)
• Dumped Sound Optimize as it did very little and caused crash
• Fix Audio Event time
• Fix Audio delay (FOL, added this as an option, so a few more FPS could be gained at the expense of the audio quality).
• Fix Home Button Exit crash, if you were in PSPUAE menu.
• When cycle unit is changed, pspuae will hard reset instantly
• If KickStart 1.3 is not found it will look for any other kickstart, with the following name format, KICK205, KICK30 etc etc. If none are found, PSPUAE will exit to PSP XMB

Download:
PSPUAE 0.72
Amiga Kickstart ROM

- source: pspuae

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

Reinventing a classic everyone can enjoy — now even Slim owners. Upon popular request, I’m looking at you seanpaul223; The Underminer has introduced Sim compatibility to Galactic Breakout.

You know what I’m talkin’ about… Keep the ball in motion while busting bricks and collecting power-ups. It’s fun, it’s addictive, it’s Galactic Breakout!

Also, The Underminer has reset the online ranking system for extra competition. So have at it.

GBO v1.3 changes:

• Added PSP Slim support
• removed music due to technical difficulties (setting backgroundmusic to yes has no effect)

If you’re a non-Slim owner and you want some music, see here.

Download: Galactic Breakout v1.3

- source: underminer.ikhoefgeen.nl

Well I’ll be damned… Never thought I’d witness a homebrew project of this stature. If the PSP Motion Kit/Driver blew your face off, wait till you see this…

Combining three elements — software, hardware, and Jube’s brain — will create something so mind-blowing you’ll be left staring at the 50 second mark in awe. Introducing Jube’s PSP touch screen project — PSPZ.

Jube mentions the code will be released soon. And as for the hardware side of things, we’re not so sure yet. We’ll keep you posted as PSPZ evolves.

Mad props, Jube.

- source: dcemu

Pirata Nervo returns to the homebrew scene with a freshly ground version of NervOS — the self-proclaimed “PSP world’s most awesome shell.”

NervOS is indeed awesome and without a doubt one of the best. So grab it while it’s hot — NervOS version 2.1.

See the release thread (below) for NervOS’ complete changelog; 2.1 packs a solid 105 new/changed features. No joke.

Also, ensure you reference the included documentation for details on installing, usage, bypassing the XMB on boot-up, and anything & everything relating to NervOS.

Download:
NervOS 2.1
NervOS Theme Pack

- release thread -

Once again, over in the PSP-Hacks forums, we have a whole crew of up-and-coming developers sharing their ideas and code. It’s the perfect resource for those wanting to step foot in the land of PSP development.

For example: we got Dark_Sabre with his plasma pong source, Blade_punk detailing some useful and handy functions. And really, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The list goes on and on… So keep coding to the break of dawn –

PSP Programming / Development Forum

(check the Sticky topics, too)

Make room iPhone — get a load of this bad boy…

Spotted in our forums it would seem someone has taken liberty in creating their own PSP touch-screen phone. I’m not sure who’s responsible for this righteous mod; nevertheless, it’s noteworthy. So kudos, whoever you are.

There isn’t much detail other than that. More pics available following the discussion thread.

- discussion thread -

Its come that time to dig out your Pandora battery and magic memory stick ‘cuz they in need of an upgrade, son. Breathe life back into your bricked PSP with Dark_AleX’s universal unbricker — Despertar del Cementerio.

Note: DCv6 DOES NOT boot on the latest TA-088v3 motherboards.

Despertar del Cementerio v6 changes:

• Now installs 4.01 M33-2
• Change of core. Now it uses 4.01 M33 core. This fixes some TA-88 crashing because of 1.5/3.40 kernel. Note that there are still other kind of newest TA-88 which cannot boot DC at all.
• GUI of both installer and DC itself changed to an XMB looking one.
• Added the option “Test M33″ which boots 4.01 M33-2 from the memory stick.

Download:
Despertar del Cementerio v6
Sony PSP 4.01 EBOOT

Questions/concerns?
Please see Demonchild’s Despertar del Cementerio How-to

- source: dark-alex.org

Gunner54, with the assistance of Hellcat, has released a tool serving a simple yet effective purpose.

As the name suggests, MemoryStick-Tool is a homebrew app supporting several memory stick related functions: format or repair a corrupt stick, create folders, dump the memory stick MBR and/or sectors.

It’s text-based, no screen shot.

Download: MemoryStick-Tool v1.0

- release/discussion thread -