PSP Custom Firmware 3.93 ** warning ** Use at your own risk

This just recently popped on the scene, by an anonomous party. It appears to be based off of Dark Alex's m33 firmware, I am basing this solely on the implementation of the recovery menu with some extras and some other cues. I have not personally tried out this release yet (no charger for my psp thanks dog), but many have and said it works, but there are some complaints of bricking so I must insist use this at your own risk.

Here is an awesome new feature

VSH Recovery

The principal innovation of this Custom Firmware is the VSH Recovery. This tool is formidable is. It enables you to launch the Recovery instantaneously, to make the changes, and to return to the VSH as if nothing were not.

• No reboot is necessary, the changes are made "one the fly" (except for activation/deactivation of the plugin of the VSH.TXT, which requires a reboot).
  
  
• To start the VSH Recovery since the VSH, support simply on Select. To leave it, choose exit to VSH or press on R.

You can even hide your MAC address on the system information screen.

To be able to change the MAC address, it is necessary that the plugin Sysconf is changed. For that, go in your parameters systems (for example), that will change it plug-in, and thus will allow you to activate, or not, MAC protection. If you do not do it, that will not function (but will not make plant the PSP).

Note: this warning has come from PSP-Hacks.com

!WARNING! Press “X” when the official updater finishes; if not, you will have a brick.

You can learn more here (note: Language is French)
You can get all the files over at psp-hacks.com

Getting a Beta Test Invite

Becoming a Beta tester for video games, software and even hardware is not as difficult as you might think. There are a few things that you need to know before you will even be in the running to beta test the latest video games or software.

First you need to know what a beta is, it is really the second release of the software but it is not the official final release. This is for example a game designer creates a video game, but his first draft would be considered the Alpha release. Most developers will not release the Alpha due to the multitude of bugs. When the developer decides that his or her release is stable enough for testers, this is named Beta.

Most beta releases are either Open or Private. To join in a private beta you have to be chosen. This can be as easy as putting your name on a mailing list, or as difficult as being a major player in the gaming or software industry. But start with the easiest, put your name on the list. Go to the sign-up page of the software or gaming company and sign up. If you are wanting to be part of the more difficult version. Try to participate in forums, and other communities. This will help build your reputation as an individual who is reliable to test their software and give your trusted opinion of the game or software you are testing.

Psystar Selling Not so Mac's OpenMac

Looks like a rather creative vendor was discovered selling a desktop computer that it labeled open Mac. Though it is not an Apple endorsed machine. The site was down shortly after the discovery. Lets take a look at what you would have gotten if you purchased and Open Mac.

Psystar Corp

• Intel 2.2 Ghz Core 2 Processor
• 2 GB RAM
• 250 GB HardDrive
• Nvidia Gforce 8600
  
• DVD +/- R
  
• Copy of OS X Leopard (already installed)
  

All that for only $714.99 (what a deal right)

Quote from their site:

Options You can buy it in black without having to pay more. You can buy it with Firewire. You can buy it with a GeForce 8600, if you like. Psystar gives you options that Apple does not. If you want something different then let us know and we'll work it out for you.

There are some problems with this company and what they are doing. For starters it is against Apples TOS to install OS X on any hardware other than Apples. So what the company is doing is borderline illegal. They can sell you all of the hardware, and even sell you a copy of OS X, but they are not allowed to sell you all the hardware with OS X already installed. According to their site you can get it already installed.

If you are not familiar with the OSX86 Project it is where users run OS X on software that is not supported by apple, with a couple of patches and trial and error it is very possible to intall OS X on an Intel, and even some AMD based machines. Why Apple has not acted on what is obviously a cry for help from the PC community?

If apple won't offer affordable computers that users want, then we will have to find other ways to get our OS X fix.

Enjoy this little video of OS X Leopard running on a PC

Are we ever going to see 3.95 m33?

With the release of Sony PSP firmware version 3.95 the m33 team has been absent with the a m33 version of the last update. Does this mean that Dark Alex and the team are finished? I doubt that, if you have notice that the recent updates have not been anything spectacular to warrant DA from spending his precious time working to liberate the latest release.

As I have mentioned in a previous post I believe that Sony still has a few tricks up it's sleeve for firmware version 4.00 I just hope that they do not leave us fatty owners out. Then again my dog ate my PSP charger so have not been able to charge my PSP for about a month, the battery is dead. I had better get this fixed soon before some cool new features pop up.

PS3 Firmware V 2.30

With the release of 2.30 firmware for the PS3, there are some great new features of the Playstation store. The interface has been updated and the Playstation store has been completely redone. Making the whole experience much more enjoyable with an easy to navigate user interface.
The update will also add DTS-HD master audio for Blue-ray movies, giving the already high quality movies excellent high quality audio to match.

DTS-HD Master Audio is a lossless audio codec created by Digital Theater System. It was previously known as DTS++ and DTS-HD. It is an extension of DTS which, when played back on devices which do not support the Master Audio extension, degrades to a 1.5 Mbit/s "core" track which is lossy. DTS-HD Master Audio is an optional audio format for both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD.

So it looks like the Sony is starting to do things right and literally making the ultimate console. Giving users the best gaming, video and now excellent studio quality audio.

For the complete walk thru check out the video below.

What in the World Is Webkinz?

Ok call me slow or just not checking up on this phenomenon, well my child has discovered Webkinz. So I started on my research I was amazed at how popular these little toys are. If you are not familiar with what Webkinz are. They are simply a stuffed animal that has a special tag that you use to register your Webkin online. The kid or playful adult can adopt their Webkin online and play with their new friend in the virtual world. You child can play games, listen to songs and much more.

I have to say that this is a wonderful idea, kids and even many adults love Webkinz. It is a simple and entertaining way to keep your child occupied, and the site is simple for your young child to navigate. You child can earn Kinzcash that is used to build your Webkin a home, purchase clothing and food. If you have a small child in the age range of say 3-5 they are sure to enjoy one of these toys.

End of the week update.

This post is going to be on a bit more of a personal note. I am again contemplating a move to Florida. Just time for a change in my life and to live as much as I can. You never know when it will be your last day to live. I have a lot of projects going on that will probably have to be put on hold for a bit. Not to mention I have a strange spot on my head that my wife thinks is Melanoma, but I have tried to tell here it is nothing. Still she is making me go get it checked. I guess better safe than sorry.

On a better note I am going to get back on the news posting kick again this week coming up. I will be doing a new post everyday. So be sure to check back often, or better yet subscribe to my feed so you won't be left out of the loop.

Until then good day.