The latest custom firmware from Dark_AleX and Team M33 is now available to download. The custom firmware utilizes the latest Official firmware 4.01 (as the name suggests) but also adds the common features found in M33’s custom firmware. In addition to releasing firmware 4.01 M33, version two of the firmware has also been released fixing a few minor bugs.

The download package includes the files needed to install 4.01 M33 and the M33 v2 update. The Firmware 1.50 Kernel is also included for those who like playing some of the older homebrew games and applications.

Changelog for Custom Firmware 4.01 M33:

• Bug fix: vshmenu didn’t let change camera mode due to camera_plugin using select button. Fixed, now vsh menu will not be loaded when using the camera.
• Recovery can now be translated, See how below. Translation to spanish is auto-included.
• Updated the M33 SDK with a new function and sample, and released the psp-packer tool to compress prx’s and PBP’s in the PSP format.
• The folder of 4.01 and higher homebrew will be GAME4XX so it won’t need change on update.

Changelog for Custom Firmware 4.01 M33-2:

• Nids resolver: Fixed scePowerGetCpuClockFrequency issue. This is the same bug that happened in 3.80 M33-1, it won’t happen again
• Fixes recovery problems that have appeared in prior version (incorrect position of back string in language others than english, enable, and disabled strings not translated in plugins, hide pic0 pic1 couldn’t be changed, language file in flash1 wasn’t working..
• Spanish recovery translation typos fixed.

[Download CFW 4.01 M33-1, M33-2 and FW 1.5 Kernel Add-on]

Following the release of PSP Firmware 4.00, Sony has release a minor update to the firmware brining the firmware version to 4.01. This minor update improves the new features introduces in Firmware 4.00. This includes improved search results for certain languages when using Google Search from the XMB, and improved playback of video content for certain file types. The new update is available to download now using the PSP’s Network Update feature.

Changelog:

• Display of search results under Internet Search has been improved for certain languages.
• Playback of video content under Video has been improved for certain file types.

This new update should not hinder the development of Custom Firmware 4.00 M33 so you can still expect that soon.

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Now that Firmware 4.00 is available for the PSP, it’s only a matter of time before a new custom firmware is available too. Homebrew developer Mathieulh recently revealed some of the new features that will be added into the upcoming custom firmware that Dark_AleX and team M33 are working on. One of these new features is an in-XMB recovery mode that will allow users to change settings directly from the XMB, so users will no longer need to boot into recovery mode in order to change settings.

Another new feature is savestate support for UMD games. Users will now be able to save their progress at any given time during gameplay and be able to load their game at that point after restarting. It has not yet been confirmed if the savestate feature will be integrated directly into the firmware or will be released as a separate plugin.

[Via: QJ.net]

Following the announcement of Firmware 4.00 earlier this week, the update is now available to download. According to the Japanese changelog, the new features to the PSP System Software include a new [Internet Search] icon under [Network] and ability to change playback speed of videos stored on the Memory Card. You can update your PSP using the network update feature from the settings menu. The full changelog is included below.

Firmware 4.00 Changelog:

• Network
  
  • [Internet Search] has been added as a feature. You can now perform an Internet search directly from the PSP Home Menu.
• Video
  • [Playback Speed (+)] and [Playback Speed (-)] have been added as options to the control panel. You can now change the playback speed of video content saved on Memory Stick Duo media.

According to Eric Lempel, Director of PSN Operations, firmware 4.00 for the PSP will be available soon, though no firm release date has been given. The main change to the PSP system software is the inclusion of Google Internet Search directly from the XMB. This new feature add a new icon to the XMB and replicates the Google Internet search experience, delivering the same search results that you’d get at www.google.com. Another new feature includes the ability to change the video playback speed.

The update adds the ability to change viewing speed during playback of videos stored on your Memory Stick PRO Duo, so you can speed through or slow down what you?re watching. To do this simply press the up or down directional buttons while playing a video. No other new feature have been reported so far but expect more details soon.

Sony have just announced a limited edition Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII bundle for European release. The bundle will include the game and special engraved silver PSP. The bundle will be available on the 20th of June, priced at 189.99 Euros. The game has already been available in the US and Japan for several months now, you can check our our coverage of the game in XTREME PSP Magazine i033.

Official Press Release:

London, 10th June 2008: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced the release of the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII, PSP bundle, available on 20th June 2008, priced at 189.99 Euros. The chain of events which set the epic adventure of FINAL FANTASY into motion is revealed this summer with the release of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- a prequel to FINAL FANTASY VII, the biggest selling FINAL FANTASY of all time. The eagerly-anticipated game will be available for the European market, in a special PSP (PlayStationPortable) bundle coinciding with the game?s release and will include a limited edition, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- engraved silver PSP and a copy of the game.

As one of the greatest franchises in gaming history, the arrival of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- on PSP makes this the perfect time for all RPG fans and adventure gamers to pick up the handheld system. A must-have title, the only way to complete this chapter in FINAL FANTASY history is on PSP and this bundle offers the opportunity for gamers to take another step into one of the best loved game worlds in history. CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- also makes the most of the power of PSP, with stunning graphics and CG cut-scenes, state-of-the-art voice acting and widescreen presentation.

Developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd., CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- ups the action from previous FINAL FANTASY titles with an all-new dynamic battle system with real-time action, while retaining the immersive storytelling expected from a game with such heritage.

Now it is your chance to discover the events leading up to the destruction of the metropolis of Midgar and the downfall of the ruthless Shinra Corporation. Following the story of young Shinra solider Zack Fair, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- revisits a classic world populated by celebrated characters including the heroic Cloud Strife, tragic Aerith Gainsborough and the villainous Sephiroth.

Return to this unforgettable tale once more with the special PSP and CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- bundle, on 20th June 2008.

The June issue of the XTREME PSP Magazine is now available to download. This issue contains over 100 pages of great content including reviews of Grand Theft Auto IV and Haze for the PlayStation 3, and reviews of Hot Shot Golf: Open Tee 2 and Echochrome for the PlayStation Portable. Download the magazine from the link below or use the PSP Media Manager to download and automatically transfer the magazine using our RSS feed. You will find the full content list below.

Contents:

• Previews:
  • Buzz! Quiz Master (PSP)
  • Killzone 2 (PS3)
  • Mirror’s Edge (PS3)
  • PixelJunk Eden (PSN)
  • Resistance 2 (PS3)
• Reviews:
  • Echochrome (PSP/PS3)
  • Hot Shot Golf: Open Tee 2 (PSP)
  • Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3)
  • Haze (PS3)

[Download XTREME PSP Mag i035]

David Reeves has announced the release dates of PlayTV for the PlayStation 3 and Go!View for the PlayStation Portable at PlayStation Day 2008. Reeves has revealed that PlayTV will be available to purchase in Europe this September prices at £99. The PlayTV device will allow PS3 owners to view and record free-to-air TV programs. Apart from the initial cost of the peripheral, the service will be free. Go!View for the PSP will see light of day before the end of June.

Go!View will be available as either a subscription service or pay-per-view, the pricing details for either option has not been revealed. The exact release date for PlayTV has not been revealed, only that it will be available to buy in September.