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Dark_Alex working on 3.30 OE [Update 1]
DCEmu is reporting that Dark_Alex already has a custom firmware version of 3.30 in the works. He's only just begun to decrypt the newest Sony firmware, but seems to think that it will be an easy nut to crack. Dark_Alex seems to think we won't have to wait long for a new custom firmware. This is good news for me and other PSP owners who currently run custom firmware. Let's just hope it comes out before the next big title that requires 3.30 firmware.
[Update 1: Fixed firmware list errors]
Play Ratchet on custom firmware
Like many PSP owners, I like the added functionality of Dark_Alex's custom firmware. What I didn't like though was how Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters didn't work on my PSP because of it. Luckily, the fine folks at DCEmu have come up with a solution. Let me run you through it step by step, so you too can get Ratchet swinging his wrench on your custom firmware.
- First, totally turn off your PSP (not sleep mode)
- Now, hold down the right trigger and turn it back on
- This will bring you to recovery menu where you can change several options
- Configuration: Game folder homebrew (currently:3.XX Kernal), Use NO-UMD (currently:disabled), Fake region (currently: America), Free UMD region (currently:enabled)
- Advanced configuration: Plain modules in UMD/ISO (currently:enabled)
- CPU Speed: Speed in UMD/ISO (currently:266)
- Plugins: All disabled
And that should do it. Now you can play the greatness that is Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters. Thanks again for the great fix DCEmu community!
3.03 OE-B firmware unlocks full-res video

If you're running a homebrew-capable PSP, you may want to consider upgrading to this hacked firmware. Downgraders are available for PSPs, firmware 2.71 and below, for those of you interested in downgrading, and then upgrading to this hack. I personally hope that Sony realizes that this is a major blow, and seriously considers officially unlocking the PSP's video capabilities in a future firmware upgrade. Until then, one of my PSPs will be running 3.03 OE-B.
Homebrew impostor will brick your system

[Via DCemu]
Launch homebrew from 2.71 XMB

Haven't you wanted to launch homebrew games directly from the XMB's "GAME" folder? No need for eLoaders, or TIFF exploits. Well, Dark Alex has come to the rescue. His latest homebrew solution allows you to boot newly-coded programs directly from the XMB. Pretty cool, huh? This homebrew will write to your PSP's flash memory, meaning there's a small chance that you can brick your system. Make sure you're willing to take that risk before running this app!
Unfortunately, the "standard" homebrew that's out there right now won't work with this method as they are in "elf" format. New homebrew will have to be developed in "prx" format to run using this method.
[Via DCemu]