Art is back with a beefy update for Audio Mechanica, the digital audio recorder app for the PSP. This version now supports the Talkman USB microphone, and features an on-screen keyboard for file renaming. More details after the link.

Download: Audio Mechanica v8
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

It's been a while, but Art's Audio Mechanica is back! Audio Mechanica is a digital audio recorder app, recently given a complete rewrite and now sports a direct to file recording feature. Sweet, eh. More details after the read more link.

Download: Audio Mechanica v7b
Visit: QJ.NET PSP development forums

PSP owners who want to maximize the power of their PSP by using Sony's portable gaming powerhouse for every application and external device imaginable can now have something new to try out.

PSP coder deniska managed to put together a GPS set-up using a PSP Slim, in conjunction with GPS devices such as Holux GPSlim 236-240 and M1000-1200.

The set up involves using a cable similar to the the one used by the PSP's remote accessory cable (the cable with control buttons), and deniska was kind enough to provide a diagram on which inner cable gets connected to certain parts of the PSP's remote cable accessory jack.

You'll also need the following prx module to execute the DIY project.

Download: PSPGPSlim

Check out the Read link for more instructions on hooking up your PSP!

Those who use Sony's PSP-290 GPS receiver know well that the PlayStation Portable unit is creating some kind of interference when used in close proximity with the device. The problem can easily be solved by using a mini-USB extension cable. Thing is, the PSP-290 is being powered by the connections on either side of the mini-USB port.

Online site PC-Mobile noted that some of their consumers have asked to them to come up with an extension cable that would solve the problem but according to them, the price for such an item would be rather steep. What the store did was provide an online DIY instruction manual so that PSP users can improvise.

You will need these following materials: test pins, copper/contact plates for the female connector side (2mm-6mm in width; bend the end about 1.5mm at right angle), and CMUE. You might also need some soldering materials and heat shrink tubing as well as wires with suitable length.

Here's how to do it according to PC-Mobile:

• File both sides of the female connector using a small flat file.
• File a groove in the middle of the male connector. Best tool to use is a small triangle file.
• Solder the pins. Cover with heat shrink tubing.
• Position the pins on both sides of the connectors and tape. Make sure you place the pins on the correct sides, or you will fry your GPS/camera!

And then you're done! If you want to see the instructions with their accompanying images, the Read link below should take you to PC-Mobile's page.

Art, from our forums, has once again updated his Virtual Tape Recorder program for the PSP today to v2d. This program, in case you haven't been reading our previous coverage, is based on and uses Iteixeira's audio library to record input from a PSP-compatible microphone to create an audio file. To use this program, you need a microphone for your PSP which doesn't use the USB connection to connect to the PSP or Art's Nokia headset boom modification as a DIY alternative. Here's the changelog for v2d:

• Fixed Rewind to work at correct speed during playback.
• Reel is now a Microsoft compliant wav file.

Art plans to further develop this program, adding a better looking GUI, the ability to play sound files at normal speed in reverse, and to extend recording time. At the moment you can record up to four minutes which takes up a 20Mb file. Indeed, Art is branching out and tackling different apps.

Downloa: [Virtual Tape Recorder v2d]
View: [Forum release thread]

To anyone out there who has ever experienced having the PSP's analog stick fall out at the most awkward time, then this tutorial is for you.

Jdizzle (thanks for the heads up!) has prepared a step-by-step guide on how to replace that analog stick yourself. Not only does this save you money but it also saves you from having to look for that warranty card, taking a trip to the repair shop, waiting in line, and having to possibly wait for days to get your PSP back...only to have the analog stick fall off again once you start playing. So, with some pliers and a common cork board tack, you can get that PSP's analog stick up and running again in minutes.

View the whole tutorial over at the QJ Forums by clicking here!

The amazing Passport to…, brainchild of Lonely Planet and Sony Computer Entertainment Australia, is now available this September to give travellers with immediate and reliable travel information in a dynamic mix of film, audio, photography, and travel content.

The Passport to… guides include:

• list of hottest bars, clubs, hotels, shops, services and attractions
• interactive transport, road and location maps
• photography and video footage
• three off-the-beaten-track audio tours to key areas of each city
• itineraries covering interests from arts tours to gastronomic experiences
• an essential language phrase guide with audio playback

Users of this first fully interactive, handheld city guides available exclusively for use on PSP handset also get to explore a number of features designed to ensure that travellers can make the most of their visit in a particular place using:

Audio Walks: Three bespoke audio tours to listen to whilst walking. Each lasts around 15 minutes and guides you through a particular area of the city - including places well off the tourist track

Video content: ‘Day in the Life’ short films that capture the essence of each city giving a taste of the sights and sounds before you’ve even arrived

Itineraries: Pre-planned day long itineraries for every sort of visit from a cultural break to a weekend of hedonism. Each itinerary features a calendar view, slideshow and map that can be built on to create the perfect schedule. New itineraries will be available to download post-launch

DIY: Users can build their own itinerary drawing on the 250 reviews

Passport to... will be sold in 110 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand for the price of $49.95 per city guide.