PlayStation Portable homebrew developer omerjks has just released a new built of Miro Lua, now on version 2.4. The new version has a number of bug fixes, changes, and tweaks. Changelog's in the full article so hop on there now.

Download: Miro Lua v2.4
Visit: QJ.Net's PSP Development Forum

Many PlayStation Portable owners, at one time or another, have thought of coming up with our own homebrew games and applications. While the others have been been successfully churning out creations left and right, some others are still afraid to even begin, for various reasons.

Well fret not. Homebrew developer Zx-81 just came up with a software development kit that will allow users to do just that without spending hours on installing cygwin and compiling the toolchain. This SDK was made possible with the help of x86 hardware general-purpose full virtualizer VirtualBox.

One you've obtained the software and other files needed through a connecting link on our readlink below, you must do the following as instructed by Zx-81 himself:

• You have to unrar the rar archive in disk1.vdi (you need at least 4Gb of free space on your hard disk)
• Then create a new virtual host, Linux 2.6 with 256 Mb of memory, and use the disk1.vdi as a disk image!
• This disk image contains a full install of xubuntu 7.4, where the PSP SDK has been already compiled, and several other software added (such as the famous IDE Kdevelop, gcc, SDL etc ...).
• After virtually booting Xubuntu, the login name is psp, and the password is psp.
• I've written a small PSP project (hello world) for Kdevelop, ready to use.
• The source code of PSPWrite is also given as an example, with a linux version and a PSP version (but with makefile only, without project file for Kdevelop).

That being said, we wish you all the best in developing your own apps. Enjoy the application!

QJ.NET Forums user mhorpheox dropped by earlier to inform us that Italian homebrew developer omerjks has released the new version of Miro Lua, now in version 2.1. This homebrew development utility is targeting to aid users of the programming language.

According to omerjks, this Lua Ide was built to fit the needs of Sony PSP homebrew developers who are using Lua in order to make life a bit easier. These are some of the main features of Miro Lua:

• The interface has been improved and it looks like Microsoft’s IDEs like Visual Studio.
  
• You’ll be able to manage your project that may have scripts, images and others.
• A small tool help you to find easy the coordinated of your PSP. In this version you can import in the virtual screen an image for made more easy the search.
  
• You can execute your project with the Lua Player for Windows.
  
• You can export the project like an Homebrew in your computer or directly in your PSP.
  I remember, to have a good result of the exportation, to import in the project all files needed to run correctly the script.
  
• You can set the language [ English - Italian ]
  
• You can find words or substitute words.
  

If you're wondering what distinguishes Miro Lua v2.1 from its previous version, these are the changes:

• Added a small guide to the program
  
• Added a small tutorial for the beginner
  
• Added a guide of the PSP Lua functions
  
• Exporting bug fixed
  
• Language bug fixed
  
• Undo and Redo functions fixed
  
• Management of the single script changed
  
• The button: "Save with name..." was removed
  
• Added the Debug Embedded
  

Also, be informed that this program requires you to have Microsoft Framework 2.0. As always, check out the readme for reference and installation instructions. If you find any bugs and errors, the developer would like you to pint them out by commenting on the Visit link below. Enjoy!

Download: Miro Lua v2.1
Download: Microsoft Framework 2.0
Visit: QJ's PSP Development Forum

It's sad to say, but another homebrew developer is leaving the homebrew scene. ManiacX is quitting after the release of CSP Development Studio version 3.0. Among his reasons for leaving were school obligations, acquiring a new 360 with plans to make developments there, Fanjita's retirement, and the lack of appreciation for all the hard work from ungrateful people.

ManiacX will be leaving something behind for the homebrew community though. The app CSP Development Studio is a Window-based IDE for PSP homebrew developers looking for an easy-to-use application.

Like the previous CSP v2.2 release, a readme file isn't available, which means you'll have to find out what's new and what's been fixed in this latest version. What the dev tells us about the app though, is that a version of Cygwin is integrated with support for libraries.

Apparently, you'll need 500MB of free disk space and 512MB RAM to run this version of CSP at minimum. Further updates in the future will be provided by a different homebrew developer called Blade Hunter.

Download: CSP Development Studio v3.0
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

And this makes it three. PSP modder PvP (aka Tony Hoang) over at AcidMods has apparently been kicking it into overdrive lately, as he informs us of another project that's just been completed. This new mod will ensure that any onboard LEDs mods will only activate under low-light conditions and won't turn on (and drain your battery) when it's bright.

As PvP explained, this was done by wiring the LEDs to a light-sensitive PCB before hooking them up to a power PCB. The sensor is taken from a light-sensitive night light - PvP used the one to the right - which should be readily available in stores. The mod has been described as easy to duplicate and will require the following materials:

• PSP
• LEDs
• IDE cable wires or very thin wires
• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Light-sensitive nightlight ($1.50 at a thrift store)
  

Full install instructions are available at the AcidMods site, provided at the Read link below. There aren't any videos of images available for the mod at the moment - we'll let you know if PvP decides to update with these items.

MániácX has released a new update for CSP Development Studio, a Windows-based IDE that aims to assist PSP developers in the creation of various applications for the Sony handheld system.

This update, which brings the app to version 2.2, will be quite beneficial for those who have been clamoring for more Lua support. Here's the changelog for CSP Development Studio v2.2:

• Added plugins to each text editor (instead of one general one)
• Added "Lua" option when creating new project
• Added "Blank Lua File" under "Add New Item"
• Fixed problem when the ".c" extension was added to newly added lua files
• Changed the way environment variables are set (now = temporary, previous = permanent)
• Fixed Version number in the title bar (wasn't correct in previous version)

To enable the new features in this update, you need to have version 2.1 of CSP Development studio installed first. To get it, click here. Just overwrite the existing .exe file in your CSP install directory with the one included in the download below. This app doesn't include a readme file, so click on the "Visit" link below for more information.

Download: CSP Development Studio v2.2
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums thread

Homebrew application CSP Development Studio is really helpful especially for those who are still in the early stages of their coding careers. It is actually a Windows-based IDE to assist PSP developers in creating various programs.

Its owner, MániácX, dropped by QJ.NET's PSP Development Forum recently to release a new build. Currently in version 2.1, the improvements added to this release may be small in quantity but their implications are quite varied and important. Here's the complete changelog:

• Added support for LUA files
• Added Plugin support (for people making their own plugins!)
• Fixed bug in setup of environment variables

Regarding support for Lua files, MániácX mentioned that a Lua player has also been included in the CSP Development Studio Version 2.1 package. Also, take note that the plugin support now allows users to create and share plugins in DLL format which are make-able in VB.NET, C#, and C++ .NET.

If you are not quite sure how plugins work, a sample plugin was also provided by the developer to help you get started. This one was done using VB.NET and should convert all the text in the document to lower case. On a last note, the download includes a file named "PluginManager.dll".

In the event that you encounter problems with it, MániácX suggested that a simple re-reference of the file should do the trick. A simple search in Google of "vb.net reference dll" will give you valid results.

Download: CSP Development Studio Version 2.1
Download: Sample plugin for CSP Development Studio Version 2.1
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forum thread

Homebrew developer MániácX dropped by the QJ.NET PSP Development Forum and announced a new build for his project, the CSP Development Studio. Actually, we've been covering this application for a while now.

For those not familiar with it, the program is basically a Windows-based IDE geared to help intermediate and beginner PSP coders in creating programs.

CSP Development Studio is currently on version 2.0 and MániácX mentioned that this needs to be installed as a "fresh install." This means that you have to take down all your previous CSP programs first before trying out this one. As for the current release's changelog:

• Compiler updated to latest release (Thanks Xpack and Mr305!)
• 100% Works with Windows Vista (Even compiling!)
• Re-designed compiling mechanism (Now sets up the env. variables, then executes make.exe = NO MORE BAT FILES!)
• Ability to use cygwin instead of built in compiler
• Added Snippet Explorer (Drag and drop)
• Output now works properly on all operating systems (Including Vista)
• Faster Intellisense Response
• Deleted unnecessary code
• Faster startup time
• Added donation button

Lastly, CSP Development Studio v2.0 in such a way that you won't have to download anything.

Clicking on our Read link below will automatically install the program to your system. So, before you do that, it's probably a good idea to go the QJ.NET Forums to see what others are saying about this application.

Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forum thread

 

Kudos goes to PSP developer MániácX, who after just releasing CSP Development Studio Version 1.2 for the community's use several hours ago, is announcing the release of version 1.2.1. This application, for those asking, is a Windows-based integrated development environment (IDE), and is built to help both beginner and intermediate PSP coders in developing apps. As for version 1.2.1's changelog:

• Problem with compiling due to the makefiles being called "MAKEFILE" instead of "Makefile" fixed
• Problem when creating a new project fixed (had to put path in both textboxes)
• Puts the information in the output from build box properly now
• Added 'Save All' Button on the menu
• Added 'Re-Open All Files' Button on the menu --if you close one by accident
• Fixed MAKE KXPLOIT and MAKE CLEAN --was just doing MAKE for all of them
• Fixed error during makefile creation (when using the makefile creator)
• Most of these errors were reported by coolguy5678
  

Be reminded that you will need an ActiveX supported browser (Internet Explorer) and .NET Framework 2.0 to get this app running. More details should be available at MániácX's release thread over at the Qj.Net Forums - be sure to visit. Enjoy the download!

UPDATE: MániácX made a note below reminding users that this upgrade requires the original versionof the application. You can follow the appropriate link below to download CSP Development Studio v1.2.


Download: CSP Development Studio Version 1.2
Download: CSP Development Studio Version 1.2.1
Download: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Visit: QJ's PSP Development Forum

Developer MániácX passed by the QJ.net Forums today to inform all of us that a new version of SDP Development Studio is now Available. For those who aren't familiar, here's a refresher: CSP Dev Studio is an IDE for PSP programming designed to allow for an easier programming experience. It is intended for beginners and intermediate coders alike.

New in CSP Development Studio Version 1.2 are the following:

• Ability to unpin the debug window and drag it to other sides of the IDE
• Ability to add header and source files to your project easily by clicking on the appropriate link on the bar on the right
• Ability to add custom syntax highlighting and auto-complete tokens by modifying the 'Intellisense.xml' file with a notepad
• Ability to change the comment and other highlighting settings by editing the 'config.xml' file with a notepad
• Ability to create Makefiles with ease now using MakeFile maker
• Ability to hit CTRL+TAB to switch between different open tabs
• Ability to have multiple web browsers open inside the ide (usefull for reading tutorials!)
• Ability to use PSP-Link to debug via USB
• Ability to use the Positioner to get information on where to position objects (x, y, etc...)
• Ability to have a little bit of fun in your coding experience with the easy to use interface!

What's nice is that MániácX promises that there are even more features to this new release than what's listed above. To download the file feel free to click on our download link below. If you're using Internet Explorer, then feel free to visit the original post in the forums via our link below to run the Online Install. There is also a last minute FAQ there if you're really curious.

Good work, MániácX! Any beginner will probably find this very helpful!

Download: CSP Development Studio Version 1.2
Discuss: PSP Development Forums