Xsjado7 informed us earlier that work has been completed on what seems to be the first theme flasher application for Auraomega's Project4 XMB replacement. The application handles very much like a standard XMB flasher app, and is current capable of handling up to three themes at the same time. Details are available in the full article.

Download: Project4 Theme Flasher/Manager
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

Project4 developer Auraomega has informed us that a poster on the Darkmessiah  forums named DrBaronVonEvilSatan has found a way to launch the PSP's XMB while running Project4. Details in the full article.

Project4 is a homebrew application that offers a full replacement for your PSP's XMB. As much as it is an excellent program, its initial release didn't go as smoothly as planned after several users encountered bugs.

Luckily, though, its owner Auraomega was up for the challenge and quickly released a new build to address the installation issues. Find out the full details via the "read more" link below.


Download: Project4 Installation Fixes
Visit: QJ PSP Development Forum

Auraomega has recently informed us that Project4 beta, the experimental XMB replacement for the PSP, has been released for public use. Before you download, be sure to read over the important notes available over in the full article.

Download: Project4 Beta

If all goes well for Auraomega's current work, we could literally be changing the way we browse the PSP in the near future. The developer dropped us a line earlier to announce the existence of Project4, a proof-of-concept project that will replace the PSP's XMB. Interested in the 411 on this project? Head to the full article!

Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forum

Just one day after releasing version 5 of useful PlayStation Portable security software PSPLock, homebrew coder Auraomega quickly followed it up with a very important bug fix patch.

The initial release of the latest version had a couple of mistakes during the actual compilation. To be specific, the vshmain.prx file wasn't loading in the correct path, which caused a terminal loop in the application. Read the details of the bug fix after the jump!


Download: PSPLock v5 Bugfix
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

If you want to get more security for your PSP aside from hiding it underneath your bed or in a locked drawer, then you may want to consider using Auraomega's PSPLock, now in its fifth revision. Check out the changelog in the full article!

Download: PSPLock v5.0
Visit: QJ PSP Development Forums

 

PSP homebrew developer Auraomega is better known for projects like PSPLock and Roadblocks, but it seems that the dev works on another project as a break from the main ones. The homebrew dev has decided to release another project called XMBE, just in case anyone else wants to use it.

XMBE, or Cross Media Bar Extension, is currently on version 1 and is basically aimed for XMB customization through external plugins (In English, that means it allows users to make changes on the XMB, the clock and date display for example). Auraomega admits that the current release is still a bit bare since not much time has been spent on it.

This release also includes a basic screensaver (XMBE-S.prx) that activates "after roughly 30 seconds of inactivity in the XMB." Auraomega notes that users will have to remove the plugin from the folder if they don't like it since there's no option to turn it off. Also, the dev mentions that you may need a custom system_plugin_fg.rco.

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*UPDATE* Homebrew dev Auraomega came by our forums to update XMBE to version 1.1. A few changes were made to clear up some issues, including enabling text by pressing the left shoulder button (there is no text at boot up anymore). It can be enabled again by pressing the right shoulder button.

Here's a snippet from XMBE version 1.1's readme file: "You now need ms0:/seplugins/XMB.txt. Inside this file you should type the full path to extra plugins. Up to 5 plugins can be loaded at a time, see the XMB.txt file for an example."

Auraomega noted that a small config file will be included in the next update just so users can make little changes, like the date format. Check out the new release by clicking the link below, don't forget to go through the readme file first, though.

Download: XMBE v1.1 (Flash)
Download: XMBE v1.1 (Glow)
Visit: QJ's PSP Development forum

Check out XMBE's full details after the jump!

Still finding PSPLock a little too complicated for use on your handheld? PSP homebrew developer Auraomega dropped by the QJ.Net Forums to announce that the application has just received a new version update, which includes a complete code rewrite, and increased VSH compatibility. Here's a short version of version 4's changelog:

• PSPLock now appears to be in EBOOT format. This is simply an easy installer that I've lovingly called PEF (PSPLock Easy Flasher), all you have to do is run the program, select the options, and it does the hard work for you.
• Increased security
• Installed differently, which means you MUST read the README_PEF.txt
• The ability to select characters (upper and lower case), punctuation, and numbers.
• Faster load times, and although these are probably un-noticeable, they are there.
• Ability to select a "Button Switch", this allows you to either force-crash the PSP if the buttons are not pressed upon bootup, or, if the buttons are pressed upon bootup, the PSP will switch manual/auto modes (so if you are on auto mode, it will switch to manual, and vise-versa).

For the guys who were wondering about a few extra details on this application - designed to lock your PSP so that only you can use it - Auraomega also set up a short FAQ list. Here's a snippet of it; the rest may be found over at Full Article so be sure to click on that link.

• Q: If I forget my memory card/password, will it brick?
• A: No, it only acts a brick, just insert your card, or type the password in, and it will work again.
• Q: Will I still be able to access recovery?
• A: Yes, recovery is still accessible, PSPLock only loads after recovery.

PSPLock v4 has been successfully tested on custom firmware 3.40 OE-A, although it's expected to work on all versions. Further details (such as app usage) should be available in the file readme. On a last note, Auraomega is requesting the help of Beta testers, preferably available between 8 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. GMT. Interested parties are invited to drop by the PSP Development Forums over at QJ.Net.

Download: PSPLock V4 + PEF V1
Visit: QJ's PSP Development Forum

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Auraomega has just updated his thread at the QJ forums and have given out the warning that this apparently does not work on M33 firmwares. But that won't be for long. He does promise to fix this later, so just hold on tight.

In the meantime, he asks that no one try it from a previous firmware as this may cause semi-bricks for a while. We'll keep you posted on this!

Homebrew developer, Auraomega has another project in the works called Roadblocks. You might know the dev better for PSPLock but with this new release, we see that the dev also has a talent for addicting puzzle games.

If you've played any of the Pokemon games, you'd know the ice puzzles. Basically, you're traveling over very slippery ice and the only things that can stop you from sliding are the blocks. The same principle applies for Roadblocks. Here you'll play as a ball, and you have to get to the multicolored block to get to the next puzzle. The game is a bit addicting and can get a bit tricky so try not to lose your patience, eh? (The blasted portals had this writer going in circles.)

This release is just a beta and currently doesn't have any sound effects or music yet. According to the dev, this release of Roadblocks contains 10 levels with mixed difficulty. The menu system bugs out so it was removed from this release. The planned features for the full release are as follow:

• Menu, with saving
• Sound
• Ability to add extra levels
• Graphics that vary every 10 levels
• A system that tells you your current level
• A system to tell you how many times you've failed
• Anything else feasible thats suggested

Installation is fairly easy, just unzip the file then drop the EBOOT on your GAME folder. There is no readme file as of yet, but if you're new to the homebrew stuff, maybe you should go over to the forums to ask the dev some questions you might have. Also, this is still a work in progress so any constructive criticism or suggestions will be appreciated. Enjoy!

Download: Roadblocks demo
Visit: QJ's PSP Development Forum